Saturday, February 28, 2009

A Comparison Between Polished Concrete and Ceramic Tiles

By Mercie Hallow

The need for concrete polishing on buildings and institutions is increasing. More and more businesses are starting to use polished concrete as a solution to their floor finish problems. On the other hand, manufacturers of conventional floor finish tend to keep up with the demand by producing innovative products using the latest technology.

One example of the conventional floor finish is the ceramic tile, looking more closely you can see the difference from both its shapes and characteristics. Polished cement has smooth surface while the ceramic tile is usually laid out in to a pattern forming grids.

One specific characteristic of polished concrete and probably the best is its capability to withstand pressure because of its strength. In concrete polishing, certain procedures and methods must be met in order to create a hardened and compact flooring. With this, the consumer will enjoy a floor that is non-porous and stainresistant because of the density that the concrete developed during the polishing process.

Ceramic tiles are laid on an unfinished concrete floor using adhesives before sealed by tile grouts. This does not promises avoidance on breakage and the capability to carry great weight. This is also the reason that ceramic tiles are not generally use on surfaces that require traffic of heavy materials such as an industrial plant.

Decorating or designing is of no problem to concrete polishing as well as in ceramic tiling. There are a lot ceramic tiles which features different designs and colors to choose from. Polished concrete however has tints and shades whenever colorants are deemed necessary.

Ease of maintenance is a great factor that will determine the efficiency of polished concrete over ceramic tiles. Cleaning a polished concrete floor surface only require a simple wiping of a moist rag. Cleaning a ceramic tile surface on the other hand, takes up more time because of the grooves which tend to be the place where dust settles.

In reviewing these comparisons we are faced by the conclusion that polished concreted floors are better than ceramic tiles. The strength, non-porosity and ease of maintenance are just some of the listed advantages polished concrete flooring won over ceramic tile flooring.

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