Comparison between glass and

ceramics..

Ceramics are powered by gas, electricity and wood fire heat.

Each of these has its own advantages, but the kilns that are
easiest to use and have more versatility are electric. Most glass
are electric. Electric ceramic can be modified, with the help of
varied shelves and temperature monitoring, to accommodate
glass pieces.

Kilns made specifically for ceramics are heated from the sides in
order to heat multiple layers all at once. Glass kilns have heat
that comes from the top of kiln, typically in a clamshell lid.
Glass kilns heat single layers of glass, keeping the temperature
uniform to prevent cracking. Ceramics need to be fired at higher
temperatures than glass as well. While glass can be fired in a
ceramic kiln, the heat will have to be monitored more closely
and the glass will have to be loaded carefully to prevent the
pieces from being heated unevenly. A programmable kiln allows
the user to set the temperature and fire glass pieces with little
fuss, according to a brochure from Skutt Kilns and Wheels.

Ceramic and glass have different shapes and sizes. Ceramic

need to heat multiple layers so they are typically tall and narrow,
enabling the user to place many different shelves inside. Glass ,
because the heat comes from above, are long and shallow. Both
glass and ceramic can be purchased with different loading
capabilities. Some kilns are front loading, while others are top
loading with a clamshell lid. Front-loading kilns are good for
firing glass that needs to be handled for manipulation during
firing, according to "A Beginner's Guide to Kiln-Formed Glass."

Commercial ceramic come in many sizes, from small,

microwave-sized to ones big enough to fire 4-foot pieces of
pottery. Electric ceramic are lined with fire brick and are usually
metal on the exterior. Shelves made from material that can
withstand high heats are used to layer pieces in order to fire
more pieces at once. The "Potter's Studio Handbook" states that
the shelves are very delicate and must be handled with care.

There are different accessories made specifically for glass.

Because of the varying thicknesses of the glass to be fired, the
shelves are often made from vermiculite, which leaves a smooth
surface on the bottom of the glass and distributes the heat
evenly. One negative aspect of vermiculite is how it holds
moisture. Moisture in the kiln during firing can cause glass to
bubble. Bead collars are available for glass. Collars are stacked
inside a glass in order to make beads. Collars do not have
heating elements and have small doors where beads can be
added and removed.

Tile products are available in an unbelievably large selection of

colors, patterns and textures. This fact alone can be
overwhelming when trying to choose the perfect tile to suit your
needs. But the thing that seems to confuse consumers more than
design choices is the difference between the types of tile. Each
type is made from a different composition, and that is what
determines the tile’s body color, texture and density.

There are three basic types of tile: Ceramic Tile, Porcelain Tile
and Glass Tile. Of the three, ceramic and porcelain are the ones
that confuse consumers most. Glass tile is apparently less
confusing because everyone knows what glass is. You’ll find
more information about glass tile in the article "Glass Tile
Gaining Favor…Again."

The term "ceramic tile" is often used as a generic name for all
types of tile. But the composition of true ceramic is very
different from that of the other types. Ceramic is made primarily
of clay mixed with various minerals and water. This
composition is then processed with heat to create the solidified
product. Since ceramic material is porous, the top surface is
usually sealed with a glaze. The glazed surface is referred to as
the design layer since it determines the tile’s finished color,
design and texture.

Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, and when properly installed

and cared for, it will last longer than any non-tile material used
for the same purpose. It is also one of the easiest surfaces to
clean, and because of its composition, it will not absorb odors,
nor support allergens or bacteria. When coated with a Grade III
or higher glaze, ceramic tile is highly resistant to scratching and
moisture. Another important feature is that it will not burn, emit
toxic fumes or scorch. For more information on the durability
ratings of ceramic tile, see the article "Ceramic Tile Qualities &
Ratings."

The primary ingredient in the composition of true porcelain tile

is finely-ground sand. Unlike ceramic, processing of the
porcelain composition involves pressure and extremely high
temperature. The end result is a very dense, glass-like material
with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Because of its
density and composition of natural ingredients, porcelain tile has
all the same excellent qualities of glazed ceramic.

Recently, porcelain has experienced a surge in popularity due to

a statement sometimes made by sales people. They tell
consumers that porcelain tiles will not need replacement if
chipped, based on a misperception that all porcelain tiles are the
same color all the way through. This may have once been true,
but new design creations have led to the addition of a design
layer. Like glazed ceramic, the top surface of some porcelain tile
is glazed to produce a specific colored finish. A chip in such a
surface would reveal the tile’s different body color and thus
warrant replacement.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles have their positive and slightly
less positive points, but they tend to offset each other. For
example, since porcelain is a denser material, it is stronger than
its ceramic counterpart. By the same token, porcelain’s hardness
makes it a little more challenging to install. Porcelain tile
requires special tools for cutting and shaping. The average do-it-
yourselfer would not typically have these tools and may not be
experienced enough to use them if they were rented or
purchased.

When comparing price and durability, there is little difference

between ceramic and porcelain tile. Expensive and inexpensive
styles are available in both types, and under normal
circumstances, there would be no noticeable difference in wear
between the two.

The bottom line is that it doesn’t really matter which type of tile
you select. Ceramic and porcelain are both exceptional floor and
wall covering materials. The only problem you’ll have is
deciding which size, color and texture will suit your needs.