Ceramic vs Porcelain
The difference between ceramic and porcelain is a matter of curiosity for many people who are looking for products. Ceramic and porcelain are the two basic materials used in many areas from pools to living spaces, from health to kitchens.
The fact that they are used in such a wide area leaves question marks in the minds of people at the decision stage. “Is ceramic durable or porcelain?”, “Is porcelain healthy or ceramic?” Questions like these are just a few of them.
There are many distinctions between ceramics and porcelain, which people who are going to have a pool see as alternatives to each other and are confused because they do not know the difference between them.
The main differences between ceramic and porcelain; raw material components, production techniques, and baking temperatures.
Ceramic tiles are fired at low temperatures, while porcelain tiles are fired at high temperatures. The body (masse) colors of ceramic tiles are more black and dark, while porcelain tiles have a whiter and lighter color.
Ceramics are soft and porous by their structure, have water-permeable properties, and when used for a long time, capillary cracks occur in their structures. These cracks provide environments suitable for bacterial growth, so they are not hygienic. It can stain surfaces and is difficult to clean.
Ceramics are also not resistant to water. They are not resistant to frost due to the water they absorb into their bodies. Explosions and cracks and spills in the pool can be seen due to the expansion of the water in their bodies in the winter months at negative temperatures.
Porcelain tiles are hygienic with their water-absorbing properties, they are pressed with high pressure, so no pores are formed, and they are harder and more durable. Therefore, it is highly resistant to thermal shock and chemicals. It is more resistant to external factors than ceramic.
Since it is fired at high temperatures, its surfaces are smoother than ceramic tiles and are stain-proof. Bacteria does not form on its surface and is easy to clean. It is more resistant to impact and temperature changes. In addition, since it is lighter, it provides an advantage in overflow.
Porcelain tiles consist of clay, kaolin, silicate, and zirconium-added components. They have insulating properties with their denser and compressed structures, they do not conduct electricity.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles have ideal usage areas. Ceramic tiles are used in dry and low-traffic areas, mostly indoors. Porcelain tiles are suitable for wet floors and areas with heavy human traffic.
Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramics. The reason for this is that porcelain goes through more production stages and therefore production costs are high. However, when porcelain is applied outdoors, it shows great financial advantages in terms of its benefits.
Porcelain is preferred in the health sector, especially in dentistry, and in kitchen and household items that require hygiene.
Thanks to all these features, porcelain is an indispensable material in pools.