Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Flooring

Yes! Although quite similar, there are a few minor differences between porcelain and ceramic tile. The main one is that porcelain tile is a slightly more robust material, making it a bit more resistant to moisture and little better at resisting chips and scratches than ceramic tile. However, ceramic is still a highly durable material and both types of tile offer a wealth of design options and can be installed in the same settings.

Tile floors generally don’t require any more maintenance than other hard surface floors. Dry dirt and debris can be swept away or cleaned with a damp microfiber sweeper, while spills and stubborn stains can be wet mopped. However, tile grout is a porous material and will need to be sealed—and periodically resealed—to keep it from getting stained.

While ceramic and porcelain tile floors used to be reserved for use mainly in kitchens and bathrooms, today it’s common to see tile installed throughout a home. Because they’re easy to keep clean and add a touch of class to any design scheme, tile floors are popular in mud rooms, living rooms, and especially in finished basements.

Of all flooring materials on the market, porcelain and ceramic are generally considered the most difficult to install properly. They require specialized tools, extensive knowledge of different mortars and adhesives, and an artisan’s touch to ensure your floors come out looking their best. That’s why it’s important to trust professional tile installers, like those you’ll find when you contact Empire.