Ceramic tiles or granite tiles - which is better?

Floor finishing in any building is one of the most labor-intensive processes. That is why choosing a floor decor in the house, every owner of an apartment or cottage strives to make it extremely reliable, durable, wear-resistant and at the same time attractive. Repeat the process of finishing or restoration anew a year later, few want. That is why, among all the variety of building materials in the modern market, the question often arises, ceramic tile or granite - what is better? We will deal with this in this article.

to the contents ↑

Manufacture of

In order to understand what is better - porcelain tiles or ceramic floor tiles, you just need to know the differences in the manufacturing process. They are as follows:

1. Conventional tile is made on the basis of mineral-clay raw materials, which is molded under the press, then it is burned, enameled in the desired shade and glazed.
2. Porcelain is produced on the basis of the same raw materials. Differences in manufacturing consist in the fact that color pigments are added to the substrate itself, and the press pressure and firing temperature are much higher than in the production of conventional ceramic tiles.

Important! Ceramic tiles, depending on the applied firing temperature and press pressure, are classified into wall and floor. Wall, as a rule, withstands lower values ​​of pressure and roasting, so it is not as strong as floor.

to Contents ↑

Characteristics of

The final quality of any of these materials depends on the quality of the raw components in the composition, as well as the features of the technology used. In general, under similar conditions and good faith of the manufacturer, it is possible to note such a difference in the characteristics of conventional tiles and porcelain stoneware.

Properties of ceramic tiles:

1. Hygiene.
2. Water resistance.
3. Durability when observing service conditions.
4. The widest choice of shades and patterns.
5. Fire resistance.
6. Moisture resistance - can have different values.
7. Frost resistance - some types.

Important! Choosing a ceramic tile, you need to know about its possible shortcomings. They consist in the following:

• with time the colors burn out and the coloring fades, and on each element this can happen unevenly;
• may cause cracks and scratches from falling heavy heavy objects on the floor, from walking in street shoes with sand and granular mud;
• over time, the care for such a coating is complicated, since the dirt is absorbed into the micropores of the surface.

Properties of porcelain tiles:

1. High hardness.
2. Maximum possible density without pores.
3. Zero water absorption, when even the most high-quality tiles have such a value of at least 10%.
4. Color fastness, as color pigments are not applied superficially, but enter inside the structure of porcelain stoneware.
5. Wear resistance.
6. Frost resistance.

Important! As the disadvantages of this material is worth noting the following factors:

• high price, which at times exceeds the cost of conventional tiles;
• limited design;
• has a higher degree of slippage than classic tiles.

to the contents ↑

Ceramic tiles or granite tiles - where exactly do we steal?

Based on the above characteristics of each of the two similar types of floor decoration, it is easy to conclude that it is better - ceramic tile or granite. The choice should be made on the basis of exactly where you are going to lay such a tile.

So, what are the results in comparison, which is better - granite or ceramic floor tiles:

1. In rooms with very high traffic, as well as in those where walking in shoes - halls, corridors, vestibules, it is clearly better to lay the porcelain stoneware. He will not scratch his shoes, he will not absorb water and dirt from her.
2. When decorating the kitchen, too, the best choice will be the porcelain stoneware, because even if something falls on it or vinegar breaks out, aggressive chemistry from a series of cleaning substances, it does not damage the floor decor in any way.
3. For outdoor areas in the fresh air - porch, verandahs, it is also reasonable to lay ceramic granite.
4. But for a bath or any other room, it is better to choose a conventional tile. Porcelain tiles here will be out of place at a price, besides, due to higher slip, may still be unsafe.

Important! When choosing any kind of tile, do not forget that this is a cold finishing material. That is, bare feet on such a floor is unpleasant to walk, and if, for example, you make out a nursery or a bedroom - you must think over the arrangement of the floor heating system. And, more intensive will be required when laying ceramic granite, as it is thicker and denser.

We hope that we have clarified for you that it is better - ceramic floor tiles or granite tiles, and now it is much easier for you to make such an important choice.