Understanding the difference between ceramic & porcelain tiles

Porcelain and ceramic tiles both make excellent choices for beautifying and protecting floors and walls.

Manufacturers of porcelain tiles use a special glazing process to achieve the material’s unique qualities. Porcelain has a reputation as a delicate material, but it’s actually stronger than ceramic and creates stunning effects on walls and floors. It’s weather-resistant, so consider porcelain for outdoor living spaces.

Porcelain production involves fine clay packed together at high pressures and baked at higher temperatures than ceramic. This process gives porcelain its unique qualities, including:

  • Durability. Porcelain’s higher density creates long-lasting tiles suitable for high-traffic areas in your home.
  • Water resistance. Porcelain repels water much more efficiently than ceramic does. ASTM standards require an absorption rate below 0.5%.
  • Uniform Composition. Porcelain retains a uniform color throughout the material. So, if you chip the edge of a tile, it’s less noticeable.

Although ceramic tiles have a softer composition than porcelain, many DIY renovators find it easier to cut and work with. We recommend ceramic tiles for backsplashes and walls but not necessarily for flooring. If you use ceramic tiles in your kitchen or bathroom flooring, invest in a high-quality tile cutter to reduce waste. Like porcelain tiles, ceramic comes in a variety of patterns, colours, and styles.

Here are some of the advantages of working with this versatile material:

  • Great Price. Many homeowners opt for ceramic tiles due to their affordable price.
  • Easy to Work With. Ceramic is easy to cut and work with, which appeals to busy homeowners completing their first home projects.
  • Versatility. Ceramic tile comes in intricate patterns that work well in backsplashes and areas where you want to make a visual impact. Glazed ceramic tiles typically come in more patterns and colour than porcelain tiles.
  • Texture. While porcelain tiles are typically smooth, textured ceramic tiles add depth to your finished DIY project.

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