The Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tile and the Best Uses for Each

Photo From Ridgeline Floors

Originally Posted On: https://www.ridgelinefloors.com/difference-between-ceramic-and-porcelain-tile/

When a person is looking to add new tile or replace old tile in their home there are many different types to choose from. The main two are ceramic and porcelain. One might ask, what are the major differences between the two types of tile? Is there a cost difference between the two? Is one more durable than the other? Is it easier to install one tile over the other?

Porcelain tile is actually a ceramic, but ceramic tile is not always porcelain. When they classify a ceramic tile “porcelain” it is because the tile meets certain criteria to be classified as porcelain or ceramic. One of the biggest qualifiers that determine porcelain is its water absorption rate, a ceramic tile that has an absorption rate of 0.5% or less. If the tile does not meet these criteria then it is considered ceramic. 

There is definitely a cost difference between the two tiles. If a person is on a budget then you might want to look for ceramic tiles instead of the higher quality porcelain. Be careful though because if you cut corners for cost savings now you might cost yourself more in the long run. In areas where there is going to be more moisture like the bathroom or kitchen, you might want to spend the extra to be safe down the road. 

Ceramic tile is not typically a tile you want to use outside for a couple of reasons. One reason is it is more susceptible to cracking due to weather changes. Partially because it absorbs more moisture and when the weather changes it expands and contracts to cause more stress on the tile. Also if a ceramic tile is chipped or damaged the color is different throughout the tile. Damage is more noticeable when comparing it to a damaged porcelain tile. When a porcelain tile is chipped the color is consistent throughout the entire tile. Therefore the damage is almost invisible.

When you are installing ceramic or porcelain tiles it can be tricky to do if you don’t have the proper tools and knowledge of working with the product. Ceramic tiles are much easier to cut if you have little experience working with tiles. If you do happen to break a ceramic tile the cost is negligible compared to breaking a porcelain tile. A professional tile installer in Roswell should be used to put your porcelain tiles in, because of the difficulty cutting this tile. Porcelain is more brittle and can be damaged if cutting isn’t done correctly. Best to leave the cutting to the professionals.