Difference between vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles
Main difference
The main difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles is that vitrified tiles are made from a mix of clay and elements like silica, quartz, and feldspar, and ceramic tiles are made from clay.
Vitrified tiles versus ceramic tiles
Vitrified tile is made from a mix of clay and elements like silica, quart, and feldspar. Ceramic tiles are made from clay. Clay is also known as mud clay. Vitrified tiles look more like ceramic tiles, but are processed more to make them look shiny and less porous. Ceramic tiles are the most preferred tiles. These are classified into natural and vitrified ceramic tiles. Vitrified tiles are used in commercial buildings. They have a glassy and shiny appearance. Ceramic tiles are mainly used inside houses. The difference in their use is influenced by their water absorption rate. Vitrified tiles absorb less water, while ceramic absorbs more. they are made relatively stronger with glazing. Vitrified tiles are expensive and more difficult to install. Ceramic tiles are easy to install and less expensive. Vitrified tiles absorb less solvent but are more resistant to stress. Ceramic is more solvent absorbent and less resistant to staining. Vitrified tiles are used in any area because they are less absorbent. Ceramic tiles are usually applied in areas less frequented by water or spills. Vitrified tiles are used in any area because they are less absorbent. Ceramic tiles are usually applied in areas less frequented by water or spills. Vitrified tiles are used in any area because they are less absorbent.
Comparison chart
| glazed tiles | ceramic tiles |
| Tiles made from a mixture of clay and elements such as silica, quartz, and feldspar | The tiles that are made of clay / mud clay |
| Installation / Maintenance | |
| Easy | Hard |
| cost | |
| More expensive | less expensive |
| Texture | |
| Sleek | rough and natural |
| Durability | |
| Plus | Less |
What are vitrified tiles?
Vitrified tiles are made by a process called vitrification (as in their name). This process is aimed at making the tiles stronger. Vitrified tiles got their name from vitrifying that means the process of making a glass or something similar to glass. Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture of clay and elements like quartz, silica, and feldspar. Due to such ingredients, the mixture melts on applying very high temperature, and a glass substrate is formed on the tile. Vitrified tiles are non-porous tiles with a glossy texture. They use a dye mixed with the clay before setting it on fire. This dye makes the color of the tiles throughout consistent. So if the surface of the tile chips off in any case, then a similar color is exposed underneath. Vitrified tiles are more durable Because of the process undertaken.
Main features
- Glossy
- Stronger
- less absorbent
- less porous
- Expensive
- 2 ft × 2 ft (24″ × 24″) or larger size
- 8mm to 12mm thick
- Easy installation
- Easy maintenance
- contrived look
- more durable
- Strong
- Water absorption is negligible.
- Frost resistant, scratch resistant, stain resistant
What are ceramic tiles?
Ceramic tiles are the tiles that are made up of a mixture of clay (usually known as mud clay) and water. These tiles have a natural look and a rough look. The process of preparing ceramic tiles involves molding clay into the shape of tiles and then firing them inside a kiln. Heat makes the structure of clays hard. The tiles are subsequently coated with enamel to make them water resistant. A variety of colors are also used for a great selection of mosaic tiles. Due to its composition of clay and water, ceramic tiles are not very strong and do not exhibit a glass-like appearance. Also, these tiles are very porous; therefore, they absorb water easily. They are often glazed to make them water resistant. The enamel also functions as a protective shield. Ceramic tiles have a natural, earthy look. However, there are also some disadvantages of ceramic tiles. They are porous and absorb more water. That is why it is not recommended to use it in areas exposed to too much water. Installation and maintenance of ceramic tiles are difficult and a special trained person is needed. Ceramic tiles are very porous and absorb water quickly. So, in the outer area, the tiles will quickly develop cracks. Installation and maintenance of ceramic tiles are difficult and a special trained person is needed. Ceramic tiles are very porous and absorb water quickly. So, in the outer area, the tiles will quickly develop cracks.
Main features
- less expensive
- smaller in size
- 6mm to 12mm thick
- difficult installation
- Maintenance is not easy
- hard and heavy
- Low resistance to frost, scratches, stains.
- not very slippery
- less durable
- The natural and earthy look
Key differences
- Vitrified tiles are made from the mixture that contains clay and elements like silica, quartz, and feldspar while ceramic tiles are made from clay.
- Vitrified tiles are expensive, conversely, ceramic tiles are inexpensive.
- Vitrified tiles are easy to maintain and install; On the other hand, ceramic tiles are difficult to install and maintain.
- Vitrified tiles absorb less water, while ceramic tiles absorb more.
- Vitrified tiles are made from glass components, so they have a smooth and glassy texture, while ceramic tiles have a rough texture because they are made from the mixture of solvent and natural clay.
Final Thought
Vitrified tiles and ceramic tiles are the two types of tiles. Both types are different from each other in their composition, texture and many other characteristics.