By Amanda Lutz Updated July 20, 2024
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- Main Difference
- Ceramic
- Porcelain
- How to Choose
- Our Recommendation
- FAQ
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both durable, timeless choices for kitchens and bathrooms. While they look similar, there are key differences between them. Porcelain is stronger and more resistant to chipping, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your home. Read our guide to ceramic tiles versus porcelain tiles before you get started on your tile renovation project.
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Hardwood Flooring
The average cost of hardwood flooring is around $6 to $12 per square foot.
Tile Flooring
Tile floor installation, on average, can range from $8 to $44 per square foot.
The Major Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Standards set by the Tile Council of North America define porcelain tile as a nearly waterproof clay tile with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Non-porcelain tiles, such as ceramic, have a water absorption rate of greater than 0.5% by the same standards. This makes porcelain a superior tile for bathroom floors and walls.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are semi-coarse, clay-based tiles that are shaped, dried, and fired in a kiln at no more than 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit. Ceramic tiles are more porous and absorb more water than porcelain, but glazed ceramic tiles have improved resistance to water and stains.
Ceramic floor tiles are easier to cut and bond to the floor than porcelain floor tiles, making them a good choice for DIYers. Ceramic tile isn’t ideal for areas with high foot traffic or high moisture levels, such as the bathroom, laundry room, or outdoors.
Ceramic Tile Benefits and Drawbacks
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of ceramic tile.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Is easier to cut | Is less durable than porcelain |
| Is more cost-effective | Is more porous and not recommended for the outdoors or bathroom |
| Provides a larger variety of colors, textures, and finishes | Requires regular maintenance to prevent water absorption |
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are made of highly refined clay and are kiln-fired at around 2,250 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them much harder and denser than ceramic tiles. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) sets ratings between one and five for tile durability—higher ratings typically cost more.
Porcelain is an ideal choice for areas with high moisture levels because it must have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Through-body porcelain has no glaze, and the color and texture run through the tile, which makes damage less visible. A colored finish or wear layer covers and protects glazed tiles.
Porcelain Tile Benefits and Drawbacks
Below are the benefits and drawbacks of porcelain tile.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Is better suited in areas with heavy foot traffic | Costs more than ceramic |
| Is durable and less prone to wear and tear | Is difficult to install |
| Is impervious to water | Ranges in quality |
Ceramic vs. Porcelain: How to Choose a Tile
Consider the location of your installation project, how much foot traffic travels through the area, and how much you want to spend when choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Read more about key characteristics to compare below.
Appearance
Porcelain and ceramic look similar, but ceramic comes in more colors, textures, and finishes. Porcelain can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, and other materials. Porcelain may be a better choice if you prefer a more visually appealing tile. Stick with ceramic tile if you want a greater variety of finishes and colors to choose from.
Cost
Porcelain is typically more expensive because of its complex manufacturing process. You can find porcelain tiles for $2 to $15 per square foot, while ceramic tiles typically cost $0.50 to $15 per square foot. Prices for both tile choices can be as high as $45 per square foot for materials and labor.
Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi.
Durability
Porcelain is a denser and more durable tile than ceramic. It resists chips and scratches, and its durability makes it a good choice for hallways, bathrooms, and outdoor patios. Porcelain can crack if you don’t choose the correct PEI rating.
Glazed ceramic tiles are more resistant to abrasion than unglazed tiles, but both are less durable than porcelain tiles. Ceramic is highly resistant to heat, which makes it a good option for kitchen countertops.
Ease of Installation
Tiling the floor is a similar process for both ceramic and porcelain. Apply mortar to the underlayment, press your chosen tile into the mortar, and allow it to set before adding grout between each tile.
You can cut most ceramic tiles with a manual tile cutter, which makes it a DIY-friendly project. Porcelain is much more dense and requires a wet saw to cut through.
Location
Ceramic and porcelain tiles can go on walls, floors, countertops, and backsplashes, but neither is suitable for every location.
We recommend using porcelain throughout your bathroom, as the floors, tubs, and shower walls are frequently wet and humid. Porcelain is a better choice for outdoor patios in areas with mild climates.
Porcelain is typically the best choice for kitchen floors and countertops, but glazed ceramic tiles with a 3 or 4 PEI rating also work. Ceramic tiles can work for a kitchen backsplash, but the tiles should be glazed to protect them against water and staining.
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.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Ceramic and porcelain tiles generally require the same level of maintenance and cleaning. Clean tile floors by sweeping away debris and regularly mopping floor tiles with mild soap and water. You’ll also need to clean and reseal the cementitious grout between the tiles. Resealing grout each year can help ensure a longer life span and keep the grout free of stains.
TCNA recommends homeowners use alkaline cleaners rather than acidic-based cleaners to remove stains on grout. Once you apply the cleaner, use a shop vacuum cleaner to lift dirt off the joint, apply water, and vacuum the water to remove soap film and moisture.
Water Resistance
Porcelain’s density makes it much more impervious to water than ceramic, but these differences aren’t as noticeable if the tile is glazed. The back and sides of a ceramic tile won’t resist water if it’s unglazed.
Our Recommendation
The location of your tile installation project will likely dictate whether you choose porcelain or ceramic tiles. Consider using ceramic tiles if you prefer DIY projects and a greater selection of colors, textures, and finishes. Porcelain is a better choice for areas with moisture and high-traffic areas, but these tiles frequently require professional installation. We recommend keeping up with basic maintenance and cleaning to extend tile life, no matter which option you choose.
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Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile FAQ
Which is better for a bathroom, porcelain or ceramic tile?
Porcelain tile is better for a bathroom, as it’s more resistant to water and humidity.
Does ceramic or porcelain tile crack easier?
Ceramic tile cracks more easily than porcelain. Porcelain can chip, but it’s among the strongest and most durable tile choices.
Is porcelain tile slippery?
Porcelain tile can be slippery. Many types of porcelain tiles are slip-resistant, but it depends on the tile’s finish. Matte finishes and textured tiles provide greater resistance than polished or gloss porcelain tiles.
Can a dog’s nail scratch tile?
A dog’s nail can scratch some types of tile. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are typically the best options for dog owners, as both tiles are scratch-resistant.
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