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Is porcelain just another name for ceramic?

 
No, porcelain and ceramic tiles are two very different things. They behave differently in different installations so you should know the difference.
The Floor Source & More lives by these words: “Customers will long remember poor service” so we do it right the first time.

We’re also your go-to for carpet, flooring, and home improvement needs. We have 40 years of experience and boast an impressive inventory of carpet, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, waterproof flooring, tile, vinyl, glass mosaics, and cork. We also provide services, such as kitchen and bath remodeling, countertop installation, hardwood refinishing, and more.

Our showroom is in Southlake, TX and we service Southlake, Trophy Club, Keller, North Richland Hills, and Colleyville.
 

Porcelain tile can also be used outdoors

 
While porcelain is a type of ceramic, it also contains sand and, even sometimes, glass which makes it heavier. It is fired longer and at higher temperatures than ceramic, so it’s extremely strong and completely waterproof, whether or not it’s glazed.

It’s good for floors in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, bath, and entryway, and also for tile and tub surrounds. You’ll also see it on decks, patios, and pool-sides.

Porcelain is milky white, has a translucent quality, and has the cache of Italian porcellana or fine china, which does make it more expensive. While it is all-white, it comes with an assortment of patterns and various shapes, from the traditional square to diamonds and hexagons.

Some benefits of porcelain include: design flexibility, as it can resemble marble, granite, wood, steel, etc. It is also so durable and stain-resistant that it is commonly used in commercial installations.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ceramic tile flooring in North Richland Hills, TX from The Floor Source & More
 
 
 

Ceramic needs to be glazed

 
The glazing gives it a tough, hard, top surface that makes it waterproof and almost impossible to crack, but if you do all that’s necessary is to replace the broken tile, not the entire floor.

Ceramic comes in a large assortment of colors, shapes, and sizes which can be mixed and matched to create your own unique style. They can even be printed to mimic hardwood or stone.

While this tile is one of the more affordable options, the price does increase as the design level increases. A good work-around is to use a more plain, less designed tile on the largest square footage with a few of the more highly designed, expensive ones as accents.

Both are very easy to care for: Just sweep or vacuum (use the soft brush attachment) and for a more thorough cleaning, mop with water and a manufacturer-approved soap.