Ever wondered while looking at two of the most exotic tiles, like Ceramic and Porcelain: What exactly is the difference? Which one is better? Well, you are not alone! Both tiles offer style, durability, and versatility, but in different environments. They are very similar in appearance, but some key differences could make or break your design project.
If you’re remodeling a bathroom or laying a patio, understanding the key differences between ceramic and porcelain tile can save you time, money, and future frustration.
Below, we will answer all your questions and compare them as ceramic vs porcelain tiles. Starting from how they are made and ending with which one will be an ideal choice for you.
How Ceramic Tiles are Made
Ceramic Tiles are man-made with red and brown clay, water, and other inorganic materials. This mixture is hardened at high temperature in a kiln. It is mostly known for its durability and lower cost as compared to porcelain tiles and natural stone.
When it comes to a comparison between ceramic and porcelain tiles, ceramic achieves the versatility of natural stone or porcelain in terms of colors, patterns, and designs. You can also mix and match different colors and sizes for a better visual interest or a cohesive, unique look.
How Porcelain Tiles are Made
Porcelain tiles are made from processed white clay (kaolin) and fired at high temperatures. At extreme temperatures, the particles in porcelain fuse together, producing a dense, hard, and non-porous surface. The result is ultimately a stronger and water-resistant tile.
They come in a wide spectrum of finishes from polished to textured and can convey a look of stone, wood, or concrete. These traits make porcelain a favored flooring for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, and outdoor areas, especially where durability is needed.
The Key Difference: Ceramic Vs Porcelain Tiles
Both Ceramic and Porcelain tiles popular choice with homeowners. Ceramic is considered to be more cost-effective, whereas porcelain can be a bit expensive. One key difference between the two is the colour. Porcelain tiles like Dijon Limestone Beige Porcelain and more are similar to the tone of the print, whereas ceramic tiles are usually brownish.
But they also have some key differences, including porosity, maintenance, and cost. We’ll take a look at how these two tiles contradict each other.
1. Water Absorption
a. Porcelain: Porcelain is considered water resistant and does not hold water, making it practically waterproof, so it is the best tile to use in wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. If you want to renew your pavilion or a garden walkway, outdoor porcelain tiles are a good way to go, like Abbey Porcelain or County Gris Porcelain.
b. Ceramic: Ceramic tiles are usually more porous. Even with glazed ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles will typically have a much higher moisture absorption level. This level of moisture absorbency means that they are not suitable for outdoor exposures or humid conditions unless they are sealed.
2. Maintenance
a. Porcelain: When it comes to easy cleaning and low-maintenance, outdoor porcelain tiles like
County Gris Porcelain takes the crown here as well! They are easy to clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and some warm water. With stain and scratch resistance qualities, the outdoor porcelain tiles are perfect for gardens and pathways.
b. Ceramic: Ceramic is also easy to clean and needs less maintenance. It does require re-sealing and some extra attention when designing, like grout lines and glazed tiles are installed.
3. Cost
a. Porcelain: Porcelain tiles are much expensive than ceramic tiles due to various reasons, like durability, high-quality materials, and of course, durability. Specially choosing outdoor porcelain tiles can cost more than indoor ones as they come with ultra resistance to stain, scratch, and water.
b. Ceramic: Unlike porcelain, ceramics are less expensive but suitable for limited locations. It can chip easily, and needs extra attention when it comes to stains, traffic, and care.
4. Durability
a. Porcelain: Porcelain tiles are harder, denser as the material is heated up to a high temperature. Considering that it can easily handle high traffic, it is a better choice for commercial areas, garages, and even entryways. However, outdoor porcelain tile is much more difficult to cut due to its high density.
b. Ceramic: Ceramic tiles are sufficiently durable, meaning they can handle moderate traffic. It can chip and crack if too much pressure is applied. Ceramic works best in places with less traffic or weight, such as on walls or in living rooms.
Application Areas: Ceramic vs Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are suitable for almost any space in the house. Choose Outdoor porcelain tiles for patios, gardens, like Raj Green Porcelain. Install in high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, commercial buildings, or offices. These tiles are highly water and slip-resistant, making them suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic Tiles can be a great choice for low-traffic areas, mostly indoor spaces like walls, splashbacks, and bedrooms. If you are looking to make your feature walls more interesting and decorative, then these tiles are just right for you.
Final Verdict: Porcelain Tile Vs Ceramic Tile
So, finally going through all the key differences, we can say that porcelain tiles are the better ones. It is durable, functional, aesthetically pleasing, and more. But one thing to know about them is that they are costly.
On the other hand, when it comes to ceramic tiles, they can look great on feature walls or places with low traffic. They are less durable and can get easily damaged, but are less expensive than porcelain. But you can easily remodel them with other natural stone tiles like Kandla Grey Natural Sandstone Paving.
Choose any of the tiles, and most probably you won’t regret it after knowing all of the above factors. Install it at the right place and everything will be just fine!
FAQs: Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles
Q1. What is different between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles?
Ans. Ceramic and Porcelain are both types of heated clay products. Porcelain is known to be less porous, denser, and extra durable. Whereas ceramic tiles are less expensive due to their lower durability, are more porous, and prone to water.
Q2. Which one is easier to cut, Ceramic or Porcelain?
Ans. Porcelain tiles are known to be harder and denser than Ceramic tiles. So, Ceramics are easier to cut by wet saw than Porcelain tiles.
Q3. Why Porcelain is a safer and non-toxic flooring option than Ceramic?
Ans. Porcelain is a safer and non-toxic option for flooring due to its enhanced composition and properties, making it an ideal choice for indoor flooring.
Q4. Which one is slip-resistant: Ceramic Tiles or Porcelain?
Ans: Porcelain tile offers excellent grip with low porosity rates, meaning it doesn’t absorb water, making it slip-resistant. Ceramics are considered to have more porosity. It has a resistance rate of R9 to R13.
