Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles (Choose the Right One)
Porcelain or ceramic, what’s the difference? They look similar, but choosing wrong can cost you.
Porcelain is tougher and waterproof. Ceramic is cheaper and easier to install.
This blog explains what each is, the difference between porcelain and ceramic, how to tell them apart, and where to use them for floors, walls, and even dinnerware.
What Are Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles?
Ceramic tile is made from natural clay that’s shaped, glazed, and baked in a kiln. The glaze on top gives it color and protects against stains and moisture.
Porcelain tile uses refined clay fired at extremely high temperatures (2,300°F+). This makes it denser and harder than ceramic.
It absorbs less than 0.5% water, making it nearly waterproof.
Highly resistant to scratches, chips, and heavy traffic. Works for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Color runs through the entire tile, so damage is less visible. More expensive but much more durable.
Porcelain vs Ceramic: The Complete Comparison
| Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Material & Composition | Finer, denser clay (often kaolin) | Coarser, less refined clay |
| Water Absorption | < 0.5% (impervious) | Higher absorption (more porous) |
| Durability | Very strong; ideal for high-traffic areas | Durable, but less impact-resistant |
| Scratch & Chip Resistance | Chips are less visible; harder surface | Chips are more noticeable due to the colored body |
| Installation Difficulty | Harder to cut; requires Pro Tools | Easier to cut; great for DIY |
| Weight | Heavier due to density | Lighter and easier to handle |
| Best Uses | Floors, bathrooms, showers, outdoors | Walls, backsplashes, and indoor low-traffic |
| Appearance | Uniform or through-body color | A glazed surface over a different-colored body |
| Cost | Generally higher | More budget-friendly |
How to Tell If a Tile Is Porcelain or Ceramic
Knowing whether you have porcelain or ceramic tile helps you make better decisions about installation, maintenance, and where to use them.
If It’s Porcelain Tile
- The edge or back appears white, cream, or uniformly colored throughout
- Feels noticeably heavier due to dense composition
- Extremely hard, resists scratching with a key or nail
- Water beads up on the unglazed back; absorbs less than 0.5% water
- The label states “porcelain” with a low water absorption rate
If It’s Ceramic Tile
- Unglazed areas show reddish, tan, or terracotta clay color
- Feels lighter and easier to handle
- Scratches more easily with sharp objects
- Water absorbs quickly on the back, usually within minutes
- Chips reveal a different color underneath the glaze
- Packaging indicates “ceramic” with higher water absorption rates
Which Should You Choose?
Choosing the right tile for each space in your home comes down to how much moisture, traffic, and wear that area will handle.
Here’s a breakdown of what works best where.
1. For Bathroom Floors
Choose: Porcelain
Bathroom floors deal with constant moisture and foot traffic. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water, making it nearly waterproof.
It won’t swell, stain, or break down from long-term water exposure like ceramic can.
The dense surface also handles dropped items and daily use without chipping easily.
2. For Shower Walls
Choose: Porcelain
Showers face with nonstop water contact. Porcelain’s waterproof nature means moisture won’t seep into the tile body.
This keeps mold and mildew from growing beneath the surface.
It also prevents staining and deterioration over years of use, keeping your shower looking fresh longer.
3. For Outdoor Areas
Choose: Porcelain
Outdoor spaces need tiles that can survive:
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Rain and humidity
- Heavy foot traffic
- Extreme temperature swings
Porcelain’s density and low water absorption make it the only reliable outdoor option. Ceramic soaks up too much water, which expands when frozen and causes cracks.
4. For Kitchens
Flooring: Choose Porcelain
Kitchen floors take a beating, spills, dropped pots, grease, and constant movement. Porcelain stands up to scratches, stains, and impact better than ceramic.
It’s the smarter long-term choice for a high-traffic cooking space.
Backsplashes: Choose Ceramic
Backsplashes don’t face the same abuse as floors. Ceramic costs less, cuts easily around outlets and cabinets, and comes in tons of decorative glazed styles.
It’s perfect for adding personality without overspending.
5. For DIY Projects
Choose: Ceramic
Ceramic is softer and much easier to work with. You can score and snap it with basic tools, making installation faster and less frustrating for beginners.
Porcelain requires special blades and more effort to cut, which can slow down your project and increase mistakes.
6. For Budget-Friendly Renovations
Choose: Ceramic
Ceramic gives you great style without the high price tag. It works well for:
- Rental properties
- Quick cosmetic updates
- Low-traffic indoor spaces
- Projects where cost is the main concern
Porcelain is worth paying more for in demanding areas, but ceramic delivers solid value when durability isn’t the top priority.
Porcelain vs Ceramic for Dinnerware
Porcelain and ceramic aren’t just for floors and walls; they’re also the foundation of most dinnerware.
| Feature | Porcelain | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Refined clay, high-temperature firing | Natural clay, lower-temperature firing |
| Weight | Lighter, thinner | Heavier, thicker |
| Appearance | Smooth, translucent, bright white | Textured, opaque, colorful |
| Durability | Chip-resistant, stronger | Chips more easily |
| Porosity | Non-porous | Slightly porous |
| Heat Retention | Excellent | Good |
| Style | Formal, elegant | Casual, rustic |
| Price | More expensive | More affordable |
| Best For | Fine dining, everyday quality | Casual meals, budget-friendly |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose porcelain for durability, elegance, and long-lasting dishes that work for both everyday and special occasions.
Choose ceramic for affordability, bold colors, and a relaxed vibe perfect for casual family dining.
Common Myths About Porcelain and Ceramic
1. Porcelain is always shiny
Reality: It comes in matte, textured, and polished finishes. Shine doesn’t determine the tile type.
2. Ceramic can’t be used on floors
Reality: It can, if it’s floor-rated. It’s just less durable than porcelain.
3. Porcelain and ceramic are the same
Reality: Porcelain is a denser, stronger, less porous type of ceramic.
4. Porcelain is fully waterproof
Reality: It’s highly water-resistant (<0.5% absorption) but not truly waterproof.
5. Ceramic is of low quality
Reality: Ceramic is excellent for walls, backsplashes, and low-traffic indoor areas.
The Bottom Line
Porcelain and ceramic both work; it just depends on your needs. Porcelain offers maximum durability and waterproofing for bathrooms, outdoor spaces, and high-traffic areas.
Ceramic delivers style and affordability for DIY projects, backsplashes, and low-traffic zones.
The key? Match the tile to the job. Think about where it’s going, how much wear it’ll face, and your budget.
Now you know the difference between porcelain and ceramic; pick what fits your space and get results that last.
