It’s important to think about how the tile will look in your home as well as how it will function before making a final decision. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both common choices, but which one is superior? To help you decide which material is best for your home, we’ll compare the two below in terms of durability, water resistance, upkeep, and cost. 

Now that you’re here, you can decide whether porcelain or ceramic tile is best for your bathroom, kitchen, or other room renovation project.

Porcelain: What Is It?

 

Porcelain is a ceramic that is created by firing a very specific kind of clay at extremely high temperatures. In addition to being scratch-, stain-, and water-proof, this material is dense, sturdy, and long-lasting.

To create porcelain tiles, a mixture of kaolin, feldspar, and other ingredients is normally baked at very high temperatures while being compressed. Since porcelain is stain- and water-resistant as well as aesthetically pleasing, it is frequently utilized in these constructions.

Ceramic Tile: What Is It?

 

The term “ceramic tile” refers to a specific form of tile that is produced by combining clay, minerals, and water before being burnt at high temperatures in a kiln. After being fired, clay becomes hard and water-resistant, making it suitable for use as a building material in many contexts, including flooring, walls, and countertops. 

Ceramic tile can be found in a broad variety of colours, sizes, shapes, and textures, and can be glazed or unglazed, giving it a lot of design flexibility. Unglazed ceramic tile has a more natural look and texture but must be sealed to prevent it from stains, whereas glazed ceramic tile has a protective covering of liquid glass that gives it a shiny or matte finish and makes it easier to clean.

Since ceramic tile is long-lasting, adaptable, and inexpensive, it is frequently used in both commercial and domestic settings.

Which Is Better Porcelain Or Ceramic Tile?

 

Here’s what you should know about porcelain tiles vs ceramic. You should weigh your wants and preferences against those of the manufacturer when deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles.

Since porcelain is denser and tougher than ceramic, it is more resistant to dampness, stains, and scratches. Additionally, they absorb less water, making them an excellent choice for use in damp locations like bathrooms and kitchens as well as high-traffic indoor areas.

Porcelain tiles are more durable than ceramic ones, but their increased brittleness can make them more challenging to work with throughout the fabrication and installation processes.

Porcelain tiles can be more expensive, while ceramic tiles provide a greater range of colours, textures, and patterns, and are more affordable. They are more user-friendly than porcelain tiles in terms of cutting and installation, making them a popular option for do-it-yourselfers.

However, unlike porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are easily damaged by water, stains, and scratches because of their porous nature. Therefore, they are better suited to places with minimal foot traffic and dry conditions.

The final decision between porcelain and ceramic tiles should be based on factors such as cost, installation site and purpose, and desired aesthetic.

Do Porcelain And Ceramic Easily Crack?

 

Porcelain tiles are more resilient and less prone to cracking than ceramic tiles, but both types can break under extreme stress.

Tiles made of porcelain are denser, tougher, and more wear-resistant than ceramic tiles because they are fired at greater temperatures. Even with a lot of wear and tear and bumps, they won’t break or chip as easily.

When compared to porcelain tiles, ceramic ones are less dense and more porous since they are fired at lower temperatures. More damage can be done to them if they are subjected to large loads or impacts, such as cracking or chipping.

However, if they aren’t laid properly or if they’re subjected to sudden temperature swings, a lot of weight, or any other kind of physical stress, either kind of tile might crack or chip. If you want to keep your tiles in good shape for as long as possible, it’s vital that you choose excellent materials, have them installed expertly, and take care of them as directed.

Porcelain: Pros And Cons

 

Here are some of the pros and cons of porcelain tiles:

Pros

Durability

Porcelain tiles are extremely durable and long-lasting, making them a great choice for high-traffic areas and commercial spaces.

Water Resistance

Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to water, which makes them a great option for bathrooms, kitchens, and other wet areas.

Low Maintenance

Porcelain tiles are easy to clean and require very little maintenance. They do not need to be sealed or polished, and they are resistant to most household chemicals and cleaners.

Aesthetics

Porcelain tiles come in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, allowing you to create a look that matches your style and décor.

Versatility

Porcelain tiles can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, including flooring, walls, and countertops.

Cons

Cost

Porcelain tiles can be more expensive than other types of tiles, such as ceramic tiles.

Installation

Porcelain tiles can be more difficult to install than other types of tiles, such as ceramic tiles, due to their hardness and density.

Weight

Porcelain tiles can be heavy, which can make them more difficult to handle and install.

Fragility

Porcelain tiles can be brittle and may crack or chip if they are dropped or struck with a heavy object.

Slipperiness

Some types of porcelain tiles can be slippery when wet, which can make them a safety hazard in wet areas.

Ceramic Tile: Pros and Cons

 

Here are some of the pros and cons of ceramic tiles:

Pros

Affordability

Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive than other types of tiles, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Aesthetics

Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of colours, sizes, textures, and patterns, allowing you to create a look that matches your style and décor.

Easy To Install

Ceramic tiles are easy to cut and install, which makes them a popular choice for DIY projects.

Versatility

Ceramic tiles can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications, including flooring, walls, and countertops.

Eco-Friendliness

Ceramic tiles are made from natural materials, which makes them an environmentally-friendly option.

Cons:

 

Porosity

Ceramic tiles are more porous than other types of tiles, which makes them more prone to water damage, stains, and scratches.

Durability

Ceramic tiles are less durable than other types of tiles, such as porcelain tiles, and may crack or chip more easily.

Maintenance

Ceramic tiles require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best.

Slipperiness

Some types of ceramic tiles can be slippery when wet, which can make them a safety hazard in wet areas.

Not As Moisture-Resistant

As compared to porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are not as moisture-resistant, making them unsuitable for wet areas like bathrooms or swimming pool areas.

Conclusion

 

There are several aspects, including price, personal taste in design, and practicality of application, that go into deciding between ceramic and porcelain tiles. The increased durability, water resistance, and low maintenance of porcelain tiles make them a fantastic option for high-traffic and moist locations.

They can be more challenging and costly to set up, though. In contrast, ceramic tiles are less expensive, available in a broader variety of colours and designs, and simpler to install, but they are more vulnerable to cracking and water damage.

Tiles can break and wear out over time if not installed properly, so it’s crucial to think about these things and pick the tile that works best for your demands and budget.