The Differences Between Granite and Ceramic You Should Know Before Choosing

At first glance, granite and ceramic tiles may look similar — but in reality, they are quite different. Many people still don’t fully understand the distinctions between the two, even though each has unique characteristics and advantages.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between granite and ceramic so you can make an informed choice.

 

Key Differences Between Granite and Ceramic

1. Water Absorption Rate

Ceramic tiles have a water absorption rate of more than 0.5%, meaning they must be soaked in water before installation to prevent lifting or “popping” after being laid.
Granite, on the other hand, has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, allowing it to be installed directly without prior soaking.

2. Material Composition

Granite is made from natural felsic, intrusive, igneous rock. The raw material is mined, pressed, and fired at extremely high temperatures to form durable granite slabs.

Ceramic, however, is made from clay or silicate. It is shaped, fired, and then coated with a glaze or polishing agent to achieve its finish.

3. Surface Quality

If you examine ceramic closely, its surface is not perfectly even due to the uneven distribution of glaze during production. Granite surfaces, in contrast, are smoother and more uniform thanks to precision pressing techniques.

Read also : How to Create Elegant Interior Designs with Granite

4. Window Frame Effect

In ceramics, a “window frame” refers to a thin white border around the tile edges where the glaze hasn’t fully covered. This is a byproduct of the manufacturing process. Granite tiles do not have this effect, offering a more consistent finish.

5. Manufacturing Process

As mentioned earlier, ceramics are shaped from clay or silicate into specific sizes, fired at high temperatures, and then glazed for shine.

Granite production involves pressing the raw material under high pressure and firing it at extremely high temperatures to create solid slabs without the need for an added glaze layer.

6. Price Difference

Ceramic tiles are generally more affordable. For example, standard-quality ceramic in 30×30 cm size may start from around IDR 50,000. Granite tiles in 60×60 cm size typically start from around IDR 100,000.

 

Now that you know the differences between granite and ceramic, you can better decide which is the right choice for your needs.

If you’re looking for high-quality granite, you can find it at Valentino Gress, a leading granite distributor in Jakarta, offering a wide selection of premium granite products for both residential and commercial projects.