Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tile Countertop

Each surface material ranges in price some being more dramatic than others.

Ceramic vs porcelain tile countertop.

While the porcelain countertop price is higher than laminated counters or ceramic tile though less than granite and other natural stones the investment is balanced by the longevity. Ceramic tile is more porous and therefore has a higher water absorption rate. When considering a tile refresh for any floor wall or countertop keep porcelain and ceramic tiles top of mind for their classic look and clean lined appearance. Avoid using it in high traffic areas.

The first generation of porcelain countertops featured slabs 3 4 thick and they were heavy. Ceramic tile is not as tough as porcelain. Ceramic tile generally is the less expensive option with average prices ranging from 2 to 7 per square foot. Porcelain tile is denser heavier and more impervious to water and thus is a better choice than ceramic tile for outdoor locations although outdoor use is recommended only in mild climates.

Porcelain tile is slightly higher at an average of 3 to 10 per square foot. Resistance to water is perhaps the biggest factor in the ceramic tile vs. Read on to find out which. Stone tile such as granite slate or marble runs 4 to 7 per square foot while glass.

So the obvious advice here is don t use ceramic knives but also it s always best to use a cutting board on any type of countertop. Porcelain countertops are essentially scratch proof however ceramic knives are the one thing that may scratch porcelain. That price difference is offset somewhat by the fact that porcelain tends to outlast ceramic. Best for kitchens and baths.

Porcelain tiles are made of high grade white clay whereas ceramics are made of coarser red or brown clay. Porcelain tile countertops are in essence a more refined version of ceramic tile countertops. Ceramic vs porcelain tile countertop. Porcelain is a harder and denser material that is excellent for floors and countertops.

More on scratches chips and cracks in the cleaning maintenance and repair section below. It should not be used in outside applications. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that features finer clays fired under higher temperatures. Porcelain tile has excellent resistance to heat making it a good choice for countertop surfaces.

The chart below compares the main characteristics of the most popular countertop materials in the market today. These include granite marble quartzite soapstone porcelain butcher block quartz solid surface and laminate. Traditional ceramic tiles are made of clay with a surface glaze. Tile can be a bargain running on average between 2 and 3 per square foot for ceramic and porcelain tile.