What are ceramic floor tiles and how are they made?
Ceramic floor tiles are made of clay, sand and other natural minerals. They are molded into the desired shape, colored, then fired at a high temperature.
What are porcelain floor tiles and how are they made?
Porcelain floor tiles are made of a type of ceramic composed of fine grained porcelain clay and minerals. They are shaped and then fired at temperatures often higher than other types of ceramic, making them extremely solid and moisture resistant.
What are the similarities/differences between ceramic tile and stone?
Both are hard surfaces that are cold to the touch and unforgiving on dropped objects. There are many differences, however. Natural stone will vary in color and can have unique flaws, while ceramic tile is more consistent and uniform. Stone is also more difficult to maintain as periodic deep-cleaning and sealing needs to be done. Stone tend to absorb moisture or “breathe”, making it prone to stains. Stone flooring is generally expected to be a harder material than ceramic, although that is not true all the time. For example, in freezing conditions, some types of slate can literally “explode”.