How are tiles different from ceramic tiles? Tile or ceramic tiles: what's the difference?

Various facing materials have much in common. But meanwhile, each of them has its own area of application.

Popular material

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of products intended for cladding buildings for various purposes. Particularly popular are porcelain stoneware and ceramic tile.

Ceramic tiles are often called tiles. In construction stores today you can see this material in various shades and textures. Therefore, designers often use ceramic tiles to decorate buildings.

Porcelain tiles are also particularly popular. Some people believe that there is no difference between it and ceramic tiles, but this is not true. Although the technical characteristics and components of these materials are almost identical. But how to do it right choice? What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? It is necessary to know all the nuances of the use and properties of the finishing materials in question in order to make the right choice.

What is the difference?

Ceramic tiles are most often used for tiling surfaces in rooms with high humidity, for example, in the bathroom or kitchen. The tiles are not afraid of water and are quite easy to care for. The main components for making ceramic tiles: sand, clay, and other minerals. The fossils are pressed and fired in a special oven.

Porcelain tiles are made from the same components.

Red or white clay is the main material for the manufacture of facing materials. It is subsequently fired in a kiln. Compared to tiles, porcelain stoneware contains more kaolin and fewer impurities.

Tile is often used for wall cladding, because it is a fairly fragile material. But for flooring Porcelain stoneware is preferable, because it is characterized by less porosity, and therefore a high strength index.

To understand the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles have proven themselves to be excellent. This is a reliable material for cladding walls and floors in rooms with high traffic and high humidity. All dirt can be quickly and easily removed. Therefore, many people use this material when constructing a porch, kitchen apron and even public toilets. can be used to finish the floor in the hallway. Ceramic tiles are ideal facing material which will help create a unique and attractive interior in any room.

Main advantages:

Light weight.
Long service life.
High moisture resistance.
Easy to care for.
Reasonable price.
A variety of colors and textures of the material.

The disadvantage of tile is its fragility. This material can also change its color over time; tiles are prone to fading.

Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is a facing tile made under high pressure and press. This material exactly imitates the surface natural stone.

Clay, mineral pigments, spar, and quartz sand are used for production. They are thoroughly mixed in a certain proportion, then sent under a press with further firing of the ingredients.

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? The main difference is the low porosity of the surface. Thanks to this, the material becomes impact-resistant and highly durable. Sometimes manufacturers coat the surface with glaze and polish it.

The main advantages of porcelain stoneware include:

Long service life.
High strength, impact resistance.
Resistant to temperature changes.
Wear resistance.
Color uniformity.
Similarity to natural stone.

Where is the best place to use ceramic tiles?

Glazed and glossy does not have high strength. Over time, due to mechanical damage, tiles lose their attractive appearance. In addition, when abraded, the surface becomes slippery. Therefore, it is better not to use the material as flooring for the kitchen and bathroom. For these purposes, it is better to give preference to matte products. Such tiles are not afraid of impacts and do not lose their attractiveness over time.

How does porcelain stoneware differ from First of all, in that this material is most often used for wall cladding. It can be mounted both on regular walls and on drywall. Secondly, tiles are characterized by a wide variety of textures and colors. Pigment for coloring is often added to the enamel composition. Thanks to this, you can create a unique interior of your home.

The disadvantages of this material should also be taken into account. There are several of them. First of all - a lot of weight. This material is quite difficult to process; its cost is much higher than tiles. Designers often cannot realize all their fantasies, because the decorative solutions of the material are limited.

Where is porcelain tile used?

What is the first used for the floor? After all, it is ideal for finishing both interior and exterior spaces. It is actively used as a floor covering for terraces, gazebos, balconies, and loggias. The use of such material will help radically change appearance any room.

Thanks to its properties, porcelain stoneware flooring is very comfortable in summer period. After all, he is always cool. Its thermal conductivity characteristics are such that it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot in the heat.

Which tile is better - ceramic or porcelain stoneware as a floor covering? Of course, the second option. After all, porcelain stoneware is not afraid of mechanical damage and various impacts. Thanks to its wear resistance and impact resistance, it can be used in the kitchen and bathroom. After all, unforeseen situations most often occur in such rooms.

This material is resistant to high humidity, various contaminants are easily removed from its surface.

Many people, before their first renovation in their life, ask the question: “Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles - what’s the difference”? The main difference is high strength. That is why porcelain stoneware is most often used as flooring, but tiles are used for wall cladding.

Comparison of facing materials by characteristics

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? Of course, physical properties. Porcelain tiles are characterized by a low rate of water absorption due to minimal porosity. Therefore, it can often be seen on the market, and accordingly, lining external surfaces with this material is possible. But tiles are often sold only in construction stores, and can only be used indoors.

Porcelain tiles have a denser texture. Therefore, it can be used in areas of intense mechanical impact. By breaking off a small piece of tile, you can see the color of the original product under the glaze layer. But if you break off a piece of porcelain stoneware, you will not be able to see the same picture. After all, the top layer is identical to the internal contents. Thanks to this, porcelain tiles can be installed in places where people often walk. The material will remain as good as new for a long time, without changing its shape, color or texture.

Price issue

When entering a hardware store, every buyer will immediately notice the difference in cost. Tile is characterized by a lower price. And this is not surprising. After all, by choosing a more durable, high-quality and wear-resistant material, the buyer will pay the appropriate amount.

For example, installing ceramic tile flooring in public areas is not a profitable investment. After all, in a short time the surface will lose its original appearance. There will be a need to make repairs again and spend money.

Choosing flooring for country house, it is better to give preference to a more durable material. How to distinguish porcelain tiles from ceramic tiles externally? First of all - this minimum set color solutions, its restrained colors. It perfectly imitates the surface of natural stone.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. It would seem that they are identical building materials, which are made from almost the same components. But no. Remember that each type finishing material has its own purpose, which is determined by its advantages and disadvantages. Be careful and good luck with your repair!

The erudition of most people is growing every year, but the subtleties of construction and finishing works still remains a mystery to many. In the same way, few people distinguish between tiles and ceramic tiles, considering these concepts to be synonymous. And only if necessary, consumers begin to see a clear difference between various ceramic products.

Tile and ceramics. An excursion into history and modern vision

Ceramic tiles can also be called ceramic, and this would not be a mistake, since they are a type of the latter. Previously, almost all tiles were called ceramic, and the process of their manufacture did not change for centuries, but with the development of production, craftsmen began to classify the types of tiles.

Today, tiles are called ceramic products, which differ in the manufacturing method. It is always made from light grade clay. It must have a glazed layer, whereas for ceramic tiles this item is not mandatory. Ceramic tiles are considered more hygienic, durable and stable, and are also absolutely impervious to any chemicals, including the most aggressive ones. Since the cost of tiles is slightly higher than classic ceramic tiles, they are used for special places - finishing a fireplace, bathtub border, to emphasize the original protrusion in the room.

Differences in the production process

After the ceramic composition has been pressed and fired, the tile is covered with a layer of enamel. Now you need to fire the tile again. When the tile heats up, the top layer of clay turns into a glassy mass. For tiles, this process is longer, and manufacturers set the temperature higher. For ceramic tiles a large number of glaze is not necessary, and therefore production facilities are not used so actively here.

Features of ceramic tiles

In order to see the differences between tiles and porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to take a closer look at the properties of both materials. Ceramic tiles are a very popular facing material to this day. Its production is based on the use of natural ingredients: clay, spar, quartz sand and kaolin. Dry raw materials are ground and mixed in certain proportions. In order to form the tile, the mixture must be baked at high temperature.

Additionally, colored designs, enamel and glaze can be applied to the tiles.

Compared to porcelain stoneware, they are focused on using the coating under more gentle conditions. However, some samples of increased strength class can compete with porcelain stoneware. In general, tile is a moisture-resistant and quite durable material, but nevertheless retains its porosity, which in some cases is a negative factor.

Ceramic facing tiles are designed for gentle operating conditions

To understand exactly how porcelain stoneware differs from ceramic floor tiles, you need to consider the features of this material.

Features of porcelain stoneware

Porcelain tiles are essentially made from the same materials as regular tiles. The difference may be a change in proportions. If you look at it, the main component in its composition is granite chips. However, their unique properties the material is acquired during the baking stage. To ensure this process, the oven is heated to a higher temperature than when baking ceramic tiles, and therefore not just firing occurs, but practically soldering of the components together. Additionally, more pressure is applied. This reduces porosity and improves waterproof properties.

The main differences between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles are as follows:

Increased strength. The material is able to withstand enormous loads on the lined surface. At the same time, the likelihood of chips and cracks due to rough mechanical impact is minimal, and the possibility of scratches is generally negligible.
Water absorption coefficient. Due to its extremely low porosity, porcelain stoneware perfectly resists moisture and practically does not allow it to enter its structure.
Thermal properties. This is a special difference between porcelain stoneware. This material is frost-resistant. In addition, it is fireproof, meaning it can withstand high temperatures and contain fire in the event of a fire. He is also not afraid of sudden changes in temperature.
Wear resistance. Over time, the surface practically does not change its appearance. It is not covered with scuffs and scratches. Caring for her is also very easy.
Chemically resistant. An important difference is excellent resistance a large number chemical substances varying degrees of aggressiveness. When solvents, acids and alkalis come into contact with the surface, stains and other signs of damage do not remain on it.
Not exposed to environmental factors. Porcelain tiles do not change color when exposed to sunlight for a long time. In addition, it perfectly resists precipitation, contact with stones and dust, and is not destroyed due to changes in weather conditions and the onset of frost.

Porcelain stoneware is the best facing material when used in the external environment

Scope of materials application

When property differences floor tiles Since the characteristics of porcelain stoneware are obvious, we can summarize everything that has been said and highlight the main purpose of each of the materials. If we are talking about wall cladding, ordinary ceramic tiles will be quite sufficient for the premises. Here the influence of the external environment is as limited as possible, and therefore the average strength class will be quite sufficient.

If we talk about the cladding of building facades or walls of auxiliary extensions, then there is no doubt: here best material, than you won’t find porcelain tiles. You will no longer need to worry about the condition of the coating even in frosty weather.

Due to its low-porosity structure, fire resistance and ability to retain heat for a long time, porcelain stoneware is also actively used for cladding stoves and fireplaces. Even if you choose a heavy-duty tile, it will not be able to compare with this material, since it wears out and cools much faster.

Porcelain tiles are great for facing a fireplace

Another question: porcelain tiles or tile, what is better for the floor? In this case it is difficult to give a definite answer. It is better to put ceramics in the bathroom and kitchen, since the load on the surface is moderate, and modern tiles are not subject to slipping. Porcelain stoneware is used in the hallway and outside, since the floor surface in these places is subject to adverse influences. To prevent slipping, especially on steps, special pads are used.

What is better to choose

The main question is: what is better to choose - porcelain stoneware or ceramic floor tiles. The answer to this depends on specific conditions. In general, porcelain stoneware products are better than conventional ceramics. However, when choosing, you should consider factors such as:

temperature regime;

risk of injury;

general style.

Porcelain tiles are distinguished not only by excellent technical and performance characteristics, but also high cost. If there is no point in overpaying for those characteristics of porcelain stoneware that you do not need, give preference to regular tiles. As a last resort, you can select a product with improved quality indicators. But in this case, their cost will be close to the cost of porcelain stoneware.

Ceramic tile - a good option for the kitchen where the load on the surface is moderate

When purchasing porcelain tiles, pay attention to its weight, as well as its appearance. reverse side. The squares should be uniform, with sides no larger than 2 centimeters, and the protrusions should not be too obvious.

Laying features

There is no particular difference with porcelain stoneware. In general, the same technology is followed. Distinctive features is that porcelain stoneware is such a durable material, which can make it difficult to cut. More advanced tools are required, such as an electric tile cutter.

Another point: high-quality products have perfectly smooth edges, so it becomes possible to connect elements joint to joint and create a monolithic surface. Based on the difference between tiles and porcelain stoneware, choose exactly the material you need.

Tiles, tiles, ceramics, even clinker - no matter how customers in stores and clients of designers name the same material! The finishing material for the bathtub, kitchen splashback, floors, living room decor, according to many, is called the same - “tile” - and differs only in appearance.

Consumers confuse the concepts, and then, when receiving an order from an online store or looking into a newly finished apartment, they discover that the contractors “made a mistake” and used glazed tiles instead of clinker to decorate the hallway, and the courier brought ceramics instead of outdoor cement tiles. But the point, alas, is not a mistake: the point is that not everyone knows what finishing materials are called correctly.

What are tiles and tiles?

Tile is a material that consists of rectangular or square elements that make up a single sheet. Tiles can be made of ceramic, cement, natural stone, even wood or plastic. The key parameter of the tile is its small size and shape (square or rectangular).

Ceramics - products made from clay. In fact, in the construction industry, ceramics and tiles are almost the same thing. There are differences, and we will look at them later. Ceramic tiles - material for interior decoration, which is used to cover walls, floors, and various parts of the interior (such as fireplaces or stoves).

Tiles are made only from clay. Clay is poured into molds, creating square or rectangular shape, then the molds are placed in ovens where the products are baked at high temperatures. After the tile has cooled, it is covered with glaze, thanks to which you can create a beautiful surface, paint the product in any color, or create a pattern.

Tile and ceramics: what are the differences?

So, comparing tiles and tiles, we get somewhat dissimilar concepts. Yes, tile is also tile. But the tile itself can be made from other materials. That is, it means any finishing materials small sizes, which allow you to create a single canvas on the surface. The tiles can be ceramic, paving, stone, etc. Sidewalks, for example, are made of concrete.

Ceramic tiles are one of the varieties of this finishing material. Ceramics combines all materials made using clay. And it's not just tiles. The composition of ceramic tiles may include granite chips, sand, spar and other materials.

For example, porcelain stoneware - tiles made of clay and granite - is highly durable. In terms of its characteristics, it is almost as good as stone. Unlike ordinary tiles.

Metlakh tiles are another type. It is made from clay, but during mixing, dye is added to the solution. As a result, such tiles are evenly colored throughout their entire depth, which means that even a chip will not spoil the look.

There is also a type of ceramic called clinker. Unlike tiles, clinker is not baked in an oven, but is made by extrusion. Soft clay is pressed through the mold.

Cotto - more exotic and less known species material. It differs from tiles in its raw materials - it is made from red clay. This tile looks beautiful even without glaze.

Finally, tiles are tiles made of clay without additives, baked at high temperatures and covered with glaze. It may have a glossy or matte coating, plain or with a pattern. There are many options. You can create any design using glaze.

Why are tiles often called “ceramic tiles” and confused with other materials?

The reason is simple: tile is the most popular and widespread material. In Russia it has been used since Soviet times; there were virtually no alternatives. As a result, when other materials appeared on the market - cotto, clinker, metlakh tiles - confusion arose. If porcelain stoneware is still at the very least known, then everything is bad with the materials listed above.

Confusion can lead to unpleasant consequences and additional expenses. If you specifically need tiles (other material will not be suitable due to the scope of application), then indicate exactly this when purchasing or selecting. Cotto, clinker, and porcelain stoneware are simply called “ceramics.”

On the other hand, if you ordered “tiles” made of red clay or with granite chips in the composition, you may not be understood: porcelain stoneware is not covered with glaze, and tiles, as a rule, are made of gray clay and painted.

So, before you are three concepts that should not be confused. These are tiles - the general name for finishing materials of one type, ceramics - the name for materials made from clay - and tiles - clay tiles with a glazed surface.

Let's figure out what is better to choose for covering the walls and floors in the kitchen - porcelain tiles or tiles, where and how best to use them, and how exactly ceramic tiles differ from porcelain tiles.

The variety of finishing materials for kitchen renovations today is so great that it is sometimes very difficult to decide and make the final choice in favor of one type of finishing or another. This is especially true for porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, especially since these materials practically do not differ from each other in their components and technical specifications. But in order to make the right choice, you need to understand all the differences and nuances of using these two materials.

High strength and large size are the two main advantages of porcelain stoneware over tiles

By the way, we recently published a detailed guide. In it you will find recommendations from the pros, what to look for before purchasing, a review of popular manufacturers, tips on choosing baseboards and grout, installation nuances and much more.

Differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles, also known as tiles, are made by pressing and then firing a mixture of sand, clay and minerals. After applying the enamel to the surface of the tile, it is fired again. This type of tile is used exclusively for wall cladding because it is more porous and less durable.

Another type of ceramic tile is made under a more powerful press, which makes it less porous. It undergoes only one firing stage with enamel at more high temperatures. The result is a denser, more reliable and wear-resistant tile, which can be used both for wall cladding and floor finishing.

Among the advantages of ceramic tiles, the following properties can be listed:

durability;
strength;
a wide selection of different colors, textures and patterns;
rigidity;
hygiene;
fire resistance and fire resistance;
moisture resistance;
affordable price.

There is one drawback that somewhat spoils the reputation of tiles. This is her ability to burn out over time. Also, during use, the design may be partially erased.

Porcelain tiles

The components of porcelain tiles are no different from the composition of ceramic tiles, but the production process of this material is somewhat different.

What is it key difference porcelain tiles from tiles? The difference is that the mixture of clay, quartz sand and minerals is tinted using coloring pigments. This allows you to achieve a uniform color throughout the entire thickness of porcelain stoneware, while tiles have a colored coating only on the surface - in the enamel layer.

It is thanks to this technology that porcelain stoneware does not require additional enamel, because its color is initially included in the mixture. Ready mix molded, dried and pressed. Then the products are re-pressed under a more powerful press. After this, the porcelain stoneware is fired at 1200-1300 degrees.

The result is porcelain tiles with low porosity. For comparison, it should be noted that the water absorption of ceramic wall tiles is 10%, and porcelain tiles have a water absorption of 0.05%.

Over time, technologies have emerged that allow the use of glazing and polishing of porcelain stoneware.

Polished porcelain tiles have a very attractive appearance, but their surface is quite slippery, so they should be used with caution on kitchen floors.

The advantages of porcelain stoneware include:

constancy and uniformity of color throughout the entire thickness of the tile;
high strength;
material hardness;
frost resistance;
wear resistance;
low water absorption;
environmental friendliness of the material;
durability.

Porcelain tiles also have disadvantages. First of all, fragility during transportation (but this is also inherent in tiles), the complexity of processing and cutting the material, as well as its heavy weight. It is also worth noting that porcelain stoneware has a higher price and does not come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Nuances of choice

As you can see, each of these two finishing materials has characteristics unique to it, which dictate the scope of its application.

Thus, porcelain stoneware, due to its frost resistance and durability, can be used in rooms facing the open air (terraces, verandas, balconies, loggias). Here, porcelain stoneware can easily withstand both low temperatures and weather disasters. But ceramic tiles would be inappropriate in this case.

In a bathroom or hallway, it is better not to use glazed tiles as flooring, since small particles of dirt or sand can damage the surface of the tiles.

In addition, a smooth glazed surface will be too slippery. That is why it is better to use matte ceramic tiles as flooring in a hallway or bathroom. This does not mean at all that in such rooms it is better to use porcelain stoneware for the floor. In both cases, it is worth paying attention to the anti-slip indicator of the tile.

I would also like to say something about the floor covering in the kitchen. Porcelain tiles are perfect here. The specific processes in the kitchen require increased durability of the floor covering. For example, the floor covering must withstand the fall of a pan and not break. Also, frequent washing of floors can lead to erasing of the pattern on inexpensive tiles, but this does not threaten porcelain tiles.

But in most cases, you can get by with high-quality ceramic floor tiles. IN standard conditions she will cope with her task quite well.

When covering walls, it is worth considering the weight of the finishing material. Therefore, tiles are usually used for these purposes, because the weight of one porcelain stoneware tile is quite large.

If an original pattern or a unique design is important to you, you should make a choice in favor of ceramics, because its range is distinguished by a richness of colors and patterns, which cannot be said about porcelain stoneware.

How to use porcelain tiles or tiles in the kitchen

Here the scope of application of these two materials is divided as follows.

Floor

It is quite appropriate and justified to use porcelain stoneware as a floor covering. But it is not suitable for covering an apron in the kitchen, since it is heavy and more difficult to work with.

Apron

It comes in many sizes and is easy to cut and style. The coating has a large selection of colors, textures and patterns, which allows you to create an attractive and original interior kitchens.

Tabletop

Recently it has become quite common. And here you can’t do without ceramic tiles. Such a tabletop will have a relatively light weight, a strong and durable surface with an interesting pattern and color. However, it is quite acceptable to use small-format porcelain tiles, for example, 10x10 cm, for cladding countertops.

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