Porcelain and ceramic tiles are some of the most sought-after flooring and wall materials, but it’s not uncommon for there to be some confusion about the differences between the two. Whether you’re looking for the right tile for your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor project, we understand the desire to delve into the details of what you’re investing your money into, and at Castorena’s Granite & Quartz, we have extensive experience and knowledge in order to connect you with the perfect tile installation for your home.
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both known for their durability and versatility and for creating a stunning feature in the home. But which tile type is the best choice for your project? This article stands as a comprehensive guide to these two types of tiles so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
What is Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tiles have taken over in popularity over the last few years. Porcelain is a type of ceramic (made from clay, water, and sand), but is fired in a kiln at a higher temperature, absorbing less than 0.5% of the water in their environment, and it uses an especially dense type of clay. This makes porcelain tiles extremely strong, hard-wearing, dense, and less porous than ceramic, making them both frost-resistant and ideal for outdoor use. As porcelain can be both glazed and unglazed, you can get a large variety of textures and patterns, and they work great for both walls and floors.
What is Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tiles are typically made of clay, water, and sand (similar to porcelain), all combined in an appropriate ratio. Their main advantage is that they are lightweight, workable, and oftentimes more affordable. They are fired in a kiln at a lower temperature than porcelain, however, and because of this, there are some restrictions in their application. Ceramic tiles are perfect for walls but less so for flooring.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: How Do They Compare?
Off the bat, porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles still seem pretty much the same thing. They are made almost identically using the same materials, but they do have significantly different properties that make them advantageous to use in different situations. Let’s dive into the specifics of how they compare head-to-head:
Durability
Ceramic and porcelain tiles have their durability measured using what’s called a PEI rating. This is because they are tested in accordance with the Porcelain-Enamel Institute. PEI ratings are determined by a measurement of abrasion resistance on a machine which counts the number of revolutions under a standard abrasive load. When the tile shows the damage the revolutions are counted, (from 150 to 1500+) which gives the PEI rating.
PEI Ratings
| PEI Rating | Tile usage |
| 0 | Only for light use on walls, never underfoot |
| 1 | Suitable for use on walls, but not underfoot |
| 2 | Walls and light traffic spaces, such as residential bathrooms |
| 3 | Walls and floors with moderate footfall in homes |
| 4 | Walls and floors in homes, and some moderate traffic commercial settings |
| 5 | Heavy-duty flooring, not usually used in residential settings |
Ceramic tiles tend to be around three or four, and porcelain tiles tend to be a four or five. So, in terms of durability, porcelain tiles are certainly a more robust, resilient option. This is usually noticeable as well with their thicker, heavier construction.
Maintenance
In any home, maintenance is an important factor, but especially so for those with small children and pets. Keeping your floor clean with ease is, therefore, very high on the list of priorities for most.
So, which is easiest to keep clean, porcelain or ceramic tiles? Again, porcelain takes the crown! Most porcelain tiles are nano-sealed during manufacturing which means their surface is kept protected for longer. They simply need a quick clean with neutral pH cleaner and buffed dry to keep them looking brand new. Ceramic tiles are still easy to clean and maintain, but some will need to be resealed from time to time.
Water and Slip Resistance
Ceramic tiles tend to have a water absorbency factor of 6-10%, while porcelain will only be around 0.05-0.5%. This means that porcelain tiles will absorb less moisture and therefore be less prone to staining, and it makes them a great choice for areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor areas like pools where there is the potential for high moisture. Porcelain also tends to have higher ratings of slip resistance.
Cost
Cost is always an important factor to consider for any project, and in this regard, ceramic certainly is the more affordable option. Not only is it more budget-friendly as far as materials go, but it will also be easier and less expensive to install. Porcelain is a heavier material, so it is generally more time-consuming to install and expensive to acquire.
Installation
Similarly to the above, ceramic tiles are far easier to install than porcelain tiles. When it comes to floor or wall installations, the process requires a great deal of organization, transportation of materials, laying out a preferred design, and effectively and accurately placing each tile. Since ceramic tiles are far more lightweight, they will be easier to install in all respects.
Versatility
In terms of versatility, ceramic tiles have the advantage of being lightweight, easy to cut and shape, and easy to install. Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, absorb less water, are stain resistant, more durable, frost resistant, footfall and abrasion resistant, and can be installed in outdoor projects.
Which is Better?
So, with the facts laid out before us, which is better: ceramic or porcelain tile? The answer to this primarily depends on what your biggest objectives are for your project. For individuals looking for a budget-friendly option or are only looking to use tiles for a wall project, then ceramic tiles are the perfect low-cost, easy-installation choice. But if your project is for a home’s flooring and needs to stand the test of time, there’s no doubt that the durable and robust porcelain tile will be the tile for you. Whichever tile you deem best for your project, contact the ceramic and porcelain tile experts at Castorena’s Granite & Quartz with questions, or visit our showroom to start building inspiration for your project!