What is better tiles or porcelain tiles for the floor?
Today, porcelain stoneware and tiles are often used as coatings. To find out which is better, you need to familiarize yourself with all the advantages and disadvantages of the products.
The content of the article
Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware
Among the advantages are:
- The color is located throughout the surface, and not just on the work areas.
- The finished structure is several times stronger than standard tiles.
- The design has good hardness characteristics.
- Excellent resistance to cold.
- The appearance lasts for a very long time.
- Very low water absorption rate. Can be used not only in the kitchen and bathroom, but also in baths and saunas.
Important! Porcelain tiles are an environmentally friendly product.
But there are also disadvantages:
- The material in its normal form (when not mounted) is very fragile. Be careful when transporting.
- Almost impossible to process.
- The final product weighs a lot.
- There is not a large selection of shapes and patterns.
- The price is higher than for tiles.
Pros and cons of floor tiles
Among the advantages are:
- Extended service life.
- The material is very durable considering its purpose.
- Huge selection of products in different colors and shapes.
- Excellent rigidity indicators.
- Environmentally friendly materials.
- Resistant to sudden temperature changes.
- The material is protected from moisture.
- Affordable price.
Attention! The tile has significantly less weight.
The disadvantages are the following:
- Compared to porcelain stoneware, tiles absorb moisture more strongly.
- The tiles are not as durable.
- It will retain its appearance worse. Over time, the design fades and the paint wears off.
Which is better: porcelain stoneware or tiles?
It is impossible to say that a certain product is better. They all have their disadvantages and advantages. The choice depends on the type of room. Porcelain stoneware is more suitable for kitchens and bathrooms, since it practically does not absorb moisture, and for rooms with high floor loads (it is very durable).
For other rooms, tiles are more suitable. It is also chosen to cover a veranda or porch. This material is also more suitable for covering partitions (porcelain tiles are heavy, and their installation can lead to damage to the structure).