Ceramic tile and porcelain tile are two kinds of high quality tiles for floor & wall material, which not only look bright in appearance, but also have strong stability, wear resistance, and long service life. While they might look and feel similar when installed, there are real, substantive differences between the two materials. What are they different? Here Hanseceramictile.com presents a comparison of ceramic tile & porcelain tile, and we’ll share a list with you detailing the features, pros and cons of the two tiles.
Ceramic Tile Vs Porcelain Tile Comparison - Which One Is Better, How To Choose Best Tile For Home Decoration
What Is Ceramic Tile - Definition Of Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a type of tile that is typically made from red or white clay and inorganic nonmetal through a series of processing, molding, sintering and other processes. Used for decorating interior floors & walls/backsplash such as living room, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and other moisture-prone areas. It is usually formed by pressed at lower pressure then fired in a skin at lower temperature. The tile is coated with a special glaze that protects and seals it. This keeps the tile from absorbing stains while improving the durability of each piece.
What Is Porcelain Tile - Definition Of Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a type of vitrified tile, and are sometimes referred to as porcelain vitrified tile. It’s made of a ceramic product containing kaolin clay and other raw materials then through high-temperature sintering of typically ranging between 1,200 and 1,400 degrees Celsius in a kiln. With lowest water absorption rate, superior quality and widely used. It not only has the texture of natural stone, but also has the characteristics of high smoothness, high hardness, high wear resistance and high strength. At the same time, it comes in various of specifications and rich colors. Buildings decorated with porcelain tile will be compatible with classical and modern styles. Buildings decorated with porcelain tiles can be compatible with classical and modern styles.


Difference Between Ceramic Tiles & Porcelain Tiles - Features, Pros, Cons
Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | |
---|---|---|
Manufacturing | Pressed at lower pressure then fired in a skin at lower temperature | Pressed at higher pressure then fired in a skin at higher temperature & longer period |
Composition | Mixture of Earthen clay and water | Mixture of refined earthen clay, Feldspar, Silica & Water |
Hardness | Less hard | Harder |
Water Absorption | Very porous, absorbs water quickly, usually greater than 3% | Impervious, water absorption < 0.5% |
Color | Color of cross section will not be uniform | Colour on the surface is same through the cross section |
Durability | Less durable | More durable |
Weight | Light weight | Heavy |
Striking Sound | It will not create bell like sound | It creates bell like sound |
Density | Less dense | More dense |
Stain Resistance | Low resistance to stains | High resistance to stains |
Smoothness | Slightly bumpy or coarse weaker | Fine-grained finish |
Strength | Weaker | Stronger |
Frost Resistance | Low | High |
Fire Resistance | Less | Does not burn easily, can restrict the movement of flames |
Uses | Interior floors & walls, better not to use for outdoor walls, areas with little moisture, areas with light footfall or abrasion | High traffic & high moisture applications such as showers, bathtubs and pools |
Which One To Choose, Ceramic Tile Or Porcelain Tile?
Not all ceramic tiles are porcelain tiles, but all porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles. You should consider the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles when choosing them. Porcelain tiles are exquisite in texture and various in specifications. In terms of manufacturing technology, whether in color, pattern or luster, they are delicate and unique in design, with good decorative effect, and can create various styles and effects, such as European style, Chinese style and American style. The ceramic tile decoration is more of a natural simplicity. So just choose the right tiles for home decoration according to your own needs.

