Porcelain Tile Vs Ceramic Tiles - The Ultimate Comparison!

Is there any difference between these porcelain and ceramic or is it just a war of words? Most of the terms porcelain and ceramic are often misunderstood by one another as if they are the same thing. This is understood because both types of tiles are used for the same kind of applications and almost have the same qualities. It has the same merits and drawbacks as flooring or wall tile material.

At the same time, tile shops might assert that there is a vast difference between the two, most likely to defend porcelain's prestige, cachet, and higher costs. But do porcelain and ceramic tiles differ from one another?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles both fall under the broader category of tiles known as "ceramics," which include all rigid tiles made from heat-hardened natural earthy clays. However, porcelain tiles have been given their category in the modern tile market since they meet special requirements. However, let us understand some of the major differences between them.

Major Differences between Porcelain & Ceramic Tile

Speaking of the major difference between the two, our minds focus on only one factor - that if or not the tile meets the criteria of water absorption. Both ceramic tile and porcelain tile are frequently given a surface glazing that obscures the differences between them. Porcelain tile is more impervious than ceramic - It has high water resistance rate than ceramic tiles. Let us have a look at other differences.

Durability and Maintenance

Porcelain Tiles:

Ceramic clays are more porous, while porcelain clays are dense and less porous. Because of this, porcelain tile is more durable and water-resistant than ceramic tile. It is thought to be more robust and more suited for heavy use than ceramic tile because of its through-body composition. A porcelain tile can be chipped, and because the colour is continuous throughout, the damage is essentially undetectable. Porcelain is a low-maintenance material that simply needs the grout lines to be periodically sealed.

Ceramic Tiles:

A ceramic tile that has been chipped reveals a different hue beneath the top finish, making chips highly noticeable. Ceramic tiles are somewhat more prone to breaking and cracking because the clays used to make them are less dense than the clays used to make porcelain tiles. It may be necessary to apply sealants to unglazed ceramic tiles all over, not only the grout lines.

Best for Durability and Maintenance - PORCELAIN TILE

Porcelain tiles are stronger and more resilient since they are a harder substance with a continuous hue, and chips are less likely to show.

Installation

It is important to understand that both types of tile flooring are set up in almost a similar way. With the aid of a thin-set adhesive based on mortar, tiles are attached to a cement board underlayment. After the instalment of the tiles, grouting is done. However, based on their different densities, ceramic tile and porcelain tile require slightly different handling techniques.

Porcelain Tiles:

Because porcelain tile is a little more brittle, cutting it correctly may require the skilled hand of a professional tile-setter. For cutting porcelain tile, a wet tile saw is advised; for cutting ceramic tile, a cheap snap cutter usually does the trick.

Ceramic Tiles:

While less dense and therefore less durable than porcelain tile, ceramic tile is also simpler for do-it-yourself homeowners to cut manually, with a wet tile saw, or with a snap tile cutter.

Best for Installation: CERAMIC TILES

Even though the processes are relatively similar, installing ceramic tile is a little simpler because the material is softer and easier to cut. In terms of simplicity of installation, ceramic and porcelain tiles are often similar for homeowners installing their tiles.

Price

Ceramic Tiles:

Ceramic tile is cheaper to make than porcelain, hence porcelain tile has higher retail costs.

Porcelain Tiles:

Ceramic tile is less expensive than porcelain tile, all other things being equal. On average, ceramic tile costs between 60-70% less than porcelain tile.

Best for Price: CERAMIC TILES

Ceramic tiles generally cost less than the majority of porcelain tiles. However, the price range for both kinds of tiles is very wide. Keep in mind that the most expensive designer tiles often cost about the same whether they are made of ceramic or porcelain.

Conclusion

Hence, based on the above-mentioned points, we can say that both porcelain and ceramic tiles have their benefits. However if you want the installation process to be easy, quick and handy, and if you are looking for something less pricey, you may choose ceramic tiles.

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