Thinking about purchasing tile flooring in Buffalo? You’re probably wondering whether porcelain or ceramic tile is better. In short, porcelain tile generally works better than ceramic tile, especially in moisture-prone spaces and through New York’s changing seasons. That said, ceramic tile still has its place.
Let’s discuss the differences so you can choose the right tile for your Buffalo home.
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay and fired in kilns, but that’s where the similarities end. Check out the differences below:
Porcelain Tile: Made from clay fired at temperatures around 2,200-2,500°F, these tiles are denser and less porous. As a result, they absorb less than 0.5% of water, making the harder, more durable option that’s better at resisting moisture, stains and wear.
Ceramic: Made from less refined clay fired at temperatures around 1,800-2,000°F, these tiles are more porous. They absorb 3-7% of water, meaning they’re softer and not as durable as porcelain, but tend to be more affordable and easier to cut.
Our flooring contractors in Buffalo help homeowners understand the differences between tiles for over 90 years. We understand how our weather affects different products and make recommendations based on our local conditions.
Weather in Buffalo is unpredictable. That’s what makes porcelain tile the best option in most cases. Here’s what makes a difference:
Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Our winters lead to repeated freezing and thawing. When moisture penetrates ceramic tile and freezes, it will expand and crack. Porcelain absorbs less water so it resists freeze-thaw cycles better, which is essential for entryways, mudrooms and spaces near exterior doors.
Humidity Fluctuations: Our summers are humid, while our winters are dry. This results in expansion and contraction. Because porcelain tile is more dimensionally stable, cracking and grout failure aren’t as common.
Snow, Salt and Moisture: Constant wet boots, melting snow and road salt tracked indoors aren’t uncommon. Porcelain has an edge when it comes to moisture resistance.
Temperature Variations: Porcelain stands up to temperature swings better than ceramic so it’s ideal for three-season porches, sunrooms or spaces with radiant heating.
When you choose us, you get an experienced team passionate about helping you find the right flooring product for your space and needs. We also back every installation with our exclusive Beautiful Guarantee®. If you aren’t happy with your new floors within 30 days, we will replace them.
Porcelain tiles are great, but ceramic excels in other areas. Consider using it for the following applications:
Interior Walls: Bathroom and kitchen walls don’t deal with freeze-thaw cycles or foot traffic so ceramic’s affordable nature makes sense here.
Low-Traffic Areas: Consider installing ceramic tile flooring in guest bathrooms, laundry rooms and other lesser-used spaces.
Budget-Conscious Projects: If you don’t want to overspend or are covering a large area, ceramic tile looks beautiful and is more affordable.
Installing tiles can be complex, but if you are going the DIY route, use ceramic tiles. They are easier to cut, but we still recommend professional installation for best results and warranty protection.
Choosing between porcelain and ceramic tile doesn’t have to be challenging. With a little help from Tontine Carpet One, you can make the right choice for your needs. While porcelain is the preferred choice in Buffalo, ceramic tiles have their own set of tricks to know about.
Don’t guess which tile is right for your Buffalo home. Contact us or visit our West Seneca showroom today!