This means one might be a little more advantageous for your project. For floors, make sure to choose a finish that won’t be too slippery or show scratches easily. You must log in or register to reply here. Floor tile might be fixed onto a cement or concrete surface, in this case, the surface doesn’t damage easily and is ideal for using power tools to remove tiles quickly. Strong adhesive to fix plastic fan casing to porcelain tiles. Unlike standard ceramic tiles, which are generally uniform in color, porcelains have enormous design flexibility and can be made to resemble almost any material, including wood, leather, or natural stone. That simple, right? It doesn't matter if the tile is 10x10cm or 100x100cm, it's the weight per square metre not the size of the tile. Porcelain tiles and mosaics are flexible materials that easily adapt to all kinds of setting. As previously mentioned, large format wall tiles are becoming increasingly popular. Porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles are porcelain or ceramic tiles commonly used to cover floors and walls, with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent. You need to check how much your tiles weigh per m2 on the box, then add the weight of the adhesive and grout. Collage of various ceramic types - monocottura, bicottura plain, bicottura patterned, matte unglazed porcelain & glazed porcelain. As it’s less dense, it’s also less brittle and it’s an easier to work with. Large tile is HEAVY, therefore an installer should be using a sag-resistant mortar such as Kiesel Servolight S2 SuperTec when applying large format tile to walls. Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile that is characterized by being stronger, harder, and even more water-resistant than ordinary ceramics—which are already quite durable. 6×8 and 8×10 wall tile sizes are typical in bathroom installations these days, but we are also seeing more homeowners use 12×12 and 12×24 floor tiles on walls, too. Unit D Treefield Ind Estate Gelderd Road While many people immediately associate it with figurines and toilets, porcelain can be found in other places around the home, as well. The quickest and easiest way to tell whether you have porcelain or ceramic tiles is to check the box or the manufacturer’s website. Use them in place of limestone or other soft, honed stone tiles for style. The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. Centura Tile offers them in the widest variety of shapes, sizes from small to thin XXL slabs, colours and finishes. Morley, Leeds If you are on a budget, simple ceramic tiles are a good option for your bathroom walls, with porcelain tiles more suitable for the direct splash zones. As porcelain is nearly waterproof, porcelain tiles are the best material to use when installing a wet room due to the levels of moisture. Porcelain tiles are one type of vitrified tiles and are sometimes referred to as porcelain vitrified tiles. 11. Ceramic tiles are made using natural red, brown or white clay. However, opting for large tile pieces have their drawbacks too. Ceramic vs porcelain tiles. The porcelain tiles are also made from clay. The clay used to build porcelain tiles is generally denser. bathroom and bedroom), PEI 3 - Light to moderate traffic (suitable for most domestic floors), PEI 4 - Moderate to heavy traffic (suitable for domestic floors and some commercial uses), PEI 5 - Heavy traffic (suitable for all domestic and commercial uses with heavy footfall). Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% of water whilst ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles will absorb more. Doing both the wall and floor in the same tiles might be slightly heavy on the pocket. Especially in areas that require a lot of cuts to install your tiles neatly. in the Tile Adhesive area at TilersForums.com. If you get ceramic wall tiles, they don't need to be as dense or tough so are generally constructed with lighter materials. Porcelain tiles during manufacture are subjected to heavy temperature for a longer time. bathroom), PEI 2 - Light traffic (e.g. What tiles do I have? Fired Earth, Hearth tiles ... cracked! In this case porcelain will offer you peace of mind. There’s something out there for everyone. Most tiles come in boxes of 1 m2 and will have a weight on the box, this will help you choose a suitable tile. Ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of patterns and styles to suit any look. Outdoors. The tiles are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, this helps to make porcelain tiles super hardwearing. While you can pay as low as $800 to have ceramic tiles installed on a 100 square feet surface, you will likely pay upwards of $1000 to have porcelain tiles installed in the same space. Discuss 600 x 600 Porcelain tiles on wall? Can be prone to cracking in cold weather. The manufacture, absorbing capacity and the breaking strength of porcelain tiles differ from the ceramic tiles. Voila, then you have your finished your product. Here’s how they differ and where they’re best used. Ceramic tiles are becoming the go-to choice for designers and homeowners for a number of reasons. Ceramic tiles are made with red, brown, or white clay, while porcelain tiles are almost exclusively made with refined and purified white clay. After using this stuff for 600x300 B&Q porcelain floor tiles and some of the wall tiles I can highly recommend it. Polished porcelain tiles have a bright shine and an elegant finish. Porcelain tile has a natural stain which makes it … Do-it-yourself (DIY) projects can often become more difficult when the wrong tools are used. The least durable type of porcelain tile, Grade 1 tile is intended for use on walls only. Observe the tile installation process. Porcelain tiles tend to have a rating between 3 and 5. You could get ceramic tiles which don't weigh as much. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. Ceramic tiles are adequately hard-wearing for a bathroom floor. Porcelain floor tiles are quite heavy, as they're designed to be robust and hard wearing. Through body porcelain tiles in particular are known for their outstanding durability, therefore they have no Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) Rating, which describes how resistant tiles are to abrasion. A question that seems to be fraught with misinterpretation and confusion, porcelain tiles are actually part of the ceramic family but are distinct in their characteristics, which stems from the slight (albeit crucial) difference in materials used, and the modes of production. We like to help where we can! Firstly the clay is fired at a high temperature to reduce the water content, the glaze followed by the pattern is then applied. Lloyd's bathroom tiles failed when either the wall wasn't prepared properly or the mastic was exposed to too much. You could get ceramic tiles which don't weigh as much. This is down to the stuff used to make porcelain tiles. Here’s a helpful overview of the key things that make each tile what it is. Porcelain tiles tend to have a rating between 3 and 5. It's not the size of the tile, it's the weight per square metre you need to be wary of. They are considered ideal for residential and commercial spaces alike and can be installed on both the walls and floors. Now imagine having all those benefits on the countertop, the wall, or fireplace with very few joints and lots less grout. If you get ceramic wall tiles, they don't need to be as dense or tough so are generally constructed with lighter materials. In theory, the easiest solution is to build from the bottom, supporting the lowest tile course right on the floor and letting the upper courses rest on those. They are denser, long-lasting, and absorb less moisture than ceramic tiles, making them a better choice for bathroom and other high moisture areas. LS27 7JU, {{ basketQuantity == 1 ? PEI 1 - Very light traffic (e.g. Click here too read about it and to sign up for free. Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic tiles, giving them hard wearing qualities suitable for both wall and floor. Both ceramic and porcelain glazed tiles are available in high-gloss, matte, and abrasive slip-resistant finishes. Free samples available on all Porcelain Wall Tiles. Meaning they’re harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. 20kg m2 on plastered walls...Hi and welcome. For a simple square white tile made in ceramic, the cost will be around £24.00 / m² whilst porcelain will set you back £35.00 / m². They work well in as polished floor tiles in entryways or on shower walls where marble would stain. Glazed tiles may tend to get scratched on frequently used countertops, but are ideal for walls. bathroom) ... (suitable for all domestic and commercial uses with heavy footfall) Most ceramic floor tiles are graded between 3 and 4. The durability of porcelain tiles make them perfect for high traffic areas as they’re resistant to scratches and scuffs. As above, you would need to change the substrate to take the weight of those tiles and never prime with PVA, get yourself a decent primer. May sound like a daft question, but if I got a similar tile but 600x300 what's the difference? JavaScript is disabled. These tiles are popular choices for kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls, as they still deliver many of the benefits of tougher porcelain tile grades such as water and stain resistance, beautiful patterns and colors, and low maintenance. Trends & inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, Ceramic Tile (Group) Limited Depending on how you plan to use your space, porcelain or ceramic tiles may suit you better. Which Tiles Are Best? Product Support is given via the area managers rather than BAL technical. Just something to keep in mind. Something to bear in mind if you don’t want tiling your house to rob your bank. Large-format natural stone tile is in demand for a variety of reasons. In order to drill through a porcelain tile the type of drill bit that is used makes a huge difference. England They can either be glazed or unglazed. The main difference between a porcelain and ceramic tile is the rate of water they absorb. I had these in my last bathroom (and kitchen) and they were over 8 years old when I moved and they still looked equally as good as when they were new. If it exceeds the max holding weight for that wall then you will have to think about either changing the tile or changing the wall. Laying down tiles on walls can give your home a new, fresh look. But large-format tile also has its installation challenges. Some people will use the terms ‘porcelain’ and ‘ceramic’ tiles interchangeably, but there are a few differences. If you have a children or pets, then porcelain tiles will be better at standing up to wear and tear, particularly if you use through-body tiles. British Ceramic Tile use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Porcelain tiles are made using very specific clay, with finely-ground sand and feldspar added to the mixture. Water and dirt-resistant, they tick all the practical boxes for busy homes and ceramic is the perfect partner to under-floor heating. Porcelain is a subcategory of ceramic tile that uses finer clay particles that create a denser tile that is more impervious to water. It lends a warm, vibrant and lovely glow to the ambience of the living room. For you DIYers who like to get handy, ceramic tiles are far easier to work with. 2. Designers like the aesthetically pleasing, open look it gives floors and walls in residential and commercial applications. If you’re on a tight budget, ceramic tiles are likely to be the best solution. Although they belong to the same family, porcelain and ceramic tiles are more like cousins than twins. Large, heavy wall tiles are a challenge to hang, because the weight of tiles makes them prone to slip off the wall. in the Tile Adhesive area at TilersForums.com, Reply to 600 x 600 Porcelain tiles on wall? Ceramic tiles tend to be more cost effective than porcelain. I'm still having to put the same(ish) mass on the wall?.. The price will be kinder on your bank account, and cheaper tiles don’t have to mean compromising on style. When it comes to maintenance, there doesn’t have to even be a dilemma — porcelain or ceramic tile. Adhesive type recomendation and thickness for 20mm porcelain outside. Ceramic is perfect to use all over in a standard bathroom especially with the wide choice of designs available including some with anti-slip properties. Whether in an area of the home that sees high footfall, such as the hallway or kitchen, or in a commercial space, porcelain is the most hardwearing. I have used it in a wetroom to lay the floor tiles and some of the wall tiles… However, you have to be careful in using the proper grout. While it is certainly an advantage for porcelain tiles to be dense, as … The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating (PEI rating) is a quick and easy way to see which tile is suitable in your home depending on how many times the area you are tiling is walked over. If you want to tile outdoors, either as a patio or on a balcony, then you should definitely use porcelain tiles. Select your ideal series using our search engine. Other than that, glass and stone tiles look pretty great too. AsktheBuilder.com: If wall tiles aren't installed properly, they can and will come loose. Someone will post what it is on plastered walls, I can't remember off the top of my head, 30kg per metre I think. This doesn’t mean that ceramic is not as good however! Heavy. Small ceramic tiles are often used for walls and splashbacks and in most cases, a ready-mixed paste will be suitable for the job.If you’re fixing a larger ceramic tile (larger than 30 x 30 cm) or any size porcelain tile to your walls, you will need to use a powdered adhesive. It is the weight per meter thats important, not the weight per tile. Consumers like the natural beauty of a large stone expanse and appreciate the easier maintenance resulting from fewer grouted joints. I have made a new website, please register your tiling business on it (we will have shop soon too), it's free and will be like a mybuilder/checkatrade/ratedpeople type website - but free of charge. For porcelain tile, a diamond-tipped drill bit is recommended. basketQuantity + ' item' : basketQuantity + ' items' }}, {{ totalFavourites == 1 ? Although ceramic tiles are highly recommended for interior floors and walls, porcelain tiles are more preferable, especially for places that must endure heavy traffic– this includes hallways, kitchen floors, and commercial applications. It is not recommended for floors or countertops. To you DIYers out there, make life a little easier for yourself and use ceramic. totalFavourites + ' item' : totalFavourites + ' items' }}. Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles Comparison: Maintenance. The overall look of tiles cannot be replicated with wallpaper or paint – tiles provide a depth of colour and deliver stunning visual effects unlike any other decorative finish. Porcelain is much harder to cut and can require professional tools and skills to create the same effect. Ok so I guess it's the single weight of the larger tiles that is the problem, so would 600x300 be better?? If you continue we will assume that you agree to our privacy & cookie policy. Porcelain Tiles. See More: Best Wall Tiles Designs. Profix are made by BAL. Porcelain planks are also a popular choice for bathroom walls. Plaster skim has a limit of 20kg per m2 and bare plaster board has a weight limit of 32kg per m2. Like most tiles, porcelain versions are easy to wipe down as they don’t absorb much moisture, making them the perfect hard-wearing tile for floors. Wall tiles, which have a wider range of colours and decorative surfaces, are produced using the bicottura method. Porcelain tiles are fired at extremely high temperatures so that they become non-porous and are simply glazed to make them easy to clean and to give them a nice glossy finish like the ones we offer here at Hominter.com. What are porcelain tiles? Porcelain tiles are very difficult to drill if you want to attach things to the wall. Shop our premium range of porcelain wall tiles, designed for durability and guaranteeing future-proof style in the face of changing trends and wear & tear. on plastered skim walls i wouldnt advise it saddleworth far too heavy. Although the translation implies these tiles are fired twice, they may in fact be fired several times, depending on the number of layers of glaze applied. Current Tile Trends, Discontinued Tile Finding | List Spare Tiles, How to gain access to private / locked forums, Specialist Tiles -Stone, Porcelain, Glass. Porcelain tile shows less wear and holds up to stress better than ceramic tile making porcelain tile suitable for any residential or commercial high traffic application. Installing 20mm porcelain tiles in garden, can I use regular building sand+cement? As long as you inspect the surface and follow the proper procedure, the project should go smoothly. Introducing Panoramic Porcelain Surfaces™ - huge porcelain tile that can go nearly anywhere. Porcelain Wall Tiles | Crown Tiles Browse our selection of Porcelain Wall Tiles with huge savings online compared to high street stores. The clay is denser and so less porous. Ceramic should be fine for wall tiles in these areas, however. 2. For floor installations, Kiesel Servolight S2 SuperTec or Servoflex Trio SuperTec will work. Both options of kitchen wall tiles are easy to clean and maintain. Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. On shower walls, countertops, or anywhere you like, porcelain tile can really show other tile who’s boss—and look good doing it. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It effects how the tiles behave, and what they’re best used for. Mid-Sized Tile Pieces: Small tile pieces mean more grout lines, which can be a pain to clean. Tiles that are that kind of size tend to be porcelain and very dense, therefore weigh a lot. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use. Porcelain’s level of water resistance means it’s perfectly placed to weather everything that nature has to throw at your new patio. But compared with the ceramic tiles, they make use of heavy or denser clay. This kind of drill bit is extremely hard and is able to penetrate tough porcelain tile. Porcelain tiles are highly resistant against chipping and scratching. However, compared to other flooring options such as laminate or carpet, ceramic tiles still represent a durable and hard-wearing choice. Porcelain tile range is known for its durability, hard-wearing nature, and water-resistant properties. Tiles are graded from 0-5 depending on the hardness of the tile: Most ceramic floor tiles are graded between 3 and 4. Think of everything you know about porcelain floor tiles. With classic shades like white, grey and cream, as well as patterned and textured porcelain tile options, you can style your walls your way. In cold weather, ceramic may crack, meaning you’ll be needing a replacement floor much sooner than you’d like. Porcelain tiles are made using very specific clay, ... PEI 0 - No foot traffic (wall tiles) PEI 1 - Very light traffic (e.g. Whether you're looking to do this in your basement or even tiling over tile in bathroom walls, the project can be done on your own. Porcelain floor tiles are quite heavy, as they're designed to be robust and hard wearing. Matte porcelain tiles work well in all areas of the home and can provide a more subtle look. Maroon Tiles For Living Room: Maroon is a shade of red, which is known to be the colour of excitement and passion. If you are unsure, give the manufacturer/supplier a ring and ask how much the weigh per meter (or look on the box if there is a meter per box), then add around 4kg per meter for adhesive and grout.