Porcelain vs Ceramic tile

What’s the difference?

Porcelain and ceramic belong to the same family and look like twins making them difficult to distinguish, Porcelain tiles are a specified form of ceramic tiles, The main difference lies in the way they are made, Porcelain tiles are made from finer, denser clay and fired at far higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. This manufacturing process results in porcelain tiles having a water absorption rating of less than 0.5%, while ceramic tiles have a water absorption of more than 0.5%.

Which is better?

Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they’re harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high traffic areas which will see heavy use, and they are also more scratch resistant.

Their extremely low porosity makes them ideal for locations with extreme moisture/humidity, as well as freeze/thaw conditions. Not all ceramic tiles can be installed at locations with freezing weather, due to the likelihood of moisture freezing inside the tiles. Internal freezing causes the moisture to expand as it freezes, which often manifests as cracks in the tile. A porcelain tile is less porous and therefore less prone to cracking.

However modern day ceramic tiles can be as good as porcelain, with a better size range and easier installation, ceramic tile might just offer you better value for your money.

Overview:

CERAMIC PORCELAIN


Construction (how are they made)	Made with red, brown or white clay. Softer and less dense.	Made with white clay, sand and feldspar. Fired at a higher temperature. Harder and more dense.
Pros	Easier to use Available in more up to date and intricate designs.	Absorbs less water. More hard-wearing.
Cons	Can be prone to cracking in cold weather.	More brittle. Only available in basic or very simple designs.
Best used for	Walls and floors. Home interiors. Commercial interior walls. Low foot traffic areas Inside.	Floors. Use on walls depending on weight Commercial properties – hotels, offices, retail outlets. Areas with very high moisture levels such as wetrooms. High foot traffic areas. Outside.
Price	Cheaper.	More expensive.
Ease of cutting	Easy to cut and shape.	Can be difficult to cut.
Interior / Exterior use	Interior only.	Exterior and interior.