Tile is a glazed ceramic tile intended for walls, while terracotta is a harder, less absorbent tile intended primarily for floors. The tile has a porous, fragile structure, protected from water only by a layer of glaze, making it unsuitable for flooring. Terracotta is dense and can withstand heavy traffic, although porcelain stoneware or clinker are better suited for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces.
To sum it up
- Glazed tiles – wall tiles, usually thin and lightweight, made of porous material coated with glaze; water absorption usually exceeds 10%.
- Terracotta tiles – floor tiles (can also be used for walls), denser; water absorption is usually around 3–6%.
- Tile not frost-resistant and is not suitable for floors; terracotta is intended primarily for indoor use.
- For terraces, external staircases, and balconies, tiles with frost resistance markings are selected—most often, porcelain stoneware or clinker.
What is glaze and what is terracotta?
Glaze — is the common name for ceramic wall tiles. They are made from earthenware, which, after firing, forms a porous, relatively soft mass. The front side of the tile is covered glaze — a glass-like coating that imparts color, shine, or a matte finish, as well as resistance to water and household cleaners. The word "glaze" comes from the word for glaze.
In Polish construction terracotta It is primarily used as a floor tile. It has a denser, harder structure that absorbs less water. Furthermore, it is most often glazed (glossy, matte, or semi-matte), and less commonly unglazed. The name comes from the Italian terra cotta words , meaning "baked earth" - hence the term "terracotta" for baked clay items such as flower pots and sculptures with a characteristic reddish color.
Water absorption, rigidity and frost resistance
The most important parameter that distinguishes tiles from others is water absorption , or the amount of water a material absorbs. Standard PN-EN 14411 divides ceramic tiles into groups: up to 3% (low water absorption, such as porcelain stoneware), 3–6%, 6–10% (medium), and more than 10% (high). Glazed wall tiles, or tiles, are typically categorized as having a water absorption greater than 10% (BIII). Terracotta tiles typically have a water absorption in the range of approximately 3–6%.
Water absorption is related to other characteristics. Porous tiles are lighter and easier to cut, but more brittle and less frost-resistant—water absorbed into the tile freezes, causing it to crack. Terracotta is harder and better able to withstand foot traffic, but has lower impact resistance than porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles and is generally not intended for outdoor use.
For glazed floor tiles it is worth checking wear resistance class (often referred to as PEI). The standard provides classes from 0 (tiles not suitable for flooring) to 5 (very high-traffic areas). Glazed tiles are not typically rated for flooring as they are not intended for this purpose.
Tile vs. Terracotta Comparison Chart
| Characteristic | Glaze | Terracotta |
|---|---|---|
| Fate | Walls inside buildings | Floors (including walls) inside buildings |
| A sliver | Porous earthenware | Compact, more solid |
| water absorption | High – usually above 10% | On average - usually around 3-6% |
| Surface | Always glazed | Most often covered with glaze, less often in raw form. |
| Sustainability | Bottom, fragile slabs | Higher, more stable for walking |
| Frost resistance | Flaw | Usually no - for interiors. |
| Thickness and weight | Usually thinner and lighter. | Usually thicker and heavier |
| Care | Easy to cut and drill. | More effort is required when cutting. |
Where to lay tiles and where terracotta?
- Walls in the bathroom and kitchen tiled. The glaze is easy to clean and resistant to moisture and household detergents.
- For floors in bathrooms, kitchens and hallways Use terracotta or porcelain tiles. For wet floors, choose tiles with a non-slip surface.
- For cladding shower stall walls Tiles are a good choice, provided there is proper waterproofing underneath the tiles and the joints are sealed.
- For terraces, balconies and external stairs Neither tiles nor regular terracotta are suitable. Frost-resistant tiles with low water absorption are required, most often porcelain stoneware or clinker, with a suitable anti-slip coating.
- Garage, workshop, commercial premises – preferably made of porcelain stoneware with a high wear resistance class, and not terracotta.
How to recognize tiles and terracotta in a store?
The intended use of the tile is indicated on the packaging and in the manufacturer's technical data sheet—usually with a hand symbol (for wall use) or a foot symbol (for floor use). Floor tiles have a wear resistance class, while frost-resistant tiles are designated with a snowflake symbol or a clear frost-resistance label. The technical data sheet sometimes also specifies the water absorption class (for example, BIII for tiles).
Today many people choose porcelain stoneware For both floors and walls, due to its very low water absorption and high hardness. However, glazed tiles remain popular for walls due to their lighter weight, ease of processing, and wide range of patterns. If in doubt about using tiles, especially outdoors or over underfloor heating, consult the manufacturer's technical data sheet and the contractor's recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to lay tiles on the floor?
This is not recommended. Tile has a porous, fragile structure and a glaze that is not designed to withstand foot traffic. Cracks and scratches will quickly appear on the floor. Terracotta or porcelain tiles are the preferred flooring options.
Can terracotta be used for wall decoration?
Yes, floor tiles can be installed on walls, but remember that they are heavier and require appropriate adhesive and a supporting base.
What is the difference between terracotta and ceramic?
Ceramic tiles have an even lower water absorption rate (up to 3% in a group, while porcelain tiles typically have a rate of up to 0.5%) and are harder, making them frost-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. Terracotta has a medium water absorption rate and is primarily intended for indoor use.
Is the glaze frost resistant?
No. Due to the material's high water absorption capacity, glaze is not frost-resistant and is not suitable for use outdoors or in unheated rooms exposed to low temperatures.
Where does the name "terracotta" come from?
The word comes from the Italian "terra cotta," meaning "baked earth," and refers to both floor tiles and baked clay products such as flower pots and roof tiles with a characteristic reddish-brown color.
See also
- What is the difference between tiles and porcelain tiles?
- What is the difference between tiles and porcelain tiles?
- What is the difference between a veranda and a porch?
- What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain?
- What is the difference between fungus and mold?