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When shopping for tile flooring, you will see that some products are labeled as ceramic, and others are porcelain. While these materials seem similar and have many traits in common, there are some important distinctions between the two. Understanding how these tiles vary can help you choose the right one for your next project.

Hardness

Both porcelain and ceramic tile flooring are made from clay that is fired at a high temperature to harden it. However, porcelain tiles are made from a higher grade of clay and fired at a higher temperature, resulting in a denser, harder product. By contrast, the looser clay used to make ceramic tiles gives tiles a softer finish and more porous texture. 

Design Options

tile flooring Waynesboro VADue to its hardness, porcelain tile flooring is available in a wide range of sizes that can be cut to fit any room’s dimensions, giving you more design choices. Since porcelain tile will hold a clean edge, contractors can also lay it with very thin grout lines. This creates a cleaner, more attractive look that fits in with a wide range of decorating styles. The drawback of porcelain is that it’s more difficult to cut than ceramic tile, so your contractor will need specialized tools, and the installation may take longer to complete.

Longevity

While tile is known for its long life-span, porcelain has a clear advantage over ceramic. Since it is much harder, it’s also more water-resistant and less likely to crack due to water absorption. This makes the material an ideal choice for areas like floors and showers in a home’s primary bathroom, as they are most likely to get wet. However, ceramic tile is still durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for low-traffic areas like guest bathrooms.

 

Whether you’re renovating a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, tile flooring offers a wide range of beautiful styles that will last. For 27 years, Shenandoah Flooring & Interior Designs has provided residents of Waynesboro, VA, and the entire Augusta County area with a wide range of quality flooring materials and services. In addition to helping you find the right porcelain or ceramic products for your project, their interior design team will offer tips for creating an eye-catching layout. Call (540) 943-2911 or visit the store online for more information.

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