How to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile options

How to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile options? It can be tricky. And it can be tricky to know which is the best for your project. Both have their own benefits and they can actually work together with porcelain tiles often chosen for floors and ceramic tiles for walls. At a glance they look very similar however, durability and cost are key differences so let’s start by taking a look at the make-up of both these materials because they are quite different.

Tile weight and density

Porcelain really is an incredible material. It just works. It is especially hardwearing, scratch and stain resistant. Add to that an abundance of stunning designs and the fact porcelain tiles need minimal care to keep them in tip top condition and this is a winning material. And let’s not forget all the beautiful textures and finishes! With porcelain you really can create the space you desire from dramatic backdrop to a super cosy canvas. This is a material that suits walls and floors in equal measure.

Porcelain tiles are fired at very high temperatures and made from a mix of fine clays. It’s this mix of heat and raw materials that ensures porcelain tiles are heavier and denser than ceramic tiles and all that means porcelain tiles are ideal for those busy areas of the home.

Ceramic tiles on the other hand are crafted from clay and kiln baked at lower temperatures than porcelain tiles. This makes them generally lighter in weight. Because they are softer than porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are better suited to areas with lower footfall if you are using them for floors because they are not as hardwearing. Some ceramic tiles are only suitable for walls so always worth checking before you buy.

Tile Porosity

Porcelain tiles have a lower rate of porosity than ceramic tiles purely because they are denser and less porous. To be called porcelain a tile has to have less than 0.5% porosity. Porcelain tiles are weighed prior to be being submerged in water and then weighed afterwards to ensure the porosity is less than 0.5%.

Tile Usage

Where porcelain tiles can be used across walls and floors in the home because they are so durable, ceramic tiles are better suited for walls. Porcelain tiles are very often in different surface textures and finishes so come in everything from matt to soft finishes as well as antislip textures. With antislip finishes they can also be used outside for patios and steps, where ceramic tiles are not suitable.

Tile Cost

Porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles so, if budgets are tight it may be worth considering a ceramic tile option. Ceramic tiles are easier to cut than porcelain tiles so this makes them faster to trim and install – this is especially important in smaller spaces like bathrooms where there can be more cuts than on a ground floor for example. It can be a smart option to think about choosing hardwearing porcelain for your bathroom floor and ceramic tiles for the walls. There are lots of collections that feature just that. Check out our Season and Docklands ranges for example.

Tile Style

Both porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles mimic other materials, echoing everything from woods to marbles, cements to concretes, metallics and more.

Conclusion

When choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles, consider factors such as durability, water resistance, cost, and intended use. If you need a tile for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas, porcelain is the superior choice. If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish option for dry areas, ceramic may be the way to go.

Understanding the key differences between these materials is important so you can make the right decision for your space! To make it easy all our tiles are labelled either porcelain or ceramic but if unsure it is always best to check with the supplier.

Example gallery

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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.

Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

How to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile options