Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tiles: Which Tile Is Best for Your Home

In many ways, ceramic and porcelain tiles are comparable. By briefly glancing at the installed items, you may not be able to tell them apart. While both tiles are made from clay and baked in a kiln, porcelain is a specialty ceramic. Porcelain tiles are denser and are burned at a higher temperature for a longer period of time than ceramic tiles. Because they are manufactured differently, these tile varieties exhibit different characteristics. Each has its pros and cons when deciding between ceramic vs porcelain tiles.

Depending on how you want to use your space, any of these two may be a better fit for you. Here’s how they differ and when you should utilize each one of them.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are less dense, softer, and porous than porcelain paving products. They are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than their porcelain counterparts. As the clay used in the construction of ceramic tiles is less polished, it is a less expensive, albeit less durable, option. Ceramic tiles are popular for flooring, especially in hot climates, where their natural coolness is a welcome benefit during the summer.

Pros

Appearance: Ceramic tile is available in a variety of finishes, from plain to extravagant and traditional to contemporary.
Cost: Because of differences in components and production, ceramic tile can be less expensive than porcelain tile.
Cutting Ease: Ceramic tiles are easier to cut, thereby reducing the overall labor cost. It also makes the tile ideal for DIY projects at home.
Customization: Ceramic tile could be the best option for people looking to create a detailed, eye-catching design. It is very adaptable and can be easily used in various scenarios and locations.
Texture: Ceramic tiles with a textured surface add depth and richness to a design. They can be embossed to feature waves and other patterns.

Cons

Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for a variety of home applications. However, to choose the best type of tile, you must consider other factors.

Water Absorption: The ability to resist water is perhaps the most crucial consideration when choosing ceramic vs porcelain tiles. Due to its porous nature, ceramic tile absorbs more water. You should not install it outside as it may break during winters.
Foot-Traffic: As ceramic tiles are fired at a lesser temperature than porcelain tiles, they are less durable. These tiles should not be used in high-traffic locations as they may get scratched and damaged very easily.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are created from finely ground clay and other natural materials. Due to its clay-based composition, porcelain tiles are a subtype of ceramic tiles. Nevertheless, it has a harder construction and greater durability than non-porcelain ceramic tile variants.

Porcelain tiles come in two varieties: glazed and unglazed. Unglazed or full-bodied tiles contain color that runs through the entire thickness (rather than a glaze on top), making them more durable and chip-resistant. You can also find Geoceramica Tiles that are like porcelain tiles but come with an additional sub-base.

Pros

The primary differences between porcelain and ceramic tile are the composition and manufacturing technique. Porcelain is made by combining finer clay with higher pressures, then baking it at higher temperatures in a kiln. As a result, porcelain cladding and tile has a variety of distinguishing properties.

Durability: Porcelain tile has a higher density than ceramic tile, making it more robust and resistant to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for both business and residential applications.
Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water as compared to ceramic tile. According to ASTM requirements, porcelain must have less than 0.5 percent water absorption rate. Porous ceramic tiles absorb more water than other types of tiles.
Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water as compared to ceramic tile. According to ASTM requirements, porcelain must have less than 0.5 percent water absorption rate. Porous ceramic tiles absorb more water than other types of tiles.

Cons

Porcelain tile is an attractive option for a range of applications, but it does not come without flaws.

Cutting: Porcelain is a reasonably challenging material to cut. You will need to be skillful and use specific instruments to cut it. This can be challenging for a rookie DIYer. It is feasible that a homeowner will prefer to hire a professional to install the system.
Price: Producing porcelain tile is more expensive. This tile type has a greater price tag when compared to ceramic tile.

Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles: Which one should you choose

Tiles come in various styles suitable for different sections of the house. The two most significant elements to consider are usually cost and water resistance. Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant. They will work well in rooms with a lot of moisture. When deciding between ceramic vs porcelain tiles for home installation, some designers propose balancing functionality and affordability.

You can do this by selecting ceramic tiles for the walls and porcelain tiles for the flooring. You can also pair any of these tiles with natural stone accessories like river stones to give your space a distinct finish and appeal.

Porcelain tiles are more resistant to water, making them excellent for patios or other outdoor uses. In colder climates, porous tiles like ceramic are more prone to absorb water and crack.

Conclusion

When deciding between ceramic vs porcelain tiles, it is important to consider the pros and cons of both. You should always choose a quality product as flooring and walling are re-done in a long time. World Of Stones USA offers a range of premium porcelain tiles that are ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Our porcelain tiles come in classic natural stone like textures that impart a classic look with the durability of porcelain.