Which is Better for Kitchen Floors: Porcelain or Ceramic Tile?

When it comes to kitchen floor, you definitely want something that will shed water and stand up to heavy traffic. Before you decide on what type of tile flooring to be installed in your kitchen, you should consider their properties, price and of course the most essential one is workability. Ceramic tiles are made with a mixture of clay, minerals and sand, while porcelain tiles consist of more sand and added refined materials too, is subjected to higher temperatures and more pressure during firing. Either material is suitable for your kitchen flooring. But there are few factors to consider the best flooring that suits your kitchen.
 

Important factors to consider:

• Density and Moisture Absorption
• Wear Ratings
• Costs and Cuts
• Standing up to traffic

Density and Moisture Absorption

Density levels and moisture absorption rating potentiality is more in porcelain tiles than ceramics. The process of firing and grained raw material makes porcelain tiles denser than ceramic tiles. Density in porcelain tiles provides more resistance to chipping and scratches than ceramic also makes porcelain tiles to absorb less moisture from humidity, spills and foot traffic. In addition, porcelain tiles are more resistant to staining while sauces, cooking, and food accidentally splatter on the floor. A few ceramic tiles have a thin glass shiny finish applied to the surface during the manufacturing process, this glaze helps in enhancing the tile’s stain absorption and resistance to moisture.
 

Wear Ratings

The grading system of PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) helps in deciding which tile holds up best under defined conditions. This grading level applies to types of ceramic tiles. Though there are no standards for tile durability, but most tiles are classified using PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) ratings, which are:

1. No Foot traffic
2. Light traffic
3. Moderate to light traffic
4. Moderate to heavy traffic
5. Heavy to extra-heavy traffic

The system assigns a PEI Rating of 1 to 5 for each type of tile, with first being recommended only for use on walls, and rest defining tiles used for any residential, commercial or industrial applications. Porcelain tiles have a PEI rating of 5, which makes them the toughest tiles available. While choosing ceramic tiles, select with a PEI rating of 2 and above at least, as higher ratings of PEI offers better wear resistance.
 

Costs and Cuts

Though porcelain provides high- end performance in durability, stain resistance as well as humidity, but it tend to cost more than ceramic tiles. The density it lends makes porcelain such a tough tile also makes it more difficult to work with. If you prepare to install porcelain tiles on your own, buy or rent a diamond blade wet saw for cutting individual tiles. Following other tile cutting methods will not work well with porcelain. Though ceramic is tough to install than porcelain, it is an investment that pays off, increasing the value of your home.
 

Standing up to traffic

Durability and density of porcelain tiles offers superior performance in areas of high foot traffic. Furniture, such as kitchen chairs, tables is less possible to damage porcelain than ceramic tiles. Some porcelain tiles have an added advantage, maintains same color throughout the entire tile. Anyhow, in the end these tiles do chip or wear, but the damage is less visible.

Ultimately, choose the type of flooring that balances your needs and life style of your home. At the same time, tiling a kitchen floor will always be a smart choice for many owners because of its timeless appeal and durable nature.