How Do You Choose? Comparing Vinyl Tile and Ceramic Tile
Vinyl and ceramic tile are both excellent at resisting moisture and stains. However, vinyl tile is frequently designed to look like ceramic tile, which is a completely different material. Understanding their differences will assist you in making the best choice for your home’s bathroom or kitchen.
Ceramic tile is beautiful, durable and modern
Vinyl Tile vs. Ceramic Tile
Choosing between vinyl and ceramic tile flooring is a difficult decision, but both are popular types of flooring for homes.
Vinyl flooring is made of PVC plastic and comes in pre-cut squares ranging in size from 9 to 18 inches. There are several types of vinyl flooring to choose from to complement the style of your home. This tile option is one of the most affordable for your home.
Because it comes in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and shades, ceramic tile is one of the most adaptable types of flooring. Ceramic tile is made of clay and is extremely scratch resistant. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice for wet areas because it is both moisture resistant and cost effective.
Appearance Difference Between Vinyl Tile and Ceramic Tile
Vinyl – Although vinyl tile is often designed as a ceramic tile, the imitation is rarely extremely convincing; most of us can distinguish between a vinyl floor and a ceramic or stone tile floor.
Ceramic Tile – As a flooring material, ceramic tile delivers much dignity. Particularly porcelain tiles come as a designer flooring material in several really stunning selections.Ceramic tiles are also available in a broad range of colors and styles.
Winner – Ceramic Tile – Few people would deny that when it comes to looks, ceramic tiles have the edge.
Ceramic tile is waterproof and easy to clean.
Moisture Resistance of Vinyl Tile vs. Ceramic Tile
Vinyl – When vinyl is water-resistant on the surface, it can make the adhesive bond give way if the water shrinks under the tile.
Ceramic Tile – In contrast, Tile does not have such a problem in moist areas and the grout maintains the tiles in place. This kitchen design looks great in the wet portions of the kitchen with ceramic tiles rather than vinyl.
Winner – Ceramic Tile – Ceramic tile absorbs less than 5% of its weight, which means that there is not much water. Grout takes up more water but dries without any damage.
Care and Cleaning of Vinyl Tile Versus Ceramic Tile
Vinyl Tiles – Damp mop with clean water and a floor cleanser without abrasion, if required. Hard cleaning agents for vinyl floors should not be utilized.
Ceramic Tile – If the seal cover is allowed to decay, the grout lines might become dingy with ceramic tile. If this happens, it is recommended to scrub well using a grout cleaner with bleach.
Durability, Maintenance and Lifespan of Vinyl Tile Versus Ceramic Tile
Vinyl tiles – In terms of its nature, vinyl is a durable substance that is more soft and consequently tearable and gougable than other floor materials., but it’s not difficult to replace a damaged tile. The heating process for loosening the adhesive is quite easy, peel it off and then scrap the floor cleanly and put a fresh tile down. In 10 years, vinyl floor tiles will normally be ready to be replaced, although in light-used conditions longer service life is feasible.
Ceramic tile – Ceramic tile is incredibly durable, easy to maintain and will remain as gorgeous for many years with due care and regular minor cleaning. Damaged tiles may be deleted and substituted. Grout lines must be resealed and cleaned on ceramic tiles every few years, if they are unclean or mildew discolored. Ceramic tile with a lifespan of 40 years or more, can survive several decades.
Winner – Ceramic tile – Because of its sustainability, durability and lifespan, ceramic tile wins this category.
Vinyl tile is durable and more affordable
Installation & Cost of Vinyl Tile Versus Ceramic Tile
Vinyl Tiles – Vinyl tile is not only less expensive than ceramic, it offers a much higher value and has a much simpler installation process.
Ceramic Tiles – Depending on the size, color and quality of the tiles, ceramic tiles will most likely be more costly than vinyl tiles with a more involved process of installation.
Winner – Vinyl tile is a simple flooring option. Ceramic tile installation is a time-consuming process so in combination with the cost per tile and the installation, ceramic tile will be more costly.
Environmental Considerations of both Vinyl Tile and Ceramic Tile
Vinyl Tiles – Most vinyl materials can hardly be recycled. That’s because it requires a consistent level of different substances in the entire material made up of vinyl during the recycling process. Sadly, different vinyl kinds have diverse chemical compositions and they often become incompatible. The adhesives that are generally adhered to vinyl when old flooring are raised from underlay layers complement this process.
Ceramic Tiles – Ceramic tile from mining to installation is environmentally sustainable. Many ceramic tiles incorporate recycled material, reducing the environmental impact further.
Winner: Ceramic Tile – Because it does not contain any chemical components, ceramic tiles are a superior environmentally-friendly material.
