| What are the pros and cons of ceramic vs porcelain tiles? Our home is on the east coast of <!—-> <!—-><!—->Canada<!—-><!—-> and without using radiant heat, we are wondering about the warmest material to use in bathrooms. Thanks for your input. Soondon |
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The FHB Podcast crew takes a closer look at an interesting roof.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Porcelain tiles are quite a bit harder than ceramic tiles.
When Porcelain tiles chip they are the same color throughout. When ceramic tiles chip they are black underneath the color. Jody
Neither one would be warm. They both have about the same thermal conductivity. What the other posters have said is true, because porcelain is fired at higher temperatures the tile is more dense and therefore durable. The color goes all the way through for unglazed tiles (like the ones in many locker rooms), though if they are glazed the color of the glaze might be different from the base. Porcelain is virtually non-porous so is best for outdoors subject to freezing.
Have you considered the high-end sheet vinyl? It is warmer on the feet, easier to clean, and at the high end of the price scale looks quite nice. Even the most expensive vinyls are less expensive after installation than tile.
Of course, any floor is fine with a nice, washable bathroom rug.
We've considered that as well as a ceramic lookalike, Edura, and also laminate tiles that have a water activated glue. Any comments are very much appreciated.
Soondon
Someone else mentioned vinyl, but in Canada you might be able to get real linoleum (the stuff made with linseed oil and wood flour) if you were so inclined, as I've heard a lot of it is made up there. Lots of people really like linoleum, but I suppose it's not for everyone.
Like the others said, The Porcelain is a harder, and consistent throughout in color. Ceramic red underneath. That being said, porcelain is usually about 3 times the price per sq/ft. Both are going to be cold--unless you put a warm floor system in.
Being in canada, i'd put in the warmfloor.....There are electric systems that is simply a matt that you bed into the thinset underneath the tiles. You wire it into a heat settings switch on the wall---warmth how you want it.
I'd stay away from the vinyl products, and linoleum, as they wear much quicker, unless you are on a budget
Just remember, porcelain or ceramic----seal them with a sylicone based sealer!
Silicone based sealer? Appreciate if you will let me know if this must be redone as time passes...does it wear off?
Considering lots of porcelain tile & doing so to avoid nicks & scratches on wood, replacing carpet, etc.
Thanks!
When you put in tile, after you grout it, and it dries for 48 hrs, you have got to seal the grout joints (on glazed tile that is, on unglazed you seal before grouting and after)
There are all types of tile sealers that you can buy......pretty much all are sylicone based. Basically sealing keeps water from slowly washing out the grout, or leaking down underneath and doing worse.
You should probly re-seal every 3-5 years, but the sealer you buy will have more specific instructions. Its really easy to do, just wipe it on with a sponge, let sit 5 minutes and wipe off the excess.
A good ceramic floor can last 50 years or more
Sealers have to be redone periodically. You might also consider epoxy grout. I've never done epoxy grout, but reading on Breaktime it sounds like it is more resistant to water and staining.
Appreciate the tip to use epoxy grout which may be of help in a kitchen/laundry, etc. Now if only I can locate this thread once I begin discussing with tileman!
And then there may be that strange look I'll get like "how do I know enough to tell him how to do his job when he has been at it for years"??? Will never understand folks who think the way done previously is the only way!
Many thanks!
When I was young I used to have a talent for coming across impolitely to older people who have been in a trade for some time. I've learned some phrases and interpersonal techniques to overcome that. One of the more effective methods in a situation like yours in which you wish to investigate using some less common, more advanced technique is to say something like, "have you ever worked with epoxy grout?" That's a more neutral conversation starter than, say, "I want you to use epoxy grout."
Thanks, Wayne, for the tip on how to better approach installer to learn more about & perhaps to utilize epoxy grout. With our house currently in framing stage, your suggestion will certainly come in handy with more than just the grout.
Again, thanks for the reminder on how a novice can gain more just by being polite!
If the porcelain tiles you choose for the bathroom floor are polished, they will be very slippery - cold or wet.
Thank-you for the input. We are still undecided on the flooring.
Wondering about Marmoleum.