Ceramic Vs. Vitrified Tiles: Which is the Right Choice for My Home?
Tiles are one of the most versatile and popular flooring options available today. Smooth, easy to clean, colourful, durable, robust and available in a range of textures, styles and budgets – it’s no surprise that all homeowners opt for tiles for flooring.
When it comes to choices, there are multiples of tiles in the market like ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, plastic and more. At Décor Cera, leading vitrified wall elevation tile suppliers in Morbi, India – we have a wide range of ceramic, porcelain and vitrified tiles to suit all requirements. Before you opt for the right flooring material, you need to understand the differences between these tiles, so that you can pick the right one that works best for your needs.
Similarities between Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles
Both vitrified and ceramic tiles can be used on floors as well as walls. Both these tile types are available in a variety of sizes, colours, sizes, and designs. While both ceramic and vitrified tiles are used for the same applications, there are some significant differences between these two popular types of tiles. Here, in today's guide, we make a rundown of the features of ceramic vs vitrified tiles, so that you can make the right choice.
01: Composition
Ceramic Tiles are made of a type of earthen clay. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, are made from a mixture of silica, kaolin, feldspar and quartz. The term vitrified means converting something into a glass-like structure.
02: Uses
Ceramic tiles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It's mainly used in indoor flooring, thanks to their low prices. The non-slippery nature of ceramic tiles makes it an ideal choice for wet floors like kitchens, bathrooms, corridors, etc.
Just like ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles are ideal for indoor and outdoor applications. The aesthetic appearances of vitrified tiles make it a perfect choice for indoor applications. It's suitable for all areas like living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, halls, pathways due to its water-resistant property and durability.
The large size of vitrified tiles makes it suitable for exterior applications like pathways, corridors and driveways.
03: Appearance
Ceramic tiles have an earthy and natural appearance, making them ideal for rustic interiors. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, have a modern, contemporary appearance making them suitable for contemporary homes and modern buildings.
04: Texture
Ceramic tiles have a rough exterior. If you wish to achieve a glossy look with ceramic tiles, then an external glaze has to be applied. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, have a glossy and smooth appearance, making them easy to maintain and clean.
05: Glazing
Ceramic tiles require additional external glazing for added protection. Vitrified tiles do not require an external glaze.
06: Durability
Ceramic tiles are less durable when compared with vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles are long-lasting, making them an ideal choice for rooms that get plenty of footfall.
07: Strength
Ceramic tiles are weaker when compared to vitrified tiles. The textural strength of ceramic tiles is 22N/m2, whereas vitrified tiles have a high textural strength of 35N/m2. The breaking strength of ceramic tiles is just 200N, while vitrified tiles have a high breaking point of 700N.
08: Water Absorption
Ceramic tiles are highly porous and tend to absorb water quickly. Hence, using ceramic tiles in outdoor water-prone areas can lead to cracking. Vitrified tiles are non-porous and do not absorb water easily. Thus, they can be used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as well.
09: Scratch Resistance
Ceramic tiles are prone to scratches. When scratched, the tiles tend to chip easily, leading to discolouration and uneven surfaces.
Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, do not scratch easily. Even when scratched, these tiles do not chip or crack.
10: Stain Resistance
Ceramic tiles are more prone to staining. For instance, oil and food spills can lead to permanent staining, if not wiped immediately. Vitrified tiles exhibit high resistance to staining thanks to their low porosity and glossy finish. Hence, vitrified tiles require low maintenance and are the no.1 choice for commercial spaces.
11: Slip Resistance
Ceramic tiles are less slippery thanks to their rough surface. Vitrified tiles are slippery when wet. You can overcome the slippery nature of vitrified tiles by adding an external grit or external texture.
12: Colour Fading
Ceramic tiles fade over the years. Vitrified tiles retain the original colours, even after years of exposure to UV and sunlight.
13: Maintenance
Ceramic tiles require special maintenance. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance.
14: Installation
Ceramic tiles need a lengthy and labour-intensive installation process compared to vitrified tiles.
15: Cost
The cost of ceramic tiles ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 400 per square feet depending on the type used. The cost of vitrified tiles ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 160 per square feet, making them extremely economical.
Advantages:
Ceramic Tiles:
- Easy installation, as ceramic tiles respond quickly to various adhesives
- Less expensive
- Helps in reducing your energy bills in the summer – as it keeps your home cool in summer
Vitrified Tiles:
- Glossy, smooth with an overall aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Non-porous, hence it is water-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant.
- It is pre-polished. Therefore there is no need for polishing to be done at the site of installation.
- Available in multiple sizes including extra-large tiles, thereby reducing the number of joints.
Disadvantages:
Ceramic Tiles:
- Hard – makes it difficult for standing on for a long time
- Do not retain heat, making them very cold to walk on in winter
- Absorb more water, hence prone to discolouration and chipping
Vitrified Tiles:
- Slightly expensive compared to ceramic tiles
- Non-textured vitrified tiles can become slippery when wet
Finally,
Ceramic vs Vitrified Tiles: Which one to buy?
There’s no one answer. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Tiles add personality to your space, hence finding the right type that fits your style and functional requirements is a must.
Analyse the pros and cons of both these popular flooring and wall tiles, and choose the best one that fits your needs. For any further help on choosing the right wall and flooring tiles for your home, get in touch with our sales team.
