The difference between ceramic and porcelain tile

While porcelain and ceramic tiles are made of clay and are fired, porcelain also includes sand and glass. As a result, porcelain is heavier and denser, making it the ideal tile flooring for heavily trafficked floors in busy rooms like the kitchen. The more delicate 4 X 4 square is best for moderately active rooms. Make sure you tell the professional in our tile store in Abilene, TX, exactly how you plan to use it so we can guide you to the right one.

Water absorption may be the most significant difference

Porcelain has a low water absorption rate, 0.5%. For you, this is important because it means that it is waterproof whether or not it's glazed and can also be used outside; in fact, it's common to see porcelain on a patio, deck, and pool floor. This water absorption rate also means it can be used anywhere, from floors to walls and tub/shower surrounds and, while the 4 X 4 square is also often seen on walls, backsplashes, and counters, its use is limited to indoor- only.

Through-body color is another difference

Porcelain is a through-body tile where the dye permeates through the piece, while the 4 X 4 ceramic tiles typically have the design printed on the surface and are glazed. Since porcelain's through-body color goes all the way through, chips and scratches aren't noticeable. It also results in various colors, patterns, and textures; this tile can be made to look like anything, including wood, stone, fabric, and leather. This isn't confused with color-body, where the glaze is sometimes color-matched with the tile surface.

An excellent tile installation adds value to a property. Let our experts help you find the right one for your flooring project, so come into the Callaway's Carpet showroom in Abilene, TX, for inspiration and a free tile flooring quote. We work with homeowners and businesses in and around Abilene, Sweetwater, Breckenridge, Aspermont, and Coleman.