How To Tell If Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile

The clay is denser and so less porous.

How to tell if ceramic or porcelain tile.

Look for the word porcelain as well as a water absorption rate of 0 5 or a mohs hardness rating of seven or above. Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0 5 of water whilst ceramic and other non porcelain tiles will absorb more. Glazed tiles also tend to be more resistant to staining as they re protected by a non porous layer of liquid glass. To tell the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles inspect the tile s finish which will be smooth and even if the tile is porcelain.

The ceramic being a little bit more porous. But how exactly do you tell whether a tile is ceramic or porcelain. If you rub your finger over unglazed ceramic tile it feels slightly rough like a very fine sandpaper or dried out modeling clay. Ceramic is easy to work with porcelain is a bitch.

But both now cost much the same. In the unglazed format the surface of porcelain tile is smooth to the touch but porous in nature which means it soaks up stains and liquids over time. Ceramic tiles generally only have a water absorption rate of 3 at best. Ceramic is inferior to porcelain in that the pattern is on the surface not throughout the entire tile.

Then examine the sides for a white tan or red color which is a common sign of ceramic tiles. They re both available in lots of different colors. The porcelain is 00 01 00 a little bit more durable a little bit more dense. The rating is calculated based on how much water the tile absorbs in relation to its.

This is down to the stuff used to make porcelain tiles. The finish of porcelain is smoother than that of ceramic. No so with porcelain. A tile s water absorption rating helps you determine if the tile is suitable for installation in your room.

Both of them are probably your most popular tiles you re going to see around the home. The main difference between a porcelain and ceramic tile is the rate of water they absorb. Turn over a piece of loose tile. They re both quite durable.

Right off the bat we have a porcelain here. Ceramic tile often has a glazed surface coloring so chips may reveal a different color underneath. Ceramic is good for walls bad for floors.