Find the answers to your home improvement questions.
If you haven’t purchased porcelain or ceramic tiles before, differentiating between these two materials can be tricky. They have similar qualities and look the same. To make matters even more confusing, porcelain is technically a type of ceramic. So how much of a distinction is there, really, besides the price? . . . Read more
The variation of color, texture, and tone between individual ceramic and porcelain tiles is known as color shade variation. An inherent characteristic of any fired product, variation in color and shade can actually enhance the character and beauty of the finished project. Within each style, and even within each production . . . Read more
Ceramic tile frost resistance is defined as the ability of ceramic tile to withstand freeze/thaw conditions with minimal effect. The frost resistance of ceramic tile is dependent on the tile’s porosity and water absorption levels. Frost damage can occur when ceramic tiles absorb moisture through their pores, causing the water . . . Read more
Along with hardness and slip resistance, water absorption is an important thing to consider when shopping for porcelain tile. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed a rating system for the moisture absorption of tiles. These rating are assigned based on a procedure that tests the tile’s permeability to . . . Read more
Skid resistance scales are used to determine the degree of slippage on a tiled surface. While assessing different tile surfaces, wet and dry conditions along with the speed of the subject are monitored. Also, the required force to move that subject and the angle of the tiled surface are considered . . . Read more
If you’re like most casual DIYers, your main considerations when picking out ceramic or porcelain tile are cost, color, and size. In fact, if you’re like most DIYers, you probably haven’t heard of a PEI rating — but this should actually be one of your top considerations when selecting tile for . . . Read more
When it comes time to plan out your home renovation project, you’re faced with finding a balance between the practical and the decorative. Luckily, with ceramic and porcelain tile you get both. Despite this, not all ceramic and porcelain tiles are the same – glazed and unglazed options have their . . . Read more
The way that ceramic tile and porcelain tile is made can vary based on the type of tile and what it is being used for, but there are common design and material elements across all types. Simply explained, ceramic tile is tile made of clay that is shaped and then . . . Read more
The difference between ceramic tile and porcelain tile is a small one. Both tiles are made of ceramic, which is a fired clay material. Porcelain tile is a specific type of ceramic that has unique features such as a high density and durability that is hard to beat for high-traffic . . . Read more
The use of ceramic tile can be traced back to the creation of clay roof coverings many centuries ago, but it is still popular today as technological advances in tile have meant that it can be used on walls, floors, ceilings, fireplaces, in murals, and even as an exterior cladding. . . . Read more