What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
While porcelain is a type of ceramic, it behaves differently in specific installations, especially tile flooring. We'll get into detail, but always remember that there are many types of ceramics, all with different strength levels and other characteristics. So be sure to explain to our tile experts exactly how you plan to use it when shopping for tile in Arlington because the right or wrong one will impact your remodeling project.
Porcelain: heavy-duty beauty
This is made of clay, sand, and glass and, as a result, is ideal for heavily trafficked floors in busy areas, such as the kitchen, bath, or hallway. Porcelain clay is the nonporous Kaolin, which means it's waterproof whether or not it's glazed, and that also makes it ideal for busy outdoor floors, such as patios, decks, and pools. In addition, it is durable and tough enough to withstand the most severe weather.
Porcelain comes in countless colors and patterns and can be made to look like almost anything, including fabric and leather; in fact, it's often the preferred choice for wood and stone looks. In addition, a through-body color, meaning that color "baked in" all the way through, rather than painted on the surface, eliminates any worries about fading and makes maintenance a bit easier; in the unlikely event, the tile chips or scratches, chips or scratches won't show.
Several kinds of ceramic tiles
When you walk into our tile flooring store, you'll find an almost unlimited number of colors, designs, shapes, and sizes, but not every piece will work with every installation. They include glazed and highly designed squares. Thin but tough, these are best for indoor, moderately busy floors.
Mosaics are the tiny (1 X 1), decorated, glass-coated pieces often used as accents on indoor low-to-moderately busy floors. Terracotta bricks can be used inside or out; they are very tough but porous, so ask about sealing. Subway tiles can be installed on low-traffic indoor floors, such as in the bedroom.
Whether you want tile, granite fabrication, hardwood refinishing, or more, All-Pro Floors is your one-stop source for all things flooring. Come into our showroom in Arlington, TX, for more information and a free tile flooring quote. We service Arlington, Mansfield, Dallas, and Fort Worth.
