Ceramic Tiles Vs Vitrified Tiles
Ceramic and vitrified tiles are the two most common tiles used on floors. In this article, we will discuss the difference between ceramic tiles vs vitrified tiles. This will surely help you choose between ceramic tiles vs vitrified tiles for your dream home.
The look of a house is shared by the type of tiles used in the house. They add to the ambiance and reflect the space’s inherent radiance.
Now a day’s various options are available in the market. Customers often get confused while selecting. It is critical to choose the best tile decision possible, based on necessity and purpose.
Instead of leaving the design responsibility of your own house in the hands of a professional designer, it is advantageous if we know a little bit of the trade ourselves. It makes us involve ourselves in the ongoing work and make well-informed choices.
Clay, a form of soil that hardens when baked at high temperatures, is the major raw material used to manufacture both types of tile. Clay is found naturally, but it can also be manufactured. The composition of that clay-based mixture is what differentiates the two tile varieties.
What Are Ceramic Tiles?
The ceramic tiles are made with natural clay mixed with water and then baked at high temperatures in a kiln. They have a natural, earthy appearance, come in a range of colors and sizes, and are frequently glazed against water, stain, and scratch.
The term ‘ceramic’ is an umbrella term used to refer to all types of natural clay. Ceramic tiles are seldom used in their unglazed form.
The glaze provides a durable protective covering, making these tiles suitable for flooring, walls, backsplashes, and counters.
They are widely used in damp places such as bathrooms and kitchens since they are water-resistant, easy to clean, and less likely to harbor germs.
Source: McCoy Mart
What Are Vitrified Tiles?
The process of manufacturing vitrified tiles is called vitrification. These are as same as ceramic tiles. The only difference is that here the clay is mixed with silica, quartz, and feldspar before heating in the kiln.
When these extra elements are baked at high temperatures, they fuse together to form a glossy, hard vitreous surface. Vitrified tiles are incredibly durable and low-maintenance, making them perfect for places with a lot of foot activity.
That is why they are widely used in commercial settings. Vitrified tiles are incredibly durable and low-maintenance, making them perfect for places with a lot of foot activity.
They’re a less expensive alternative to natural stone like marble and granite, yet they have similar aesthetics and are more durable. As a result, they’re a good choice for homes.
Differences Between Ceramic Tiles And Vitrified Tiles
Ceramic Tiles Vs Vitrified Tiles
| Particulars | Ceramic Tiles | Vitrified Tiles |
| Composition | It is made up of earthen clay and water. | In the process of vitrification, 40% clay and 60% silica are added. In addition to this quartz, feldspar is also added. |
| Appearance | Ceramic tiles have a natural and earthen look. | Vitrified tiles have an artificial look. |
| Texture | Ceramic tiles are comparatively rough and externally glazed. | These tiles are smooth and glossy. It gives an aesthetic look and is easy to clean. |
| Glazing | These tiles are always glazed for protection. | Vitrified tiles do not need to be glazed. By mansion polish, the shine can be given. |
| Durability | Less durable tiles. | More durable due to their glass-like surface. It is due to the presence of extra minerals in the clay mixture. |
| Strength | Ceramic tiles are less strong than vitrified tiles. Their flexural strength is about 20 N/mm2 and breaking strength is 200 N. | Stronger than ceramic tiles. The flexural strength of vitrified tiles is about 35 N/mm2 and breaking strength is 700 N. |
| Water absorption capacity | Since ceramic tiles are very porous, they can absorb water quickly. It helps to develop a crack quickly. So ceramic tiles are not used in the outdoor areas. | The absorption of water is negligible since vitrified tiles are non-porous. These tiles are suitable for wet areas. |
| Frost resistance | Low frost resistance capacity as they absorb water quickly. | High frost resistance capacity as their water absorption is low. |
| Resistance to scratches | They have a low resistance to scratches. For this, the color of ceramic tiles does not remain the same throughout their surface over time. | They have more resistance to scratches. So the color of vitrified tiles remains the same. |
| Staining resistance | Due to the texture on the top, it is difficult to remove the stain from the surface of ceramic tiles. | Due to non-porosity, glossy finish, and ease of cleaning, vitrified tiles have high resistance to stain. |
| Slip resistance | Ceramic tiles are not slippery. They can be treated to prevent slip by the addition of an adhesive. | Vitrified tiles are very slippery. |
| Cost | Ceramic tiles are cheaper than vitrified tiles. | Vitrified tiles are expensive. |
| Maintenance | It is not easy in the case of ceramic tiles. | Maintenance is easy in the case of these tiles due to their shining surfaces. |
| Installation | The installation process of ceramic tiles is not easy it requires skilled labor. | It is easy for vitrified tiles. It does not require skilled labors. |
| Sizes | Ceramic tiles are found in smaller sizes. | These tiles are found in the size of 2’x2′ |
Ceramic Tiles Vs Vitrified Tiles – Which Is Better?
From the above discussion, it is seen that both types of tiles have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is very difficult to choose which the best tile is. The choice is dependent on the need of customers.
We don’t need to pick one type of tile over the other. We can use the combination of both types of tiles based on location and desired look.
Vitrified tiles perform well for flooring; nevertheless, ceramic tiles add character and color while also counteracting the vitrified tiles’ slightly industrial, man-made appearance. The use of vitrified tiles is good for high traffic areas like the living room, bedroom, and the outdoors too.
Ceramic tiles are good for kitchen, stairs, and bathroom areas. However, there are no hard and fast rules; the overall aesthetic you want to achieve will be the deciding factor.
So these were the difference between ceramic tiles & vitrified tiles. Hope you now have enough knowledge about it. If you have any questions let us know in the comments.
Also Read
Ceramic Tiles – Advantages & Disadvantages
Difference Between Tile Flooring & Marble Flooring
Types Of Roof Tiles Used In Building Construction
How To Calculate Number Of Tiles In A Room
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