What is the difference between glazed and unglazed porcelain tile?
When looking at many options for flooring, there is no question in anyone’s mind that porcelain floor tiles are the superior option. Porcelain tiles also outperform ceramic tiles across the board, including nearly all other flooring options. This includes a bathroom and kitchen floors.
The bodies of porcelain tiles are often denser and more robust than those of ceramic tiles, and porcelain tiles are also noticeably less porous. On the other hand, just like anything else, not all porcelain tiles are created equal. When deciding on a flooring or wall solution utilizing porcelain tiles, you have a variety of alternatives, one of which is choosing between unglazed porcelain and glazed porcelain. Another option is selecting a different type of porcelain tile altogether. We have outlined some of the most significant distinctions between glazed and unglazed porcelain in the following paragraphs so that you may make an informed decision.
The Methods Used in the Production of Porcelain Tile
Clay, silica, and other ingredients obtained from natural sources are typically used in the production of glazed and unglazed porcelain tile. This is accomplished by subjecting the mixture to extremely high temperatures inside a kiln that has been purpose-built for the purpose. Vitrification is what makes porcelain so resistant to water and other impurities; this is caused by the extremely high density and heat of the material.
In addition to the processes described above for making porcelain tile, glazed tiles go through still another step. On the surface of the porcelain tile, an extra coating of liquid glass with a thickness of between 5 and 7 microns is placed in order to create glazed tiles.
Durability
Glazed tiles often have a lower density and are thinner in comparison to their unglazed porcelain counterparts. The quality of the glaze applied to a glazed porcelain tile might have an effect on the tile’s durability. A lighter glaze is burned at greater temperatures, which results in it having a denser consistency than a darker glaze would have otherwise.
Glazed porcelain tile is one of the items that are most resistant to moisture because it has an additional layer of glass on top of the porcelain. Porosity levels of glazed porcelain tile will typically be lower than 0.5 percent on average.
Porcelain tile that has not been glazed typically has an unpolished surface. The unglazed porcelain tile’s rough surface contributes to the tile’s increased slide resistance. Unglazed porcelain tiles, also known as fully vitrified tiles, have the color of the tile flowing through the entire body of the tile. This gives the unglazed tile a more natural appearance. Because the biscuit or body of the tile is the same color as the surface of the tile, chips in the tile will continue to be nearly undetectable even after they have occurred.
A glazed porcelain tile cannot have its surface sealed. Because of the limited porosity and resilience to moisture, the majority of sealants will either not stick at all or fade off over time. Due to the existing excellent moisture resistance qualities of unglazed porcelain, only a select few sealants of sufficient grade can be used on this material. You have the option of sealing an unglazed porcelain tile, but it is not required because it already possesses several features that are quite similar to those of glazed porcelain.
Should you choose unglazed porcelain tile or glazed porcelain tile for your floor or wall?
To begin, unglazed porcelain tile is not only exceedingly difficult to get, but it also has the propensity to be more expensive than glazed porcelain tile. This is primarily because of the increased density and coloring that is applied during the production process. However, unglazed porcelain will last longer than glazed porcelain.
The specific requirements of the application will determine whether you go with glazed or unglazed windows. Unglazed porcelain is a good choice for the majority of commercial applications, especially those with high or heavy foot traffic. Glazed porcelain tile is typically the more popular option, despite the fact that both varieties can be used for any application. This is because glazed porcelain tile comes in a wider variety of patterns and can be purchased at a lower cost.
