Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tiles : Which Tile is Right for You?

Today, anyone has heard the name porcelain. Porcelain is one of the most extensively utilized tiles in this business. However, one of the most frequently asked questions when selecting tiles is whether they are porcelain or ceramic. Which one is more useful for me? What is the best type to buy? Don’t worry; we will answer all your questions in this article.

ceramic and porcelain

In this post, we will look at the distinctions between ceramic and porcelain tiles, such as installation location and strength, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

The table below differentiates between ceramic and porcelain tiles.

In the following, we will discuss each of these features in detail.

A. Difference in Composition and Manufacturing Process 

Porcelain is a subsection of the ceramic family, and their composition is comparable. As a result, these two varieties appear identical, and it may be difficult to detect the differences at first glance. However, the fundamental distinction between porcelain and ceramic is the method of creating porcelain and the type of clay utilized. Porcelain tiles are mostly made from a specific clay containing fine sand, feldspar, or silica and granite. Porcelain clay is finer and denser than clay used in other types of tiles, such as ceramics.

Regarding the manufacturing process, the difference in porcelain ceramics is caused by temperature and pressure. Porcelain is heated at a higher temperature than ordinary ceramic tiles and under high pressure.

• Clay composition: While both ceramic and porcelain use clay, the specific types and their mineral composition can vary significantly. For instance, porcelain often contains kaolin, a type of clay known for its whiteness and plasticity.
• Glazing: Both types of tiles can be glazed, but the glazes used often differ. Porcelain glazes are generally more vitreous, meaning they are more glassy and have a higher shine. Ceramic glazes can be more matte or have a wider range of finishes.
• Firing: While both types are fired in kilns, the firing schedules and temperatures can vary. Porcelain is typically fired at higher temperatures, resulting in a denser, more durable product.

B. Difference in Durability and Longevity

Because of the raw materials used and the manufacturing process, porcelain tiles are stronger and last longer than regular tiles and even ceramics. This explains why porcelain is more popular than ceramics. Porcelain will have a completely hard and dense texture as a result of baking under high pressure and temperature.

One of the interesting features of porcelain tiles is that they can be produced in similar designs with decorative materials such as wood and stone. Producing porcelain that resembles natural stones such as marble or natural wood, for example, is useful for individuals interested in this style of decorating, and you will no longer have to worry about the loss of your wooden or stone decoration.

• PEI rating: The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating system classifies tiles based on their abrasion resistance. Higher PEI ratings indicate greater durability, making porcelain tiles generally more suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Thermal shock resistance: Porcelain tiles are often more resistant to thermal shock, meaning they can better withstand sudden temperature changes. This makes them suitable for outdoor applications or areas with significant temperature fluctuations.
• Flexural strength: Porcelain tiles typically have higher flexural strength, meaning they are less likely to crack or break under stress. This is particularly important in areas where tiles may be subjected to heavy loads

C. Difference in Water Absorption and Resistance

Which sort of tile is the most resistant to moisture? Porcelain, indeed. Porcelain tiles are available in two varieties: polished and glazed, both of which are resistant to water penetration.
For a more detailed check, you can put a drop of water on the back surface of ceramic and porcelain. You will see that the drop of water is absorbed in ordinary ceramic and will remain in porcelain until it evaporates.

• Water absorption rate: While porcelain tiles generally have lower water absorption rates, there can be variations within both categories. Factors like the type of clay used and the firing process can influence water absorption.
• Frost resistance: Porcelain tiles, due to their low water absorption, are generally more resistant to frost damage. This is crucial in regions with harsh winters.
• Mold and mildew resistance: The low water absorption of porcelain tiles can also help prevent mold and mildew growth, making them a hygienic choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas.

So, you can safely use it in wet spaces, outdoors, and cold weather.

D. Difference in Stain Resistance and Maintenance

There is an interesting point about the resistance of porcelain to stains. Scratches in porcelain tiles are almost invisible. This also applies to stains and pollution. The degree of pollution absorption in porcelain tiles is much lower than in other types. In this case, the maintenance cost of porcelain will be lower than ceramic but note that the cost of installing porcelain is higher because this tile needs a professional installer.

While using ordinary tiles, a person with less experience can replace and install tiles with a little precision. On the other hand, porcelain is very easy to maintain and only requires periodic sealing of grout lines. Therefore, you will not need periodic replacements.

E. Difference in Visual Appearance and Design Options

The most important reason for buying tiles and porcelain is to beautify and design home decorations. Surely, in addition to the tile’s resistance and efficiency, the designs’ beauty and diversity are important to you. Well, porcelain is the winner here as well.

According to our research and customer purchase statistics, most consumers prefer porcelain tiles to their beautiful and eye-catching designs over ordinary tiles. Also, because of the attractive design options such as Four-Match and Book-Match in porcelain tiles, this type is more popular in the market.

• Color variation: While both ceramic and porcelain can come in a wide range of colors, porcelain often offers a more consistent and uniform color palette due to its denser structure.
• Texture options: Both types of tiles can have various textures, from smooth to textured. However, porcelain can often achieve more intricate and detailed textures due to its higher density and the ability to use finer glazes.
• Glaze effects: Porcelain glazes can be manipulated to create a variety of effects, such as metallic finishes, crackle glazes, and even three-dimensional patterns.

F. Difference in Installation and Maintenance

To show the beauty and special design of porcelain tiles, you need someone professional for installation. As we said, this is usually a challenge. The dense and hard texture of porcelain increases its weight and makes it more difficult to install than ordinary tiles. It is very important to properly align with the ground or wall and correctly arrange the porcelain designs and faces. Only in this way you will get the desired result of the eye-catching appearance of porcelain.

• Installation methods: While both ceramic and porcelain can be installed using similar methods, porcelain tiles may require more specialized tools and techniques due to their denser nature.
• Grouting: The type of grout used and the installation method can vary between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles may require a more durable grout to withstand the higher density of the tile.
• Maintenance: While both types of tiles require regular cleaning, porcelain tiles may require less frequent sealing due to their lower water absorption rate.

Which One Should You Choose?

After comparisons are made, it is time to choose. Your choice depends on the situation. In the following, we will see the factors in choosing tiles.

● Installation location

The installation location of the tile is one of the most important factors affecting the choice. Naturally, we can use all kinds of porcelain in open spaces and high-traffic areas such as commercial units.

● Budget

Your budget is also important in choosing. Porcelain tiles are more beautiful and durable, but they are also more expensive. If your budget is limited and you don’t need specific strengths or designs, ordinary or high-quality ceramics could also be a good choice.

● Installation conditions

As previously said, porcelain installation is far more unique and difficult. This difficulty is exacerbated when selecting designs that necessitate unique preparations. As a result, we recommend that you only purchase specific porcelain tile designs if you have a skilled installer and the necessary tools.

Cost Comparison

You should have made your decision by comparing these two types of tiles. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than regular tiles, but they have more benefits. However, ceramic tile is less expensive and more cost effective. To help you pick between these two types of tiles, we urge you to browse our website’s fascinating designs of Iranian porcelain and ceramic tiles. Click here to view all of them.

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Read More:

• The Top Porcelain Tile Producing Countries: Which One Reigns Supreme?
• The difference between tile flooring and marble flooring
• Difference between ceramic and vitrified tiles
• Ceramic Tile History