{"id":1391,"date":"2022-06-07T07:37:44","date_gmt":"2022-06-07T07:37:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/?p=1391"},"modified":"2023-05-26T05:57:53","modified_gmt":"2023-05-26T05:57:53","slug":"remove-reuse-porcelain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cohesivehomes.com\/remove-reuse-porcelain","title":{"rendered":"How To Remove And Reuse Porcelain Tile (Without Breaking Them!)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Laying tiles is hard work, but getting them out to reuse takes things to an entirely new level. While it is common to smash the existing tiling out to start again, quality tiles like porcelain are costly, so you may wonder if it is worth trying to save them to reuse.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Porcelain tiles are extremely hard and brittle. They crack easily under any structural shifting. Successfully removing porcelain tile without breaking it depends on several factors. The most important is whether they were applied using mastic adhesive or mortar. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most common reason to consider saving and reusing porcelain tile is to save money. Let\u2019s examine whether it is worth the effort to try to lift the tile to reuse it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remove And Reuse: It Matters Whether It’s Porcelain Or Ceramic<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Newly laid porcelain tiles in a refurbished room<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Although porcelain is very durable, one flaw is that it is incredibly brittle, making getting them off intact very tricky<\/strong>. Lifting porcelain tile which has been laid to last a lifetime will be painstaking. Each one will need special attention to prevent it from breaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we move into whether or not it is worth trying to save and reuse your porcelain tile, it is important to understand the differences between ceramic and porcelain. These two types can be used for most of the same purposes, and consumers often use the words interchangeably. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether a tile is classified as ceramic or porcelain depends on some rather strict guidelines<\/a> established by the Tile Council Of North America. In a nutshell, porcelain tile is denser and more water-resistant than ceramic tile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although porcelain and ceramic tiles are often indistinguishable in appearance, one notable difference is the price<\/a> – among a few other differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences Between Porcelain & Ceramic Tile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at the main differences between these two products and whether it is worth it to invest in porcelain tile if ceramic can do the same job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ceramic Tile<\/span><\/strong><\/td>Porcelain Tile<\/span><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
More susceptible to moisture, especially if unglazed<\/td>Very low water absorption rate. Less porous than ceramic<\/td><\/tr>
They may be unglazed and require regular maintenance to seal<\/td>Almost always has a thin glass glaze coating \u2013 often called vitreous tile<\/td><\/tr>
More likely to stain than porcelain<\/td>Stain-resistant<\/td><\/tr>
More budget-friendly than porcelain<\/td>Expensive compared to ceramic<\/td><\/tr>
It should not be used outside<\/td>Highly durable<\/td><\/tr>
Prone to cracking in cold temperatures but less likely to break from slight structural movement than porcelain<\/td>Prone to crack under structural shifting<\/td><\/tr>
Easier to install<\/td>May need professional installation<\/td><\/tr>
The top layer is a different color, so chips are more noticeable<\/td>Color is true throughout the entire tile. Chips are less likely to be visible<\/td><\/tr>
Usually, they are a solid color<\/td>It comes in variations and may be patterned to resemble natural stone or wood.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although ceramic tile is slightly less expensive than porcelain, it has a similar expected lifespan to porcelain if regularly sealed<\/a><\/strong>. So the choice of what tile to use indoors usually comes down to which pattern, color, or design you find most appealing for the space you have in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Reading:<\/strong> Why Anti-Fracture Membrane Might Be Essential For Your Tiles<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Choose Whether To Remove & Reuse Porcelain Tiles<\/h2>\n\n\n
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An ongoing (outdoor) porcelain tiling project, which used mortar set adhesive.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Your chances of removing porcelain or any other type of tile without breaking it will depend mainly on five factors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n