WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “PORCELAIN” TILES and “CERAMIC” TILES?
The only difference is the quality of the clay which makes up the body of the tile. Porcelain clays are more refined and “higher” quality than other clays. Porcelains can be fired at a higher temperature than other clays, making them more vitrified, i.e., more frost-proof, harder and more stain-resistant and less shrinkage in the kiln means more precise tiles. “Ceramic” usually refers to a “red” body tile. It is fired at a lower temperature, is usually not frost-proof. Even though “ceramic” tiles are perceived as less quality than “porcelains” they are very suitable for interior, residential installations. Porcelain can be glazed, unglazed or semi glazed and the term porcelain has come to mean all types. If you are looking for a through-body porcelain for a heavy commercial use, they for the most part, fall into the unglazed category.
