Carrying Out Construction Work

Posted on: 23 October 2018

If you're having your kitchen splashback tiled and have been researching what tiles to choose, you've probably come across the terms porcelain and ceramic. Are these tiles the same, and does it matter which one you select for your splashback?

How Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles Are Different

Firstly the clays that make up the tiles are different. Both porcelain and ceramic are made of clay and other materials; however, porcelain tiles are fired from a finer whiter clay than that used for ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles are made from a  courser clay that ranges from off-white to grey to tan. 

Additionally, the two tiles are fired at different temperatures. Porcelain is fired at intense temperatures until the clay vitrifies or becomes glass-like. This makes porcelain non-porous, vitreous and extremely hard. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are fired at lower temperatures; these tiles are more porous and less hard than porcelain. However, to counteract their porosity, ceramic tiles are usually glazed to seal and harden the surface, so they don't absorb water as readily (and the glaze is also used to decorate the tile). In summary, because of the clay used and the hotter firing process, porcelain tiles are more robust and less porous than ceramic tiles.

Which Tiles Are Suited for Where?

Both tiles are perfect for splashbacks, though. Even though ceramic tiles are the more porous of the two, the hard glass-like surface created by the glazing process makes ceramic tiles water resistant, and porcelain tiles are already naturally tough and water resistant. Both can easily withstand the wear and tear of daily kitchen life. 

While both tiles are equally suitable for kitchen splashbacks and walls, the situation might be different for floor surfaces and the outdoors. Because porcelain tiles are extra hard wearing, they are at times more suitable for high traffic floor areas, but even this is not always the case because specially graded tough ceramic tiles are manufactured particularly for flooring. With outdoor applications, because porcelain tiles are more vitreous than ceramic tiles, they can withstand frost more and so would be the better choice for outdoor applications. Be careful, though—using porcelain tiles outdoors can have drawbacks as well.

In short, while ceramic and porcelain tiles are different when it comes to porosity and hardness, they are both excellent for kitchen splashbacks and walls. Offering a wide arrary of choices in colours, design, size, and also patterns, clay-based tiles, of whatever persuasion, will fit in with any kitchen decor