Ceramics are one of the most widely used materials for covering floors and walls in buildings. However, due to the visual similarities between floor and wall ceramics, some people confuse them with one another. That’s why, in this article, we aim to explore the reasons for the differences between floor and wall ceramics and clarify the matter once and for all.
Floor ceramics, in terms of strength and durability, are more resistant than wall samples and withstand scratches and wear well. Additionally, floor-specific ceramics are thicker compared to wall ceramics.
Appearance Differences
There is not much visual difference between floor and wall ceramics. This is what often leads some people to use floor ceramics instead of wall ceramics. While it’s true that the surface appearance, design, and overall look of these ceramics do not differ, the dimensions of suitable floor ceramics differ from those of wall ceramics. Floor ceramics are usually square and come in dimensions of 40x40 cm, 60x60 cm, 80x80 cm, etc. However, wall ceramics come in various sizes and their dimensions are highly diverse.
Thickness Differences
Floor-specific ceramics are thicker than wall-specific ceramics because they are used in areas of foot traffic and need to withstand considerable pressure and impact. In some buildings, porcelain tiles are used to cover floors. These tiles are ideal for flooring as they can withstand high temperatures and have excellent resistance to hard impacts. This also makes porcelain tiles more expensive compared to other types since cutting them is more challenging and their installation is more difficult than wall ceramics.
Differences in Installation
One of the reasons for the difference between floor and wall ceramics is the method of installation. Wall ceramics are thinner and lighter compared to floor ceramics, making cutting and installing them much easier. On the other hand, floor ceramics must have specific ratings and appropriate thickness for covering the floor. Special equipment and tools are required to cut these ceramics, making their installation more time-consuming and somewhat challenging.
Technical Differences
The grading and classification of tiles and ceramics based on their resistance to slipperiness and hardness are another reason for the difference between floor and wall ceramics. To compare the technical differences, the coefficient of friction (COF) rating and the abrasion resistance rating (PEI) are considered. Many stores provide detailed information on these ratings to customers when purchasing floor and wall ceramics, allowing them to make more informed decisions.
- Floor ceramics must meet minimum standards in the coefficient of friction (COF) ratings to ensure they are not slippery and can be walked on easily. Typically, floor ceramics have a COF rating between 0.5 and 0.60. The PEI rating should be between Class 3 to 5 for floor ceramics.
- • Wall ceramics are not assigned specific ratings for friction coefficient or construction. Hence, ceramics that lack these technical specifications are used as wall ceramics. The table below offers a clearer comparison of floor and wall ceramics.
Important Points for Choosing Floor and Wall Ceramics
If you need guidance in choosing floor and wall ceramics, it's good to know that floor ceramics can be used in place of wall ceramics. However, wall ceramics should never be used for flooring. Just as the difference between mosaic and ceramics is very evident, making it impossible to use them interchangeably, wall tiles should also never be used for flooring as they lack sufficient strength and durability. However, both have similar pricing and long lifespans, with the only difference being the installation process, size, and thickness.
Final Words
Understanding the difference between floor and wall ceramics becomes crucial when you want to choose a durable and high-quality ceramic for your flooring. Most ceramics can be used on walls, but only some of them are suitable for floors. In this article, we’ve outlined the conditions and features that make certain ceramics more appropriate for flooring.
