Porcelain floor tile is hard and dense enough that it can even be used outdoors, though it's mostly recommended for mild climates. Porcelain is even more heat-resistant than other types of ceramic, and it's also less likely to chip or crack over time.
Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile.
Large format tiles are also more prone to cracking than smaller tiles. Because they are larger and heavier, they can be more difficult to handle and install. This means that if they are not installed properly, they can crack or become damaged over time.
Misconception #2: “Large format panels are more fragile and therefore, more likely to crack.” In reality: With proper installation, tiles that are larger in size are no more likely to crack than their smaller relatives.
Because of its finish and through body composition the same may not be visible, but it does happen. However, modern porcelain tiles do not crack easily, it must be a particularly unusual circumstance under which a porcelain tile cracks.
Large tiles can't flex over raised areas or dips in the subfloor like smaller tiles can. If the substrate is not perfectly level, using large tiles can result in lippage, which is when the edge of one tile is higher than an adjacent tile.
Although tiled floors are incredibly durable, heavy items being dropped or placed on the tiles can lead to cracks. This is a common issue when ceramic wall tiles are used within floor tile applications, as they are often not suitable for supporting items such as fridges, dishwashers and washing machines.
You should make sure that an anti-fracture membrane has been laid between your tile and the subfloor. Anti-fracture membranes are designed to absorb any cracking energy and disperse it across a larger area of the floors. This keeps all that pressure off of a single tile and prevents cracking.
Whether in an area of the home that sees high footfall, such as the hallway or kitchen, or in a commercial space, porcelain is the most hardwearing. However, compared to other flooring options such as laminate or carpet, ceramic tiles still represent a durable and hard-wearing choice.
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
Compared to other flooring materials, such as hardwood flooring, natural stone, or vinyl tile, porcelain tile can be less comfortable underfoot due to its hardness. It's colder to walk on, especially in the winter.
As long as porcelain tiles are in a good condition before laying and laid correctly then no chipping should occur over time.
Porcelain floor tile, however, is one of your best options if you're looking for flooring that will hold up to heavy traffic. It is a type of ceramic tile known for its fine grain, density, and smooth finish.
Ceramic Tile
Although they are slightly softer than porcelain tiles, they're still highly resistant to cracking and breaking, especially those with high PEI ratings. One aesthetic issue with ceramic tiles is that they're usually a different color than the glaze that's applied to them.
Many tile cracks form after falling objects hit the floor. Other cracks stem from heavy items lying on the tiles. Cracked concrete substrates also lead to reflective cracks on overlaid tiles. Make sure you purchase and install tiles that adhere to various durability standards.
Unfortunately, the cracks do not arise during the cutting or immediately after, but appear when the tile is already laid and is subjected to different loads such as the foot fall of the people, accidental impacts, weights of furniture and equipment. Stress will also be created by natural movement of the house settling.
Ceramic tile can easily last 75 to 100 years, while natural stone (like marble or granite) can last well over 100.
Porcelain is less likely to crack under extreme heat, whereas ceramic can become damaged, cracked, or even change shape when exposed to extreme heat.
Ceramic tiles are made to be fireproof and can withstand temperatures up to 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit without any damage. Fully vitrified ceramic tile is resistant to the highest levels of heat and will not degrade even at temperatures above 570 degrees Fahrenheit.
The most popular and readily available tile sizes are (in inches) 12 x 12, 16 x 16, 12 x 24 and 18 x 18. The color of your tiles can hide wear and tear.
Floor tiles need to be thicker and stronger than wall tiles. This is because they bear a larger load. Some wall tiles are thin and walking on them could result in breakage of the tile. To find out if your tiles suit the fitment on your floor, check out these three tile ratings.
If you want to create a spacious room or are craving that sleek modern look - large and extra format tiles are for you! But if you are after a more intimate feel or intricate design, smaller tiles might be for you!
The clays used for ceramic tile are less dense than porcelain clays, which means ceramic tiles are somewhat more prone to cracking and breaking.