Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: What Are the Differences?

So, you’re thinking about redoing your kitchen , mudroom, or bathroom and you want to give your floors or walls a bit of an upgrade. While many different tile and flooring options can come to mind, ceramic tile and porcelain tile are going to be the top contenders for these locations.

But which should you choose? Choosing between porcelain vs ceramic tile can be difficult seeing as they’re pretty similar and often are chosen for similar reasons. 

However, there are some differences that you need to consider before choosing one over the other for your particular project.

In this post, we’re going to explain what each tile type is along with their major similarities and differences.

Ceramic tiles are fired in kilns at extremely high temperatures. Thanks to the method used to make ceramic tiles, they’re extremely durable, resistant to many stains, and are water resistant. 

Ceramic tiles are also quite versatile coming in a wide variety of textures, styles, and glazes to create the perfect tile for each situation.

See examples of the versatility of ceramic tiles here.

Like ceramics, porcelain tiles are some of the most durable and versatile tile options available. 

Also like ceramics, porcelain tiles are also fired in kilns at extremely high temperatures. In fact, porcelain is technically a specific type of porcelain.

However, porcelain is fired at higher temperatures than ceramics, which is one of the main causes of their major differences. The higher firing temperature makes porcelain more durable, more waterproof, and less porous.

This increased durability combined with a more uniform composition makes any chips or stains less noticeable than they would be with other tile types. 

Like ceramics, porcelain tiles can also have a glaze applied on top of the tile. These glazes make the tiles even more durable, making them resistant to chips, reducing your need for floor scratch repair. 

Looking to elevate your bathroom from “plain” to “amazing”?

Our shower systems can turn any bathroom into a luxurious spa.

While both porcelain and ceramic tiles are kiln fired, ceramic tiles are fired at lower temperatures than porcelain. This makes ceramic tiles slightly more porous, less durable, and softer.

Ceramic tiles can also be “crackled”. This also makes them more porous than porcelain.

The more porous nature of ceramic means that they stain a bit more easily. Ceramic tiles are also softer than porcelain tiles. This means that they’re easier to cut and can be easier to install, but it also means that they aren’t quite as durable.

This factors into another major difference between our porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles can be used for both flooring and as porcelain wall tile, while our ceramic tiles are only suitable for the walls.

This is because ceramic tiles are often not durable enough to stand up to constant floor traffic, leading to stains, scratches, etc.

Another thing to consider here is price point. This isn’t always a concern, but some projects do need to stay within a certain budget. If you’re looking for the more affordable option, generally ceramic tiles are a bit more inexpensive than porcelain tile.

Of course, there are more differences between porcelain vs ceramic tiles, especially between different brands, colors, glazes, and types. 

The best choice for one house might not be the best choice for another, either. The same goes for rooms: what you would choose for your bathroom might not be what you choose for your kitchen, and vice versa.

The tile experts at Tiles Plus More are happy to answer any other questions you have about choosing your next tile.

We’d also be happy to help you with design choices and options to make your next project a success! Contact us here to get started.

The post Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: What Are the Differences? appeared first on Tiles Plus More.