Ceramic and porcelain tile options are popular within the market for home renovations. Still, most homeowners struggle to pick the right material because these products are so diverse.
It's vital to understand the differences between these two clay-based products. This guide breaks down the chemical composition, costs, and other peculiarities of each type to help you decide.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a versatile building/decorative material that we've used for centuries to cover surfaces. It consists of a mixture of natural red, brown, or white clay and other minerals.
Manufacturers bake these raw materials in a kiln at high temperatures to create a solid, durable slab. Most ceramic products feature a glaze that creates the color and pattern you see on the surface.
How Ceramic Tile Is Made
Workers mix this clay with water and sand until it reaches a specific consistency. They press this mixture into molds or cut it into shapes to create the tile body, which experts call the "bisque."
Once the bisque dries, a glaze or liquid glass finish goes on top of the tile. The final step involves a trip to the kiln where high heat hardens the clay and fuses the glaze to the surface. This single-fire or double-fire process creates the finished product you buy at the store.
What Is Ceramic Tile Best Used For?
Ceramic tile is ideal in low to medium traffic areas, usually, at home, not public areas. It's a perfect choice for kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls because it resists splashes.
You should use it for floor installations in bedrooms or hallways where heavy items won't drop on it accidentally. It's also a great option for decorative accents around a fireplace because it's a heat resistant ceramic tile. Don't use it for outdoor projects in cold climates as it's porous.
DIY Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile Floors
You can transform a dull floor with a custom paint job if you have a tight budget. Sand the existing glaze slightly to create a rough surface so the paint sticks well. Clean all dust and debris off the floor before you apply a high-quality primer.
Use a stencil to create intricate patterns that mimic expensive designer tiles. Apply a water-based urethane sealer over the paint to protect your work from scratches. You can purchase a sample and test whether you can complete this project before you fully invest.
Ceramic Tile Hardness Rating Scale
The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) created a scale to measure the wear resistance of tile glazes. This scale goes from Group 0 to Group 5 based on how much abrasion the surface can handle:
- 1 tiles are only for walls because they crack under any foot pressure.
- 2 and 3 work well for residential floors like bathrooms or kitchens.
- 4 handle light commercial traffic like small offices or boutiques.
- 5 is the most durable and exists in heavy-duty environments like malls or airports.
Always check the PEI rating on the box to verify if ceramic tile is good for your floor.
Advantages of Ceramic Tile
It has several benefits. These products are easy to install, plus there are other pros:
- Lower costs.
- Lower weight, which makes it easier to install on walls.
- Simple cutting process with a snap cutter.
- A wide range of colors for customization purposes.
Standard ceramic options are also quite cool to the touch during hot summer months. It's especially pleasant to walk barefoot during hot summers on such floors.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Tile
While ceramic is affordable, it has some limitations that you must consider. These are a few cons:
- Higher water absorption.
- Unfinished edges show the red or brown clay color of the tile chips.
- Low density, so it's unsuitable for outdoors.
Still, low cost and a variety of colors/styles make up for the cons.
Cost of Ceramic Tile
The price is a major factor for most renovation budgets. Ceramic is usually the more affordable option because the raw materials are cheaper to source. Expect to pay around $8 per square foot for ceramic tiles, although this number is approximate and depends on the design.
Intricate patterns or handmade tiles can increase the price. Installation labor also costs less because the tile is easier to cut and handle, especially when you compare ceramic tile vs porcelain tile cost. The former is lower due to these reduced material and labor fees.
How to Clean Ceramic Tile
Keep your tiles in top shape with a simple routine of vacuuming and mopping:
- Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to remove surface dirt and grime.
- Don't use bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the grout or the glaze.
- Never use steel wool or abrasive scrubbers because they leave permanent scratches on the tile.
- Clean the grout lines with a paste of baking soda and water to keep them white.
It's also best to seal your grout once a year to prevent deep stains from liquids.
Porcelain Tile
It's a specialized subtype of ceramic that has superior strength and density. Porcelain a premium product that builders use when they need a surface that lasts for decades. While it looks like ceramic, its chemical makeup and production method set it apart.
It's the top choice for high-end renovations and commercial spaces. Many people wonder which is more durable, porcelain or ceramic, and the answer is yes, as the refined clay used for porcelain lasts longer.
How Porcelain Tile Is Made
Manufacturers use a specific blend of fine kaolin clay, feldspar, and quartz to make porcelain. They grind these materials into a fine powder and mix them with less water than ceramic.
A massive hydraulic press applies thousands of pounds of pressure to shape the tiles. This high-pressure process removes air pockets and creates a very dense body.
The tiles then go into a kiln at temperatures much higher than those used for ceramics, which also makes them more durable. This heat causes the minerals to vitrify and turn glass-like.
Green Bathroom Design With Porcelain Tile
Choose light colors to reflect natural light and reduce the need for electric lamps. Install large-format tiles to minimize grout lines, which reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Use a radiant heating system under the porcelain floor to provide efficient warmth. These choices help the environment while you get a pretty and contemporary design.
What Is Porcelain Tile Best Used For?
Porcelain is the best choice for areas exposed to moisture or/and heavy use. It's the ideal porcelain or ceramic for shower walls because it absorbs almost zero water. Use it for outdoor patios since it won't crack when the ground freezes in winter.
It's also perfect for commercial hallways or mudrooms where people wear heavy boots. Porcelain resists damage and scratches, so you can use it if you have small children who like to draw on walls/floors, or pets, especially big dogs with strong claws.
Advantages of Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is ideal for residential and commercial applications, as it's more durable. Its dense structure means there are several pros of its installation:
- Superior water resistance.
- Through-body color for chip concealment.
- Strong stain defense.
- High impact resistance.
- Interior and exterior versatility.
- Natural wood or marble appearance.
These tiles also have a very long lifespan compared to other flooring types. You won't need to replace them for many years if you install them correctly.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Tile
Even the best materials have some downsides that might affect your project plan. Porcelain is a premium product, and these are the cons:
- High material weight.
- Complex cutting requirements.
- Significant investment.
Installation usually requires a professional because the tiles are hard to align. You should also use a special mortar to ensure the porcelain bonds to the subfloor.
Cost of Porcelain Tile
The porcelain tile cost reflects the high-quality minerals and intense heat required for production. You usually pay from $10 per square foot for this material.
Specialized designs like wood-look planks or large slabs can cost even more. Labor prices are also higher because installers spend more time on cuts and layout. While the initial ceramic vs porcelain tile cost is higher for porcelain, it lasts longer. This longevity often makes it a better investment over the life of your home.
How to Clean Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is very easy to maintain because its surface is so dense. Here's how to clean porcelain:
- Sweep the floor daily to prevent grit from acting like sandpaper on the finish.
- Use a micro-fiber mop and a pH-neutral cleaner for weekly maintenance.
- Don't use wax or oil-based cleaners because they leave a dull film on the surface.
If you have textured porcelain, use a soft brush to remove dirt from the crevices. Rinse the floor with clean water after you mop to prevent streaks.
Final Verdict: Ceramic vs. Porcelain
The choice between these tiles, ceramic and porcelain depends on your budget and the room location. Ceramic is the winner for wall installations and budget-friendly bedroom updates. It's the right pick if you want a different ceramic porcelain tile that saves you money on labor.
However, porcelain is the victor in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. If you ask if porcelain or ceramic tile is stronger, porcelain wins due to its high density and vitrification.
When you decide what tile is stronger, porcelain or ceramic, remember that strength involves more than just hardness. Porcelain resists water and frost, which makes it more versatile for tough environments.
On the other hand, is ceramic better than porcelain for a DIY project? Yes, because you don't need expensive tools to cut it. Consider which tile is better, porcelain or ceramic for your specific skill level before you buy.
Ultimately, if you want a cheap, colorful update for a guest bath, go with ceramic. If you want a floor that survives kids, pets, and spills for twenty years, choose porcelain. Both materials offer beauty, but porcelain provides the ultimate durability. Aloft Tiles can help you decide which option to choose, plus you can order samples if you can't decide.