Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile: What’s the Difference?

Published: June 3, 2019

Whether it’s natural stone, wide format, or the more traditional style, tile can be aesthetically beneficial to almost any room. Paired with innate water and stain resistance, they are also known for their easy maintenance. However, not all tile is made the same. When it comes to porcelain vs ceramic tile you may want to consider a few key factors before choosing your final style.  

The Basic Differences Between Porcelain and Ceramic

Both porcelain and ceramic tile are in the broader ceramic family. The difference is that porcelain is a type of ceramic that is made by a fusion of clays while ceramic tile is a class of material itself. Also, ceramic also isn’t fully vitrified, unlike porcelain tile. Now that you know the basics, you can get down to the nitty-gritty of what qualities each tile possesses.

Equilibrium porcelain tile from Empire Today

Porcelain vs Ceramic is All About Durability

Both options are durable. However, the key difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is the level of water absorption. Denser and more impervious due to being fully vitrified, porcelain tile tends to be the tougher choice. Keep in mind that porcelain’s higher density also means it’s heavier. Ceramic tile is a durable option when you factor in scratch, stain, and scuff resistance. Yet, it’s not as resistant as porcelain and doesn’t do as well in high traffic areas. But, no matter the choice, you’ll be getting reliable and functional flooring.

What About Costs?

In general, ceramic tends to be less expensive than porcelain tile due to manufacturing costs. However, you must also weigh style options and features. In the end, when comparing porcelain vs ceramic costs, you need to consider what you value more. If you have room in your budget, you may not mind spending a little more for tile that’s better suited for your household’s needs.

Where Can Each Tile Type Be Used?

Of course, the durability and ease of maintenance can make a difference in where each tile type should be installed in your home. Generally, both ceramics are popular for bathrooms, kitchens, and other rooms that are faced with everyday moisture. However, porcelain tile’s lower absorption rate means it has less of a chance of being damaged by water and moisture. This doesn’t mean you can’t have ceramic in these moisture-prone rooms. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still can be water resistant, it’s a great choice.

Solace ceramic tile from Empire Today

Installation Can Be Easy

The difference between porcelain and ceramic installations is that ceramic is easier to cut because it isn’t as dense. However, installing tile can be tricky overall. When it comes to installing new floors, it isn’t just about porcelain vs ceramic. It’s best to have your floors professionally installed, so you can save yourself the headache and have floors that will last. No matter which type of tile, you can damage your floors by making common DIY mistakes. Let Empire Today help make your life easier while you sit back and enjoy your new look.

Overall, both porcelain and ceramic tile are great options for almost any room in your home. If you really want to know which is better, it all depends on your preferences and what you hold important. Porcelain tile may be more durable, but if you’re remodeling a room with light traffic, ceramic’s lower costs may be more imperative. The most important thing is that you get what’s best for your home and style needs. Still haven’t decided which is best for you? Schedule a FREE In-Home Estimate to have a flooring professional come to your home and give you the full scoop.

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