Porcelain Tiles Vs Vitrified Tiles: What’s the Difference?

Porcelain Tile
  • Tiles play a crucial role in both residential and commercial settings, serving functional and aesthetic purposes both indoors and outdoors.
  • With a wide range of types, sizes, finishes, and colors available, it’s essential to consider the suitability of vitrified and porcelain tiles for your specific needs.
  • If you’re planning to improve your home or office with new flooring, you might have come across the terms “porcelain tile” and “vitrified tile.
  • Both are popular choices for durable and stylish floors, but they have some key differences you should consider before making a decision.

 

Porcelain Tiles:

  • Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile made from a special clay that is fired at extremely high temperatures.
  • This high-temperature firing process results in a tile that is very dense, hard and has a low level of water absorption.
  • Think of porcelain tile as the “indestructible” champions of the tiling world.

 

Advantages of Porcelain Tiles:

Durability: Porcelain tiles are incredibly tough and resistant to damage. They can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them perfect for both residential and commercial spaces.

Water Resistance: These tiles are nearly impervious to water; consequently, they are a fantastic choice for areas that are frequently exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens.

Low Maintenance: Porcelain tiles are low maintenance because they don’t absorb spills. A quick wipe-down is usually all it takes to keep them clean.

Design Versatility: You’ll find porcelain tiles in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures. Some can even mimic the appearance of natural materials like stone or wood.

 

Vitrified Tiles:

  • Vitrified tiles are made by combining various types of clay and other materials, which are then fired at high temperatures, creating a glass-like surface.
  • However, these tiles are known for their shiny, non-porous finish, making them the “elegant” option in the world of tiles.

 

Advantages of Vitrified Tiles:

High Gloss: Vitrified tiles have a polished, shiny surface, thus lending a modern and luxurious look to any space.

Stain Resistance: Their non-porous nature means they are less likely to absorb spills or stains, hence making them a great choice for areas prone to spills or stains.

Strength: Vitrified tiles are incredibly strong; therefore, they can handle heavy furniture without chipping or cracking.

Design Options: They come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, moreover they offer plenty of design flexibility to suit your style.

 

Difference Between Porcelain tiles and Vitrified Tiles:

AspectPorcelain TilesVitrified Tiles
CompositionMade from special clay, fired at high temperatureMixture of clay and materials, high temperature
Water ResistanceHighly water-resistant, suitable for wet areasResistant to water but may need more maintenance in wet areas
DurabilityExtremely durable, resistant to damageStrong and durable, can withstand heavy use
Stain ResistanceHighly stain-resistant, easy to cleanResistant to stains, suitable for spill-prone areas
MaintenanceLow-maintenance due to low water absorptionLow-maintenance with easy cleaning
Appearance OptionsWide range of textures and finishes availableHigh-gloss finish, modern and luxurious look
Design VersatilityCan mimic natural materials like stone or woodOffers various colors and patterns
UseIdeal for high-traffic areas and outdoorsSuitable for both residential and commercial use
PriceGenerally more expensive due to durability and design optionsUsually more affordable, providing a cost-effective solution

Please note that the price can vary depending on the brand, quality, and specific design of the tiles you choose. It’s essential to consider your budget when making a decision.

 

Conclusion:

In summary, choose between porcelain and vitrified tiles based on your project’s demands and budget.

Porcelain tile excels in durability and water resistance; therefore, it is ideal for high-traffic and wet areas.

However Vitrified tile offers affordability, easy installation, and a sleek look, catering to diverse design choices.

Prioritize your project’s unique requirements, and accordingly, select the best tile.

At Irazo Ceramic, you can get the best quality, in addition to a wide range of designs.

 

Reference:

  • Porcelain tile [1].
  • Glazed Unglazed Porcelain Vitrified tiles [2].

Porcelain tiles are better for durability and water resistance in high-traffic and wet areas, while vitrified tiles offer affordability and a sleek finish for diverse design preferences. The choice depends on your specific project needs.

Both tiles are similar but not the same; porcelain tiles are denser and more water-resistant, while vitrified tiles are cost-effective with a polished finish.

For home flooring, porcelain tiles are a great choice due to their durability and water resistance.

These tiles are highly suitable for bathroom floors, given that they are moisture-resistant and durable, ensuring longevity and easy maintenance in wet areas. Their aesthetic versatility also makes them a popular choice for various bathroom designs.

You can find the best porcelain tiles at reputable tile retailers, as well as at home improvement stores, or through online suppliers with a good reputation..
At IRAZO you can get the best and high quality Porcelain tiles.