Choosing tile flooring: What to know about porcelain and ceramic tile

think porcelain and ceramic tile are the same thing, but each behaves differently. Here is the 411 on porcelain and ceramic tiles from your tile shop.

Construction differences in porcelain

Porcelain is ceramic, but its composition also includes sand and glass. As a result, it's also fired at higher temperatures than ceramics.

The result is a heavier, denser product that can be used in the busiest rooms, such as the kitchen. In addition, porcelain is waterproof whether or not it's glazed and can also be used outdoors.

But porcelain is highly designed

Porcelain floor tile comes in countless colors and designs. A large format tile can look like anything from fabric and leather to wood and stone.

It's also a through-body color tile. Here, the color is through the bisque, not just in the glaze. This keeps scratches and dents well hidden!

A primer on ceramics

1. The 4 X 4 squares. They are highly designed, often glazed, and thinner. Ceramic squares are best for indoor, moderately busy floors.

2. Mosaics. They are tiny, durable, mold and mildew resistant, and decorative. So come into our tile store to check out our ceramics inventory.

3. Terracotta bricks. They are durable, can be used indoors or out, and require sealing. In addition, terracotta bricks have a beautiful reddish-brown color that fits well with the organic/rustic trend.

4. Subway tiles. They come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. Subways are appropriate for indoor use on low traffic floors, such as bedrooms.

Taking pride in a large inventory and superior services

At Surface Source Design Center, we love to see a satisfied customer's face. We want to see it on yours, too, so let us help you find the right tile flooring for your remodeling project.

You won’t be disappointed when you visit our showroom in Belton, TX–and you’ll also get a free floor tile quote. We service all of Central Texas.