Porcelain tile is an excellent option for floors, counters, and walls and bathroom floor due to the fact that it is more durable than ceramic tile and comes in a wide variety of beautiful designs to choose from. There is a growing trend for tiling the flooring of bathrooms with porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is a more durable alternative than ceramic tile because it is denser, less porous, and tougher than ceramic tile. Porcelain also provides higher resistance to stains and water. In addition to this, it is compatible with radiant in-floor heating, which will keep your feet warm on chilly mornings. The flexibility that porcelain brings to design is unparalleled. There are several sorts of natural stone that may be imitated by tiles, including granite, marble, and limestone. Surfaces that mimic leather, cloth, and even animal patterns are common in more contemporary designs, which take influence from far-flung locations and fashion runways. There are two primary varieties of porcelain tile, which are: Through-bodied. This style of tile's colour and texture are continuous throughout its whole, making it easy to conceal any imperfections, such as chips or scratches. It is hardy and long-lasting, and it does not have any gloss that may flake off. It may be installed on walls, counters, and floors without any problems. 
Glazed. This tile has a wear layer or hard finish that is generally coloured and covers it entirely from top to bottom. It is solid and robust, and it comes in the most varied palette of colours and pattern options. Things to Think About When Selecting Porcelain Tile Is It Robust Enough? The porcelain tile can withstand high foot traffic and splashes of water, and it will continue to look beautiful even after years of use. Porcelain is quite simple to clean because of its smooth surface. Wipe up any water as soon as it appears, frequently sweep or vacuum, and wet mop once a week. Steer clear of anything abrasive like steel wool and cleaning pads. Unglazed porcelain needs more regular cleaning. Underlayment. Installing porcelain tile requires a subfloor that is completely smooth, completely level, and completely stiff. If the tile is in excellent condition, it may be installed on a concrete slab, cement-based backer board, underlayment-grade plywood, or even directly on the slab itself. The Straight Dope Because it is made from a combination of fine clays and minerals and then subjected to very high temperatures during the firing process, porcelain is much more durable and thick than ceramic tile. Because porcelain is porous, it is resistant to stains, water, bacteria, and odours. 
Porcelain is also very durable. It is not easy to scratch, it does not easily catch fire, and it comes in a broad variety of shapes, colours, and patterns. It is important to keep in mind that if the tile does not have radiant heat below it, it may feel cold on your feet, and standing on it for a lengthy period of time may be uncomfortable. In addition, you need to be aware that the tiles might crack and the grout could become a different colour over time. Because it is so tough to cut, porcelain may be rather challenging to work with throughout the installation process. Installation is thus something that should generally be left to the experts. There are a variety of considerations to take into account when selecting the tile or material for the solid-surface slab that will be used. Is it natural or man-made? How well does it hold up against normal use and abuse? Does the material have a high resistance to moisture and stains? Is it simple to clean and how difficult is it to maintain? To assist you in navigating these concerns, we will examine the many kinds of tiles and the locations inside your house that are most suited to make use of the particular kind of tile. For those who are thinking about going the do-it-yourself path, we will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material, as well as the level of effort involved in installing it. 
- Ceramic
The term "ceramic" refers to a broader category of tiles that includes almost all varieties of tiling that are burned in a kiln after being fashioned from clay or a clay-based combination. These tiles may be divided into two categories: ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. Ceramic tiles are the term that is most generally used to refer to ceramic tiles that are not porcelain. The red (commonly terra cotta) or white clay that is used to make non-porcelain ceramic tiles is often burnt in a kiln throughout the manufacturing process. When you are on the market for ceramic tiles, you could come across something that is referred to as a PEI rating. This grading system, which was developed by the Porcelain Enamel Institute, is the sole gauge that can be relied upon by customers when assessing the amount of wear that may be expected from a certain tile installation. PEI Class 1 Rating: Recommended solely for wall usage in residential and commercial applications. Not suitable for foot traffic. Recommended for usage on walls and floors in bathrooms because to its PEI Class 2 Rating (light traffic) PEI Class 3 Rating: Recommended for counters, walls, and floors in areas with average foot traffic where there is mild to moderate foot activity. 
PEI Class 4 Rating (moderate to high traffic): Recommended for use in all residential applications as well as medium commercial and light institutional settings. PEI Class 5 Rating: Recommended for all residential applications along with heavy commercial and institutional uses because to its ability to withstand high to extra-heavy traffic. The PEI rating for ceramic flooring is typically between 0 and 3, and it can withstand mild to moderate foot activity. It is more prone to wear and tear than porcelain and has a higher capacity to absorb water. Having said that, ceramic tiles are often sold at a lower price than porcelain ones. Ceramic is also simpler to cut with a basic tile saw, which is another reason why homeowners may like it for do-it-yourself projects. Ceramic tile is not only durable but also resistant to colour fading and flames. It won't absorb smells or emit dangerous chemicals; it won't swell or contract in severe temperatures; it won't conduct heat or electricity; it's hygienic; it doesn't conduct heat or electricity; it's hygienic; it won't absorb odours; it won't conduct heat or electricity; it's simple to clean. Because they are so long-lasting and adaptable, ceramic tiles are suitable for usage in a broad variety of settings inside the house, including worktops in bathrooms and kitchens, backsplashes in any room, and flooring in any room.