Are you preparing for a bathroom remodel? There are a lot of decisions you’ll need to make about the kinds of designs you’ll implement, and the amenities you’ll want to install in your new bathroom. You’ll want to spend some time thinking about the materials you’ll use. One of the most common decisions people have to make concerns their bathroom flooring, with the choice between ceramic, natural stone or porcelain in Tampa, FL being a critical one.
Here are some of the things you should think about when making this decision.
Is one inherently better than the other for use in bathrooms?
Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference. Neither natural stone, porcelain nor ceramic has any inherent advantages over the other. All will work in spaces like bathrooms that frequently have high moisture exposure.
Additionally, all three of these options are rated for use with in-floor heating systems. They will also come in a wide variety of designs and colors. Prices may vary based on availability and the designs you use.
How does their composition differ?
There are some slight differences in the composition of porcelain, ceramic and natural stone. Porcelain is made out of fine clay and dust, making it a bit denser than your standard ceramic. This is why porcelain is more frequently used outdoors than ceramic—it’s better able to stand up to the elements. However, both porcelain and ceramic are kiln fired and can be shaped into any style, giving you the appearance of wood or natural stone. Travertine, meanwhile, is a dense natural stone.
What types of maintenance requirements do they have?
Despite what you may have heard, porcelain is no less likely than ceramic to absorb stains or get scratched up. This is a common myth. It really depends on the kind of finish or glaze you’re using for the surface of the tile. Porcelain has a lower water absorption rate, but the porosity of the glaze you’re using is really what plays the biggest role in the stain absorption for your tile, rather than the material of the tile itself.
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles should be regularly cleaned to prevent a buildup of debris that could eat away at the glaze, and you should make it a point to clean and dry up any spills when they occur.
With travertine, maintenance largely involves regular sealing, particularly when the material is being used in wet environments like bathrooms.
How durable are the materials?
The durability and lifespan of your tiles once again depends more on the glaze than the material of the tile, as well as the quality of the installation. You’ll find similar levels of durability among the materials themselves, though you’ll want to check the specifications for the tiles before installation. You should pay special attention to putting down a high-quality underlayment, and making sure you do a good job with installation. Ceramic and porcelain are generally more durable choices than a wood floor for areas that have a lot of moisture and traffic.
Finally, while travertine has long been regarded as a higher-end flooring material, its price has dropped as the material has grown more popular. If you’re looking to add natural stone in your kitchen or bathroom in Tampa, FL, travertine makes a warm and inviting alternative to traditional porcelain.
For more information about what you should consider when choosing flooring materials for your remodel, we encourage you to contact Schoeman Construction with any questions.
