Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain and ceramic are two popular tile materials you’ll come across when planning a new space. At first look, they can seem almost identical, but the way they’re made and how they’re used sets them apart. These differences aren’t about one being better than the other, it’s more about which one suits the job best.

Whether you’re picking out tiles for your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor area, here’s everything you need to know when choosing between porcelain and ceramic tiles.

What’s the difference between ceramic tile and porcelain tile?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles both are types of tiles, but there are some differences to know.

Porcelain tiles have lower porosity and absorb less than 0.5% of water, making them almost waterproof. They’re made from dense white clay and fired at a higher temperature, so they’re also very durable and great on floors and walls.

On the other hand, ceramic tiles are made from a red, brown or white clay that’s more porous. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; most wet room tiles are glazed, so they have a waterproof surface. Ceramic tiles are also lighter than porcelain tiles, making them a better fit for walls than floors.

We’ll go into more detail about the features, pros and cons of each tile below.

Porcelain

Pros

Porcelain tiles are a popular choice for a few reasons:

• Less water absorption: Porcelain tiles are known for being water-resistant due to their low porosity. They’re great for wet zones like bathroom floors and pool areas.
• High durability: They’re hard-wearing and dense, suited for walls and floor areas with high foot traffic, such as kitchens, living rooms or commercial spaces. They can also be used on fireplace hearths due to their heat resistance.
• Suitable for outdoors too: Porcelain tile is durable enough to be used outdoors. They hold up well against sun exposure and all kinds of weather conditions.

Cons

Porcelain tiles are the tile of choice for many reasons, but they come in fewer styles and options. They’re also usually thicker and more solid, which means they’re harder to cut to fit your space perfectly.

That said, for areas where durability really matters, like busy floors or outdoor spaces, porcelain often proves to be well worth it.

Ceramic

Pros

There are a few reasons why many people prefer ceramic tiles:

• More affordable: In some styles, ceramic tiles can be more affordable than porcelain tiles. This is because the ingredients are more cost-efficient, and the construction is easier and less time-consuming.
• Great for walls: These tiles are suitable for walls in areas, such as kitchen or laundry splashbacks and feature walls in bathrooms.
• Wide variety of designs: Available in a huge range of styles, from colourful, intricate patterns to textured tiles.
• More user-friendly: If you’re looking to do a DIY project, ceramic tiles are easier to cut and install.

Cons

Ceramic tiles shine in many areas of the home, though they’re better suited to indoor projects. Because they’re a little softer and more porous than porcelain, they’re not designed for constant exposure to water or heavy foot traffic. Instead, they really come into their own on walls and splashbacks, where design flexibility matters most.

Quick comparison: Porcelain vs ceramic tiles

What’s better: Porcelain or ceramic?

It’s an age-old question. There is a lot to like about both ceramic and porcelain tiles, they look great, perform well and add value to your property, but it’s important to choose the right tiles for the job. It will ultimately come down to what you’re looking for in terms of cost, design and placement.

Whichever one you choose, we have high-quality ceramic and porcelain tiles for your upcoming reno. Book in a free design appointment with us to talk through material, shape and colour options.

Ceramic vs porcelain tile FAQs

How can I tell the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?

Most manufacturers will clearly display tile specs so you know what you’re buying. If, for whatever reason, you don’t know what you already have, you can sometimes tell them apart by the unglazed colour and texture.

Flip over a tile of each and look at its underside. Porcelain has a smooth, pale look, whereas ceramic tiles might have a little bit of texture with a pale red, white or brown colour.

What lasts longer, porcelain or ceramic?

Porcelain is generally the longer-lasting option. They’re usually thicker and more water-resistant, so they won’t crack or crumble over time. That being said, both types of tiles should last you years or even decades if they’re installed and maintained properly.

Why choose porcelain vs ceramic floor tiles?

The best reason to choose porcelain over ceramic is if you’re putting them on the floor. Porcelain floor tiles are a clear winner because they are harder-wearing and more water resistant. However, ceramic tiles will still give you great, long-term results on walls.