When selecting subway tiles for your kitchen, bathroom, or a specific project, the choice between ceramic and porcelain tiles often surfaces. In this article, we’ll dissect the pros and cons of both materials to deepen your understanding and aid you in making the most informed selection for your needs.
Ceramic Subway Tile
Crafted from a blend of sand, clay, and water, ceramic subway tiles are shaped, dried, and then fired at high temperatures in a kiln. This process imbues the tiles with robustness and durability. Their ease of installation and maintenance have cemented ceramic's reputation as a favored tile material globally for centuries.
Benefits of Ceramic Subway Tile
Ceramic subway tiles offer numerous benefits, making them a popular choice for both home and commercial spaces. Here, we explore the key advantages of ceramic subway tiles to help you decide if they're the right fit for your home or next project.
Affordability
Ceramic subway tiles are often favored for their cost-effectiveness, typically priced lower than porcelain subway tiles. This affordability makes ceramic subway tiles an attractive option for large-scale installations or renovation projects where budget constraints are a consideration. This cost efficiency does not compromise quality, as ceramic subway tiles still provide durability and aesthetic appeal, making them a practical choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Versatility
One of the most appealing aspects of ceramic subway tiles is their incredible versatility. Available in a vast array of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures, ceramic subway tiles can fit virtually any design scheme or personal style. We have an augmented reality (AR) tool so you can visualize how products will look in your own space. Whether you’re looking for a simple, classic look or an elaborate, custom design, ceramic subway tiles offer the flexibility to achieve the desired effect.
Ease of Handling
Ceramic subway tiles are known for their ease of handling, which makes them a popular choice for DIY projects. Being generally softer than porcelain subway tiles, ceramic subway tiles can be cut and shaped more easily, which is particularly advantageous when dealing with intricate spaces or unique design elements. The ability to easily manipulate ceramic subway tiles not only simplifies the installation process but also opens up a world of creative possibilities for personalizing your space.
Drawbacks of Ceramic Subway Tile
While ceramic subway tiles offer many benefits, they also come with certain drawbacks. Understanding these disadvantages can help you make an informed decision for your space.
Porosity
Raw ceramic materials like quarry tile are more porous, which might not be ideal for high-moisture settings or outdoor use. However, glazed and crafted ceramic subway tiles, such as the ones from Edward Martin, are non-porous and suitable for wet areas such as bathrooms and showers. We recommend consulting with our tile experts to choose the best ceramic subway tile option for your space.
Softness
Although quite durable, ceramic subway tiles are inherently softer and more susceptible to scratches, chips, and cracks than porcelain subway tiles. Despite their robustness, this vulnerability requires careful consideration of their placement and usage to ensure longevity and maintain their appearance. Again, certain ceramics, such as glazed and crafted tiles are non-porous and are resistant to heat, moisture, and scratches.
Ideal Application of Ceramic Subway Tile
Ceramic subway tiles excel in environments with moderate usage. They are perfectly suited for interior walls, backsplashes, and floors in less moist conditions.
Ideal applications include:
Kitchens
Perfect for backsplashes and walls, adding a stylish, easy-to-clean surface.
Bathrooms
Suitable for walls and decorative accents, though less ideal for constantly wet areas like shower floors.
Living Areas
Great for feature walls or low-usage floors, offering aesthetic appeal and durability.
Entryways and Mudrooms
For functional spaces with moderate usage such as entryways and mudrooms, ceramic subway tiles offer a welcoming aesthetic and easy maintenance.
Ceramic Subway Tile Price Range
The cost of ceramic subway tiles can vary widely based on style, size, and quality. While you might find some ceramic options that are pricier than certain porcelain subway tiles, on average, ceramic subway tiles are more economical. Typically, they range from $5 to $10 per square foot.
Porcelain Subway Tile
Porcelain subway tiles are produced from a finely refined clay mix, similar to that used for ceramic but fired at much higher temperatures. This results in a denser, non-porous, and exceptionally durable tile, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including patios, showers, and kitchen backsplashes.
Benefits of Porcelain Subway Tile
Porcelain subway tiles offer numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for a variety of applications. Here, we highlight the key advantages of using porcelain subway tiles in your home.
Durability
Porcelain subway tiles are renowned for their exceptional durability. The process of firing at high temperatures results in a tile that is dense and hard, which is less likely to crack, chip, or wear over time compared to other flooring materials. Their resilience ensures that they can withstand the rigors of heavy use without showing signs of wear, maintaining their aesthetic appeal over the years.
Non-Porous
One of the standout features of porcelain subway tile is its non-porous nature, achieved through its high-temperature firing process. This makes them highly resistant to moisture and an ideal choice for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas like patios and pool surrounds. In moist environments, porcelain subway tiles prevent the accumulation of mold, mildew, and bacteria, ensuring a healthier and safer environment.
Aesthetic Flexibility
Porcelain subway tiles offer a wide range of aesthetic options, making them a versatile choice for interior design. Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, porcelain can be made to closely mimic the look and feel of natural materials such as stone, wood, marble, concrete, onyx, and even fabric textures. Whether you're aiming for a rustic, contemporary, or traditional look, porcelain subway tiles provide the flexibility to meet diverse design needs while delivering both durability and performance.
Drawbacks of Porcelain Subway Tile
Porcelain subway tiles offer many benefits, but there are also some drawbacks to consider. Understanding these disadvantages can help you make a more informed decision about whether they are the right choice for your home or project.
Cost
Generally, porcelain subway tiles are more expensive due to their enhanced durability and complex manufacturing process. The upfront investment in porcelain subway tiles can be significant, especially for large-scale projects.
Installation Challenges
Their hardness and density make them tougher to handle and install, potentially elevating installation costs and necessitating professional expertise. DIY installers may find porcelain subway tiles more difficult to work with compared to softer materials.
Specialized Adhesive Needs
The non-porous nature of porcelain subway tiles means they do not absorb adhesives as readily as ceramic subway tiles. This requires the use of a specific type of thin-set adhesive with a higher latex content to ensure proper bonding. These specialized adhesives are more expensive than those used for ceramic subway tiles, adding to the overall cost of the project.
Ideal Application of Porcelain Subway Tile
Thanks to their durability, porcelain subway tiles are versatile enough for nearly any application. Ideal uses include:
Busy Floors
Perfect for areas like hallways, living rooms, and entryways where durability is essential.
Bathrooms
Ideal for both walls and floors, including moisture-rich environments like shower areas and bathtub surrounds, due to their low water absorption.
Kitchens
Suitable for backsplashes, countertops, and flooring, offering a robust and easy-to-clean surface.
Outdoor Settings
Excellent for patios, walkways, and outdoor kitchens, as they can withstand various weather conditions without cracking or fading.
Commercial Spaces
Appropriate for high-usage commercial areas such as retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Porcelain Subway Tile Price Range
While some porcelain subway tiles can be found at lower prices than ceramic subway tiles, they generally command a higher price, averaging between $8 and $15 per square foot.
Determining the Best Tile Option for Your Space
The decision between ceramic and porcelain subway tiles hinges on several factors, such as your budget, the intended installation environment, and your design preferences. For areas subject to heavy use or outdoor elements, porcelain typically offers superior durability and moisture resistance. For less-used areas or budget-conscious projects, ceramic provides an appealing and economical alternative.
To identify the most suitable material for your project, we invite you to visit our website and see the list of premium products. It's crucial to always consult with your tile manufacturer to verify that the tile you've chosen is suitable for its intended use and to adhere to their recommendations. For the best installation results, we highly recommend seeking guidance from a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about ceramic and porcelain subway tiles, including their lifespan, usage for walls and floors, eco-friendliness, quality indicators, and tips for choosing the right colors and patterns to suit your space.
What is the lifespan of ceramic and porcelain subway tiles?
Ceramic and porcelain subway tiles can last for decades with proper installation and maintenance. Porcelain subway tiles typically have a longer lifespan due to their denser composition, often exceeding 50 years, while ceramic subway tiles can last 20 to 30 years depending on the environment and care.
Can I use the same subway tiles for walls and floors?
Yes, you can use the same subway tiles for both walls and floors, but it's essential to ensure they are rated for floor use due to durability and slip resistance requirements. Always check the tile’s PEI rating, which indicates the tile’s hardness and suitability for different applications.
Are ceramic and porcelain subway tiles eco-friendly?
Both ceramic and porcelain subway tiles, including those offered by Edward Martin, are considered eco-friendly due to their long lifespan and inert materials that don’t emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs. Many manufacturers also recycle materials during production, further reducing their environmental impact.
How can I tell if a subway tile is high quality?
High-quality subway tiles are consistent in size and shape, have a uniform glaze and color, and are free from defects like chips or cracks. The water absorption rate is a crucial indicator: the lower the rate, the higher the tile's quality, especially for porcelain. Also, check the reputation of the manufacturer and seller to ensure you get premium subway tiles.
What should I consider when choosing subway tile colors and patterns?
Consider the size and lighting of the space. Lighter colors make a room feel larger and brighter, while dark or bold colors create a more dramatic effect. Patterns can either enhance the space's dimensions—large patterns for large rooms and subtle patterns for small spaces—or introduce a unique stylistic element. Always consider the overall aesthetic and function of the room when selecting subway tiles.
