Porcelain is simply a type of ceramic clay. Porcelain tiles are those which have the lowest absorption rates of all the ceramic tiles available. To be classed as “porcelain,” a tile cannot absorb more than .5 percent of it’s total mass in water. Many porcelain tiles absorb less than that — down to as little as .1 percent. In the industry, these tiles are called “impervious.”
There is no confusion on this matter among installers. We call ourselves ceramic tile setters, not porcelain tile setters. It’s just that as it turns out, most of the floor tiles we install nowadays are made from porcelain.
But the misinformation continues. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rates glazed floor tiles as to their resistance to abrasion. Glazed tiles are those to which a decorative layer has been applied over the clay body of the tile. Glazes are rated 1 through 5 with 5 being the highest or most durable grade.
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