Many homeowners in the GTA who are thinking of installing tiles in their home are often torn between porcelain and ceramic. Since both tiles offer an endless array of styles, sizes, colours and textures, the answer is less about aesthetics than it is about functionality. The ideal tile depends on the room in which it is being installed. Here is how ceramic and porcelain stack up and why porcelain slabs are the preferred choice for GTA homes.

 

 

The primary difference between ceramic and porcelain tile is in how they’re made:

• Porcelain – is made from subjecting ground sand to high temperatures and pressure, resulting in a dense material. Porcelain’s density is what makes it scratch proof; that’s why flooring and tile borders made of porcelain are considered non-porous and highly durable. Porcelain slabs can be either glazed or unglazed. Unglazed porcelain is solid, with consistent colour throughout the tile and will retain colour even as a surface wears. Unglazed is available in various finishes, from rough to polished.
• Ceramic – is made from clay mixed with a variety of minerals, which are then processed with heat and sealed with a glaze. Like porcelain, ceramic tile flooring is durable and works well in a kitchen or bathroom; however, it’s not as dense as porcelain and may suffer more wear and tear.

Homeowners in the GTA tend to prefer porcelain slabs for their sturdiness, durability and scratch resistance, among other features, making it a top choice in high-traffic areas like the kitchen, bathroom or front entryway.

 

 

Porcelain slabs work best in the following areas of the home:

• Floor: Resilient and easy to clean, kitchen floor tile remains a perennial favorite and shows little erosion in its popularity to other resilient floor coverings such as luxury vinyl tile and conventional sheet. Porcelain slabs are also great for entryways and hallways, or for any area that experiences a lot of foot traffic.
• Backsplash: Tiling a backsplash is pure art. It's easy, fun and a quick way to dress up a kitchen. Porcelain slabs work wonders in brightening up dark corners and reflecting light.
• Bathroom: A choice not to be regretted in the bathroom, because porcelain is so porous, it offers greater stain and water resistance than most other tiles on the market. Porcelain slabs can even mimic natural stone varieties like granite and limestone.

What homeowners love most about porcelain slabs is that it is one of the easiest materials to maintain. With proper care, porcelain will look brand new for many years. Celebrity home improvement expert, Bob Vila recommends these cleaning tips to retain porcelain’s sparkling finish.

 

 

Porcelain has been the choice of emperors and royalty for centuries and is now readily available for any homeowner. While ceramic and porcelain tiles seem quite similar since they are both used on floors, countertops and walls, porcelain is perfect in areas subject to moisture, like kitchens and bathrooms.

 

For many GTA homeowners who are remodeling or building a new home, porcelain slabs are the favoured choice over ceramic.