Many think they’re the same, but a porcelain floor tile is quite different from a ceramic and behaves differently in specific installations.
Construction is a significant difference
While porcelain is a type of ceramic, its composition includes a non-porous clay combined with sand and glass. It’s also fired at higher temperatures than others, resulting in an ultra-strong, dense, and heavy tile flooring suitable for heavily trafficked rooms like the kitchen.
Another significant difference is the moisture absorption rate; kaolin, the clay used with porcelain, does not absorb, making the tile impervious whether or not it’s glazed and suitable for deck and patio floors and poolside. It can even withstand those freeze/thaw cycles we sometimes get in Arkansas.
It does, however, have the same countless colors and patterns as any other tile. A large-format, this can be made to look like anything, including fabric and leather, and is our tile shop customers’ preferred choice for stone and wood looks for walls, and tub/shower surrounds.
The many types of ceramic tile
There are many more choices than the 4 X 4 glazed square with which we’re all familiar. These highly designed pieces are often seen on walls, backsplashes, counters and are ideal for indoor in moderately foot trafficked rooms.
You’ll also see mosaics in our tile store, the decorative, often glass-coated, tiny but durable tiles used as accents and now trending for bathroom floors. Terracotta bricks were once only used outdoors, but, especially with the popularity of rustic decor, they are now being brought inside.
Subways were once always white and rectangular but now come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. Usually seen on backsplashes, they can be used on indoor low traffic floors like the bedroom. Listellos are bands of border tiles used as accents.
At Webb Floors, you’ll see many tile flooring options, including wood looks, matte, satin, and textured finishes. Come in to explore our inventory and get a free quote. If you live in Bella Vista, Garfield, Pea Ridge, Bentonville, Rogers, or Centerton, AR, you’ll be conveniently located near our flooring store in Pea Ridge, AR.
