Difference Between Ceramic Tiles and Vitrified Tiles

Table of Contents

In many homes, tiles are an important aspect of the interior and external décor. Ceramics are the most popular, and they are divided into two types: natural ceramic and vitrified tiles. The vitrified tiles resemble ceramic, but they’ve been further treated to seem glossy & reduced porous. If you don’t understand the key distinctions between ceramic and vitrified, it can be difficult to pick between the two.

Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles

The main difference between ceramic tiles and vitrified tiles is that Ceramic tiles are not as durable as vitrified tiles. Vitrified surfaces are more durable & scratch-resistant. Glazing, on the other hand, makes ceramics considerably stronger. The installation of vitrified tiles is more difficult than that of ceramic tiles. When someone is looking for water-resistant tiles ceramic is not a good option.

Natural clay is combined with water and shaped to create ceramic tiles. The tile is then glazed to protect it from water and scratches before being fired in a kiln to freeze it. Ceramic tiles are available in a range of colors and sizes, but they must always be glazed to ensure that they are protected.

Vitrified tiles are comparable to ceramic tiles, however, they’re created with somewhat different materials. Before being fired inside the kiln, the clay is combined with feldspar and quartz. These extra materials melt into the tile, forming a glassy element. The vitrified files are extremely stable and resistant to any form of absorption because of the glass component.

Comparison Table Between Ceramic Tiles and Vitrified Tiles

Parameters of ComparisonCeramic TilesVitrified Tiles
CompositionIt is made of earthen clay.
The material used to make vitrified tiles is silica, quartz, and feldspar.
StrengthLess strongStronger
AppearanceGlossy if glaze applied
Glossy, glassy, and smoother
AbsorbabilityMore water-absorbentLess absorbent
StainsLess resistant to stains
More resistant to stains

What are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tiles have a natural aspect and are frequently rough in texture. The ceramic tiles were made entirely of clay soil combined with water. Ceramic tile’s disadvantage is that it is porous and retains additional water; as a result, it is not recommended for usage in regions where there is a lot of water. Glazing, on the other hand, can improve water protection and strengthen the tile. Some of the tiles aren’t glazed.

Ceramic tiles are molded and heated at extremely high temperatures after being mixed with clay and water. Other composites can be added to increase the number of possibilities. Ceramic tiles, for example, come in a variety of colors. Ceramic tiles are simple to install as well as replace.

The joints, on the other hand, might be placed relatively far apart, allowing grout and filth to collect in the crevices. Ceramic tiles are low-maintenance, which is why they’re ideal for high-traffic areas as kitchens and baths. Most often, soap and warm water will clean the majority of the dirt and grime. That is why it is easy to manage in a building and people prefer them. Another feature that makes it home friendly is being watered absorbent, which makes them home friendly and easy to maintain as it absorbs water on it.

What are Vitrified Tiles?

Vitrified tiles are created using a practice called vitrification, which aims to make the tiles durable. Vitrified tiles have the looks of ceramic tiles, although they are shinier, harder, less absorbent, & far less porous. Such properties seem to be due to the combination of quartz crystals, silica, and feldspar, which provide the tile a mirror appearance, trying to make it more appealing. Before the kiln is fired, the mixture is created.

Vitrified tiles, unlike ceramic tiles, have a crystalline texture due to the inclusion of glass elements in their construction. Clay is also utilized, but in far fewer amounts than in ceramic tiles. Before heating the dye, it is combined with clay to create distinct hues. If you scratch the vitrified tiles, the color will appear to be uniform throughout. Vitrified tiles are much more durable as a result of the method used.

Unlike ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles are never glazed. Instead, before the clay is baked, a dye is added to it. This dye gives the clay a consistent hue, so the color will not fade even if the vitrified tile is scuffed. Vitrified tiles are either polished or unpolished instead of being glazed. Polished tiles have such a dazzling gloss, but unpolished tiles get a grainy, more natural appearance.

Main Differences Between Ceramic Tiles and Vitrified Tiles

  • Ceramic and vitrified tiles differ in that ceramic tiles are less durable than vitrified tiles. Vitrified surfaces are more scratch-resistant and durable. Glazing, on the other hand, significantly strengthens ceramics.
  • If both tiles are compared based on the strength, ceramic tiles are proven to be the less strong ones as compared to vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles carry more strength.
  • The appearance of ceramic tile can be glossy in the case when gloss is applied on it Whereas vitrified tile’s appearance is smooth, glossy, and glassy which gives a better finishing after installation.
  • If both tiles are differentiated based on absorbability then the ceramic tiles absorb more water in comparison to vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles absorb less water.
  • Stain resistance means how much a type of surface resists dirt or stains to settle on them. Ceramic tiles are less resistant to dirt whereas vitrified tiles are more stain-resistant in comparison to ceramic tiles.
  • Conclusion

    The home is a house without its members, just like that, a home is incomplete without its accessories and details. These tiles play an important role in providing interior finishing of the appearance at home. Those ceramic tiles provide finishing after applying gloss whereas vitrified tiles are built with finishing and smooth texture.

    Small elements like tiles can decide the overall view of a house. So the details are important to consider while deciding on purchasing which one. There are many differences which should be in a person’s mind while purchasing these tiles and are listed above so a better decision can be made.

    References

  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X00000349
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169131714000283
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