Porcelain Tiles vs. Vitrified Tiles: Which One Should You Choose?

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Tiles are an important aspect of residential as well as commercial spaces. The usage of tiles is varied – indoors or outdoors, both for functional and aesthetic purposes. Tiles come in different types, sizes, finishes and colours. The two kinds of tiles that are quite popular today are vitrified and porcelain. Before you decide which tile is perfect for your requirements, understand how to choose between the two types. 

Here we will compare the two types in terms of their properties, usage and installation styles. This will help you make an informed decision. 

1. Porcelain Tiles vs. Vitrified Tiles: Differences in Properties

• The significant aspect that differentiates porcelain from vitrified tiles is their manufacturing process and the temperature of firing. Porcelain tiles are stronger because of the higher temperature at which they are fired. Porcelain tiles can either be glazed or unglazed.
• While both porcelain and vitrified tiles have a low rate of water absorption, porcelain tiles have a slight edge over vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles have a water absorption rate that is lower than 1% while porcelain tiles generally have a water absorption rate that is lower than 0.5%. This makes them highly suitable for spaces that are prone to moisture, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor areas that are exposed to water. The customer just needs to ensure that they have installed unglazed and matte finish tiles in such areas. 
• Vitrified and porcelain tiles are both durable and resistant to wear and tear, chipping, and scratches to a large extent. Vitrified tiles are quite good against heavy footfall and thus can be installed in commercial spaces with high foot traffic.
• Both vitrified tiles and porcelain tiles come in different finishes including textured, glossy, and matte. A glossy finish is more popular in the case of vitrified tiles while a nature-inspired matte finish is popular in porcelain tiles.

2. Porcelain Tiles vs. Vitrified Tiles: Installation

As porcelain and vitrified tiles share a lot of properties, their method of installation is also quite similar, yet there are some subtle differences which are as follows:

• Preparation of substrate: You can install vitrified tiles on various clean and levelled substrates such as concrete, screed, tiled surface, etc.  In the case of porcelain tiles, the substrate needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the denser tiles.
• Adhesive: Vitrified tiles use cementitious tile adhesive, while porcelain tiles generally require epoxy-based or polymer-modified adhesive.
• Cutting: Vitrified tiles can be cut using a wet saw or a tile cutter. Porcelain tiles may need a special diamond wet saw and a similar tool to cut them due to their denser nature.
• Grouting: Both porcelain and vitrified tiles need grouting, but since vitrified tiles are much denser and harder than porcelain tiles, grouting must be done with greater care and precision. 

3. Porcelain Tiles vs. Vitrified Tiles: Usage Area

To a large extent, vitrified and porcelain tiles can be used interchangeably unless a specific requirement for either one is necessary. Vitrified tiles are perfect for areas with heavy traffic, while porcelain tiles work best in areas that are prone to moisture.

Vitrified tiles, as compared to porcelain, have a limited number of colours and designs, whereas porcelain has a huge range to choose from.

Which one should you choose – Porcelain or Vitrified tiles?

Some important factors to consider when choosing between vitrified or porcelain tiles are durability, design, budget, maintenance and finish.

But if you are confused about selecting the ideal one, here’s in-depth detail about each one. Talking about vitrified floor tiles, their exceptional resilience makes them an ideal choice for areas that bear heavy footfall. Their low level of porosity reduces maintenance expenses by providing moisture and stain resistance. These tiles are an appealing yet practical choice for buyers. Another advantage of these tiles is their easy availability in a diverse range of design and size options.

Porcelain tiles can endure a very long period as they offer a high level of scratch resistance. Also, they come in a variety of patterns and finishes, which is why they are so well-liked by homeowners who appreciate longevity and no maintenance.

If resilience and low upkeep are crucial to you, vitrified tiles can be an ideal choice overall, especially for buyers on a budget. However, if you’re ready to pay a little bit extra for a wider variety of designs, porcelain material tiles can be a preferred choice.

Choosing between porcelain and vitrified tiles can be a difficult choice, as both tiles share a lot of characteristics. It is always recommended to look at certain factors, including durability, porosity, water absorption, resistance to stains and scratches, etc. while buying tiles. Choose the tile depending on the area of usage and aesthetic requirement.

Porcelain and Vitrified tiles can both look quite beautiful in the house and are available in different colours, designs, and patterns. 

Still wondering how a tile would look in your home? Orientbell Tiles has got you covered and will help you choose the best design for your use with the help of  TriaLook – a visualisation tool that allows you to see how a particular tile will look in your room.

FAQs

Q1- Are porcelain tiles better than vitrified tiles?

Although vitrified and porcelain material tiles both retain moisture gradually, porcelain tiles often do so somewhat more rapidly than vitrified tiles. Vitrified material tiles usually absorb less than 1% of water, in contrast to porcelain tiles, which only take up 0.5%.

Q2- Do porcelain tiles break easily?

No, porcelain tiles are not readily broken. They are appropriate for high-traffic locations since they are composed of a robust, solid material that offers exceptional resistance to wear.

Q3- Are porcelain tiles more expensive compared to vitrified tiles?

In general, vitrified tiles are more affordable than porcelain-material tiles. Due to the variations in their manufacturing methods and material densities, vitrified tiles are an affordable choice that yet provides durability and a wide range of styles.

Q4- Do porcelain tiles or vitrified tiles offer better resistance to stains and scratches?

Porcelain material tiles show striking protection from scratches and spots, making them a favoured decision for homeowners who have wicked pets and are prone to disturbing spills. Therefore, you can rest assured that the porcelain floor tiles you have will not deteriorate over time.