When it comes to tile choices, it can be difficult to determine which type of tile is best for your needs. In this guide, we'll compare two popular options: vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles. We'll explain what makes each type unique and when one might be the better choice than the other.

Types of Ceramic Tiles.

Ceramic tiles are a type of clay-based material made of fired and glazed clay. They come in a variety of colors and finishes, but the most common type of ceramic tile is unglazed and traditionally semi-opaque or matte. Porcelain, another type of ceramic tile, is a denser variety that can be used both indoors and outdoors. Porcelain tiles have fewer seams and are generally easier to clean than other ceramic tiles.

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Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, are porcelain tiles that have been treated in a high-temperature firing process. This process is what gives vitrified tiles a tougher, harder surface than traditional ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles also come in many colors and finishes; however, they can be made with less water absorption qualities which makes them less prone to staining and fading. Additionally, vitrified tile requires less sealing and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms. While both ceramic and vitrified tiles offer durable surfaces that are easy to maintain, the higher grade of vitrified tile may be better suited for certain applications.

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Ceramic tiles are made with natural ingredients like clay, sand, and water. After mixing together these components, they are formed into molds and baked in kilns. Ceramic tiles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and often have decorative surfaces that can be color-glazed or left unglazed. Ceramic tiles also have a very absorbent surface making them more prone to staining and fading over time. To keep them looking their best, ceramic tiles require more sealing and maintenance.

Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, are made from a mixture that includes clay and feldspar, which is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic tiles. This process forges an extremely hard, non-porous surface that does not require any additional finishing or sealing after installation. While vitrified tiles offer superior stain resistance and durability, their lack of absorbency limits their design potential since fewer decorative surface options are available.

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Ceramic tiles are created with porcelain and other clays, then fired in a kiln at lower temperatures than vitrified tile. As a result of the firing process, these tiles become less dense and semi-porous, requiring some type of sealant for stains and moisture resistance. Although ceramic tiles may need to be sealed to ensure their longevity and durability, they can sometimes be more readily available in different styles or designs than vitrified tiles. In addition, almost any type of paint or glaze can be used on ceramic tile surfaces.

Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, differ from ceramic tiles in both the manufacturing process and the final product. For one thing, they are fired at much higher temperatures than their ceramic counterparts to create a much harder, denser material. They are also non-porous and do not require extra sealants for stain resistance or water protection. Furthermore, vitrified tiles come with pre-polished surfaces that don’t need re-polishing or glazing as ceramic tiles may need. However, these benefits often come with a pricier tag when compared with those of ceramics.

Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are traditionally made with clay that has been fired at a lower temperature and therefore remain less dense than vitrified tiles. This process makes them more absorbent of water and hence more prone to staining. To protect their surfaces from water absorption, they have to be sealed with some kind of special glazing or sealant product. Additionally, while ceramic tiles may come in various shapes, sizes and designs, they feature less detailed prints then vitrified ones. However being less pricey may make up for this disadvantage.

In contrast, vitrified tiles are fired at such high temperatures that the structure of their materials changes completely. This high firing degree gives them a low absorption rate and hardness which is almost like marble, making them ideal for slippery surfaces in bathrooms, kitchens and wet rooms. Moreover, vitrified tiles give you the opportunity to experiment with more intricate designs and prints due to the engineering involved in their production process. These tiles also remain unchanged after several years of use unlike most porcelain or ceramic tiles but cost more than regular ceramic ones.

On the other hand, ceramic tiles are made from natural clays that are kiln-baked at recurrent temperatures so it renders their surface more porous than vitrified tiles. A lower fired degree makes them have a higher absorption rate and hence such tiles are usually installed in commercial yet dry floors such as stores, lobbies or even hospitals instead of wet rooms. Ceramic tiles also require frequent sealing to maintain their surfaces from dirt and stains which can lead to easier damage compared with vitrified tiles. Overall, ceramic tile offers a great solution for large heavy traffic areas due to their sturdiness, affordability and ease of maintenance while vitrified offers a better waterproofing and decorative choice for wet floor locations.

On the other hand, vitrified tiles are produced using a combination of clays and other ingredients. As these materials undergo an intensive heating process by electricity which causes them to become very hard to the point that their surface is almost non-porous meaning that any liquid falling on them will be repelled or stay on top rather than absorb inside. Additionally, this type of tile has higher fired degree which makes it more resistant to acid and alkaline substances while making its edges more defined. This resistance also allows it to withstand high traffic areas thus make it perfect for busy wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens or even lobbies.

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