When it comes to selecting tiles for your home or commercial space, durability is a key factor that significantly influences the decision-making process. Among the myriad of options available, four types stand out for their robust qualities: ceramics, porcelain, Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT), and slabs. Each of these materials offers unique benefits and varying levels of strength, making it crucial to understand their differences to make an informed choice. In this article, we will delve into a comparative analysis of these tile types, exploring their durability, advantages, and ideal applications to help you determine the best option for your needs.
Which has Highest Strength in Tiles Body?
Here is Quick Answer : Comparing The Strength of Each Tiles High Strength to Low Strength Tiles body: Large slab tiles > Porcelain/GVT tiles > Ceramic body
How can you Measure Tiles Strength?
Tiles strength can be measure using several test. Here are list of testing styles used for checking strength of tiles body:
Breaking Strength Test
The breaking strength test measures the force required to break a tile, providing essential information about its load-bearing capacity. According to the ASTM C648 standard, this test involves applying pressure to the tile until it breaks, determining the maximum load it can withstand. This test is crucial for ensuring that tiles can handle expected weights and pressures in their intended applications, such as flooring or countertops, without failing.
Modulus of Rupture Test
The modulus of rupture test evaluates the tensile strength of a tile, which indicates its ability to resist breaking under tension. Following the ASTM C99 standard, this test involves applying force to a tile until it fractures, measuring the maximum stress it can endure before breaking. This test helps ensure the durability and reliability of tiles, particularly in applications where they may be subjected to bending or flexing forces.
Water Absorption Test
The water absorption test determines the amount of water a tile can absorb, which directly impacts its strength and durability. Conducted according to the ASTM C373 standard, this test involves immersing the tile in water and measuring the amount absorbed. Tiles with low water absorption rates are less likely to suffer from damage due to water infiltration, making them more suitable for wet or outdoor environments. This test ensures that the tiles can maintain their structural integrity and appearance in various conditions.
Frost Resistance Test
The frost resistance test evaluates a tile’s durability in freezing conditions, ensuring it can withstand freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or deteriorating. Following the ASTM C1026 standard, this test involves subjecting the tile to repeated cycles of freezing and thawing. It is especially important for tiles used in outdoor or cold climates, as it ensures that they can maintain their performance and appearance despite temperature fluctuations.
Impact Resistance Test
The impact resistance test determines a tile’s ability to withstand sudden impacts, such as drops or strikes from heavy objects. This test measures the tile’s robustness in high-traffic or heavy-use areas, ensuring it can handle accidental impacts without significant damage. By assessing the tile’s capacity to absorb and distribute impact energy, this test helps ensure the longevity and reliability of the tile in various applications.
Flexural Strength Test
The flexural strength test measures a tile’s ability to resist deformation under load, providing insights into its structural integrity. Conducted according to the ISO 10545-4 standard, this test involves applying force to a tile until it bends or flexes. It evaluates the tile’s resistance to bending and flexing forces, ensuring it can maintain its shape and strength under pressure. This test is critical for applications where tiles must endure significant loads or stresses without compromising their performance.
Why Tile Durability is Important when Buying Tiles?
Importance of Tile Durability in Construction and Design
Tile durability is essential in construction and design because it ensures that the chosen material can withstand the rigors of daily use and maintain its appearance over time. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, where wear and tear are commonplace. A durable tile can withstand heavy foot traffic, resist stains and scratches, and maintain its aesthetic appeal for years to come.
Factors Affecting Tile Durability
Material Quality: The quality of the tile material plays a significant role in determining its durability. High-quality materials, such as ceramics and porcelain, are generally more durable than lower-quality options.
Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process can also impact tile durability. Tiles that undergo rigorous quality control measures and are made using advanced techniques tend to be more durable.
Installation: Proper installation is critical for ensuring the longevity of tiles. Incorrect installation can lead to cracks, damage, and reduced durability.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for maintaining the durability of tiles. This includes cleaning and repairing any damage or cracks promptly.
Lets Learn about Tile Types
Choosing the right tile for your space involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and durability. Among the popular options are ceramics, porcelain, Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT), and slabs, each offering unique attributes and strengths. Ceramics are known for their versatility and affordability, while porcelain boasts superior density and water resistance. GVT combines the best of both worlds with enhanced durability and a polished finish. Slabs, on the other hand, offer grandeur with fewer joints and seamless designs. In this article, we explore these tile types in depth, helping you make an informed decision for your flooring and wall needs.
Type 1. Ceramic Body Tile
Definition and Characteristics of Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are defined as ceramic surface components, glazed or unglazed, fired at a high temperature to produce specific properties. They are known for their durability, water resistance, scratch resistance, stain resistance, and flame resistance.
Types of Ceramic Body Tiles
Ceramic Wall Tiles:
These tiles are designed for use on walls and have a higher water absorption capacity compared to floor tiles. They typically have a water absorption rate between 13% and 16%. This higher absorption rate makes them more suitable for bathroom and kitchen walls where moisture is present.
Ceramic Floor Tiles:
These tiles are designed for use on floors and have a lower water absorption capacity compared to wall tiles. They typically have a water absorption rate between 3% and 6%. This lower absorption rate makes them more suitable for high-traffic areas and outdoor use.
Pros and Cons of Using Ceramic Tiles
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Water-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Aesthetically versatile with a wide range of colors and designs
Cons:
- May be prone to cracking if not installed properly
- Can be heavy and difficult to handle
- May require specialized tools for installation
- Grout lines can be difficult to clean
Type 2. Porcelain / Vitrified Body Tiles
Definition and Characteristics of Vitrified Tiles
Vitrified body tiles process involves firing the tile at high temperatures to create a dense, non-porous body that is resistant to water absorption and stains. Generally tiles which has absorption rate below 0.5% are know as Vitrified body tiles or Porcelain Tiles body. And are known for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and ease of maintenance.
Types of Vitrified Body Tiles
Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT / PGVT): These tiles have a glazed surface with a variety of designs and patterns. They are suitable for areas where a high-gloss finish is desired.
Double Charge (DC): These tiles have a double layer of pigment, making them durable and suitable for high-traffic areas. However, the design layer should not be more than 4mm thick to maintain strength.
Full Body Tiles: These tiles have pigment throughout their entire body, making them ideal for high-traffic zones. They are more expensive due to the process involved.
Colorbody Tiles: Color-body tiles are actually glazed vitrified tiles with a matching body color. This type of tile offers the best of both worlds: the design versatility of a glazed vitrified tile (GVT) combined with the aesthetic consistency of a full-body tile. If the tile chips or wears at the edges, the matching color underneath will be revealed, making any damage less noticeable.
Soluble Salt: These tiles are screen printed and polished, making them less durable and prone to fading over time.
Pros and Cons of Using Vitrified Tiles
Pros:
- Durable and resistant to water and stains
- Easy to maintain
- Available in various designs and patterns
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- Can be slippery when wet
- Installation process can be challenging
- More expensive than some other tile options
- Not suitable for areas with high foot traffic and heavy wear and tear
Type 3. Porcelain Slabs
Porcelain slabs are large-format tiles made from highly refined clay and other natural materials. These slabs are fired at extremely high temperatures to create a dense, durable, and non-porous surface.
Characteristics:
- Durability: Porcelain slabs are incredibly strong and resistant to wear, scratches, and impact, making them ideal for high-traffic areas and heavy-use surfaces.
- Low Porosity: The non-porous nature of porcelain makes these slabs highly resistant to stains, moisture, and bacteria, ensuring long-lasting cleanliness and hygiene.
- Aesthetic Versatility: Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, porcelain slabs can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, or concrete, providing endless design possibilities.
- Large Format: The large size of porcelain slabs minimizes grout lines, creating a sleek and seamless appearance that’s perfect for modern interiors.
- Easy Maintenance: With their resistant surfaces, porcelain slabs are easy to clean and maintain, requiring minimal effort to keep them looking new.
- Heat and Frost Resistant: Porcelain slabs can withstand extreme temperatures, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, including countertops, flooring, and facades.
Standard thickness of Porcelain tiles starts from 7mm (aka. Slim tiles) and goes upto 20 mm (aka Full body tiles lab slab)
Here is the information organized into a proper table format:
| Category | Ceramic | Porcelain/GVT | Slab Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength and Hardness | Moderate strength, less hard | High strength, very hard | Very high strength, extremely hard |
| Resistance to Wear and Tear | Moderate, suitable for light traffic | Excellent, suitable for high traffic | Exceptional, suitable for high traffic |
| Lifespan and Maintenance | Moderate lifespan, regular maintenance | Long lifespan, low maintenance | Very long lifespan, minimal maintenance |
| Cost-Effectiveness | |||
| Initial Cost Comparison | Generally lower | Moderate to high | High to very high |
| Long-Term Cost Implications | Higher due to frequent maintenance | Lower due to durability | Lowest due to extreme durability |
| Aesthetic Appeal | |||
| Design Options and Customizability | Wide variety, customizable | Wide variety, highly customizable | Limited variety, high customization possible |
| Visual Appeal and Trends | Traditional and contemporary options | Modern and versatile, trending | Luxurious and modern, high-end trends |
Porcelain or Vitrified Tiles
Sizes in mm (millimeters):
Small Size:
- 300 mm x 600 mm
- 600 mm x 600 mm
- 600 mm x 1200 mm
- 800 mm x 800 mm
Heavy Duty Parking Tiles (Porcelain Vitrified):
- 300 mm x 300 mm
- 400 mm x 400 mm
- 600 mm x 600 mm
Porcelain Slab Big Sizes (Porcelain Vitrified):
- 800 mm x 1600 mm
- 1200 mm x 1200 mm
- 1000 mm x 1000 mm
- 1200 mm x 1800 mm
- 900 mm x 1800 mm
- 1200 mm x 2400 mm
Wooden Strips (Porcelain Vitrified):
- 200 mm x 1200 mm
- 200 mm x 1000 mm
Step & Riser (Porcelain Vitrified):
- 200 mm x 900 mm
- 300 mm x 900 mm
- 200 mm x 1000 mm
- 300 mm x 1000 mm
Full Body Tiles
Sizes in mm (millimeters):
- 300 mm x 300 mm
- 600 mm x 600 mm
- 600 mm x 1200 mm
- 800 mm x 1600 mm
Ceramic Tiles
Sizes in mm (millimeters):
- 200 mm x 300 mm
- 250 mm x 375 mm
- 250 mm x 750 mm
- 300 mm x 450 mm
- 300 mm x 600 mm
- 200 mm x 600 mm
- 300 mm x 900 mm
- 300 mm x 300 mm
- 400 mm x 400 mm
- 500 mm x 500 mm
- 600 mm x 600 mm
- 100 mm x 300 mm
- 200 mm x 200 mm
- 75 mm x 300 mm
- 100 mm x 200 mm
- 150 mm x 150 mm
Color Body Collection
Sizes in mm (millimeters):
- 800 mm x 2400 mm
- 800 mm x 3000 mm
- 800 mm x 3200 mm
- 1200 mm x 2400 mm
- 1200 mm x 3000 mm
- 1200 mm x 3200 mm
- 1200 mm x 1600 mm
- 1600 mm x 3200 mm
Where can I Buy High Strength Tiles?
High-strength tiles are an excellent choice for areas that experience heavy foot traffic or require enhanced durability, such as commercial spaces, industrial facilities, and high-use residential areas.
Ramirro Ceramica offers a comprehensive range of high-strength tiles that are perfect for these demanding applications. Ramirro’s porcelain and vitrified tiles are engineered to provide exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear. These tiles are available in a variety of sizes, from small 300x600mm options to large-format 800x1600mm slabs, catering to diverse design needs. The company’s heavy-duty parking tiles, ranging from 300x300mm to 600x600mm, are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of vehicular traffic and heavy loads.For projects that require even greater strength and impact resistance, Ramirro’s Porcelain Slab Big Sizes collection offers tiles up to 1200x2400mm. These large-format, high-strength tiles are perfect for commercial and industrial applications, providing a seamless and durable flooring solution.
In addition to their impressive strength, Ramirro’s high-strength tiles also boast a wide range of aesthetic options. From classic natural stone looks to modern concrete and wood-inspired designs, these tiles can elevate the visual appeal of any space while delivering uncompromising performance.
To purchase high-strength tiles from Ramirro Ceramica, customers can visit the company’s website at Ramirro.com or contact their local sales representatives. Ramirro’s team of experts is available to provide guidance on the best tile selection and installation methods to ensure a successful project outcome.By choosing Ramirro’s high-strength tiles, you can be confident in the durability and longevity of your flooring or wall cladding, making it an ideal choice for demanding environments that require exceptional performance and visual appeal.
