More Q & A For Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
What is wear layer?
The top layer of a flooring material that covers a patterned effect is called wear layer.
What is meant by stain resistance?
Stain resistance is a characteristic whereby the tile withstands the absorption of moisture and
other substances that would otherwise remain in the tile body.
What is meant by a polished tile?
A tile with a glossy surface finish that reflects light and emphasizes the color and marking of the
material is a polished tile. This finish is achieved by sanding or grinding the tile with diamond
heads.
What is ceramic tile?
Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clays which have been shaped, colored and fired at
high temperatures, resulting in a hard body. This hard body may then be left untreated or it may
receive a glazed wear layer. Ceramic tile is a surfacing unit, and has been used for covering
roofs, floors, walls and countertops.
What is porcelain tile?
Made from fine-grain clay and minerals, porcelain tile is a ceramic product with a very hard,
solid structure. The body of each porcelain tile is very resistant to moisture (classified as
impervious), and is therefore less likely to stain. Porcelain tile is a very hard tile option, and is
typified by its resistance to wear and tear over long periods of time.
What is the difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile?
Porcelain tiles are also ceramic tiles. They are a specified form of ceramic tiles, but composed of
much fine and dense clay and fired at much higher temperatures, if compared. Porcelain tiles are
made by clay with water absorption rating of less than 0.5%, while ceramic tiles have a clay
composition with water absorption of more than 0.5%.
This composition makes porcelain tile more homogenous, dense, much stronger and less prone to
moisture absorption and staining. For those reasons porcelain can be suitable for locations with
extreme moisture and in freeze or thaw conditions. Not all ceramic tiles can be installed at
locations with freezing weather, due to the likelihood of moisture freezing inside the tiles.
Internal freezing causes the moisture to expand as it freezes, which often manifests as cracks in
the tile.
Porcelain is homogenous in terms of through-body color. Porcelain tile is less porous and
therefore less prone to cracking. Porcelain tile is more scratch resistant than most ceramic tile.
How is the hardness of the glaze determined?
Glaze is a liquid glass that is sprayed or poured onto the surface of the tile. The glaze is then
fused and hardened by means of very high temperatures. Colors are created from a mixture of
minerals, such as gold, silver, zinc, copper, mercury, and cobalt. Strength and wear resistance of
the tile is reinforced by the hardness of the glaze. The harder the glaze, the better the tile will
stand up to pressure and abrasion. Glaze hardness is determined by:
Temperature
The higher the kiln (oven) temperature is, the harder the glaze will be.
Color
Light-colored glazes are usually harder than dark-colored ones.
Gloss Level
Matte-finished or satin-finished glazes are generally harder. Shiny glazes
are usually softer and less durable.