21 October 2024
One common decision made by clients is whether to use porcelain or ceramic tile. To decide between ceramic or porcelain tile is a confusion seen everywhere. Among such tiles, porcelain is known to be very tough and has an almost very low rate of water absorption that makes it suitable for installation outdoors and in locations that have high traffic where water and temperature changes can be an issue. Ceramic tiles however cost less and there is a large variety of them, which is appropriate for interiors with low traffic. Nevertheless, their strength is comparatively low and may face problems like cracking or fading when exposed to some conditions. For clients, it’s important for distributors to identify these differences, and to help them choose a tile that not only looks good but could also perform well in the long run.
| Feature | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Heavy duty, impact resistant – great for very high foot traffic and outdoor use. | It is ideal for low-traffic areas such as walls or floors inside a house and also durable there. |
| Water Absorption | Low water absorption (Less than half per cent); thus it is least affected by moisture, making it ideal for outdoor areas as well as wet area applications like bathrooms. | Should be avoided in areas with high humidity or moisture, possible mold and cracking due to water absorption. |
| Temperature Tolerance | Freeze and heat resistant; perfect for extreme weather conditions. | Ceramic tiles have lower temperature tolerance, making them prone to cracking or damage in extreme temperature fluctuations. |
| Aesthetic Variety | Comes in a variety of textures and finishes, like stone wood or marble look alike. | It comes in numerous colors, patterns, and textures, making them ideal for decorative applications in interior spaces. |
| Cost | More expensive at the onset but cheaper in proving beneficial over time since it is less likely to buckle and degrade as quickly, resulting in lower costs for maintenance. | Lower upfront cost but may sometimes require repairs or replacements. |
| Usage Recommendation | Most suited for Outdoors, High Traffic or Moisture like places (Poolside, Kitchens and Patios). | Best for the interior walls, low-traffic areas (bedrooms and living rooms). |
When consulting clients on the choice between porcelain and ceramic tiles, several factors should be considered for practical or even outdoor use. To remain a valuable resource to the end user or customer you will be able to offer sound advice with an outcome that reflects long-lasting value and satisfaction. Supplying the right product does not only increase project life but also guarantees you or your company as the reliable supplier.
Porcelain is denser and stronger than ceramic being appropriate for outdoor installations, heavy usage areas and commercial solutions. Ceramic tiles are best suitable for the low traffic area and inside the residence only. One can recommend porcelain for such applications in order to guarantee the customer’s satisfaction in the long run in the event they are involved in heavy-duty or outdoor projects. While ceramic is easier to cut and best for DIY projects.
High-humidity areas such as the washrooms, porcelain tiles became the go-to tiles since they are not so keen on absorbing moisture. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are less dense and have more pore spaces and so may not be very suitable to high humidity areas where they can be associated with mould or water. While digital ceramic tiles looks so so perfect on the walls of the bathroom.
Porcelain and ceramics are both available in a range of styles and finishes, but you’ll find a much larger selection of high-end natural stone or wood-look porcelain tiles. Hence it fits the beauty and durability aspects making it suitable for use, especially in areas where the client needs both beauty and functionality. While ceramic tiles also comes in a range of different designs loved by everyone for interiors and spaces with less traffic.
Distributors also help clients make the right decisions on the most appropriate tile to purchase according to the client’s needs. By knowing the exact difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles in aspects of durability and resistance to bad weather, you can offer the best solutions. SakarMarbo helps distributors provide your clients with tiles that have low maintenance needs, and enhance your projects’ value for many years.
