Porcelain Tile vs. Ceramic Tile: Which to choose?

There are two types of tiles, both of which are versatile and elegant. These are versatile because they are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, backsplashes, and even walls. They are available in a wide range of colours and designs, and that means you can match or create your style.

When you are designing or redesigning your home, there will come a time when you’ll have to decide between Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile. 

Porcelain is as beautiful and elegant as ceramic. They can often push you into a dilemma over which one to have. So, it is essential to know their differences and their pros and cons.

If you are on the fence between choosing ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, this article is for you.

Read on and find out:

•         What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
•         How to tell the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile at a glance?
•         Benefits of using porcelain tile
•         Disadvantages of using porcelain tiles
•         Benefits of using ceramic tiles
•         Disadvantages of using ceramic tiles
•         Which one should you buy?

What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile?

Ceramic and porcelain look almost similar unless you have a trained eye and it is not always easy to distinguish them with a glance.

Let’s get into the details.

Both of them are clay-based and are kiln-fired. Porcelain, however, is a particular type of ceramic. The clay that is used to make porcelain has a higher density and is heated at a higher temperature than ceramic.

Due to the differences in ingredients and production methods, both of these materials have unique features, and benefits and disadvantages.

How to Tell the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tile at a glance? 

The best way to determine what the tiles are made of is to look at the package. The details are always mentioned on the package. In rare cases, it does not. If you cannot find the package details, then you can contact the material supplier. There is also a thumb rule to help you determine the nature of the tile – whether it is loose or installed already.

• Porcelain tiles have a uniform colour throughout. Even if some sections are broken or chipped away, unglazed porcelain has a consistent colour. The same can’t be said for ceramic tiles. Their surfaces are often glazed and coloured, and chipping reveals different colours – underneath the surface.
• When it comes to the finishing of the material’s surface, porcelain is smoother. But you’ll see that the surface of an unglazed ceramic feels coarse when you turn a loose tile over.
• Ceramic tiles are not as dense as porcelain and thus are lighter.

Benefits of using porcelain tile

There are significant differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles, as we said above. The main differences are in their composition and manufacturing process. Porcelain is made from a comparatively finer mix of clay, packed at higher pressures and then baked at higher temperatures at the kiln. This difference gives porcelain its unique traits.

1. Durability: Porcelain is denser due to its creation process, and making the material more durable than ceramic. Therefore, it is ideal for commercial and domestic use, as it can handle more wear and tear.
2. Water-resistance: Compared to ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are almost water-resistant. According to industry standards, porcelain needs to have a water absorption rate of 0.5% and lower. On the other hand, ceramic tiles have a lower water-resistance capability because the material is more porous.
3. Body composition: Due to the uniform colour of an unglazed porcelain tile’s material, small chips are less noticeable than on ceramic tiles.

Disadvantages of using porcelain tile 

The utilities of porcelain tiles will amaze you, but sadly, there are some downsides to using them.

1. Cutting: Porcelain is a dense material and thus quite strong. Special tools are required to cut it, which is challenging for DIY first-timers. You may have to get professional help for this one.
2. Cost: Porcelain tiles cost more because of higher manufacturing costs than ceramic tiles. However, it has more durability, which offers more savings over time.

Benefits of using ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of styles, colours and finishes. You can have anything from simple to ornate and classic to contemporary designs.

1. Cost: Ceramic tiles are less expensive because of their manufacturing process.
2. Ease of cutting: Compared to porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are easier to cut, making them easier for DIY newbies.
3. Flexibility: Some industry experts say that these tiles are better if you look at their flexibility of use. Some homeowners desire intricate, creative and eye-catching designs. Ceramic tiles shine in such situations. Additionally, glazed ceramic tiles are highly customizable! So let out your creativity shine with these tiles!
4. Texture: Ceramic tiles come in various textures, such as embossed shapes, ripples, waves, etc.

Disadvantages of using ceramic tile

Ceramic is popular due to its many advantages, but there are a few things to consider.

1. Water-absorption: Ceramic tiles are more porous than porcelain and have a higher water absorption rate. Thus, don’t use these outside the house.
2. Durability: Ceramic tiles are not as tough as porcelain, so you should avoid using these in high-traffic areas.

Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile Comparison: Ceramic or porcelain tiles?

A heady question. Is it not?  Which one should you buy?

Well, it depends.

It depends on where in your house you’ll be using them. Water resistance and cost are the two most significant factors to consider.

Porcelain tiles have more water resistance, so they are ideal for places with lots of moisture. This strength also makes porcelain tiles great for use outside the house, like on the patio. Ceramic tiles are not suitable for outdoor use because they are more porous and often crack during winter. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are used in showers and bathrooms.

If you determine which type to use for shower installation, we suggest you consider functionality and budget. Thus, ceramic tiles are suitable for the walls, while porcelain would be great for the floors.

Porcelain tiles are harder and denser, which makes them long-lasting. That makes these products ideal for high-footfall areas like hallways, kitchens and living spaces. Ceramic tiles are softer and are more comfortable to walk on. These also stay cooler than porcelain tiles and thus are best for warmer climes.

We hope now you are in a better position to understand porcelain and ceramic; they may look alike but aren’t twins. So, when planning your home or its renovation, pick wisely. You home, your tiles.