Flooring is a major decision when building or remodeling a home and tiles are a popular choice for all types of homes.
There are two major types of tiles – ceramic and vitrified. Both of these types of tiles are extremely common, and you have likely seen both of them in someone’s home already. Before choosing one over the other, it is imperative to understand the differences between the two. Let’s take a closer look at both of them.
The principal differences between ceramic and vitrified tiles are as follows:
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Ceramic Tiles |
Vitrified Tiles |
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Ceramic tiles are made of earthen clay and water. |
Vitrified tiles are made of clay, silica, quartz, and feldspar. |
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The clay gives these tiles a matte, natural look. They are not as smooth as vitrified tiles. They are glazed for protection. |
The silica gives these tiles a glassy look. (Hence, the name “vitrified”, meaning glass-like) They do not require glazing. |
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Ceramic tiles are not as strong, and therefore not as durable as vitrified tiles |
Vitrified tiles are very strong and durable.
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Ceramic tiles are slightly porous. |
Vitrified tiles are not porous. |
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Ceramic tiles are low-cost. |
Vitrified tiles are comparatively expensive. |
Which applications are ceramic tiles more suitable for?
Ceramic tiles are more natural-looking but less water-resistant. Hence, they can be used in living rooms, bedrooms, or balconies. They are available in practically endless designs and are easy to install. They are ideal if you might want to change up the look in 5-10 years, as they are relatively inexpensive. Further, these tiles can mimic the look of natural stones very well. They can withstand heavy foot traffic just as well as vitrified tiles. These are easy to sweep and vacuum, so cleaning and maintaining them is quite easy. They are also great for everyday use, as they absorb sound and heat, making them ideal for busy families. They’re also slip-resistant, making them safe for families with children and elders.
Things to keep in mind:
—The grout of ceramic tiles may be prone to mildew. It is best to keep these tiles away from water.
—Prolonged sun exposure may lead to slight fading.
—Generally, the largest available size for ceramic tiles is 12” X 12”.
Which applications are vitrified tiles more suitable for?
Vitrified tiles look glossy and are water-resistant, making them ideal for the bathroom and the kitchen. They are more scratch and stain resistant as compared to other types of tiles. They can therefore withstand heavier usage and typically last longer. They are available in large sizes and can mimic the look of granite and other natural stones. The color remains constant for their entire lifespan. Therefore, they can be ideal for balconies or sunny rooms.
Things to keep in mind:
—They are expensive as compared to ceramic tiles and their installation also requires more skill.
—The glassy surface implies that they can get very slippery when wet.
—They have a comparatively larger carbon footprint as compared to ceramic tiles. They are not environmentally friendly.
—They can get very cold in the winters.
Ceramic and vitrified tiles are both useful in their own ways. In fact, we recommend using both for home flooring. With a judicious mix, you can use tiles for every room of the house! Vitrified tiles may be ideal for areas prone to stains, such as kitchen backsplash walls. Ceramic tiles with their matte look can be elegant enough for the dining room or the living room. It will come down to personal design choices. These tiles are far more affordable than natural stone floors (such as marble or granite) while matching them in looks. A wide variety of colors and designs are available, so the only limit is your imagination!
Happy decorating, everyone!
