Tile flooring is practical, functional and beautiful. It works well in nearly any room but is an innovative flooring option for bathrooms and kitchens. While tiles that perfectly complement the décor and suit the room’s purpose can be purchased, they are also very cold to the touch. As a result, many people find that heated floors are the perfect upgrade to optimise comfort.
As you think of options for the best flooring types for your space, it’s essential to understand the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles.
Key Notes
- Electric underfloor heating is the safest, most efficient, and most durable solution for heating porcelain and ceramic tiles. It can be used as both a primary and supplemental heat source.
- The thickness of the tile affects how long it takes to heat up, and all tiles have a maximum temperature they can be safely heated to.
- Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles, making them the preferred choice for heated bathroom floors.
Read on as we explore the nuances of heated ceramic and porcelain tiles for your home.
Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles: What You Need to Know
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are very similar — so much so that many people don’t realise there’s a difference between the two. However, it is essential to be aware of these differences when investing in a radiant floor heating solution. This will allow you to choose the best tiles for your heated floors.
As you consider porcelain and ceramic tiles for your floors, remember that both tiles are created with baked clay. However, ceramic tiles are made with darker clays, while porcelain tiles are created using white and strengthened with other materials, such as quartz or sand. Ceramic tiles sometimes offer more versatility because their design is adhered to the surface, while any finish applied to a porcelain tile will seep through the materials. Some facts to keep in mind about porcelain and ceramic tiles include:
| Characteristic | Strengths | Weaknesses | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absorption | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain tiles have lower water absorption rates |
| Durability | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain tiles are more durable & robust |
| Cost | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive |
| Usage | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain tiles can be used both indoors & outdoors, while ceramic tiles are suited for indoor use only |
| Ease of Cutting | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic tiles are easier to cut than porcelain tiles |
Remember that tiles are only considered true porcelain if certified by an outside agency. The agency will consider the absorption levels of the tile when determining if it upholds the standards of accurate porcelain material.
Should You Choose Electric Underfloor Heating for Your Tile Floors?
Most people considering heated tile floors will find a water-based underfloor heating system or an electric underfloor heating solution. The best option for your tiles is an electric radiant floor system, such as the STEP HEAT floor mats offered by Green Wave Distribution. An electric underfloor heating system is the best option for your ceramic or porcelain tiles because:
- It is the safest way to distribute heat to the tiles. A low-voltage system that relies on innovative technology will heat the floors quickly without any risk of overheating. In addition, electric underfloor heating systems are safe and effective in wet rooms where tiles are commonly laid.
- It is the most efficient and affordable way to heat floors. Electric systems cost less to operate than their water-based counterparts and are more efficient, giving you the results you need in a shorter time.
- It is a durable solution that requires little to no maintenance in the future. When you invest in an underfloor heating solution like the STEP HEAT system, you can feel confident knowing you will get the desired results without the maintenance issues and costly repairs associated with other heating solutions.
It’s worth noting that underfloor heating can be used as both a primary and supplemental heat source. This makes it one of the most versatile heating solutions on the market, allowing you to design the space as you see fit, choose the flooring materials you prefer and make the room as comfortable as possible.
Best Tiles For Underfloor Heating?
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing tiles for your underfloor heating system is the thermal conductivity of the flooring materials.
Fortunately, tiles heat up efficiently — regardless of which type of tiles they are — and retain that heat for a long time. This makes them an ideal option for your heated flooring system.
When trying to decide between porcelain and ceramic tiles, and while considering their thermal conductivity, you will want to keep the following in mind:
- The tile’s thickness will significantly impact how long it takes to heat the floors to your desired temperature. When a tile is thicker, it will take longer to heat up. A thinner tile will heat up quickly but may retain the temperature for a short time.
- All tiles have a maximum temperature that they can be heated to. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can safely be heated up to 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
You will want to consider heated tiles in a room with high heat loss. A bathroom, sunroom or garage may be ideal for an electric underfloor heating solution.
Choosing Tile Materials for a Wet Room
People often consider heated tiles for a room with significant moisture, such as a bathroom. If you are considering heated bathroom tiles, you might wonder which type of tile is safe for use, along with an electric underfloor heating solution in this room.
Here are key points to consider when choosing tile materials for your bathroom.
- Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from natural materials and are porous, which means they can absorb water.
- Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles, and they tend to be more durable in wet rooms with an underfloor heating system in place.
- When installing heated bathroom floors, it is recommended to use porcelain tiles for their durability and water resistance.
- Although porcelain tiles may cost more to purchase and install, it is worth the investment as they can protect the radiant floor system beneath them.
- Applying silicone sealant to the tiles and other waterproofing features installed on the underfloor system can provide further protection.
- Your contractor can provide detailed information about the best solutions for your bathroom’s electric underfloor heating system.
You will want to consider heated tiles in a room with high heat loss. A bathroom, sunroom or garage may be ideal for an electric underfloor heating solution.
What is the Best Underfloor Heating System for Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles?
When selecting a radiant floor heating system for your home — regardless of the flooring material you choose — it’s essential to partner with an industry expert. At Green Wave Distribution, we are considered the leaders in the radiant flooring industry.
Our innovative STEP® HEAT system relies on low-voltage electricity, making it one of the safest underfloor heating systems on the market. This system is safe, durable and efficient, using automated carbon polymer heating technology. It will allow you to quickly heat your ceramic or porcelain tile floors and evenly distribute heat throughout the room, making your space more comfortable and enjoyable for anyone using it.
Contact Green Wave Distribution today for more information about heating ceramic tiles and choosing the best underfloor heating system.
