A Guide to Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile (2024)

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are both durable, timeless choices for kitchens and bathrooms. While they look similar, there are key differences between them. Porcelain is stronger and more resistant to chipping, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your home. Read our guide to ceramic tiles versus porcelain tiles before you get started on your tile renovation project.

The Major Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Standards set by the Tile Council of North America define porcelain tile as a nearly waterproof clay tile with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Non-porcelain tiles, such as ceramic, have a water absorption rate of greater than 0.5% by the same standards. This makes porcelain a superior tile for bathroom floors and walls.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are semi-coarse, clay-based tiles that are shaped, dried, and fired in a kiln at no more than 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit. Ceramic tiles are more porous and absorb more water than porcelain, but glazed ceramic tiles have improved resistance to water and stains.

Ceramic floor tiles are easier to cut and bond to the floor than porcelain floor tiles, making them a good choice for DIYers. Ceramic tile isn’t ideal for areas with high foot traffic or high moisture levels, such as the bathroom, laundry room, or outdoors.

Ceramic Tile Benefits and Drawbacks

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of ceramic tile.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are made of highly refined clay and are kiln-fired at around 2,250 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them much harder and denser than ceramic tiles. The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) sets ratings between one and five for tile durability—higher ratings typically cost more.

Porcelain is an ideal choice for areas with high moisture levels because it must have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Through-body porcelain has no glaze, and the color and texture run through the tile, which makes damage less visible. A colored finish or wear layer covers and protects glazed tiles.

Porcelain Tile Benefits and Drawbacks

Below are the benefits and drawbacks of porcelain tile.

Ceramic vs. Porcelain: How to Choose a Tile

Consider the location of your installation project, how much foot traffic travels through the area, and how much you want to spend when choosing between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Read more about key characteristics to compare below.

Appearance

Porcelain and ceramic look similar, but ceramic comes in more colors, textures, and finishes. Porcelain can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, and other materials. Porcelain may be a better choice if you prefer a more visually appealing tile. Stick with ceramic tile if you want a greater variety of finishes and colors to choose from.

Cost

Porcelain is typically more expensive because of its complex manufacturing process. You can find porcelain tiles for $2 to $15 per square foot, while ceramic tiles typically cost $0.50 to $15 per square foot. Prices for both tile choices can be as high as $45 per square foot for materials and labor.

Cost data in this article was sourced from Angi.

Durability

Porcelain is a denser and more durable tile than ceramic. It resists chips and scratches, and its durability makes it a good choice for hallways, bathrooms, and outdoor patios. Porcelain can crack if you don’t choose the correct PEI rating.

Glazed ceramic tiles are more resistant to abrasion than unglazed tiles, but both are less durable than porcelain tiles. Ceramic is highly resistant to heat, which makes it a good option for kitchen countertops.

Ease of Installation

Tiling the floor is a similar process for both ceramic and porcelain. Apply mortar to the underlayment, press your chosen tile into the mortar, and allow it to set before adding grout between each tile.

You can cut most ceramic tiles with a manual tile cutter, which makes it a DIY-friendly project. Porcelain is much more dense and requires a wet saw to cut through.

Location

Ceramic and porcelain tiles can go on walls, floors, countertops, and backsplashes, but neither is suitable for every location.

We recommend using porcelain throughout your bathroom, as the floors, tubs, and shower walls are frequently wet and humid. Porcelain is a better choice for outdoor patios in areas with mild climates.

Porcelain is typically the best choice for kitchen floors and countertops, but glazed ceramic tiles with a 3 or 4 PEI rating also work. Ceramic tiles can work for a kitchen backsplash, but the tiles should be glazed to protect them against water and staining.

Longevity

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles can last decades if you maintain them properly. Porcelain wears better over time, but ceramic has a longer life span and can last up to 100 years in areas with infrequent foot traffic. Porcelain can last more than 60 years with regular grout resealing.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Ceramic and porcelain tiles generally require the same level of maintenance and cleaning. Clean tile floors by sweeping away debris and regularly mopping floor tiles with mild soap and water. You’ll also need to clean and reseal the cementitious grout between the tiles. Resealing grout each year can help ensure a longer life span and keep the grout free of stains.

TCNA recommends homeowners use alkaline cleaners rather than acidic-based cleaners to remove stains on grout. Once you apply the cleaner, use a shop vacuum cleaner to lift dirt off the joint, apply water, and vacuum the water to remove soap film and moisture.

Water Resistance

Porcelain’s density makes it much more impervious to water than ceramic, but these differences aren’t as noticeable if the tile is glazed. The back and sides of a ceramic tile won’t resist water if it’s unglazed.

Our Recommendation

The location of your tile installation project will likely dictate whether you choose porcelain or ceramic tiles. Consider using ceramic tiles if you prefer DIY projects and a greater selection of colors, textures, and finishes. Porcelain is a better choice for areas with moisture and high-traffic areas, but these tiles frequently require professional installation. We recommend keeping up with basic maintenance and cleaning to extend tile life, no matter which option you choose.