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Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile

"Porcelain is generally denser than most ceramic tile and has a lower absorbtion rate" says Chris McCormick, owner of Med City Tile, Inc. "The extra density make porcelain less likely to chip or scratch."

An important thing to look for, when comparing different tiles, is the PEI rating, especially at discount stores. The PEI rating will tell how resistant the tile surface will be to scratching and chipping. This rating scale is from 0 to 5, with 5 being the most resistant.

In a typical residential application, porcelain and ceramic will endure comparably provided they have the same PEI rating. In terms of functionality, porcelain and ceramic will work for most residential and many commercial applications. Some porcelain tile can be used for exterior applications because it is frost resistant.

Porcelain tile tends to cost more than ceramic tile, but with an increase in demand, the price of porcelain has come down. From an installation standpoint, porcelain tile is harder to cut and bond than ceramic tile.

Porcelain and ceramic are both easily maintained. We recommend vacuuming the surface of the tile to remove dirt and dust, followed by a wet mop and a mild cleaning solution, such as vinegar. Vacuuming is key to long term maintenance becuase "wet mopping only" tends to build up dirt on the face of the tile and grout joints.

Copyright 2007 Rochester Area Builders, Inc. No part of the Builder's Corner articles may be reproduced or printed without written permission from Rochester Area Builders. 108 Elton Hills Lane NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Phone 507-282-7698.