Tiles are an essential part of building and décor – be it for residential or commercial spaces. Tiles are manufactured using a variety of materials such as ceramic, vitrified, porcelain, glass, etc. and it can get confusing to know which tile works best for your space.
Double charge tiles and glazed vitrified tiles are two tiles that are quite popular for spaces that witness heavy traffic, but knowing the difference between the two can get confusing. The confusion between the two arises because they both belong to the vitrified tiles category. The process of manufacturing both tiles is very similar and so are their features, but the most basic and underlying difference between the two tiles is in how the surface is prepared, the designs and the usage of the tile.
Here is a brief idea of what each tile is and the differences between the two.
What Are Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles are very popular since they are not only durable and robust, but also provide a degree of protection against scratches and stains. They also have low porosity, protecting your floors and walls from water damage. Vitrified tiles are tiles made using a mix of materials that are pressed down using hydraulic technology and fired at high temperatures. This results in the vitrification of the tile, where the tile gets a glass like surface and has a strong and single mass body. Vitrified tiles can be used in both residential and commercial spaces.
Types of Vitrified Tiles
There are namely four categories in which vitrified tiles can be classified into:
Glazed Vitrified Tiles
Double Charge Vitrified Tiles –These can be double layer or multi layer tiles
Full body Vitrified Tiles
Nano Polish Vitrified Tiles (Also known as Soluble Salt Tiles)
Glazed vitrified tiles are available in a variety of colours and designs and have a glazed surface. Under this category we have glazed vitrified tiles or GVT that are matte, polished glazed vitrified tiles or PGVT that are glossy, and digital glazed vitrified tiles or DGVT that have a design digitally imprinted on their surface. These tiles are available in designs like wooden, marble, stone, granite, floral, geometric, etc. and sizes such as 600x600mm, 145x600mm, 200x1200mm, 600x1200mm and 300x300mm.
Double Charge tiles are manufactured by pressing together two separate layers. To recognise a double charge it is best to view it from the side – two distinct layers will be visible with a base body and a layer above it. These tiles are also often referred to as multi charge tiles and are about 2 to 4 mm thicker than regular tiles.
Since the layer of pigment is thicker in double charged tiles, the colour of the tile doesn’t fade even with constant use – making these tiles a great choice for high traffic areas and the outdoors. These double charge vitrified tiles are available in a variety of sizes, such as 600x600mm, 600x1200mm, 800x800mm, 800x1600mm and 1000x1000mm and in designs like marble and granite.
Double Charge Vitrified Tiles Vs. Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) – 7 Differences That Set Them Apart
Let’s look at the differences between double charge tiles and glazed vitrified tiles.
1. Process of Manufacturing
Glazed Vitrified Tiles are usually manufactured by digitally imprinting the surface of a vitrified tile and then applying a layer of glaze on it.
Double Charge Tiles are made by pressing down two layers – a base layer and a pigmented layer – using a hydraulic press. These tiles are 2 to 4 mm thicker than regular tiles.
2. Printing
The designs on these Glazed Vitrified Tiles are imprinted on the surface of the tile using printers. You can print all kinds of intricate designs on these tiles and the printed layer is less than 1 mm. This makes the variety of patterns more.
The designs on Double Charge Tiles are created by feeding coloured pigments into the press. There are different moulds for different designs that help you set the quantity of colour to add. These designs are imprinted on the upper layer and can be about 2 to 4 mm thick.
3. Design Options
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) have a wide range of designs and patterns, since you can print almost any design that you like on the surface of the tiles. Some of the most popular designs are wooden, granite, marble, stone, geometric, and floral.
Double Charge Tiles, however, come in a very limited variety of designs. There are fixed moulds and there is only a limited number of designs that can be produced – such as marble and granite.
4. Durability
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) have only a 1 mm print layer. These tiles last long in low traffic zones, but have chances of fading in high traffic areas.
Double Charge Tiles however, come with a top 2 to 4 mm layer on top. Since double charge tiles are thicker than regular tiles, they are considered to be more durable and can withstand more wear and tear without showing obvious signs of distress. They also have a higher Modulus of Rupture (MOR) than GVT tiles, making them a great choice for medium to high traffic areas.
5. Usage
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) are preferred to be used in low to medium traffic areas of residential and commercial spaces, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and office cabins.
Double Charge Tiles are preferred to be used in medium to high traffic areas, such as living rooms, dining rooms, banquet halls, malls, airports, railway stations, metro stations, restaurants, cafés, hospitals, boutiques, etc.
6. Sizes Available
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) are available in many sizes starting from regular sizes such as 300 x 600mm to large format sizes of 1200x1800mm and even in plank tiles of 195x1200mm.
Double Charge Tiles are available in 600x600mm regular sizes and larger sizes such as 600x1200mm and 800x1600mm
7. Tile Body
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) are coated with a layer of glaze before the tile passes through the kiln. The thin layer of glaze on them is around 1 mm thickness.
Double Charge Tiles do not have any kind of glaze coating but have two layers. The upper layer measures about 3 to 4 mm and has the colour pigment(s) in it. The lower layer is the base vitrified tile body.
Common Misconceptions About Glazed Vitrified Tiles
GVTs are all Slippery:
GVT tiles are available in an incredibly broad range of finishes, with textured and matte versions providing superior slip resistance. Even though some polished GVT tiles could feel a little slick when wet, strategically placed throw rugs will compensate for the slipperiness of polished GVT tiles that occur specifically in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms. This easily done solution assures safety without losing aesthetic appeal for the tiles.
GVT Tiles are Difficult to Maintain:
GVT tiles are very easy to maintain. Their glazed, flat surface makes cleaning as easy as any other regular floor requires—only an ordinary mop and proper cleaning supplies. Their lack of requirement for specific waxes or sealants makes them a low-maintenance floor choice.
Common Misconceptions of Double Charge Tiles
Double Charge Tiles are too Expensive for all Budgets:
Double-charge tiles are often more expensive than glazed tiles because of the production process. However, it is the value brought to high-traffic areas through the more brilliant and long-lasting look that will prove to be more worth the money invested in it in the long run. Because of the increasing demand for double-charge tiles, customers are being progressively provided with different price ranges to have more pocket-friendly options as per their individual budget preferences.
Only Plain Colours are Available for double-charged tiles.
Double-charge tiles are not limited to just basic colours, although they are known for their solid colour throughout the tile. Due to the double pressing process, in granite or marble, features like delicate veining or shading resemble actual stone.
Conclusion
As you can see, glazed vitrified tiles and double charge tiles have their similarities, yet are used in different ways. The selection of the tile for your space will depend on the function of the space, overall design theme, budget, and most importantly, personal choice.
In general, vitrified tiles are a preferred choice of flooring for both residential and commercial spaces since they are robust, easy to clean, require minimal maintenance, and have a low porosity. They also provide a degree of resistance against stains and scratches.
What is the Main Difference Between Double Charge Tiles and Glazed Vitrified Tiles?
The difference between double-charge tiles and vitrified tiles is their durability and construction process. Double charge tile has two layers, so they are thicker and stronger and are recommended for high-traffic areas. Vitrified tiles are single-layered, having glazed finishing on the top, therefore, they’re versatile in terms of design. But they are less durable and stronger than double-charge tiles.
Which One is More Durable, Double Charge Tiles or Glazed Vitrified Tiles?
Alternative Title
Which Kind of Tile is Stronger: Glazed Vitrified or Double Charge?
Double-charge tiles are more durable than vitrified glazed tiles. Because its top layer offers extra protection against normal wear and tear, double-charge tiles are preferable for high-traffic areas.
Are Double Charge Tiles Suitable for Outdoor Use?
Yes, double-charge tiles can also be used for outdoor purposes. They are perfect for patios balconies and other outdoor areas as they do not readily fade. They are also very durable and strong during rough weather conditions. Additionally, safety is a top priority, therefore picking tiles with anti-slip properties is crucial.
Are Double-charged Tiles more expensive than glazed vitrified tiles?
Yes, double charge tiles are generally more expensive than glazed vitrified tiles. The higher cost is due to the manufacturing process, where two layers of pigment are used to create a thicker and more durable surface on double charge tiles, providing better resistance to wear and tear.
Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
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