Porcelain vs. Ceramic

Which tile is better: ceramic or porcelain? This is one of the most frequently asked questions by our customers. But it can be a misleading question, for two key reasons. The first is that this is a false choice, because all porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles, but ceramic tiles are not porcelain tiles! This means the real choice is between porcelain and non-porcelain ceramic tiles.

The second reason that the question “which is better” can lead you in the wrong direction concerns suitability. We want our customers to choose the perfect tile for their project, so we encourage them to ask: What type of tile is best suited to my specific project—porcelain or non-porcelain? This is an important question to ask, because if you simply read the specifications, you would conclude that porcelain is superior to non-porcelain ceramic tile. However, the performance benefits of porcelain tile are often irrelevant to your specific tiling job.

So, while we are crystal clear about the differences between porcelain and non-porcelain ceramic tiles, our advice to customers is to always back the right horse for the course and thereby find the perfect tile for your particular installation.

While ceramic and porcelain tiles are both popular choices for flooring and wall applications, they differ in their essential composition and characteristics. In some installations, these tiles can be substituted with no loss of performance; while other applications demand the superior technical performance of porcelain.  

Conversely, certain decorative effects, sizes, and colors are often only available in ceramic, and there may well be aesthetic reasons to choose a glazed ceramic tile over a porcelain alternative.

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, minerals, and water, which is then baked at a high temperature, generally between 700 and 1,000 degrees Celsius.

Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made from refined clay. The body mixture contains a higher proportion of additional minerals, notably feldspar and quartz. Porcelain tiles are fired at very high temperatures, from a minimum of 1,200 degrees Celsius to as high as 1,400 degrees, making them denser, harder, less porous, and more durable than non-porcelain ceramic tiles.

Most ceramic and porcelain tiles are dust-pressed, meaning that dry powder is pressed at high pressure using either vertical or continuous roller presses. You can also find extruded tiles, in both porcelain and ceramic, which are created when wet clay is forced through a die by a ram or molded in a hydraulic press.

Porcelain tiles have a lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles. By definition,porcelain tiles must have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, while ceramic tiles have a water absorption rate of more than 0.5% and are generally in the 3% to 7% range. Their lower water absorption makes porcelain tiles far more resistant to water damage, stains, and frost.

One area of confusion in the marketplace surrounds companies offering sealants for porcelain tiles.  This has come about because some low-cost tile producers offer what are billed as “porcelain” tiles with a water absorption rate of anything from 0.5% up to 2.0%. These tiles may require sealing, but they are not true porcelain tiles. Any tile described as porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5%, or lower.  Any tile with a higher result is, quite simply, not porcelain—and should never be improperly sold as such.

Porcelain tiles are more durable and harder than ceramic tiles. Unglazed porcelain tiles in particular are more resistant to scratches, wear, and chipping, making them suitable as a floor or wall covering in high-traffic areas and commercial applications, although non-porcelain tiles are often used successfully in commercial settings.

Conversely, porcelain tiles are harder to drill, making the installation of plumbing pipework or drill-through fastenings more difficult. Special diamond drill bits will be required, and greater time should be allocated for bathroom and kitchen fit-outs as a result.

Porcelain tiles have a higher density than non-porcelain ceramic tiles. This increased density contributes to their strength and durability. It also makes porcelain tiles more difficult to cut during installation. Wet saws with diamond-tipped blades are usually required to achieve optimum results.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are suitable for a variety of applications, including floors, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. And, unlike some alternative materials, they both work very well over underfloor heating.

With glazed ceramic tiles, the glaze–essentially a thin glass-like decorative surface layer–is 100% waterproof, unless damaged. Since the need for an appropriate grout joint is common to both porcelain and non-porcelain tiles, a glazed ceramic tile is just as suitable as a porcelain alternative for backsplashes, showers, and bathroom tiling.

Due to its superior durability and water resistance, porcelain is often preferred for outdoor installations. Porcelain’s low porosity means that water will not seep into the tile, so it can’t freeze and cause cracks in cold weather. Exterior porcelain tile can also be cleaned using a pressure washer.

Porcelain tiles are generally more expensive than ceramic tiles.  The higher cost is partly due to the more intricate manufacturing process, the longer and more intense firing cycle, the higher cost of the raw materials, and the expensive manufacturing technology required. Ceramic tiles use less energy during production and have lower raw material costs. As a consequence, ceramic tends to offer a more budget-friendly alternative while providing a wide range of design options. Ceramic tiles are generally cheaper to lay for square foot, as installation is faster.

Ceramic tile is a relatively light weight and low maintenance option. Functional, yet beautiful, non-porcelain ceramic tiles are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, backsplashes, and a wide range of other applications. Softer and easier to cut, ceramic tile allows for more creative designs such as patterns, 3D decors, and different glaze effects.

Porcelain tiles are frost-proof, extremely hard wearing, and come in a vast range of design options and surface textures. They are ideal for more demanding floor and wall applications, including exterior paving and façades.

It’s important to note that there can be some overlap between ceramic and porcelain tiles, and the distinction may not always be clear-cut. Some tiles may be labeled as “porcelain ceramic” or “porcelain stoneware,” blurring the line between the two categories. Other manufacturers blur the line between natural stone and porcelain, referring to tiles as sintered stone, or ceramic granite.  At Merola, we are happy to answer your questions if you have any doubts about specific tile products and their suitability for your project. Our general advice is that when you are choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles, always consider each job’s specific needs—as well as your budget, and the desired aesthetics—to make an informed decision. Ceramic tiles may well be the superior option and offer the best balance between price and performance; or the technical demands may call for a porcelain tile. We are confident we can help you find the perfect tile for every application.