Flooring ranks high on the list of considerations when planning your home interiors. It forms the base of your home. That’s why the flooring you choose needs to tick all the boxes when it comes to both aesthetic value and durability. Two of the most common flooring options are ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles. But what are the differences between them? We’ve put together a guide to help you understand the differences.
So, if you’re curious to know how these two popular flooring options compare against each other, this guide on vitrified tiles vs ceramic tiles is all you need.
What Are Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles are made of a mixture of clays and different natural materials like sand, quartz and water.
What Are Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles are quite similar to ceramic tiles. However, unlike ceramic tiles, they also include silica in the mix, resulting in very low porosity.
Also Read: Marble vs Vitrified: Which Is the Best Flooring for Your Home?
Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles – Differences Between Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles
Besides their general appearance, there are a few clear differences between ceramic and vitrified tiles. This can include composition, maintenance, usage, and cost differences of ceramic vs vitrified tiles. Here is a look at how ceramic vs vitrified tiles compare to help you make a choice:
#1: Properties of Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles
Composition and Texture
In terms of composition, the difference between ceramic and vitrified tiles is simple. Ceramic tiles are made of clay and water, and are baked at high temperatures in a kiln. The glaze formed gives these tiles their ubiquitous shine. These tiles are also available in a variety of colours and patterns, all of which are somewhat earthy.
So, if ceramic tiles are made of clay, what about vitrified tiles? Along with clay, vitrified tiles are made of a mixture of other minerals and solvents, including silica. A glossy substrate develops when the composition is baked to high temperatures, leading to its characteristic smooth texture.
Porosity
Before we understand what are the differences between ceramic tiles vs vitrified tiles when it comes to porosity, let’s first look at the meaning of porosity. Porosity refers to the existence of minute holes on a surface that allow liquids like water to seep through.
Porous materials are not good options for flooring or as kitchen materials as prolonged seepage of water can damage them. Ceramic tiles are slightly porous whereas vitrified tiles have very low porosity. This makes these materials great flooring options.
#2: Finish and Areas of Use
When it comes to the difference between ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles, the area of use also matters. Ceramic and vitrified tiles can be used in different ways. You can use glazed ceramic tiles for flooring, walls, countertops, and backsplashes alike.
This is largely due to their durability and the variety of colours they come in. This means that they are invaluable in serving to enliven the palette and aesthetics in a monotonous kitchen or bathroom setup. Patterned ceramic tiles inlaid into the floor with solid-coloured tiles create a lovely decorative base for your home interiors.
Vitrified tiles are mainly used for flooring because they’re available in large sizes, can be placed in a close-knit manner across the floor and are generally very durable. They also match marble and granite in terms of looks, making them a more affordable flooring option for those going for that look.
