Key Difference: Vitrified tiles are made from a mixture containing clay and elements like silica, quart and feldspar, whereas ceramic tiles are simply made from clay. The clay can also be referred to as earthen clay. Thus, they primarily differ in their compositions.

Tiles enhance the beauty of floors and walls. Various options are available in the market and they often confuse the customer while making a selection. Types of tiles have their own set of advantages and disadvantages and thus, it tends to be really frustrating sometimes to conclude something after making the comparison. Vitrified and ceramic tiles are often compared, as they both are widely used, and therefore this article is stating the differences between these two types of tiles.

Vitrified Tiles have got the name from vitrify which means the process of making a glass or something similar to a glass. The tiles that are made using the method of vitrification fall in the category of vitrified tiles. This tile is known for its capacity to absorb water and also for being stain resistant.

Vitrified tiles are composed of a mixture containing clay and elements like silica, quartz and feldspar. Due to the presence of such ingredients, the mixture melts on applying a very high temperature and a glass substrate is formed throughout the tile. These tiles are non-porous tiles that have a glassy texture. Vitrified tiles use a dye that is mixed with the clay before setting it on fire. This dye makes the color consistent throughout the tiles. Therefore, if the surface of the tile chips off, then a similar color is exposed underneath.

On the other hand, ceramic tiles are plain clay tiles. The process simply involves molding the clay into the shapes of tiles and then cooking them inside a kiln. The heat forms the hard structure of clays. Later, the tiles are coated with glaze so that they become water resistant.

A variety of colors are also applied in order to obtain a large selection of tiles. As they are made by a mixture of clay and water, therefore they are not very strong. These tiles are also very porous and thus absorb water easily. In order to make them resistant to water they are often glazed. The glaze is used as a protective shield.

Therefore, vitrified and ceramic tiles primarily differ in the composition. Due to this composition difference, various factors of distinction tend to originate. Vitrified tiles are made of a mixture of clay with elements like silica, quart and feldspar. Therefore, when the mixture is baked in high temperatures, then the elements of the mixture fuse together and make a glass type product. These tiles are thus, very strong, durable and resistant to water. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are just made from the earthen clay. Thus, they do not form a glass type substance. These tiles must be glazed in order to obtain an external protection layer. The biggest advantage of ceramic tiles is that they have a natural and earthy look in comparison to the artificial look of vitrified tiles. Some of the differences are listed below-

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