Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles?

There are few drawbacks to using ceramic or porcelain tiles, but knowing more about the various options available will ensure a good fit when choosing flooring. Buyers need to check to ensure color goes all the way through the tile when making their selection. Choosing the correct slip resistance is important in any flooring. Installation may take a few extra steps and depends on the tiles being used.

There are various types of ceramic and porcelain flooring available. Some of the less expensive ones use a surface coloring glaze. The interior of the tiles are the same color as the base clay used to create them. If a tile chips or gets broken, the base clay color will show through. If there will be a chance that chipping could occur, the buyer should purchase tiles that are the same color throughout.

Slip resistance is an important factor when choosing flooring. Shiny glazes are often quite smooth and become very slippery when wet. Checking out the slip-resistance level of the tiles should be a consideration. The higher the number, from 1 to 10, the better the resistance will be in the flooring. High traffic areas where water is a factor should only use the highest slip resistant tiles available.

Installation of ceramic or porcelain tiles is often a complex process. When tiles have to be cut, many will require a wet saw to be used. This is a specialty saw that usually cannot be rented. Many people find they must have their floors installed by a professional. This adds to the cost, but does provide a beautiful option that will last for many years into the future.