What Is Vitrified Tile Flooring?
What Is Vitrified Tile Flooring?
Vitrified tile flooring is a ceramic material popularly used as an alternative to marble and granite flooring. It is very low in porosity and provides excellent water and frost resistance, making it the perfect choice for outdoor areas.
There are four types of Vitrified tiles – Soluble salt, Double charge, Full Body, and Glazed – all providing different looks and characteristics depending on what you need.
This type of tile flooring is extremely durable, long-lasting, and affordable which makes it a great option for any home project.
What Is The Difference Between Vitrified Tiles And Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic and vitrified tiles are both popular flooring materials, but they differ in their properties. Ceramic tiles usually have a coarser texture and a more natural, earthy look due to their absorption of moisture when fired at low temperatures.
On the other hand, vitrified tiles are glassier in appearance, as they are fired at high temperatures to create a strong bond between the clay particles which results in a glossy finish.
While ceramic tiles absorb some moisture, making them suitable for areas prone to dampness, vitrified tiles are stronger and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles due to the process of vitrification.
What Is The Benefit Of Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles offer many benefits over other flooring materials, with the most notable being their water resistance and long-lasting shine and polish.
They are easy to install and handle and require no regular polishing like marble, making them a great choice for those looking for durable flooring options.
In addition, they come in a variety of colors, styles, sizes, and designs that can complement any decorating style or budget. Vitrified tiles also do not require extensive maintenance or cleaning as dirt or dust will not get trapped on the surface.
Lastly, vitrified tiles offer good thermal insulation which helps to keep your home warm during cold weather.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles have their disadvantages as well, such as being slippery when wet, not being environment-friendly, being expensive to install and repair, and not having an easy option to replace certain broken tiles.
The intense heat of the kiln during manufacturing can make these tiles brittle and thus prone to cracking.
Further, the color can fade over time from exposure to direct sunlight or usage. Since vitrified tiles are incredibly hard and dense, they’re also difficult to cut which can make it a challenge for DIYers attempting renovations.
What Is The Lifespan Of Vitrified Tiles?
Vitrified tiles are highly durable and are designed to withstand significant traffic, but they still only have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Although they last shorter than properly maintained marble tiles, which can easily last up to 20-25 years, vitrified tiles do have the advantage of not needing regular polishing or sealing like other natural stone materials.
However, the potential hazard of chipping does exist; should the tile become damaged in this way, it would need to be entirely replaced.
Which Are More Expensive Ceramic Or Vitrified Tiles?
Ceramic tiles are generally cheaper than vitrified tiles, due to their weaker characteristics. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, are more expensive because they are more durable and scratch resistant.
They don’t require sealing or waxing, so maintenance costs are also lower than ceramic tiles. In addition, they come in a wide variety of colors and designs which makes them more desirable.
However, ceramic tiles still offer a range of options in terms of color and design, making them suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.
In order to find the most cost-effective option for your needs, it’s best to compare prices between different types of tile materials before making a purchase.