The Basic Differences Between Porcelain and Ceramic

Both porcelain and ceramic tile are in the broader ceramic family. The difference is that porcelain is a type of ceramic that is made by a fusion of clays while ceramic tile is a class of material itself. Also, ceramic also isn’t fully vitrified, unlike porcelain tile. Now that you know the basics, you can get down to the nitty-gritty of what qualities each tile possesses.

Porcelain vs Ceramic is All About Durability

Both options are durable. However, the key difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is the level of water absorption. Denser and more impervious due to being fully vitrified, porcelain tile tends to be the tougher choice. Keep in mind that porcelain’s higher density also means it’s heavier. Ceramic tile is a durable option when you factor in scratch, stain, and scuff resistance. Yet, it’s not as resistant as porcelain and doesn’t do as well in high traffic areas. But, no matter the choice, you’ll be getting reliable and functional flooring.

What About Costs?

In general, ceramic tends to be less expensive than porcelain tile due to manufacturing costs. However, you must also weigh style options and features. In the end, when comparing porcelain vs ceramic costs, you need to consider what you value more. If you have room in your budget, you may not mind spending a little more for tile that’s better suited for your household’s needs.

Where Can Each Tile Type Be Used?

Of course, the durability and ease of maintenance can make a difference in where each tile type should be installed in your home. Generally, both ceramics are popular for bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms that are faced with everyday moisture. However, porcelain tile’s lower absorption rate means it has less of a chance of being damaged by water and moisture. This doesn’t mean you can’t have ceramic in these moisture-prone rooms. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still can be water resistant, it’s a great choice.

Installation Can Be Easy

The difference between porcelain and ceramic installations is that ceramic is easier to cut because it isn’t as dense. However, installing tile can be tricky overall. When it comes to installing new floors, it isn’t just about porcelain vs ceramic. It’s best to have your floors professionally installed, so you can save yourself the headache and have floors that will last. No matter which type of tile, you can damage your floors by making common DIY mistakes. Let Empire Today help make your life easier while you sit back and enjoy your new look.

Overall, both porcelain and ceramic tile are great options for almost any room in your home. If you really want to know which is better, it all depends on your preferences and what you hold important. Porcelain tile may be more durable, but if you’re remodeling a room with light traffic, ceramic’s lower costs may be more imperative. The most important thing is that you get what’s best for your home and style needs. Still haven’t decided which is best for you? Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to have a flooring professional come to your home and give you the full scoop.

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Get Kitchen Floor Tiles that Fit Your Lifestyle

When choosing kitchen floor tiles, the best thing to do is consider your lifestyle. How big is your family? How often do you cook, and what meals will be cooked? How much time do you have to clean? All of these play into what kind of tile you should get in your kitchen. If you have kids, accidents are bound to happen. You want flooring that doesn’t make you stress over every spill and stain. If you have a pet, you want kitchen tile that won’t give in to claws.

What Purpose Does Your Kitchen Serve?

While thinking about your lifestyle, also consider how you’ll be utilizing your kitchen. Is it strictly for cooking, or do you have a dining area for your family to share meals? Maybe your house is the designated holiday party destination. Whatever the purpose is, make sure your flooring is ready to take it on. For heavy traffic, make sure it’s scratch resistant. If your family can dine in the kitchen area, make sure the kitchen floor tiles are spill resistant. If you feel your kitchen will have a lot of water and moisture, vinyl’s mold and mildew resistance is a feature you should consider.

Know Your Kitchen Floor Tiles Options

Style is one thing, but it’s important to understand how the flooring you choose will benefit your family’s lifestyle. Consider these tile options and decide which is best for your home:

Vinyl: Kitchen Floor Tiles with Easy Maintenance

Vinyl tile has quickly become the popular flooring choice for modern homes. Its realistic aesthetic and feel make the difference from actual tile unnoticeable. In addition to having a ceramic look, vinyl tile is easy to maintain. Its water, stain, and scratch resistance helps it last even longer in kitchens with high traffic. But that’s not the end of its capabilities. Vinyl tiles are also mold and mildew resistant. Rooms that are moisture prone are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Vinyl tile’s resistance results in a better chance of longevity so you can keep your style for a while.

Style Meets Durability with Porcelain and Ceramic Kitchen Floor Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain kitchen floor tiles not only have a vast array of looks, they have the durability to help these styles last. Like vinyl tiles, they’re water, stain, and scratch resistant. This makes them perfect for heavy traffic and a busy lifestyle. In addition to those three features, Empire Today has ceramics that also have slip-resistance. Not only can water damage flooring, but standing spills can be accident hazards for children playing or even adults just grabbing something out of the fridge. Having flooring that’s slip-resistant can help prevent nasty falls and bumps and bruises.

You may be wondering, “What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?”. Well, while they’re similar in look and features, porcelain tile is more durable. When manufactured, its clay is heated for a longer time at a higher temperature, making tougher overall.

When choosing which type you want for your kitchen floor tiles, consider the benefits and what it means for you and your family. While certain tiles may seem similar the small details may make a big difference in your household. As long as you’re making an insightful decision, you can’t go wrong.

Get a Style You’ll Love

Know what to consider when choosing kitchen floor tiles that are best for your home? Check. Learned the different types of kitchen floor tiles? Check. The next question to ask yourself is what look are you going for?

Do you want a standard tile or do you want a realistic wood or stone look? Wood look tile can bring a modern and timeless aesthetic to your kitchen without the stress of spills and moisture ruining your floors. While a stone look can bring an elegant and classic feel to your home’s décor. Even traditional kitchen tile like Empire’s Equilibrium porcelain can elevate your kitchen with its sophisticated twist.

Another thing to take into consideration is your backsplash tile. Your floor tile doesn’t have to match it exactly, but it’s important not to make them clash. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to have fun! Think beyond what you used to know about kitchen tile. Flooring has improved over the years and so has its styles. Go for the stone or even the wood look and still have kitchen floor tiles that are durable to withstand your family and guests.

Get a realistic wood look with Woodland Trail porcelain tile

Equilibrium gives a sophisticated twist to traditional porcelain tile

Stone look with high durability with Options vinyl tile

Your flooring plays a very important part in your kitchen’s aesthetic. Make sure you know what tile options are available, what to consider when choosing one, and what style will go perfectly with your home’s décor.

Ready to take your kitchen to the next level? Schedule your FREE In-Home Estimate and have a flooring professional show you our various porcelain, ceramic, and vinyl tile styles that are made especially for kitchens.

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