Porcelain Tiles Vs Ceramic Tiles – What’s the Primary Difference

When it time to decide between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles, there are tons to think about including quality, durability, application, and cost. Ultimately, the selection is pretty simple once you consider the project at hand. In other words, it’s not something you would like to stress about overly.

With expert insight from an interior designer, leading porcelain and ceramic tiles exporter and manufacturer and many other tile experts, we’re outlining the first differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles, the advantages and disadvantages of every and highlighting scenarios where it’d be advantageous to settle on one over the opposite.

Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Despite the very fact that porcelain and ceramic tiles look very similar, there are many noticeable differences between these two.

The significant technical differences between porcelain and ceramic are in material composition and durability. Differences supported finishing. Porcelain, for instance, offers crisper, cleaner edges, whereas ceramic tiles are often handmade and have an imperfect shape. These differences are slight and challenging to spot, even for the eyes of tile experts.

Beyond that, the first difference between porcelain and ceramic tile—and this difference will help steer your decision—is that porcelain offers a way denser composite compared to ceramic. This suggests that porcelain is best ready to keep from absorbing water and air, which tend to expedite the aging process.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are produced in largely the same way, except using only white clay. Finely ground sand and feldspar are also added into the clay mixture and then fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. The result is a harder, much denser tile, which is less porous.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made using natural red, brown or white clay, baked at high temperatures to reduce water content, and then the patterned glaze is applied.

Basic Difference Between Porcelain Tiles and Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic Tiles

Porcelain tile is denser, heavier, and more impervious to water and thus is a better choice than ceramic tile for outdoor locations.

Ceramic tile is somewhat more susceptible to moisture infiltration, though the differences are minimal if the tile is glazed.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic made by the fusion of clays.

Ceramic is a type of material that is semi-crystalline, amorphous and inorganic.

Equally as versatile

Versatile designs and textures

Stronger, more resistant to damage and fading

Weaker, more prone to damage and fading

More stain-resistant

Captures more stains

Harder to repair

Easier to repair

Less frequent deep cleaning

Requires more frequent deep cleaning

Porcelain is more expensive compare to Ceramic

Ceramic is less expensive compare to Porcelain

Porcelain has higher durability

Ceramics is less durable compare to Porcelain

Porcelain is heavier than ceramics, and their tiles are more difficult to be cut.

Ceramics is less dense when compared to Porcelain and therefore, ceramic tiles are easier to cut.

Requires a monthly deep cleaning with either a mop or brush scrub

Requires weekly deep cleaning with a mop

Best for floor applications, high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces

best for wall applications, including backsplashes and shower walls, and in small, indoor decorative motifs

Final Thought

When choosing a tile, it’s important to choose one that doesn’t only look good and fits your style. It should also be capable of withstanding the test of time, where to use and fits in your budget and requirements.

To browse our tiles collection, please visit AsiaPacific Ceramic