Ceramic tile is arguably the most versatile material for both floors and walls. It is easy to clean, extremely long lasting, does not absorb smell, water or allergens, is fireproof, can be installed in any part of the house and comes in an infinite array of colors and patterns to suit any style or design.

The merits of ceramic tile were recognized early on, with a known history of their use extending back to 4,000 BC in Egypt. Over time people have perfected the manufacturing process and it has evolved from a hand made product to, in the 19th century in Britain, a highly automated, mechanized process. The mechanized tile manufacturing process spread quickly from Britain and was soon produced in practically every major country throughout Europe and in the US. Today it is more automated than ever.

The manufacturing process begins with the mining of feldspar and clay minerals from the earth. The raw clay materials are pulverized and crushed in a multi step process that can involve up to three separate crushing mechanisms depending on the size of the particles. The small particles are then separated by size using screens. Tiles come in different grades and can have different colored bodies, both factors at least partly determined by the proportion of different clay materials combined in the tile mixture. The combination of the type and amount of specific clays is measured out carefully and mixed together, a process during which they are further ground up. The ceramic tiles are then formed using this mixture either by the dry pressing method or wet milling. There are different machines and methods of pressing the mixture into the correctly shaped tiles and similarly there are different methods of applying the glaze. The glaze can change the texture of the tile as well as the color, pattern and feel of it. The dry milled ceramic tiles are bisque fired at relatively low temperatures before they are glazed, then they are glazed and refired for up to 2-3 days at temperatures of about 2,372°F. The wet milled tiles take less time to fire, sometimes as little as 60 minutes, at temperatures of about 2,102°F. This single firing process is called monocottura and makes harder, stronger tiles. Technology in the ceramic tiles business is perpetually changing and there are now processes that form the tiles and glaze them simultaneously.

The end result is the ceramic tiles that are used extensively world wide for their durability, sanitary nature and versatile, attractive façades. Porcelain tiles are often grouped into the same category as ceramic tiles, and although they are very similar there are certain differences that can make porcelain tiles more suitable for certain applications.

Porcelain is also made from feldspar and clay, but it uses a greater percentage of feldspar than ceramic tiles and kaolin, white clay, instead of the redder, iron rich clay in ceramic tiles. Kaolin accepts pigments so the coloration of the tiles is not a surface coloring as with ceramic tiles, rather it is consistent throughout the thickness of the tile, making for less notable marks if the tile happens to chip (while this was always the case historically and still is for the most part, some companies are starting to manufacture porcelain tiles with a surface glaze as well, so make sure you check before buying). The raw materials used to make porcelain tiles are finer than those used for ceramic tiles, the formation of the tiles is done with a heavier hydraulic press and the tiles are fired in higher temperatures in the kiln. This makes for an overall denser composition in the tile.

The different properties of ceramic and porcelain tiles do not necessarily mean that one is better than the other. Rather, one is better than the other for particular applications. For example, porcelain is more appropriate for extremely high traffic areas or areas that are sensitive to any absorption of liquids or allergens, like hospitals. Talk to a sales representative to decide which tile is more appropriate for your project.