Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: What's the Difference?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are closely related, but they are not identical. Porcelain is generally denser and less absorbent, while standard ceramic tile is often easier to cut and can be a practical option for many indoor walls and floors.
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Use the Tile Calculator How Much Tile Do I Need?Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile at a Glance
| Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Dense ceramic material | Ceramic material made from clay-based mixtures |
| Water Absorption | Generally very low | Usually higher than porcelain |
| Density | Typically denser | Often less dense |
| Cutting | Can be harder to cut | Often easier to cut |
| Typical Cost | Often higher | Often lower |
| Common Uses | Floors, bathrooms, high-traffic areas, some exterior applications | Interior floors, walls, backsplashes and decorative areas |
What Is Ceramic Tile?
Ceramic tile is made from clay-based materials that are formed into shape and fired at high temperatures.
Many ceramic tiles are then covered with a glazed surface that provides color, pattern and additional protection.
Ceramic tile is available in a wide variety of:
- Colors
- Patterns
- Sizes
- Textures
- Gloss levels
- Decorative styles
It is commonly used on interior walls and floors when the tile is rated for the intended application.
What Is Porcelain Tile?
Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile manufactured to create a dense, low-absorption material.
This dense construction can make porcelain suitable for demanding applications, including floors and moisture-prone areas when the specific product is approved for those uses.
Porcelain tile is available in many designs, including products that imitate:
- Natural stone
- Marble
- Concrete
- Wood planks
- Terrazzo
Is Porcelain Stronger Than Ceramic?
Porcelain is generally denser and can be highly durable, but you should not choose a tile based solely on the words "porcelain" or "ceramic."
Individual products are designed for different applications.
A decorative wall tile and a heavy-duty floor tile may both technically belong to the ceramic family while having very different performance characteristics.
Which Tile Is More Water Resistant?
Porcelain generally absorbs less water than standard ceramic tile.
That characteristic is one reason porcelain is commonly considered for bathrooms, showers, entryways and other areas where moisture resistance is important.
However, the tile itself is only one part of a wet-area installation.
Water management also depends on:
- Waterproofing beneath the tile
- Grout joints
- Sealants where required
- Drainage
- Substrate preparation
- Installation quality
Porcelain vs Ceramic for Bathroom Floors
Both porcelain and suitable ceramic tiles can be used for bathroom floors, provided the product is rated for floor use and the installation system is appropriate.
Porcelain is often chosen because of its low water absorption and durability.
Ceramic may provide more budget-friendly options for bathrooms where the specific tile is approved for flooring.
Porcelain vs Ceramic for Shower Walls
Both materials are commonly available in products suitable for shower walls.
For a shower, the more important questions include:
- Is the tile rated for wet areas?
- Is the substrate appropriate?
- Is there a proper waterproofing system?
- Is the adhesive approved for the installation?
Tile appearance alone does not determine whether a shower installation will perform correctly.
Porcelain vs Ceramic for Shower Floors
Shower floors require more consideration than shower walls because slip resistance, drainage and floor slope become important.
Small-format tiles are often used on traditional sloped shower floors because the additional grout joints can help the surface follow the slope.
Always verify that the specific tile is approved for shower-floor use.
Which Is Better for Kitchen Floors?
Both porcelain and floor-rated ceramic tile can work in kitchens.
Kitchens typically experience:
- Frequent foot traffic
- Spills
- Dropped objects
- Regular cleaning
Porcelain may appeal to homeowners prioritizing density and moisture resistance, while ceramic can provide a wide range of styles at potentially lower prices.
Which Is Better for a Backsplash?
Ceramic tile is especially common for kitchen backsplashes because walls do not experience the same loading as floors.
Porcelain can also be used and may be selected when its appearance, texture or particular design is preferred.
For backsplash applications, appearance, cleaning and ease of cutting may matter more than heavy-duty floor performance.
Which Tile Is Easier to Cut?
Standard ceramic tile is often easier to cut than dense porcelain.
Depending on the tile, installers may use:
- Manual tile cutters
- Wet saws
- Diamond blades
- Specialty hole saws
- Tile nippers
Dense porcelain can require higher-quality cutting equipment, particularly for clean cuts or holes around plumbing.
Which Tile Is Easier for DIY Installation?
Potentially Easier to Cut
Many ceramic tiles can be easier for DIY installers to score, snap or cut using common tile tools.
More Demanding Cuts
Dense porcelain may require a suitable wet saw or diamond blade, especially for large-format tiles and complicated cuts.
Installation difficulty also depends heavily on tile size, room layout, substrate condition and pattern.
Large-Format Porcelain Tile
Large-format porcelain has become common for modern floors and walls.
Larger tiles create fewer grout joints, but they can also make substrate preparation more important.
A floor or wall that looks reasonably flat may still create problems when very large tiles are installed across it.
Large-format installations may require:
- Very flat substrates
- Suitable mortar
- Correct trowel size
- Proper mortar coverage
- Leveling systems in some projects
Can Porcelain Tile Be Used Outdoors?
Some porcelain tiles are specifically designed and rated for exterior use.
Their low water absorption can be advantageous in outdoor environments, particularly where freeze-thaw conditions are a concern.
However, not every porcelain tile should automatically be installed outdoors.
Exterior suitability depends on:
- Product rating
- Climate
- Slip resistance
- Substrate
- Drainage
- Installation system
Can Ceramic Tile Be Used Outdoors?
Some ceramic products may be approved for exterior use, but many standard interior ceramic tiles are not intended for outdoor conditions.
Always check the product's approved applications before installing it on patios, steps, balconies or other exterior surfaces.
Which Tile Is More Expensive?
Porcelain often costs more than basic ceramic tile, but prices overlap significantly.
A designer ceramic tile can cost more than a basic porcelain tile.
The complete project cost can include:
- Tile
- Waste allowance
- Mortar or adhesive
- Grout
- Underlayment or backer board
- Waterproofing
- Trim pieces
- Cutting tools
- Labor
Comparing tile price alone may therefore not reflect the final project cost.
Porcelain vs Ceramic Maintenance
Both materials can be relatively easy to maintain when properly installed.
Routine care generally involves:
- Sweeping or vacuuming loose dirt
- Cleaning with products appropriate for the tile
- Cleaning grout joints as needed
- Repairing damaged sealant joints when necessary
Glazed tile surfaces can be especially easy to wipe clean.
Does Porcelain Need to Be Sealed?
Many glazed porcelain tiles do not require surface sealing, but some unglazed or specialty products may have different recommendations.
Grout may also have separate sealing requirements depending on the grout product used.
Follow the tile and grout manufacturers' instructions rather than assuming all installations need the same treatment.
Does Ceramic Tile Need to Be Sealed?
Glazed ceramic tile generally has a protective surface finish.
Unglazed ceramic materials may have different sealing requirements. Again, product-specific instructions should determine the correct maintenance procedure.
Which Tile Is More Slip Resistant?
Neither porcelain nor ceramic is automatically more slip resistant simply because of the material category.
Surface texture and the specific product rating matter much more.
Highly polished tiles can become slippery when wet, while textured surfaces may provide more traction.
Glazed vs Unglazed Tile
Glazed Tile
Glazed tiles have a surface layer that can provide color, texture, pattern and stain resistance.
Unglazed Tile
Unglazed tiles rely more directly on the body of the tile for their appearance and may have different maintenance requirements.
Both porcelain and ceramic categories can include different surface treatments.
What Is Through-Body Porcelain?
Some porcelain tiles have color or material characteristics that extend more deeply through the tile body rather than existing only as a surface decoration.
This can make chips less visually noticeable in certain products.
However, terminology varies between manufacturers, so check the exact construction of the tile you are considering.
Which Tile Is Better for High-Traffic Areas?
Porcelain is commonly considered for high-traffic floors because of its density and availability in durable commercial-grade products.
But product rating still matters more than category alone.
A floor tile should be selected according to the amount and type of traffic expected in the space.
How Much Tile Do You Need?
Regardless of whether you choose porcelain or ceramic, the basic quantity calculation is the same.
Then add your waste allowance:
Example:
A 10 ft × 12 ft floor has an area of:
With 10% waste:
If each box covers 16.5 ft²:
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Enter project dimensions, tile size, box coverage and waste percentage into our Tile Calculator.
Calculate Tile & BoxesHow Much Waste Should You Add?
Around 5% to 10% extra can be a reasonable planning range for simple straight layouts.
More waste may be appropriate for:
- Diagonal tile layouts
- Herringbone patterns
- Irregular rooms
- Large-format tiles
- Many corners or obstacles
- Projects requiring extensive cutting
For a full calculation example, see:
Should You Keep Spare Tiles?
Keeping a few matching tiles after installation can make future repairs easier.
Tile can be difficult to match later because:
- A product may be discontinued.
- Shade can vary between production lots.
- Texture may change.
- Nominal sizing can differ between products.
Store leftover tile in a dry, protected location and keep the product information if possible.
Porcelain or Ceramic: Which Should You Choose?
| If Your Priority Is... | Material to Consider |
|---|---|
| Lower-cost interior wall tile | Ceramic |
| Kitchen backsplash | Ceramic or porcelain |
| Durable floor tile | Floor-rated porcelain or ceramic |
| Low water absorption | Porcelain |
| Easier cutting for DIY work | Often ceramic |
| Exterior installation | Exterior-rated porcelain or other approved tile |
| Large-format modern design | Often porcelain |
These are general comparisons. Always use the specifications for the exact tile being considered.
Common Tile Buying Mistakes
1. Choosing Wall Tile for a Floor
Not every wall tile is designed to handle floor traffic.
2. Assuming Porcelain Is Always Better
Porcelain has useful performance characteristics, but a suitable ceramic tile may be completely appropriate for many interior applications.
3. Buying Exact Square Footage
Tile installations normally need extra material for cuts and breakage.
4. Ignoring Slip Resistance
This can be especially important for bathrooms and wet areas.
5. Forgetting Box Coverage
Purchase quantity should be based on the actual coverage stated on the box.
6. Ignoring Shade or Lot Information
Tiles from different production runs can show visible differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is porcelain tile better than ceramic tile?
Not for every project. Porcelain is generally denser and less absorbent, while ceramic may be less expensive and easier to cut. The intended use should determine the choice.
Is porcelain tile waterproof?
Porcelain itself has very low water absorption, but a complete tiled surface should not automatically be treated as a waterproofing system. Wet areas still require appropriate installation and waterproofing.
Can ceramic tile be used in a bathroom?
Yes, when the specific ceramic tile is approved for the intended floor, wall or wet-area application.
Is porcelain harder to cut?
Porcelain is generally denser and can require more capable cutting tools than many standard ceramic tiles.
Can porcelain tile be used outside?
Some porcelain products are designed for exterior use. Check the exact tile's exterior rating, slip resistance and installation requirements.
Which tile is cheaper?
Basic ceramic tile is often cheaper than porcelain, but prices overlap considerably depending on design, size, brand and quality.
How much extra tile should I buy?
Around 5% to 10% may be enough for straightforward layouts, while diagonal or complicated patterns can require a larger allowance.