Many people in the flooring industry are confused about the differences between porcelain and vitrified tiles. This is a widespread misunderstanding, as porcelain tile is a vitrified tile. The two materials have a similar appearance and durability, making them difficult to identify. To clear up any uncertainty, we thoroughly examined the distinctions between these two categories of popular materials. Over the years, we have been considered a leading porcelain tiles manufacturer in India and worldwide. We provide a variety of glazed porcelain tiles that meet all our client requirements. 

Please read on to learn more. We have spent several efforts in determining the exact differences between vitrified and porcelain tiles. 

Process of Manufacturing

Vitrified tiles combine clay, feldspar, quartz, and silica. This combination is compressed under hydraulic pressure to make its surface glassy.

Porcelain tiles are created by baking fine and dense clay at high temperatures in a kiln, resulting in a hard and dense tile.

Use of Materials

Vitrified tiles are made from raw materials such as clay, silica, feldspar, and quartz slabs.

Porcelain tiles are made from clay minerals, including kaolinite, ball clay, quartz, glass, feldspar, petuntse, steatite, alabaster, and bone ash.

Durability

Vitrified tiles are extremely durable and can endure high-traffic areas for 10 to 15 years if properly maintained.

Porcelain tiles are more durable than vitrified tiles, lasting over 60 years and tolerating high-traffic regions.

Finishes Available

Vitrified tiles come in various finishes, including metallic, rustic, satin, matte, and glossy, as well as full-body, glazed, soluble salt, and double-charge.

Porcelain tiles come in various finishes, including honed, smooth, and matte, and are divided into three types: glazed, technical, and premium glazed porcelain tiles.

Water Absorption

Vitrified tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, making them perfect for floor usage.

Porcelain tiles have a low water absorption rate of 0.5%, making them ideal for flooring.

Slip Rating

Vitrified tiles are considered exceedingly slippery, especially in water-prone places, and their production method makes them an unsustainable choice.

Porcelain tiles are both slippery and non-slippery, depending on their slip rating, making them an excellent choice for high-traffic locations such as malls and outdoor patios.

Resistance

Vitrified tiles are stain, filth, and water-resistant, as well as easy to clean and maintain.

Porcelain tiles are resistant to thermal stress, ice, and water and require little or no maintenance.

Price Range

Vitrified tiles are regarded as more expensive than porcelain tiles due to their production method.

Porcelain tiles are rather pricey when compared to other tile selections but less so than vitrified tiles.

Applications

Vitrified tiles offer many applications, including kitchen backsplashes, bathroom floors, gardens, and rooftops.

Porcelain tiles are also suitable for usage in both indoor and outdoor settings, such as kitchens, baths, common areas, and high-traffic zones.

Installation

Vitrified tiles are designed to be simple to install, requiring no special skills from experienced installers.

Porcelain tiles are difficult to install because they are heavy and require professional installation. Even minor mistakes can easily destroy them.

Sealing

Vitrified tiles do not require sealing because they do not have a surface glaze, allowing the color and texture to last a long time.

Porcelain tiles typically do not require sealing. However, some may require a tiny amount of penetrating sealer to close small pores.

Conclusion

After examining the distinctions between vitrified and porcelain tiles, it is evident that each alternative has its distinct qualities. Vitrified tiles are durable, have little water absorption, and come in various finishes, making them excellent for indoor and outdoor use. Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are solid, long-lasting, stain, and water-resistant. They are an excellent option for high-traffic locations.

Finally, whether you choose vitrified or porcelain tiles, both provide beauty, functionality, and versatility. Take your time, analyze the advantages and cons, and select the tiles that best suit your project’s demands. You may transform your room into a magnificent and long-lasting masterpiece with the correct choices.
If you have any further questions or need help with your tile decision, please contact Liberta Vitrified, the top glazed porcelain tile exporter. Our team of professionals can help you choose the correct tiles for your project.