Vitrified Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles

Main Difference

The main difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles is that the vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay and elements like silica, quartz, and feldspar, and ceramic tiles are made from clay.

Difference Between Vitrified Tiles and Ceramic Tiles

Comparison Chart

Vitrified Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles

Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay and elements like silica, quart, and feldspar. Ceramic tiles are made from clay. The clay is also referred to as earthen clay. Vitrified tiles look more like ceramic tiles, but they are processed more to look glossy and less porous. Ceramic tiles are the most preferred tiles. These are categorized into vitrified and natural ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles are used in commercial buildings. They have a glassy and glossy appearance. Ceramic tiles are mostly used inside the houses. The difference in their use is influenced by their water absorption rate. Vitrified tiles absorb less water, whereas ceramic absorbs more. Vitrified tiles are made of the mixture of clay, silica, feldspar, and quartz. Because vitrified tiles made of glass components, they have a glass and smooth texture. Ceramic tiles are made from the mixture of solvent and natural clay. They have a rough texture. But glazing can make ceramic tiles glossy. Vitrified are made tough and scratch-resistant. Ceramic tiles are less strong. Meanwhile, they are made relatively stronger with glazing. Vitrified tiles are expensive and harder to install. Ceramic tiles are easy to install and less expensive. Vitrified tiles are less solvent absorbent but more strain resistant. Ceramics is more solvent absorbent and less stain-resistant. Vitrified tiles are used in any area because they are less absorbent. Ceramic tiles are often applied in areas that are less frequented by water or any spillage.

What are Vitrified Tiles?

Vitrified tiles are made by a process called vitrification (as in their name). This process is aimed at making the tiles stronger. Vitrified tiles got their name from vitrifying that means the process of making a glass or something similar to glass. Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay and elements like quartz, silica, and feldspar. Due to such ingredients, the mixture melts on applying very high temperature, and a glass substrate is formed on the tile. Vitrified tiles are non-porous tiles with a glossy texture. They use a dye mixed with the clay before setting it on fire. This dye makes the color of the tiles throughout consistent. So if the surface of the tile chips off in any case, then a similar color is exposed underneath. Vitrified tiles are more durable Because of the process undertaken. This tile is also known for its capacity to absorb water and for being stain resistant. Vitrified tiles are used in outdoor as well as indoor areas. But due to their pleasing appearance, they are often used indoors. Vitrified tiles are most suitable for wet areas like the kitchen, bathroom, etc. The look of vitrified tiles is smooth and glossy. It gives you an aesthetic look, and it is easy to clean.

Main Features

• Glossy
• Harder
• Less absorbent
• Less porous
• Expensive
• 2ft×2ft (24” × 24’’) or more size
• 8 mm to 12 mm thickness
• Easy installation
• Easy maintenance
• Artificial look
• More durable
• Strong
• Absorption of water is negligible
• Frost, scratch, stain-resistant

What are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tiles are the tiles that are made up of a mixture of clay (generally known as earthen clay) and water. These tiles have a natural look and a rough appearance. The preparation process of ceramic tiles involves molding the clay into the shape of tiles and then cooking them inside a kiln. The heat makes the hard structure of clays. The tiles are coated with glaze later so that they become water-resistant. A variety of colors are also used to obtain a large selection of tiles. Due to their composition of clay and water, ceramic tiles are not very strong and do not show a glass-like an appearance. Also, These tiles are very porous; hence, they absorb water easily. They are often glazed To make them resistant to water. The glaze also works as a protective shield. Ceramic tiles have a natural and earthy look. However, there are also some disadvantages of ceramic tiles. They are porous and absorb more water. That is why they are not advisable to use it in areas exposed to too much water. The installation and maintenance of ceramic tiles are difficult, and it needs a special skilled person. Ceramic tiles are very porous and absorb water quickly. So there in the outdoor area will cause the tiles to develop cracks quickly.

Main Features

• Less expensive
• Smaller in size
• 6 mm to 12 mm thickness
• Difficult installation
• Maintenance not easy
• Hard and heavy
• Low resistant to frost, scratches, stains
• Not very slippery
• Less durable
• The natural and earthy look

Conclusion

Vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles are the two types of tiles. Both types are different from each other in their composition, texture, and many other features.