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When choosing between porcelain and ceramic tile, the best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and project application. Porcelain tile is generally more durable, denser, and harder than ceramic, making it a good choice for busy, high-traffic areas. It also offers superior moisture resistance, making it ideal for moisture-retaining spaces. However, porcelain is typically more expensive, and its hardness can make it brittle, potentially causing it to crack if a heavy object is dropped on it. In contrast, ceramic tile is a more budget-friendly option with lower material and installation costs. It is softer and easier to work with, making it a great choice for DIY projects. While not as durable as porcelain, ceramic is still a quality material suitable for many home applications, particularly small, decorative projects.

If you’re handling your tile removal yourself, seal the room using painter’s tape and heavy-duty contractor bags to prevent dust and shards from escaping. Use a claw hammer or a pry bar and a mallet to get behind the tile and pry it away from the floor or wall. Once your tiles are all removed, sweep everything into contractor bags for disposal, being careful not to overfill them. Make sure you wear a dust mask, safety goggles, and work gloves to keep yourself safe from injury while you work.

Once cracks appear, it is hard to stop tiles from cracking more. If the cause of the problem is improper subflooring, underlying concrete, improper tile joint sizes, mold growth, or structural issues, the only way to stop floor tiles from cracking is to redo the entire floor, fixing the underlying issues first. If cracks occur after impact damage, hiring a professional tile contractor to replace the cracked tiles, fix loose floor tiles, and restore the grout around them can prevent further damage. It is also important to keep your tile and grout clean and maintained to prolong its life.

Penny tile should be sealed to protect the grout from moisture and keep stains from damaging the look of the tile. If penny tile is in a humid or high-traffic area, like a bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, it needs sealant. Any type of tile and grout is best maintained with a sealant reapplied by a pro every one to two years.