Ceramic Tiles or Porcelain Tiles for Underfloor Heating

In both new-builds and home renovation projects, tiled flooring is a very popular option to go with a brand-new underfloor heating system. Generally, the big question is always: which floor finish works better with UFH – porcelain or ceramic tiling?

VPS Underfloor Heating have put together the following guide to help you make your decision easier, so let’s begin:

What are the main differences between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles?

Ceramic and Porcelain tiles have two quite different compositions with the chief difference being that a porcelain tile is more impervious to water compared to ceramic.

Yes, they are related in terms that they are both composed of baked clay, heated in a kiln and glazed for a smooth, strong finish but this is where the similarities end.

The Beauty of Ceramic Tiles:

Budget-Friendly: If your budget is tight then Ceramic tiles are generally more affordable than porcelain.

Variety: If you are worried about how Ceramic tiles will fit in with your home then thankfully they come in a large array of colours, patterns, and finishes.

Good Heat Conductors: Ceramic tiles are good conductors of heat and your underfloor heating system will perform to an optimum standard. In turn, you’ll have evenly heated floors throughout your home.

However, there are few points to consider…

Water absorption: Some ceramic tiles can be slightly porous, meaning they might absorb moisture. Therefore, it’s important to choose a glazed or non-porous ceramic tile that can be used specifically with an underfloor heating system.

Strength: Ceramic tiles come in varying degrees of durability. Go for the high-quality, harder ceramic tile to withstand everyday family wear and tear and to ensure that your outlay lasts for years to come.

The Strength of Porcelain Tiles:

Exceptional Durability: Porcelain is both strong and durable and are virtually impervious to scratches, chips, and cracks, making them a perfect choice for a house full of kids.

Almost Impenetrable: Compared to Ceramic, Porcelain tiles are denser and less porous. This in turn, makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture exposure is almost always an issue.

Look of luxury: If beautiful, high gloss finishes are your thing, then Porcelain tiles are definitely for you. High quality porcelain tiles will elevates the aesthetics of almost any room.

Here are some points to consider with the Porcelain option…

Cost: Porcelain tiles are generally more expensive than ceramic tiles.

Style Options: While still offering a wide variety, the selection of porcelain tiles might be slightly more limited compared to ceramic tiles.

The Key Differences

Key Differences	Ceramic	Porcelain
Water Absorption	Absorbs More	Absorbs Less
Hardness	Softer	Harder
Cost	Cheaper	More Expensive
Cutting	Easy to cut	Hard to cut
Wet or Electric Underfloor Heating	Wet & Electric	Wet & Electric

Wet or Electric Underfloor Heating

Porcelain and Ceramic tiles will work very well with both Wet and Electric Underfloor Heating Systems – both are great conductors of heat and will quickly and efficiently distribute the warmth around your room. VPS Underfloor Heating have both Wet and Electric systems that will complement your ceramic or porcelain flooring.