What Are the Differences Between Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles

When building or renovating your house, you don’t want to miss out on anything. One of the most important steps you need to take is the selection of the right tiles. Tiles play an important role in the overall look of your home. Ceramic and Vitrified tiles are the most popular options when it comes to choosing floor or wall tiles for homes. Both tile types are different and are suitable for different places.

Along with the looks and texture, there are a lot of factors to differentiate between ceramic and vitrified tiles. You will be able to make the right choice only when you understand the difference between the two. Let us help you out with the same:

What are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic is a broader term used to describe all types of natural clay. Ceramic tiles are made up of clay and water. The top surface of the tiles is glazed to provide them with a hard, non-porous and chemical-resistant surface

These can be found in a variety of colors, designs, and finishes. You can even get a natural stone-like look with ceramic. What makes ceramic tiles better than natural stones is their easy installation and stain-resisting properties. 

What are Vitrified Tiles?

Vitrified tiles are a type of ceramic tile with very low porosity. These are prepared by the vitrification process using 60% silica and 40% clay. The tiles are set under extremely high temperatures to give them a glass-like texture.

The low porosity and scratch-resistant properties of these tiles make them easy to maintain. Vitrified tiles are available in the following varieties:

• Polished Vitrified Tile

• Glazed Vitrified Tile

• Polished Glazed Vitrified Tiles

• Full Body Vitrified Tiles

• Double Charged Vitrified Tiles

Ceramic vs Vitrified Tiles

Ceramic tiles are non-vitrified tiles that are baked at about 800 degrees Celsius. Vitrified tiles on the other hand are baked at about 1200 degrees Celsius. Higher temperature gives the vitrified tiles unique qualities and gives them a unified structure with glass-like hardness.

Ceramic Tiles

• High porosity, need glazing to provide surface hardness and water resistance

• Only two variations based on surface finish 3D elevated tiles and High gloss

• Tiles have lower body strength. However, strong enough to be placed at floor.

• Floor tiles must be thicker than wall tiles

• Most economical option

• Requires regular cleaning and dust removal to maintain the surface quality 

• Usage: Indoor, walls and home floors

Vitrified Tiles

• Very low porosity. Tile body has micro pores which can be polished or glazed to cover 

• Multiple variations based on the type of glaze, polish, and composition of the base material.

• Very strong tiles. 1.5 to 2-centimetre-thick tiles can be installed using frames. Body strength and density can be manipulated during manufacturing

• The same tiles can be used for both floor and wall applications. However, lighter tiles should be preferred for wall applications.

• Price can greatly vary based on the weight, density and glaze or polish of the tile

• Higher surface hardness. Surface can handle higher footfall than ceramic tiles Regular cleaning is recommended for high gloss tiles.

• Usage: Indoor and outdoor, parking, pavement, rooftop, swimming pool, malls, etc.

1. Composition and Texture

   Ceramic tiles consist of natural clay and water. These have a natural earthen look and comparatively rough texture. An external coating is added to give them a glass-like finish, but the original texture of these tiles is porous.

   Vitrified tiles are made up of silica, clay, quartz, and feldspar. These tiles have an artificial glass-like look that they achieve through the process of vitrification. The texture of these tiles is smooth and glossy.

2. Water Absorption

   Ceramic tiles are more porous and hence absorb water quickly. This is why using non-vitrified ceramic tiles outdoors is not a good idea. On the other hand, water absorption is almost negligible in vitrified tiles. Therefore, these tiles are more suitable for wet areas.

3. Strength and Durability

   Though ceramic tiles are also durable and mechanically strong, vitrified tiles are even stronger. The ability to withstand heavy weights regularly is higher in vitrified tiles than in ceramic ones. Ceramic tiles have a low breaking strength of 200 N compared to the breaking strength of vitrified tiles, which is 700 N.

4. Installation

   Vitrified tiles are lighter and hence are easier to install as compared to heavy ceramic tiles. Moreover, the installation process itself is quite challenging for ceramic tiles and requires more skilled labours.

5. Costs

   Vitrified tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. But as the vitrified tiles are easier to install and require low maintenance, it is better to make a one-time investment in them.

6. Maintenance

   Both ceramic and vitrified tiles are stain resistant. However, vitrified tiles have an additional feature of scratch resistance, which makes them much easier to clean and maintain. Ceramic tiles are porous and have wider grout lines, which make them difficult to clean over time.

7. Slip Resistance

   Slip resistance is the surface resistance the tiles offer. This feature can be available with both ceramic and vitrified tiles. However, vitrified tiles have more variations and applications than ceramic tiles.

   For example, slip-resistant ceramic tiles can be used indoors and in low-footfall areas. Outdoor spaces and areas with medium to high footfall should use vitrified tiles for longer lifespans.

8. Size & Designs 

   Vitrified and ceramic tiles have a wide range of sizes. However, vitrified tiles have a wider range with large format tiles such as 60x120cm and higher.

   Vitrified tiles offer a perfect replica of natural stones. This makes them suitable for applications in areas like outdoor parking, swimming pool, pavement, etc. Ceramic tiles are comparatively smaller and usually have a digitally printed surface design or embossed texture.

9.  Application 

   Ceramic and Vitrified tiles are suitable for different places. Ceramic tiles are generally used for walls as there is no foot traffic and heavy weights. Vitrified tiles are a good option for floors, rooftops, kitchen countertops, etc.

Use Appropriate Tiles for Different Spaces

It is important to consider the placement before choosing the tiles. Vitrified and ceramic tiles are suitable for different places, but you must decide based on several factors as mentioned above. When it comes to design and style, you can find plenty of options in the market.

You should use tiles with an appropriate strength, surface quality and size in different areas. Tile manufacturers often provide ceramic and various types of vitrified tiles under different brand names.

For instance, H&R Johnson’s Marbonite series offers tiles you can place on kitchen countertops, and premium floors with high footfall. Johnson offers full body vitrified tiles for staircases under Step Stone tiles. Johnson Meteor tiles are full body vitrified tiles for outdoor applications like gardens and pathways.