When you start thinking about tiles for any room in your home you will quickly realize there are a lot of different options on the market. You can choose the simple option, a plain color with a reasonable price tag, or something bolder, brighter, and more modern.
There is no right or wrong answer when decorating your home. Your choice of wall or floor tiles is personal, you live in the house and need to like them. Of course, they also need to go with your home.
Choosing high-quality, stylish, Italian tiles from a reputable firm like International MTC is a good idea as it is difficult to beat the quality of these tiles. Although they may be a little more expensive at the start, they will be more durable and last much longer.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are often confused with porcelain ones as they have similarities, both in their construction materials and look. But, they are very different products. Ceramic tiles are made with clay but the clay is surprisingly light. This is why ceramic tiles are generally lighter and, because the clay is light, they are generally more porous.
The reason the clay is lighter and more porous is that it is generally red or brown clay. This is why the back of the tile is that color. This type of tile is generally easier to use and comes in a wide variety of modern designs. However, it is more likely to crack in cold weather. This makes it a good option inside the home on walls and floors, but it shouldn’t be used outside.
PorcelainTiles
In contrast, porcelain tiles are also made with clay. However, the clay used in porcelain tiles is heavier, making it harder for water to enter and move through the tile. In effect, this is the main difference between the two types of tile, ceramic is more porous than porcelain. In fact, a porcelain tile will absorb less than 0.5% water, ceramic tiles will absorb considerably more.
Porcelain tiles are made with white clay and sand. They are created at a much higher temperature, ensuring they are harder and are not very porous. This helps to ensure they are more durable than ceramic tiles.
But, the hardness comes at a price as they can be more brittle and are usually only available in simple designs. Porcelain tiles are best used inside on the floor. In some cases, they can be used on the walls but this will depend on the weight of the tile.
Choosing A Tile
Now that you understand the key differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles you can look at the available tiles with confidence, certain that you will choose the right one for your needs.
International MTC has an array of tiles for you to choose from, including the stunning Comet which is made from porcelain and uses simple but elegant lines to create a very personal space. These tiles come in a selection of colors and can be used in any room of the house.
You may also wish to look at the Pompei. This Italian tile is stylish yet simple. The patterns are delicate and lightly incorporated into the tile, giving it a classic but durable finish. In fact, despite the simplicity of this tile, it has a fantastic three-dimensional look.
Another good option is the Statuario wall tile, made from ceramic material this classic Italian tile looks like marble and is the perfect option to give you a bathroom that looks like it belongs in Roman times.
