The major difference betweenporcelain tileandceramic tileis how it's made. Bothtilesare made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, butporcelain tileis made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable thanceramic tile.
What Is Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile is usually created by mixing a base of clay with different types ofminerals and water. A stoneware clay body will be fired at around 1,800-2,000°Fand have water absorption between 0.5%-3.0%, with some even as high as 20%!
What Is Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain tile on the other hand is made out of a mixture of clay, sand, and feldspar. Feldspar is a naturally occurring mineral in granite. The sand strengthens themixture, while the feldspar melts, fusing together all the materials making the tile denser than a standard ceramic tile, thus stronger (30% stronger than granite!) and more stain resistant. Porcelain tile will be fired at a temperature up to 2,300°F. The higher firing temperature will drive out more water, and with the feldspar melting to form a low-order glass, the tile will be far more impervious. The American standards as set by the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) for a porcelain product is that it must absorb less than or equal to 0.5% of water.
The difference is in the body.
- Both can have a ceramic glaze, the difference is in the body. There are bothun-glazed and glazed porcelains.
- The PEI rating is for the hardness of the glaze or surface of the tile not whether it is porcelain or ceramic.
- The tile industry traditionally has described porcelain tile as being a practically impervious form of ceramic tile, meaning that the tile will absorb equal to or less than 0.5% of water.
What are the benefits of porcelain body tile?
- Greater body strength of the tile and less likely to crack.
- Freeze/thaw resistance - makes porcelain a great choice for outdoor use.
- With porcelain body tile there is less expansion and contraction of the floor.
Want to learn more about ceramic tile or porcelain tile for your home or project, contact us or visit one of our amazing locations today!
FAQs
The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.
Which is better, porcelain tile or ceramic tile? ›
For high-traffic or outdoor areas, porcelain will usually be the better choice because of its durability and moisture resistance. For areas with lighter foot traffic or projects where budget is a concern, ceramic tiles offer a cost-effective and attractive option.
What are the disadvantages of porcelain tile? ›
What are the pros and cons of porcelain tile? Longevity, water resistance, and durability are the main benefits of porcelain tiles. However, they are pricier, cost more for installation, and are heavier, denser, and more difficult to cut.
Does porcelain tile crack easier than ceramic? ›
– Simply put: no! Among tile options, porcelain stands out as a very strong and durable choice. It's denser than its ceramic and vinyl counterparts, although not quite as hard as some natural stones (such as quartzite).
Does porcelain tile flooring increase home value? ›
It can improve your house's appearance, make your floor more resistant to spills, and even make cleaning easier. When done right, it also increases your home's value!
Why choose porcelain tiles over ceramic? ›
Porcelain tile is nearly impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. According to the ASTM standards, porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower. Consider using shower porcelain tile in your bathroom remodel. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate.
What are the disadvantages of ceramic tile? ›
While ceramic tile can be an excellent choice for your kitchen floor, it does come with a few drawbacks. Ceramic tile can crack as floors settle, and a dish or glass dropped on it is virtually guaranteed to shatter. It can also be cold and hard underfoot, so use a rug or cushioned mat to cancel out the discomfort.
What should you not use on porcelain tiles? ›
Avoid strong alkaline cleaners like ammonia or bleach, as they can damage the tile and grout, causing discoloration and weakening. Oil-based or wax-based cleaner. These can leave a greasy residue on the tiles, making them slippery and attracting more dirt.
What is the life expectancy of porcelain tile? ›
Longevity. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles can last decades if you maintain them properly. Porcelain wears better over time, but ceramic has a longer life span and can last up to 100 years in areas with infrequent foot traffic. Porcelain can last more than 60 years with regular grout resealing.
How to tell if a tile is porcelain or ceramic? ›
Despite their similar appearances, there are ways to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. For example, if you were to remove the top layer from a porcelain tile you would be able to see distinct markings from the first layer as they flow throughout the whole tile otherwise known as 'through body'.
NOTE – while porcelain tiles are harder and more dense, this also makes them more difficult to cut and shape. Ceramic tiles can be cut much more easily by hand using a wet tile saw or snap tile cutter, while porcelain tiles require much more experience in order to get a clean, accurate cut.
What is the difference between cheap and expensive porcelain tile? ›
Higher-priced tiles are often manufactured with advanced techniques, ensuring more precise sizing, consistent color, and superior surface quality.
Is porcelain tile more slippery than ceramic? ›
Of the non-synthetic floor tiles available, porcelain pavers are the most slip-resistant. That's because the manufacturing process uses very dense clay and granite which is non-porous.
What is the most popular flooring in homes today? ›
The most popular flooring in homes today is wooden flooring – like luxury vinyl, laminate, or hardwood floors.
What floor is best for money? ›
- Vinyl sheet flooring: Updated for today's tastes. ...
- Vinyl tiles and planks: Super easy to install. ...
- Laminate flooring: Bargain opportunities. ...
- Oak flooring seconds: Best kept industry secret. ...
- Plywood for flooring: An effective alternative. ...
- Painting existing floors: Budget-friendly update.
- Natural stone flooring. No doubt, when many of us think of the most decadent and opulent flooring we think of natural stone. ...
- Mosaic and designer ceramic floor tiles. ...
- Exotic hardwood flooring. ...
- Hand scraped hardwood flooring. ...
- Reclaimed hardwood flooring. ...
- Luxury vinyl tile.
Do porcelain tiles chip easily? As long as porcelain tiles are in a good condition before laying and laid correctly then no chipping should occur over time. If something extremely heavy were dropped on them then they could crack and chip, but this would be the same for any flooring under those conditions.
Is porcelain tile a good choice for bathroom? ›
Porcelain tile is a popular choice for bathroom floors. Porcelain is a denser, less porous and harder option that offers greater stain and water resistance than ceramic tile. Plus, it's suitable for radiant in-floor heat to keep feet toasty on cool mornings.
Is ceramic tiles cheaper than porcelain? ›
Cost. Finally, to compare the cost of ceramic vs porcelain and like everything the costs will still vary. However, it is likely that ceramic will be the more affordable option. Not only will the tile itself be a more budget friendly decision, the installation will too.
