Today’s blog post is the second installment in our Budget-Friendly Tile series. If you missed our last post about affordable natural stone tile, check it out here! Today, we’re focusing on porcelain and ceramic tile options–and we’ve curated a list of 25 cost-effective selections for you to enjoy!
What’s the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic?
Porcelain and ceramic are very similar and feature many of the same advantages, but there are a few notable differences.
Ceramic is made of a mixture of clay, water, and minerals. It’s fired in a kiln, treated with a liquid glass coating to form a glazed surface, and fired once more. In general, ceramic is the most affordable tile material. It’s also easier to install than porcelain tile.
In a technical sense, porcelain tile is a sub-type of ceramic tile. However, it’s usually considered to be a higher-quality version of ceramic. Porcelain is made from finer clay and fired at a higher temperature, making it harder, stronger, more durable, and more water-resistant. For this reason, porcelain tends to be slightly more expensive than ceramic.
While porcelain can be used indoors or outdoors, ceramic is best suited for indoor use.
The benefits of porcelain and ceramic include the following:
- Unlimited colors and designs
- Can imitate the look of other materials, like natural stone, concrete, and hardwood
- Available in many shapes and sizes
- Low-maintenance and easy to repair
- Highly durable
- Cost-effective
- Water- and stain-resistant
The Average Cost of Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile usually costs between $2 and $30 per square foot. If you’re also paying for professional installation, you can expect costs to rise to $9 to $50 per square foot.
Mosaic porcelain tile is usually the most expensive, followed by glazed tile, and then unglazed tile. However, if you purchase unglazed tile, you’ll likely have to seal it, which can add to its total cost.
The Average Cost of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile’s price range is slightly lower than porcelain’s, typically ranging from $2 to $20 per square foot. Adding in the cost of installation will bring you to around $7 to $40 per square foot.
Save Money with DIY Installation
Choosing ceramic or porcelain tile over natural stone or glass will likely lower the budget for your project, but you can save even more if you install your tile yourself.
DIY installation isn’t the right choice for everyone, but if you have experience installing tile or have thoroughly educated yourself on the process, it may be an option for you. Below, we’ve linked several of our DIY installation guides for you to peruse.
General Installation Tips
- 5 Common Tile Installation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
- 10 Tips and Tricks for DIY Tile Installation
- Choosing the Right Grout for Your Tile
- How to Install Tile Like a Pro (Our Top Tips)
- Create Your Own Tile Layout (Here’s How)
Specific Project Guidelines
- DIY Kitchen Backsplash Installation
- DIY Wall Tile Installation
- 10 Steps for DIY Shower Tile Installation
- How to Install Tile Outdoors Without Hiring a Pro
- Waterproof Your Tile Floor (DIY Project)
Our Top 25 Budget-Friendly Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Options
The tile selections below are arranged in order of price, starting at less than $5 per square foot up to just under $10 per square foot. There’s classic white subway tile, concrete- and brick-look tile, and tiles that perfectly imitate the look of natural stone and hardwood. You’ll see plenty of neutrals as well as colorful options, a few textured choices, geometric shapes, encaustic designs, eye-catching patterns, and terrazzo. There are options suitable for floors, walls, backsplashes, showers, and more. In short, there’s something for everyone!
1. Timeless Ice White 6x18 Ceramic Tile - $4.78/sq.ft.
2. Memento Cement Gray 12x24 Porcelain Tile - $4.89/sq.ft.
3. San Fran Biscuit 3x6 Ceramic Tile - $4.95/sq.ft.
4. Manhattan Ash 12x24 Porcelain Tile - $4.95/sq.ft.
5. Forever Mood 8x48 Porcelain Tile - $4.95/sq.ft.
6. Flamen Gris 12x24 Porcelain Tile - $4.95/sq.ft.
7. Seville Coto 6x6 Ceramic Tile - $4.99/sq.ft.
8. Calacatta Gold 24x48 Porcelain Tile - $5.35/sq.ft.
9. Calacatta Lite 24x48 Porcelain Tile - $5.35/sq.ft.
10.Venice Acero 2x10 Ceramic Tile - $5.65/sq.ft.
11.Milano Statuary White 12x24 Porcelain Tile - $5.95/sq.ft.
12.Marrakech Blue Cape 8x8 Porcelain Tile - $5.95/sq.ft.
13.Boise Whisper Pink 3x12 Ceramic Tile - $5.95/sq.ft.
14.Agora Terrazzo 35x35 Multicolor Porcelain Tile - $5.98/sq.ft.
15.San Fran Aqua 8x8 Porcelain Tile - $5.99/sq.ft.
16.Milano Statuary White 8x9 Hexagon Porcelain Tile - $6.25/sq.ft.
17.Madrid Black 8x9 Hexagon Porcelain Tile - $6.65/sq.ft.
18.Eiffel Oval Gray/Taupe 8x8 Porcelain Tile - $6.68/sq.ft.
19.Ronda Denim 8x8 Porcelain Floor Tile - $6.80/sq.ft.
20.St. Lucia Azul 5x5 Ceramic Tile - $6.95/sq.ft.
21.Urban Brick Anthracite 3x12 Ceramic Tile - $6.95/sq.ft.
22.Malaga Heritage 8x8 Porcelain Tile - $6.95/sq.ft.
23.Chanelle Peaco*ck Green 3x12 Picket Ceramic Tile - $8.95/sq.ft.
24.Zellige Dark Gray 2x16 Ceramic Tile - $8.95/sq.ft.
25.Flake Terrazzo Black 30x30 Porcelain Tile - $9.58/sq.ft.
Find Tile for Any Budget at Tilezz.com!
Tilezz.com has the tile you need for your next home renovation project. No matter the material, design, color, shape, size, or price you’re looking for, our wide selection will likely have it. Scroll through our product range here, or visit our blog for more interior design inspiration and DIY guidance. Shopping for tile online has never been easier with our fast delivery, insured shipments, and easy returns!
Suggested Reading
Budget-Friendly Tile: 10 Natural Stone Selections
Which Tile Material Is Right for You?
