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Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tiles for your home

  • Flooring
Nov 02, 2021
Vitrified tiles vs ceramic tiles for your home - Beautiful Homes

 

If you are looking at redoing your house, tiles design is one of the most critical aspects involved. From Vitrified flooring to ceramic floor tiles, numerous types of floor tiles are available. Get to explore which is the best.

In many homes, tiles design is an important element of the interior design and external décor. If you have ever gone tile shopping and are entirely new to this space, you are sure to go into a frenzy when you find the various types of tiles that are available in the market. Among them, ceramics are the most preferred and these are classified into natural ceramic and vitrified tiles. The barrage of jargon used will leave you in a mess and will get you confused about which tile is better: ceramic or vitrified for the makeover of your space.



We are here to give a detailed table comparison of Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles flooring. We also convey a little information on the composition, strength, types, application and maintenance of ceramic and vitrified tiles.

What are Ceramic Tiles?

 

Ceramic tiles have a realistic element, earthy look and are oftentimes rough in texture. They are made entirely of clay soil combined with water and are moulded and heated at extremely high temperatures. Other composites can be added to expand the number of options. Ceramic floor tiles, for example, come in a variety of colours and are simple to install as well as replace. One disadvantage of tile ceramic flooring is that they are porous and retain additional water; hence, they are not suggested for usage in regions where there is a lot of water.  Ceramic Tiles are most often glazed, for protection against water, stains and scratches. They are rarely used in their unglazed form. The tough protective layer provided by the glaze makes these tiles a good bet for flooring, walls, backsplashes and countertops. They are generally used in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens, as they are water-resistant, easy to clean and less prone to bearing germs.

Ceramic wall & floor tiles in a bathroom - Beautiful Homes
Bathroom with vitrified wall & floor tiles - Beautiful Homes

What are Vitrified Tiles?

 

As the name suggests, vitrified tiles are produced through the process called vitrification, which is aimed at making the tiles stronger and tougher. Vitrified tiles are very much similar to ceramic tiles but are lustrous/shiny, harder, less porous and less absorbent. These features are attributed to their composition of silica, quartz and feldspar which make it look like glass hence these tiles look more pleasing to the eye. This composition is achieved before they are heated in the kiln. Unlike tile ceramic flooring, vitrified tiles flooring have a glassy surface because of glass elements that are used in their composition. Apart from glass, clay is also used in a very smaller percentage than in ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles are incredibly durable and low on maintenance, making them perfect for high-traffic areas. That’s why they are used extensively in commercial locations.

 

They are a less expensive option to natural stone such as marble and granite while offering similar looks and sounder durability. This makes them a good alternative for residences.


Comparison Table: Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles

 

Vitrified vs Ceramic tiles
Parameters of Comparison

Ceramic Tiles

Vitrified Tiles

 Composition

Ceramic tiles are made of earthen clay mixed with water.

The material used to make vitrified tiles is silica, quartz, and feldspar.

 Durability

Ceramic tiles are less durable than vitrified tiles.

Tiles Vitrified are more Stronger and durable.

 Appearance

Ceramic tiles usually appear rough but can be glossy if a glaze layer is applied.

Vitrified tiles appear Glossy, glassy, and smoother.

 Price/Cost

Considering vitrified tiles vs ceramic tiles price, Ceramic tile is cheaper.

Vitrified tiles are costlier compared to ceramic tiles due to their fine qualities.

 Water Absorption

Ceramic tiles are more porous and water-absorbent.

Vitrified tiles are less water absorbent.

 Stain Resistance

Less resistant to stains.

More resistant to stains.

 Looks, colour range and size

Ceramic tiles have a broad range of colour options and have a very natural and fair appearance.

 

Ceramic tiles are available in medium sizes and this increases the number of joints.

 

The grout joints are vulnerable to moistness and stain and have to be replaced repeatedly.

Vitrified tiles are available in many types and sizes. You can find them in wood, marble and granite finishes and give a natural stone look when laid in big tiles.

Vitrified tiles are even vitrified and look seamless and elegant as the tile joints are less visible and do not require any regrouting.

 Care and Maintenance

Due to the increased number of joints, ceramic tiles are difficult to maintain when compared with vitrified tiles. The surface also has a tendency to absorb stains.

Vitrified tiles are majorly impervious and have glossy surfaces. They are very easy to care for. Vitrified tiles have few joints and do not absorb stains.

 Slip resistance

Ceramic tiles can be created slip-resistant by providing abrasive grits during the process of glazing. This makes the tiles slightly less slippery and can be used for toilet and bathroom floors.

 

They are available in an anti-skid type.

Vitrified tiles do not absorb water and are not very slippery when wet.

 

They are preferred for toilet or bathroom flooring.

 

Vitrified tiles already possess more anti-skid properties as compared to ceramic tiles.

 Resistance to frost and Sunlight

Due to their porous nature, Ceramic tile fades away from exposure to sunlight and cracks up upon exposure to frost.

Vitrified tiles do not have any kind of effect from sunlight and frost due to their high density and non-porous character.

 Repair and Replacement

Ceramic tiles are very uncomplicated to fix and repair as compared to vitrified tiles due to the presence of grout lines. Even a single ceramic tile can be easily superseded.

Vitrified tiles need professional tools and skilled labour for fixing the tiles. Removing and re-fixing a tile is a very difficult task.

 Wastage

Ceramic tiles generate more wastage (Around 5%-8%) due to low breaking strength.

Vitrified tiles have a high breaking strength and generate less wastage (around 3%).

 Anti-bacterial Characteristics

Compared to vitrified tiles,

 

Ceramic tiles have fewer antibacterial properties.

 

Ceramic tiles do not attract dust, pollen, mites etc and are hence are anti-allergic for humans.

Vitrified tiles have excellent antibacterial properties.

 

Vitrified tiles also do not attract any dust, pollen, mites etc which might cause asthmatic allergies.

 

 Texture

Typically have a slightly rough texture, which can provide better slip resistance.

Known for their smooth and glossy finish, giving a luxurious look.

 Glazing

Often glazed for extra protection and design variety. Glazed tile ceramic flooring is stain-resistant and comes in a variety of colours and designs.

The vitrification process gives these tiles a naturally glass-like, glossy finish. They are inherently stain-resistant due to their low porosity.

 Installation

Relatively easy to install, but professional installation is often recommended to ensure longevity and appearance. Can be installed over various substrates.

Requires professional installation due to the precision needed in cutting and laying these tiles. It's important that the underlying surface is perfectly level.

 

Advantages of Ceramic Tiles 

 

•  Low maintenance

Ceramic tiles are known for their easy upkeep. They resist stains, odours, and dirt and can be cleaned up with a damp mop or sponge or common household cleaners.

 

• Affordable

Compared to other flooring options like hardwood or natural stone, ceramic tiles are relatively inexpensive. This makes them a popular choice for homeowners seeking to balance cost with quality and durability.

 

•  Highly durable

Ceramic tiles are extremely tough and the glazed ones can resist heavy traffic and wear. They don't easily crack and if installed properly, can last 10-20 years, or even longer if well-maintained.

 

•  Fire-resistant

Ceramic materials are fire-resistant. They do not burn under normal circumstances and do not produce smoke or toxic fumes, making them a safe option for homes.

 

•  Easy to install

While professional installation is often recommended for best results, the process of installing ceramic tile is straightforward enough that some homeowners choose to do it themselves. With the right tools and instructions, it's possible to install ceramic tiles over a weekend.

 

Advantages of Vitrified Tiles

 

•  Smooth finish

Vitrified tiles are known for their glossy and smooth finish which gives a rich and luxurious look to any space. They reflect light, making rooms appear brighter and larger.

 

•  Scrape-resistant

These tiles are highly resistant to scratches and scrapes due to their hard and non-porous surface. This makes them an excellent choice for areas with high foot traffic like hallways and commercial spaces.

 

•  Stain and water-resistant

Vitrified tiles are nearly impervious to water and stain penetration due to their low porosity. This makes them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas where there's a high chance of spillages.

 

•  Low maintenance

Similar to ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles require very little maintenance. They can be cleaned easily with a mop or a simple household cleaner. Their stain resistance also means they retain their new look for a longer time.

 

•  Low porosity

Vitrified tiles have low porosity, meaning they absorb very little water. This makes them resistant to moisture and a great choice for high-moisture environments. It also makes them less likely to crack or become damaged due to freezing temperatures.

Where to use Ceramic Tiles in your home?

 

Ceramic tiles are more porous than vitrified tiles, causing them to be more susceptible to water damage. Hence, it is not a good idea to use ceramic tile as an outdoor tile. This can also become an issue in cold environments where water can seep into cracks in the tile, freeze, and cause physical deterioration.

 

Ceramic tiles are best in areas that won't be exposed to much water, like living rooms, dining rooms, or hallways. However, some ceramic tiles now have a special glaze layer to help prevent water damage. These types of tiles are also a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

Traditional hallway design with ceramic floor tiles - Beautiful Homes
Lobby with vitrified floor tiles design - Beautiful Homes

Where to use Vitrified Tile in your Home?

 

Due to the water-resistance quality of vitrified tiles, they are ideal for both indoor and outdoor uses. Indoor spaces that experience a lot of spilt liquid, like kitchens, toilets or bathrooms, can be an ideal place for vitrified tiles as they are effortless to clean in the event of a spill or leak. You can even tile your entire home floor with vitrified tile. The glossy appearance and durability will stand the test of time in any room of your home. 

Ceramic or Vitrified Tiles, Which is Better for you?

 

A home is just a house without its people, just like that, a home is incomplete without its accessories and décor details. These tiles play a significant role in providing interior finishing of the appearance at home. Wandering over the difference between ceramic and vitrified tiles? While those ceramic tiles provide finishing after applying gloss, vitrified tiles are built with finishing and a smooth surface.

 

Small elements like tiles can decide the overall view of a house. So the noteworthy details are necessary to consider while pondering over ceramic and vitrified tiles differences. You can use a combination of the two types, depending on the place and the look needed. Vitrified tiles work well for flooring; however, for a little more character and colour and to balance out the little industrial, man-made look of vitrified tiles design, use ceramic. Nevertheless, there are no hard and fast rules – the deciding factor would be the overall look you are trying to create for your Dream House.

 

While we have already established how vitrified tiles could be ideal for your home, a lot of people fail to distinguish between marble tiles and vitrified tiles. Hence, before you choose tiles for your home, it would be wise to look at a checklist of vitrified tiles vs marble and make an informed decision afterwards.

Ceramic tiles vs vitrified tiles, choose the right one for your home - Beautiful Homes

No matter what you opt for between ceramic or vitrified ceramic tiles, we are here at your service. Asian Paints Beautiful Homes Service is an end-to-end, completely personalised assistance that helps you design and execute the interiors for your dream home.

Textured flooring & wall tiles for the bathroom - Beautiful Homes

Our services include end-to-end designing and execution of the interior design of your house, which includes flooring, furniture, furnishings, decorative lighting, décor accessories, modular kitchen designs, painting and civil work. Experts from their respective fields employ precision and a fine sense of design to execute your vision. This ensures that your house design is entirely personalised. You can also be assured of specialist project management and a completely professional experience while we create your beautiful home.

Currently, we are active in eight cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. We are also active in select pin codes of Coimbatore. In addition, we are in the process of opening up state-of-the-art stores across several cities.

 

At Beautiful Homes Service by Asian Paints, what we’re best at is partnering with you to craft the home of your dreams. If you’re eager to get started on creating that perfect haven we’re here for all your house interior design, home décor & renovation needs – reach out or find one of our state-of-the-art stores near you.

 

We’re currently available in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune or Kolkata, with new locations coming soon!

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