Ceramic, Porcelain Or Travertine: What Tile Is Right For Your Bathroom?
Ceramic floor tiles are created using a mixture of clays, which are shaped into the square shape typical of a tile, and then fired at a high heat until cured. They are then glazed, or sometimes left unglazed, depending on the use and purpose of the ceramic tile. When properly grouted, ceramic tiles are waterproof, making them a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens. They are durable, easy to maintain and resist frost. The only real drawback to ceramic tiles is that if they are installed on an uneven floor, they can crack over time, thus needing replaced.
Porcelain tiles are the next step up from ceramic tiles and cost a bit more than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are actually a variation of ceramic tiles, with the only difference being the way they are fired. Porcelain is much harder than traditional “ceramic” tiles, and come in six different levels of hardness. Porcelain lasts much longer than regular ceramic floor tiles, and is highly resistant to scratches, staining, and harsh cleaning chemicals. In addition, it also has an incredibly high breaking strength, making it ideal for high traffic areas.
Travertine tile is created out of stone slabs of travertine, which is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. Travertine is similar in appearance to marble, and can be found in a good variety of colors and naturally occurring patterns. Travertine takes quite a bit more maintenance than ceramic and porcelain tiles, which may or many not be a problem, depending on how much maintenance the homeowner is willing to do.
Ceramic, porcelain, and travertine are all highly popular flooring options for bathrooms; hopefully these descriptions will help you choose the right option for new bathroom floor.