The difference between porcelain and ceramic tile

 
Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile. The two have very different characteristics to make them behave differently in various installations. Read on to learn more.

Dorsey Brothers a family-owned, 55-year-old company, has a large inventory of various flooring products. We also have a staff of highly skilled installers, many of whom have 25 years' experience. The latter is especially important when considering a tile flooring installation, which is laborious and requires special skills and equipment.
 

All about porcelain tile

 
Porcelain tiles are the large-format pieces you often see in kitchens or baths. It, too, is made of clay, but the composition also includes sand and glass. That makes it heavier and more appropriate for high traffic floors. It’s also used on walls and tub/shower surrounds.

This is non-porous, so it'll be waterproof whether or not it's glazed. It's also frost-resistant, so it is fine to use outdoors on the patio and deck floors, poolside, etc. No polishing or sealing is required; it is easy to clean.

Porcelain comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including wood and stone-looks, as well as leather and fabric. Many feel the larger format with fewer seams gives it a more continuous look, such as that of quarried stone. That is a big advantage of marble, which is now also so popular in bathrooms.
 
 
 
 

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Ceramic tile

 
Ceramic tile doesn’t mean just those squares we also see on walls and backsplashes. Rather, it is a phrase describing anything made of clay, including subways, mosaics, and porcelain.

These are highly decorative pieces and come in all sizes and shapes; even subway tiles, once available only in 3 X 6 all-white rectangles, now come in a wide color palette. Mix and match them to create a unique design. Ceramic tiles are appropriate for flooring, on walls, backsplashes, accent walls, and tile art. All tile comes in different grades, making them appropriate for either flooring or wall use; be sure to tell your tile retailer how you plan to use them.

For more information about tile or any of our other products, visit the Dorsey Brothers showroom in Hagerstown, MD, serving: Hagerstown, Clear Spring, Boonsboro, Hancock, Keedysville, and Smithsburg. We provide a free, no-obligation in-home quote.