Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles: The Ultimate Differences

The debate between Porcelain Vs. Ceramic tile: which one is better- is pretty old. Some people think that using Porcelain tiles is the best option in any household placement, while others say that Ceramic is better as it’s cost-effective.

Both statements are true, and you can choose either one of them for decorating your home. Although Porcelain is a popular choice because of the density, Ceramic tiles are also preferable as they are easy to work with.

However, we recommend skimming through the differences between Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles discussed elaborately in this article.

Differences Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

From production to installment, both types of tiles have a lot of similarities. Yet, in some cases, there are significant differences. Let’s look at the facts that set the partition between porcelain and ceramic tile.

Raw Material

The major differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles are the production process and raw material used.

Ceramic Tiles

To make ceramic tiles, manufacturers use refined natural clay (brown, red, or white) and high temperatures to reduce the water content. After that, the glaze, design, and textures are applied or printed on the tile.

Porcelain Tiles

On the other hand, high-quality grounded sand mixed with feldspar is the main ingredient for porcelain. These raw materials are then baked in the furnace at a comparatively higher temperature than ceramic, making porcelain denser and less porous.

Appearance

The appearance of porcelain and ceramic tiles differ and can be noticed with naked eyes. Both ceramic and Porcelain tiles are produced with a glazed surface layer, making them perhaps the same at first sight. However, Porcelain tile has the advantage in terms of its aesthetic looks. It is accessible in more colors, designs, and surface textures, including tiles that look like wood grains and stone. Here are the details:

Ceramic Tiles

Usually, ceramic contains the design and glaze only at the upper layer. So, you may need to replace the specific tile that is wearing, losing color, or getting scratched.

Porcelain Tiles

However, the production process of porcelain makes it carry the same design, color, and texture all over the body of the tile. Due to this feature, porcelain is preferable as the scratches or wearing don’t affect the design, giving porcelain the upper hand over ceramic.

Water Absorption & Heat Resistance

The water absorption & heat resistance of the tiles depends on the fact of porousness. Both tiles are used as countertops because of their excellent heat resistance. But, Porcelain can be used outside in areas with moderate weather since it offers a bit advantage in water resistance.

Ceramic Tiles

Although the variations are negligible if the tile is glazed, ceramic tile is slightly more vulnerable to moisture intrusion. The ceramic tile's face will withstand water as long as it is glazed and in excellent condition.
Ceramic tiles are less dense and so more porous than porcelain. The rear or side of the tile that is not glazed thus will not be water-resistant. It is unlikely for a ceramic tile's bottom to come into touch with water since it is embedded in a thin-set adhesive. Similarly, water should not leak around the tile's grout-filled sides.

Porcelain Tiles

Although outdoor usage is only advised in good climates, porcelain tile is preferable to ceramic tile for outdoor areas because the porosity makes porcelain tiles absorb only 0.5% of water. That's why, it is denser, heavier, and more water-resistant. Because of their exceptional heat resistance, porcelain tiles are an ideal option for countertop surfaces. 

Durability: Which is more durable porcelain or ceramic tile?

If you can maintain them properly, both ceramic and Porcelain tiles are exceptionally long-lasting. In terms of longevity, you won't notice a significant difference between Porcelain and ceramic tile. A clay mixture is burnt in a kiln to create ceramic and porcelain tiles. However, porcelain tile is created with finer clay and is heated during the firing process, that makes porcelain tiles more durable than ceramic tiles.

Ceramic Tiles

A ceramic tile floor may survive between 75 and 100 years, depending on how well the grout is maintained and sealed. The refined clay, baking, and glaze make it sturdy for long time. But it theoretically wears less slowly and is softer than porcelain tile. Also, it tends to be more resistant to cracks from structural movement. Moreover, it is easier to work with and ideal for newcomers in the construction business.

Porcelain Tiles

Compared to ceramic tile, porcelain tile is tougher and lasts longer. However, this makes porcelain tile more likely to break when a structure shifts structurally.Your porcelain tiles will last longer than you can imagine because they are made with higher temperature and pressure.

Maintenance and Resilience

Porcelain tiles are tougher and more resilient since they are a harder substance with a solid tone, and you will see the chips significantly less.

Ceramic Tiles

A ceramic tile that has been chipped reveals a distinct tone beneath the top finish, making chips highly noticeable. Ceramic tiles are slightly prone to breakage and cracks because the clays used to make them are less thick than those used to make porcelain tiles.

Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain clays are thicker and less porous. Because of this, porcelain tile is more durable and water-resistant than ceramic tile. These tiles are considered more robust and more suitable for heavy use than ceramic tiles because of their structure.
A porcelain tile can be chipped, and the damage is essentially undetectable because the color is solid. Also, Porcelain is a low-maintenance material that requires the grout lines to be sealed very often.

Cost

The cost of tiles depends on the manufacturing cost, design, texture, and installation.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are cheaper than porcelain tiles to the extent that your cost will cut less to 60% while using them instead of porcelain. You will have to spend $0.50 to $35 per square foot for ceramic tiles.

Porcelain Tiles

The production makes the overall cost of porcelain go higher. But you can have higher-quality porcelain tiles with the price range from $3 to $30 or highest $40 according to the materials per square foot.

Installation & Uses

Although the processes are quite similar, ceramic tile installation is a little simpler as the material is soft and easier to cut. 

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile is thinner and less durable than porcelain tile, it is much simpler for do-it-yourself if you want to cut them manually. Even though ceramic tiles are affordable, their usage is limited. The best placement for Ceramic tiles are places where low footfall is ensured. The walls and floors of an office, home, or commercial or corporate office are good for Ceramic tiles placement.

Porcelain Tiles

Because porcelain tile is a little fragile, cutting it correctly may require the skilled touch of professional tile-setters. You must install porcelain in high moisture, high traffic areas. For example, bathrooms, hallways, kitchens, outdoor pools, wet rooms, retail outlets, etc. As you can see, the low water absorption property gives you the advantage of using these tiles both in the interior and exterior décor. So, feel free to use them wherever you want.

Care and Cleaning

Ceramic and porcelain tiles both require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Ceramic Tiles Care

You can easily wipe up spills on ceramic tiles by damp-mopping with a moderate water-soap solution. You need to do damp-mopping very often and seal the joints.

Porcelain Tiles Care

The same maintenance and cleaning requirements apply to porcelain tiles. To protect against spots and mold, you need to use concrete mixture material to fill the spaces between the tiles to be sealed.

Read More: How to remove ceramic tiles from walls