Glazed Porcelain Tiles Or Technical Porcelain Tiles?

What is the Difference?

  1. Surface Treatment:
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles: These tiles have a layer of glaze applied to the surface. The glaze is a liquid glass coating that is fused to the surface of the tile during firing. This layer can provide various colors, patterns, and finishes (e.g., glossy, matte, textured).
  • Technical (Unglazed) Porcelain Tiles: These tiles do not have a glaze layer. Instead, the color and pattern are consistent throughout the entire body of the tile (a characteristic known as being “through-body”). The surface is often polished or left with a natural finish.
  1. Appearance:
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles: They offer a wide variety of colors, patterns, and finishes due to the glaze. They can mimic the appearance of natural stone, wood, or other materials.
  • Technical Porcelain Tiles: These tend to have a more natural, understated look with a uniform color and pattern. Since there is no glaze, the aesthetic is typically more subtle and often mimics natural stone.
  1. Durability and Wear:
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles: The glaze provides a protective layer, but it can wear down over time, especially in high-traffic areas. Once the glaze wears off, the tile underneath can be more susceptible to damage and staining.
  • Technical Porcelain Tiles: These tiles are generally more durable and resistant to wear and scratching because they do not rely on a surface glaze. The color and pattern run through the entire thickness of the tile, so even if the surface wears down, it will not reveal a different color underneath.
  1. Maintenance and Stain Resistance:
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles: The glazed surface makes these tiles easy to clean and resistant to most stains. However, the glaze can be slippery when wet, depending on the finish.
  • Technical Porcelain Tiles: They are also easy to maintain and generally have high stain resistance. However, if left unpolished or with a matte finish, they might require sealing to enhance their stain resistance.
  1. Applications:
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles: These are commonly used for walls, floors, and other interior applications where a decorative finish is desired. They are also suitable for low to moderate-traffic areas.
  • Technical Porcelain Tiles: Because of their high durability, they are often used in commercial spaces, high-traffic areas, and exterior applications. They are also a good choice for industrial settings due to their strength and wear resistance.
  1. Slip Resistance:
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles: The slip resistance varies with the type of glaze used. Glossy finishes tend to be less slip-resistant, while matte or textured glazes can provide better traction.
  • Technical Porcelain Tiles: These tiles generally offer better slip resistance, especially if they have a textured surface or are left unpolished.

In summary, the choice between glazed and technical porcelain tiles depends on the specific needs of the project, including aesthetics, durability, slip resistance, and maintenance considerations.