Porcelain Tile versus Ceramic Tile:

1) Finer particle than ceramic.

2) More dense than ceramic.

3) Fired at higher tempertaures and a longer period of time than ceramic.

4) More water resistant than ceramic tile.

The term ceramic refers to all clay baked tiles. There are however different grades and types of ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is one type of ceramic tile which in my opinion is the best type of ceramic tile for certain applications. Porcelain tile is made from a more fine material than other ceramic tiles and porcelain is baked at a higher temperature for a longer period of time. These dynamics all put together give you a very strong, very water resistant product. This makes porcelain tile a great tile to use for floors, counter tops and bathrooms. If you want something that is stronger and more water resistant than porcelain tile then you can look at salte, which can also be used for floors, counter tops and bathrooms. If you are looking for a product for walls then feel free to use a ceramic tile as there will be no heavy traffic load to carry.

There is a rating system for tiles that is called the P.E.I. rating. This rating refers to the usability of the tile; it is rated from a zero to a five. A rating of zero refers to tiles that are not meant for any type of floor use. A rating of five refers to tiles that are suitable for commercial use such as in a mall or hospital.

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Group 0: Tiles technically unsuitable for floors. These are generally used as
wall tile.

Group 1 or PEI 1: Tiles suitable only for locations where softer footwear is
worn or where shoes are not frequently used, for e.g., residential bathroom or
other areas with light traffic. Also for interior commercial and residential
walls.

Group 2 or PEI II: Tiles suited for general residential traffic. For areas that
are walked on by soft soled or normal footwear
with very small amounts of scratching dirt. Not for kitchen, entrance halls,
stairs and other areas subjected to heavy traffic.

Group 3 or PEI 3: Tiles suited for all residential and light commercial areas
such as offices, reception areas, boutiques, interior walls, countertops and
residential bathroom floors. Not recommended for commercial entryway.

Group 4 or PEI 4: Tiles suited for regular traffic. Recommended for medium
commercial and light institutional use, such as restaurants, hotels, hospital
lobbies and corridors.

Group 5 or PEI 5: Tiles suitable for areas with heavy traffic, abrasive dirt
and moisture, and where safety and maximum performance are required. Examples
are shopping malls, public buildings, building entrances, swimming pools, or
shopping centers.

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taken from http://flooring.builddirect.com/Porcelain-Tile/Ceramic-Tile-Articles/How_is_Porcelain_Tile_Rated_for_Hardness.aspx

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Advantages of Porcelain Tile Flooring

Porcelain tile flooring can easily endure heavy foot traffic at both
residential and commercial locations while not reducing its color and beauty!
It is used for many decorative and functional purposes but regarded as an ideal
choice for flooring applications. Some of the advantages of porcelain tile flooring
are mentioned below:

Porcelain tile is both harder and denser than many other ceramic tile products

Porcelain tile is frost-resistant, and often frost-proof

Porcelain tile is highly resistant to stain, scratch, and moisture

Porcelain tile is a hard wearing material which is resistant to harsher
cleaning agents, scratches, stains, fading, heavy loads and fire.

Porcelain tile is available in glazed as well as unglazed varieties.

It is strong and long-lasting.

It can be easily installed in heavy traffic areas (Group 4 and 5).

Porcelain tile flooring is aesthetically pleasing.

It has a high breaking strength. Porcelain contains less clay and more feldspar
(a mineral). It’s
also pressed at a higher pressure.

Porcelain tile flooring has low water absorption. Therefore, less staining
occurs on these floors and they are easier to clean.

Porcelain tile flooring offers a wide range of colors and textures, and many
different designs and styles. Professionals can produce an accurate recreation
of the look of natural stone, granite, slate, travertine, limestone, marble,
quartzite, terracotta and even woods and metals.

Porcelain tile flooring can be easily maintained. For this reason it is a
practical choice for flooring in any room in the house as it needs no
polishing, waxing, or sealing, and can be cleaned easily with a damp mop.

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Taken from:http://flooring.builddirect.com/Porcelain-Tile/Ceramic-Tile-Articles/Advantages_of_Porcelain_Tile_Flooring.aspx

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