If you are an interior designer, consultant, or are renovating your home, you may be faced with a common choice – porcelain or ceramic tiles.
This article will clear up uncertainties on the difference between these two tile types, taking a look at their composition, production, performance, and ideal use.
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles can technically be classed as ‘ceramic’, being made from natural clay in kilns. However, the type of clay and the firing conditions differ.
Porcelain tiles are made from a clay which is finer and more refined, and that may be blended with additives like silica or feldspar. The fine clay is compressed before being fired at temperatures which can reach as high as 1,200 °C to 1,400 °C.
In contrast, ceramic tiles use a clay mix which is rougher and less refined. Only a small portion of the mix is made up of fine clay. Ceramic tiles are fired at a lower temperature than ceramic tiles – around 1,000 °C to 1,100 °C.
The result of these varying compositions and production methods is that porcelain tiles are denser, harder and smooth-faced, while ceramic tiles are lighter and softer.
Water resistance is another point of difference. Ceramic tiles are more porous – that is, have more holes through which liquid may pass – and this makes them less water resistant.
Porcelain tiles have a much lower water absorption rate compared to ceramic tiles. They have a tight structure which absorbs minimal amounts of water, and as such, we can classify porcelain tiles as water-resistant. Research has found that porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less.
As we’ve touched upon, porcelain and ceramic tiles have different attributes, and for this reason can be more suited to different parts of the home.
Due to porcelain tiles’ hardness and slow absorption rate, they are ideally suited for rooms where there is moisture, as well as zones with high foot traffic and outdoor areas. They excel in bathrooms, kitchens, entry ways and patio areas in mild climates. Porcelain tiles can stand up to the moisture in wet areas, and their density also gives them resistance to heavy use.
Ceramic tiles shouldn’t be exposed to water regularly, and typically have lower durability than porcelain tiles over the long term. Think walls, decorative surfaces such as ceramic tile murals, and lower-traffic floors. If ceramic tiles are glazed, they could be an option for wet areas.
As you might have guessed because of their lower durability, ceramic tiles are generally less expensive than porcelain tiles. There are variables which can close the price gap, including; the quality of the product, the design, and where the tiles have been manufactured.
Coming on to the cost of installation, the overheads for porcelain tiles are usually higher than for ceramic. That’s essentially down to their harder form that requires more labour. Porcelain is more difficult to cut, shape and install, demanding specialist tools such as a wet tile saw. Installing ceramic tiles is a much easier job, and is an option for experienced ‘DIYers’ as well as professionals.
Compared to materials such as natural stone or wood, both porcelain and ceramic tiles are fairly easy to install.
A regular sweep or vacuum will be enough to remove debris and grit, and for a complete clean, a mopping with a water-soap solution or floor cleaner every two weeks will usually suffice.
The tough nature of porcelain tiles, being dense, absorbing little water and offering stain resistance, means that they tend to require less maintenance and retain their appearance for longer. Conversely, ceramic tiles have an unglazed back and edges, which leaves them more vulnerable to moisture, mould and staining.
They must be sealed properly with grout and cleaned carefully on a regular basis – this applies to both types of tiles, particularly in wet zones, but especially to the softer ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, can do a good job in areas which see moderate use.
As we’ve discussed, whether you choose porcelain or ceramic tiles is likely to depend on where you’d like to install them, as well as their design, quality and price.
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