Ceramic Tile Vs. Porcelain Tile

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular for their beauty and the unmatched elegance that they give to a house. However, people often find themselves confused when it comes to choosing between these two types of tiles. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, though, are not very different. In fact, a porcelain tile can be considered a special type of ceramic tile. The difference between these two types of tiles lies in the manufacturing process and the type of clay used in their production.

The Difference Between Ceramic Tile and Porcelain Tile

Ceramic tiles are made from clay (that contain kaolinite mineral), quartz, sand and ferrous materials. After crushing these substances by various methods and cutting into a proper shape, they are burned or fired in a kiln at a very high temperature. This process removes moisture from them and help them to crystallize, which makes them very hard and durable. The relative hardness of different types of ceramic tiles depends both on the duration of heating and temperature, at which they are heated.

The main difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is that porcelain tiles are made from a clay, known as 'porcelain clay' that is more refined and purified than the one used for manufacturing ceramic tiles. The other difference is that porcelain clay contain a higher proportion of kaolinites, which is a silicate mineral. In addition, porcelain tiles are manufactured by heating at a higher temperature and for a longer duration than ceramic tiles. Therefore, they are harder and denser than ceramic tiles.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles come in two forms, glazed and unglazed. The glazed ceramic tiles are a bit slippery than the unglazed ones and they are more suitable for wall applications than for flooring. On the other hand, glazed porcelain tiles are less porous and require low maintenance than the unglazed ones.

Porcelain tiles are also less porous with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5 % and thus can be termed as almost impervious. Their resistance to moisture makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. This quality of porcelain tiles also makes them more suitable for harsh conditions than ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are frost-resistant and due to this property, they are also suitable for cold weather and climate. The only disadvantage is that they are hard to cut and maintain. On the other hand, ceramic tiles are also durable and can be easily maintained. They are less expensive than porcelain tiles. They are resistant to fire, chemicals and stains, but show less resistance to scratches and cracks as compared to porcelain tiles.

While choosing a particular type of tile, you have to take into account the suitability of different types of tiles for different uses. So, your decision will be governed by whether you are going to use a specific type of tile on walls or as flooring and whether for indoor or outdoor applications. You also need to compare the relative hardness, durability and resistance to wear and tear of different the types of tiles. For this, you can also take the help of PEI ratings, which can give you an idea about the suitability of a number of tiles including ceramic and porcelain tiles for specific uses.