Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles -15 Important Differences

Tiles enhance the beauty of floors and walls. In today’s market, various options are available and they often confuse the customer while making a tile selection for their home.

Each type of tile has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and thus it tends to be really frustrating. Sometimes to conclude something after making the comparison.

Vitrified and Ceramic tiles are often compared as they are both widely used; therefore, in this article, we will see the differences between them.

Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified tiles

1). Composition

The term vitrified means a glass-like substance.

In the process of vitrification, 40% clay and 60% silica are added. Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay, Silica, Quartz & feldspar which is a constituent mineral found in granite rock.

Whereas

Ceramic tile is made up of a mixture of earthen clay and water only.

2). Look

A Natural look is not available in vitrified tiles. The vitrified tiles have an artificial look.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles are not available for an artificial look. Ceramic tiles have a natural and earthy look. 

3). Texture

Vitrified tiles are smooth and glossy. So it is easy to clean & it will give you an aesthetic look. 

Whereas

Ceramic tiles are comparatively rough and external glaze is applied for a glossy look.

4). Glazing

Vitrified tiles need not be glazed. the Shine can be given with manual polish.

Whereas

For protection ceramic tiles always have to be glazed. 

5). Durability

Vitrified tiles are more durable as compared to ceramic tiles due to their glass-like surface.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles are low-durable as compared to vitrified tiles.

6). Strength

Vitrified tiles are very stronger as compared to ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles have high flexural strength which is 35 Newton per mm square and high breaking strength which is 700 Newton.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles are less intense than vitrified tiles. Ceramic tiles have low flexural strength which is 22 Newton per mm square and low breaking strength which is 200 Newton.

7). Water absorption

Vitrified tiles are non-porous and hence absorption of water is negligible. So it is most suitable for all wet areas.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles are very porous and hence absorb water quickly, so the use of ceramic tiles in the outdoor area will cause the tiles to develop cracks quickly.

8). Frost Resistance

Vitrified tiles have high Frost resistance because their water absorption is low as compared to ceramic tiles.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles have no frost resistance as these types of tiles absorbs water quickly.

9). Resistance to Scratches

When tiles have scratched the colour of the tiles will remain the same because vitrified tiles have more resistance to scratches. 

Whereas

Ceramic tiles have no resistance to scratches, so the colour of the ceramic tiles does not remain the same throughout their surface over a period of time.

10). Staining Resistance

Vitrified tiles have high resistance to stains. due to its low porosity, glossy finishes and also ease to clean.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles have less resistance to stains.

For example

When the oil falls on the surface of the ceramic tiles. it is difficult to remove the stain of the oil as compared to vitrified tiles due texture on top.

11). Slip Resistance

Vitrified tiles are very slippery when wet. Vitrified tiles are very slippery as compared to ceramic tiles.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles can be treated to prevent slipping either by adding an adhesive. So ceramic tiles are not slippery as compared to vitrified tiles.

12). Colour Resistance To UV Light

In the case of vitrified tiles, there is no effect of Sunlight as the colour will remain the same over a period of time.  

Whereas

In the case of ceramic tiles, direct exposure to sunlight will cause to remove the colour of the tiles frequently and tiles may get fade off over a period of time.

13). Cost

Vitrified tiles are expensive when compared to the cost of ceramic tiles.

Whereas

Ceramic tiles are less expensive as compared to vitrified tiles.

14). Maintenance

The maintenance of vitrified tiles is easy because of their Shine surface, it is easy to clean.  

Whereas

The maintenance of ceramic tiles is not easy as compared to vitrified tiles.

15). Installation

In the case of vitrified tiles, the installation is easy as compared to ceramic tiles that do not require skilled labour.

Whereas

Installation of ceramic tiles is difficult as compared to vitrified tiles. Skilled labour is required here.

16). Size

Usually, ceramic tiles are available in smaller sizes as compared to vitrified tiles.

Whereas

Usually, the vitrified tiles are available in the sizes of 2ft x 2ft (24’ x 24”) or more.

So friends I have tried to cover all the differences between Ceramic Tiles vs Vitrified Tiles in this article. I hope this article will definitely help you.

If you learn something, be sure to share it with someone who might benefit from it. If I have missed any difference in this article or you have any suggestions then you can mention them in the comments section.

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Thanks For the Great Attention!

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