Two major factors affect the cost of individual tiles: material and size. Porcelain and acrylic tend to be less expensive tile materials because they are cheap to manufacture. On the other hand, natural stone and hand-crafted ceramic tile cost more because they require more effort to produce.
Yes, a higher quality tile is usually more expensive. But it could have a high quality appearance, higher quality production standards, or a higher durability rating.
While all ceramic tiles are essentially made of the same ingredients, the quality and color of those ingredients can make a dramatic difference in the price. For example, to make a tile with a pure white body requires white clay, which is much harder to find than the red or beige clay found in most tiles.
In an overall decision as to which tile is the best, one can surely go with the branded tiles. Some of the quick benefits of selecting branded tiles include: Customers can avail of a wide range of patterns, designs, and hues. The tiles available are best in terms of quality with uniform consistency and appearance.
What Makes Some Tiles Higher in Grade? The grade of porcelain tile is affected by the mixture of materials used in its manufacture, but mostly the grade is determined by the tile's thickness.
Porcelain and acrylic tend to be less expensive tile materials because they are cheap to manufacture. On the other hand, natural stone and hand-crafted ceramic tile cost more because they require more effort to produce. Additionally, larger tiles are more expensive than smaller ones.
Ceramic tile is graded from 1 to 5, with 5 being the longest wearing tiles. Grade 1 tiles are the weakest, with the best application as wall tiles.
1. Lower quality materials: The tiles may be made from lower quality materials, which can affect their durability and longevity. 2. Mass production: The tiles may be produced on a large scale, which can lower the cost per unit.
Check the slip resistance: If you're using porcelain tile in a bathroom or kitchen, choosing porcelain tiles with a high slip resistance rating is essential to prevent accidents. Porcelain floor tiles with an R rating of 10 are the most slip-resistant.
Cost: The differences in ingredients and preparation mean that ceramic tile can be less expensive than porcelain tile. Ease of Cutting: Ceramic tile is easier to cut, making it better suited for home DIY projects.
Ceramic Tile: At less than $1 per square foot, durable ceramic tile makes an excellent inexpensive flooring option. Look for manufactured tile that's rated at least a 3 on the PEI scale—the industry standard set by the Porcelain Enamel Institute.
Tile Flooring Lifespan: 20 years with low quality tile/installation, 30-50+ with high quality tile and proper installation. How long does tile flooring last? One of the most versatile floor types, tile is incredibly resilient, especially to water, with proper maintenance.
Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, natural stone tiles, pavers and quarry tiles, mosaic tiles, glass tiles, and luxury vinyl tiles are all durable tile floor options. Tile is a durable flooring option that can provide a long-lasting and attractive appearance for rooms and outside areas.
Porcelain Tiles
Of all the tile types available, porcelain is the strongest, beating wood and even cement, so it's easy to see why so many households choose it.
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.
If you want to use tile in a commercial environment, or in a high traffic location, porcelain tile is likely the better option. This highly dense material is much more difficult to break, and it will withstand heavy use over time well. Porcelain tile can even stand up to heavy furniture better than ceramic tile can.
Tile Thickness
The vast majority of porcelain tiles are 6mm to 10mm thick and a tile in this range will serve most purposes. Wall tiles typically range from 6 to 10mm thick.