26 October, 2024

How to Identify Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles: A Complete Guide

how-to-idenify-ceramic-and-vitrified-tiles

If you need to select the right tile for your home, you must be able to differentiate between ceramic and vitrified tiles. These tile types have their own specific purposes for how they look, from how durable they are, to their functional characteristics. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into how to identify ceramic and vitrified tiles, and in the process break down which is more expensive, what their composition can be, water absorption and other criteria.

In addition, suppose you’re after high-quality tiles that fit your budget and style. In that case, Karishma Tiles has a wide range of tiles available for your home space. Karishma Tiles has a reputation for its cutting-edge technology & durability in its products and brings elegance and longevity to your flooring or wall designs.

Difference Between Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles

Composition and Manufacturing Process

Understand the composition of tiles so you can choose the best-suited tile for your needs. At first, you might be wondering about ceramice tiles, to understand ceramic tiles read what is a ceramic tile.
- Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay and water, fired at moderate temperatures on a kiln. It is a porous material that, as such, is glazed to give it strength and better functionality with respect to its water resistance. Because ceramic tiles are an excellent exposure to water, these tiles are often chosen for interiors.
- Vitrified Tiles: The materials in vitrified tiles go further, employing silica and quartz, along with clay. At these very high temperatures, the tiles are fired to give them a glass-like texture and non-porous surface. They’re super durable and water resistant, which makes them perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Texture and Appearance

The visual and textural differences between ceramic and vitrified tiles are also key identifiers.
- Ceramic Tiles: Typically, ceramic tiles have a matte or slightly rough finish. More natural, they compliment a rustic design or a vintage-inspired interior.
- Vitrified Tiles: On the other hand, vitrified tiles have a shiny, smooth look with a sleek appearance. These have this good shine that makes them look modern, that is perfect for contemporary homes.
Strength and Durability

Durable tiles are other elements that simply must be considered while making a purchase.
- Ceramic Tiles: Indoor use, especially in areas with little foot traffic like bedrooms, will allow them to be used as these tiles are durable. They will however not withstand heavy impact and if not taken care of they can chip or crack.
- Vitrified Tiles: Ceramic tiles are far less durable than vitrified tiles. These are not porous surrounded by glass and not to scratch, and they are strong enough to be used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, and even commercial spaces.
Water Absorption and Stain Resistance

Compared to vitrified tiles, ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate.
- Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles have a water absorption at about 3%, so they are less resistant to moisture. That makes them unsuitable for outdoor areas or high-humidity spaces that need to be glazed properly.
- Vitrified Tiles: Vitrified tiles absorb very little water about ~0.5%, and are hardly susceptible to it. That’s why they’re perfect for bathrooms, kitchens and other moist areas.
Cost Difference Between Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles

The price for ceramic vs vitrified tiles will depend on quality, design and size.
- Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are more budget-friendly and cost between INR 25 – and INR 150 per square foot in India.
- Vitrified Tiles: The best of these are a bit costly on their own, thanks to a higher durability and aesthetic quality. Ranging from INR 60 to INR 100 per square foot.
Ceramic vs Vitrified Tiles for Wall

There are some considerations you should think about when you use either type of tile on the walls.
- Ceramic Tiles for Walls: Ceramic tiles are lightweight and easier to install on walls, which is why they’re a common option for bathroom or kitchen backsplashes.
- Vitrified Tiles for Walls: Vitrified tiles can also be used on walls, but are more expensive and heavier than other surfaces, so they are not quite so common for vertical surfaces. Vitrified tiles offer greater protection for areas or walls that are exposed to general moisture.

How to Identify Ceramic and Vitrified Tiles

2 major things you can consider to follow the solution of How to Identify ceramic and vitrified tiles.

How to Identify Ceramic Tiles

Texture: Ceramic tiles mostly feature a rough and grainy surface with a matte finish. Usually earthy, traditional designs, often look like they are made from natural stone.
Water Absorption Test: Ceramic tiles absorb more water, and the surface is checked by pouring a small amount of water on the surface. If it's absorbed, it's ceramic.

How to Identify Vitrified Tiles

Glossy Finish: The glassy, smooth surface of vitrified tiles is recognised. They have a modern look with a reflective finish.
Water Test: The vitrified tile won’t absorb water if one pours water on it. This means that the water will stay on top and the tile is not porous.

How to Differentiate Between Vitrified and Ceramic Tiles

Weight: Vitrified tiles are denser and heavier than ceramic tiles because ceramic tiles have a more porous structure.
Sound: Vitrified tiles tap better to produce a sharper, glassic sound and ceramic tiles make a duller sound.

Karishma Tiles – A Leading Choice

Karishma Tiles is among the very few, that can maintain a successful balance between aesthetic beauty and exceptional durability for tiles. Karishma Tiles is an easy solution if you are looking for quality tiles.

Karishma Tiles is known for its stunning range of tiles, offering a complete range based on innovation, precision and crafting. Our collections cover each style and taste, so whether you’re designing a modern, minimalist space or trying to embellish the already elegant characteristic of your house by means of high-end finishes, they have been here for you. Quality stands guaranteed. Visit our Gurgaon Tiles Showroom, Jagatpuri Tiles Showroom or our Tiles Showroom in Raja Garden, New Delhi to explore tiles that merge functionality with unmatched elegance—the perfect choice for your dream home.

Conclusion

By the time you've reached here, you must have known how to identify ceramic and vitrified tiles. Budget, the intended application as well as aesthetic preferences dominate the choice between ceramic and vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles stand out with greater water resistance, durability, and a sleek, modern look to suit either indoor or outdoor spaces, while ceramic tiles are more traditional, and economical for indoor use only. Knowing the fundamental difference between these two kinds of tiles will enable you to make the right decision in case of opt for these types of tiles as you will ensure beauty and functionality to your home.

FAQs

The difference between vitrified and ceramic tiles, texture is the most useful precursor for visual analysis. Smooth and shiny vitrified tiles are in contrast to the rough and matte finish of the ceramic tiles. Additionally, vitrified tiles are denser and heavier due to the vitrification process.

What's often used is ceramic tiles, which are more porous and matt. But, vitrified tiles, on the other hand, are heavy in weight and they have a more rustic, natural appearance too.

Vitrified tiles are far more expensive, because of their superior durability, glossy finish and resistance to water and stains. Tile made from ceramic is less expensive but will need more maintenance.

If these tiles are not porous, they have a non-porous, glassy, surface so they are vitrified. Ceramic tiles are on a much rougher and more porous surface comparatively speaking. Other reminders of a wall being fired include a water test—that will not absorb the water and fired vitrified tiles.

To identify different types of tiles, a look at texture, weight, and water absorption, can tell you which tiles you are looking at. They will have a rough finish (vitrified tiles) and a glossy finish (Ceramic tiles). Another type is porcelain tiles, that have a texture in between that of ceramic tiles and durability.