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The two most popular varieties in the market when it comes to tiles are ceramic and vitrified tiles. Vitrified tiles are the shiny big ones tiles you might have seen in houses and shops. This is made by mixing silica and clay to form a non porous tile with a glassy texture. Ceramic tiles are those made from clay tiles and topped with a ceramic glaze.

The basic difference is that vitrified tiles are actually one kind of ceramic tile. But these are made after the vitrification process and go through a high level of refining, generating a glassy effect, while ceramic tiles are made of natural biodegradable and recyclable materials.

But then there has always been this long-standing debate on vitrified tiles vs ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles have been the popular choice for counter tops, walls, floors and even in home roofing. Vitrified tiles, on the other hand, have a layer of coloured glass.
The composition of vitrified tiles is homogenous in nature. To achieve a glossy look, vitrified tiles are manually polished. Ceramic tiles have a glaze applied over them.

However, most glazes are not that durable or scratch resistant and over time, it yellows, it cracks and it chips. Aisha Siddiqui from Delhi has recently done up her house with a range of tiles. “I’ve used a lot of ceramic in the bathroom and the balcony for the warm and elegant texture it renders to the room. My living room is all vitrified tiles as we wanted to give it a spacious look,” she says. Big-sized vitrified tiles are smooth and easy to clean apart from adding to the spacious look of the room. Vitrified tiles have a demand in countries like India, UK and USA.

When you compare the varieties, you realise that ceramic tiles are actually more cost-effective. However, both ceramic and vitrified tiles are available in a range of prices, colours, patterns and sizes. Talk of durability and vitrified tiles are sure winners. Vitrified tiles are much stronger than natural granite, which is one of the most durable products for modern homes. Vitrified tiles win over ceramic tiles on factors such as strength, ability to resist scratches and acids, alkalis, and chemicals without being damaged.

Full tiling with vitrified tiles cost a bit more than vitrified flooring and therefore ceramics are preferred by many as an economical choice. But for those who prefer a chic and glamorous look, vitrified tiles are definitely going to rule the flooring market in the near future.