Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: Which is Best for Your Home?

Tile is one of the best materials you can use to spruce up your home. Not only does it add an excellent aesthetic touch, it also provides plenty of durability, ease of maintenance and easy clean-up.
Yet, there’s much debate about whether you should use ceramic or porcelain tile for your next project. There are many advantages and disadvantages to each type of tile, and it’s important to understand each thoroughly before making your decision.
Below, we will break down the details of ceramic and porcelain tile to help you decide which one is best for your home.
What is a Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile is a material that’s made from clay and sand that’s bound together with water. Once the material is mixed, it’s then fired at high temperatures in a kiln so that it sets — much like other forms of pottery.
This process results in the material hardening, giving it both durability and strength.
What is a Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile is a material that’s made in a similar way to ceramic tile. This process is a little more refined, though, and the temperatures at which it’s fired in a kiln are much higher.
The process that is used to make porcelain tile results in a very durable end-product that’s denser and, as a result, less porous than ceramic tile.
Key Differences Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles, as well as those that are used in other parts of your home, are actually similar in many ways. They are made of similar materials and go through a similar process to be created.
Essentially, porcelain can be considered a special type of ceramic. The clay that is used to create porcelain is denser, as mentioned before. And it’s the difference in how the two products are made that create the unique characteristics of each.
How to Tell the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
Aside from just looking at the packaging of ceramic and porcelain kitchen tiles, there are other ways that you can tell the difference between the two types of materials.
First, porcelain tile will have the same color used throughout it. If unglazed porcelain chips or is broken, you will still see uniform color in all of its thickness. Ceramic tile typically will have a surface that’s a glazed coloring, which means that if it chips, you might see a different color under it.
Porcelain tile often has a smoother finish than ceramic tile. If you turn a loose piece of each type of tile over, you should be able to notice that the unglazed surface of a ceramic tile will actually feel coarse, while porcelain will feel smooth.
Since ceramic tiles are less dense than porcelain tiles, they will also be a little lighter.
Durability Comparison of Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

The density alone makes porcelain tiles generally more durable than their ceramic counterparts. In addition, it’s not as susceptible to normal wear and tear, which is why it’s such a versatile product that’s used in many different environments.
Aesthetic Appeal of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain bathroom tiles as well as those designed for other spaces are valued for their versatility in design and look. Both are great choices and provide great aesthetic appeal.
Ceramic tiles can come in many different textures, patterns and colors. They can create anything from a modern and sleek look to a traditional and rustic look.
Porcelain tiles, meanwhile, are also valued for their versatility in design — providing variations of finishes, colors and sizes. They can be used to create contemporary and sleek looks or even emulate the character and warmth that natural materials bring to a space.
Heat and Water Resistance of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Compared to ceramic tile, porcelain tile provides superior water resistance. Ceramic is much more porous than porcelain and will typically have a higher rate of water absorption. This is why porcelain tiles are often suggested for use in bathrooms, which obviously present environments with a lot of water.
At the same time, porcelain is considered more heat resistance than ceramic, generally speaking.
Is Porcelain Tile or Ceramic Tile More Expensive?
Porcelain tile can be more expensive than ceramic. This is due to the materials use and processes followed, which results in a product that is more water resistant and durable.
The manufacturing process requires much more energy, which is obviously much more expensive for those companies that produce it. As a result, that higher cost is passed onto the consumer.
That being said, not only porcelain tile is more expensive than ceramic tile. Plus, this extra cost is often well worth it, due to the fact that porcelain is more premium looking and provides superior water and heat resistance.
Which Should You Choose: Porcelain Tile or Ceramic Tile?
It’s hard to go wrong with either porcelain tile or ceramic tile, but which material will be better for you depends on a number of factors.
First, consider where you will be installing the tile. If it’s in a wetter environment such as a bathroom, you may want to opt for porcelain if possible due to its superior water resistance.
Next, decide what look you are going for. If it’s more of a classic or rustic look, then ceramic tile may be the better choice. If you want it to look more like a natural material, then porcelain may be better.
Finally, consider your budget, which is always an important aspect of any home remodeling project. Make sure that you don’t just look at the final sticker cost, though. Consider that even if you are paying slightly more for porcelain, it could be a better investment for you long-term based on its better durability, water and heat resistance.