Difference between Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile
Shopping for tile sounds easy. Go in, pick something pretty, done.
Until someone asks: “Ceramic or porcelain?”
You freeze. Didn’t think there was going to be a quiz.
They look the same, feel the same, and probably cost about the same — so who cares, right?
Well... turns out, it matters. A lot more than most people realize. I’ve seen good projects go sideways because the wrong tile was used in the wrong place. So if you're planning to lay down tile and don’t want to rip it up six months later, here’s what you should know.
Affordable, Easy, Not Invincible
Ceramic is what most people end up buying when they’re doing a small home project on a budget. It’s made from clay, fired in a kiln, glazed on top. The process makes it relatively lightweight and easy to cut, which is great if you’re handling the job yourself or paying someone by the hour.
It’s also everywhere — walls, kitchens, bathrooms. You’ve seen ceramic before, even if you didn’t know it.
The thing is, it doesn’t like extremes. Cold weather, standing water, heavy traffic — none of that’s its friend. If you use ceramic tile in a shower floor or an outdoor porch, don’t be surprised if it cracks or chips sooner than expected.
Still, for dry areas and decorative stuff? Ceramic is perfectly fine. More than fine, actually. It gives you tons of color options and texture, and most styles are in stock everywhere.
Porcelain: Tougher, Pricier
Porcelain is a different beast. It’s fired at a higher temp, made from finer materials, and ends up denser — like, a lot denser. That means it absorbs less water, resists wear better, and just generally takes more abuse.
You’ll see porcelain tile in hotel lobbies, commercial kitchens, outdoor walkways — places that need materials that can take a pounding. But it's not just about durability. A lot of porcelain tile these days are beautiful. Some of it mimics stone so well you’d swear it’s marble.
But it’s also a pain to install. Cutting porcelain isn’t easy, and doing it wrong can waste a lot of material. Most contractors charge extra to lay it down. And if you’re planning to DIY? Be honest about your skill level.
| Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |
| Water Absorption | 0.5% or less | 10 to 18% |
| Location | Indoor and outdoor floors and walls (mild climates) | Indoor Recommended for walls |
| Hardness | More brittle than ceramic | Softer than porcelain |
| Body Water Resistance | Impervious but not waterproof | Not impervious or waterproof |
| Top Water Resistance | Waterproof if glazed | Waterproof if glazed |
Real Differences
Let’s get this part straight, no buzzwords:
Ceramic: Easy to handle. Great for walls, light-use floors, backsplashes. Affordable. Doesn’t love moisture.
Porcelain: Stronger. Heavier. Better for floors, best tile for bathrooms, outdoors. More expensive. Harder to work with.
It’s not about which one is better — it’s about where you’re putting it. A bathroom floor? Go porcelain. A kitchen wall? Ceramic’s just fine.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think tile is tile. They assume because it looks nice in the store, it’ll work anywhere. But what really matters is what’s underneath — the environment. Is the surface going to stay dry? Is it exposed to sunlight or freezing temps? Will it see mud, boots, wet towels?Answer those questions honestly, and the right choice usually becomes obvious.
Final Thought
Look, no one’s going to stand in your bathroom with a magnifying glass and say, “Ah yes, porcelain — wise choice.” But you will notice if your grout starts cracking, your tile shifts, or cold weather makes your porch floor buckle.
So if it’s a space that gets wet, dirty, or sees a lot of feet: go porcelain.
If it’s decorative, dry, and low-traffic: ceramic will do just fine.
Choose smart. Because replacing tile isn’t nearly as fun as picking it out.
FAQ
1) How can I tell if my tile is ceramic or porcelain?
Check the tile’s water absorption rate—porcelain absorbs less and feels denser and heavier than ceramic.
2) Which type of tiles is best for a bathroom?
Porcelain is best for bathrooms due to its low water absorption and durability.
3) Is my toilet porcelain or ceramic?
Most toilets are made from vitreous porcelain, not standard ceramic.
4) Which is lighter: ceramic or porcelain tile?
Ceramic tiles are generally lighter and easier to handle than porcelain.
5) How can you tell what good quality tiles are?
High-quality tiles have consistent color, minimal warping, and a low water absorption rate (especially for porcelain).
