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Architecture/Floor tile selection

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Expert: - 11/6/2005


Question
Dear Mr.  Taylor:

We are planning to replace our home's wall to wall carpeting with tile.  Is porcelain better than ceramic?  Do you have a suggestion?

Thank you in advance.

Laura

Answer
Hi Laura - thanks for your question!

Everything that ceramic tile is, porcelain tile is "more" - more durability, more water resistance, more frost resistance, and of course, more money.

Porcelain tile is fired at a higher temperature than ceramic and is therefore denser and harder.  Glazed porcelain tile is considered "frost-proof" and appropriate for outdoor use.

Porcelain is more expensive, however, so it's used more for commercial high-traffic areas than ceramic.

For typical indoor residential use, you'll save money with ceramic tile.  If you can find a long-wearing tile that fits your tastes and budget, go with the ceramic.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com
www.betterhomedesign.blogspot.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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