Ceramic Tiles vs Porcelain Tiles: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for Your Project?

Feb 2023

When it comes to versatile surfaces, out of vitrified tiles and the GVT Tiles, the two famous and most used tiles, are the Ceramic tiles and the Porcelain tiles. One can see these tiles in rooms like bathrooms, kitchen as well as on wall tiles and the backsplashes. The best part about these tiles is that they are available in the market in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.

Although both tiles are the same in many ways, there is little selective difference between them. Both ceramic as well as porcelain tiles are kiln-fired and clay-based but in the case of porcelain, they are generally a unique type of ceramic. The clay through which porcelain is made tends to have more density than that ceramic tiles. However, the ingredients used for the production and the production process itself are very different from one another. Furthermore, both come with their pros and cons thereby a conclusion should be made only after comparing both tiles.

Ceramic Tiles VS Porcelain tiles

To draw differences between the tiles there are a few factors to consider. The following are the manner on how the ceramic tiles differ from Porcelain tiles:-

Construction

Ceramic tiles are constructed with the help of either white or natural red, or brown clay. To reduce the water content in the clay, it is fired comparatively at a high temperature. After that, the glaze is then followed by the pattern applied and after all these processes, the finished product is obtained.

In the case of Porcelain tiles, they are constructed with very selective clay with feldspar as well as finely-ground sand that is added to the mixture. In terms of firing, these tiles are comparatively fired at a higher temperature as compared to the ceramic thus helping the porcelain tiles in super hardwearing.

Expenditure

This is yet another factor that should be given primary consideration before making a final decision. In terms of money, ceramic tiles are comparatively more affordable than porcelain. So, if the budget is not so much then one should go for ceramic rather than porcelain tiles.

Durable and density

When it comes to ceramics, they are less dense than that porcelain tiles. This means that they are less brittle. In terms of bedroom tiles, ceramic ones are the right choice.

In terms of density, porcelain tiles tend to be denser than ceramic which makes them less porous. This implies that porcelain tiles are harder in the superficial region which makes their durability power strong and this is the reason why they absorb comparatively less water.

Identifying Ceramic and Porcelain tiles

The following points will help in differentiating between the Ceramic and Porcelain tiles;-

• In the case of porcelain tiles, they have a uniform color throughout the material. In the porcelain tile, the chipped or broken piece of the unglazed porcelain tile will have the same color throughout the thickness. On the other hand, the case of ceramic tiles has a glazed surface coloring which means the chip tends to unravel a different shade of color underneath.
• In terms of finishing of the tiles, the porcelain tiles have a smoother finishing as compared to that of the ceramic. The ceramic tiles‘ unglazed surface will give the sensation of being coarse whereas the porcelain’s finer grain area will give the sensation of smoothness while touching.
• In terms of density, Porcelain tiles are much denser than that ceramic tiles. This means that they are somewhat lighter than the porcelain ones.

Ceramic Tiles or Porcelain tiles: Which tiles should be used?

Budget

In case the budget is tight then the right approach would be of going for the ceramic tiles. The reason behind using these tiles is that they are affordable and are available in various ranges of styles, and patterns so that they can fit in any look.

Traffic situation

If the area is prone to high traffic then porcelain tiles are the right approach since they can stand high traffic situations. The reason behind preferring porcelain tiles for high-traffic situations is that they don’t get scratched easily. Apart from this, in the case of other flooring options for instance carpet, using ceramic tiles is a healthy approach since they are also durable and hard-wearing.

DIY Project

In case there is some DIY project then for this ceramic tiles can be the right choice. This is because, a DIY project, will demand a lot of cuts so that the tiles can be installed without any problem which can be done with ceramic tiles. But this cannot be done in the case of porcelain ones, since they are comparatively harder to cut and at times can demand professional workers to do the job of cutting and installing.

Outdoor project or patio

Porcelain on the patio has to be the right decision that one can ever make since it has the power to withstand almost everything that nature wants to throw at the patio. But ceramic tiles are not the ideal choice here since they tend to crack in cold weather which no one wants. Thus, the right approach here should be using porcelain tiles.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding whether one should go for ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles, it is always advisable to consider several factors before reaching a final decision. Out of all the factors, the water resistance factor and the cost are said to be the primary factors to consider. And in this case, the porcelain tiles have the tendency of higher water resistance than the ceramic ones.

Moreover, in the case of comfort, the ceramic tiles floors offer a softer surface to walk on as compared to the porcelain ones. Thus, this is all the information that was there to know about all the differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles. Now that you have all the information regarding them, you are all set to go ahead with your best and right pick.