Ceramic Versus Porcelain Tiles: All There Is To Know About Maintenance
The flooring of your home is a crucial design element that can make your house look elegant and liveable. It also has functional benefits such as making your home feel warmer in the cold months and cooler during the hot ones. And with many flooring options to choose from, it's easy to end up with the wrong type of flooring, especially if you don't know what to look for in your selection. Therefore, a little guidance will go a long way to ensure you get the right flooring for your money. Tile flooring, for instance, is among the best flooring options you will find. It is durable, environmentally-friendly, and comes in a variety of options. It is available in two main types: porcelain and ceramic. There's a lot to compare between the two, but here's what sets them apart regarding maintenance.
Resistance to Chipping and Cracking
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are manufactured differently, which affects their performance when it comes to resistance to impact. While both are made from clay and fired in kilns, porcelain tiles contain more refined clay and are often manufactured at higher temperatures. The result is a denser, more robust and more durable material that's highly resistant to chipping and cracking. If you have heavy furniture and other equipment or intend to buy some, consider porcelain tiles. You will not need to worry about replacing your tiles due to chips and cracks.
Resistance to Moisture and Stains
Moisture infiltration and stains are other vital components to look at when maintaining your tile floors. And since porcelain tiles are less porous but denser than their ceramic counterparts, they are highly impervious to spills. If you intend to use tiles in damp areas around your home, such as the bathroom and the basement, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice. While the differences may be minimal, ceramic tiles tend to give in to moisture infiltration. For this reason, ceramic tiles aren't usually recommended for outdoor use. On the other hand, with porcelain, you can add the tiles to an outdoor living space, but only if you live in a region with mild climates.
Cleaning
Cleaning is the fundamental element in maintenance. And generally, both tiles are easy to clean, and the occasional mopping with a damp cloth should do the trick. However, both tiles are fitted with grout, which adds to the maintenance. Over time, grime accumulates on the grout, which can be quite challenging to scrub off. Also, you will need to add more grout with time to maintain a clean and fresh look.
For more information about floor tiles, reach out to a local supplier.