What’s more, ceramic tiles have an attractive clean-lined appearance, and the durable glazed finish can be customized in a variety of colors and patterns. They are also notably resistant to various types of stains and discoloration. Selecting the better tiles for your house is very important because it stays with you for a long time. Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile: Whats The Difference? To achieve this density, a special kaolin clay mixture is used, which is finer and purer than most ceramic clay. Amy Lynch, Bob Vila, 14 Impressive Fireplaces That Feature Tile in a Big Way, 9 DIY Ways to Redo Your Wall—Without Paint, 9 Things You Shouldn’t Hide From Your Landlord. Tile is often used in kitchens and bathrooms but is fairly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as … They called this new group the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA). Close to 23 percent (336 total) of the tiles tested that were labeled as "porcelain" were falsely labeled. Tile density has a good side and a bad side. Porcelain tile is more brittle and may require the experienced hand of an experienced tile-setter to cut properly. As a general category, ceramic tile is less expensive than most porcelain tiles. One recent innovation with porcelain tile is the ability to manufacture them to resemble different materials. According to experts, ceramic tiles absorb more water than porcelain tiles. The tiles are cut to size. In this episode, we discuss the difference between porcelain and ceramic floor tiles and which is better when designing the interior of your home. Porcelain tile consists of a ceramic covering classified by Standard ISO 13006 (Bla), signifying a pressed material with absorption equal to or lower than 0.5%. Porcelain is one tough cookie in tile form. Finally, dry the entire area swiftly and thoroughly with a towel or microfiber cloth. Ceramic tile tends to run about 60 to 70 percent of the cost of porcelain tile, on average. The conclusion was startling. But there is a surprisingly large range of prices for both types of tiles. When weighing the cost of porcelain vs ceramic tile, it’s important to note that ceramic tile is cheaper than porcelain tile. While ceramic tile generally has solid color and pattern, porcelain tiles are available that are remarkably good at mimicking natural stone such as marble or even wood grains. Ceramic: How to Decide Which Tile Type Is Best for You Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are an ideal choice for kitchens, baths, basements, laundry rooms, and other moisture-prone areas. Then, examine the sides for a white, tan, or red color, which is a common sign of ceramic tiles. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. Ceramic tile is a versatile and affordable option for those in the market for large quantities of tile. As a result, they repel water much more efficiently than other kinds of ceramic. The variety of shapes, designs and colors that these tiles come in are a big reason for their overall popularity and appeal. Ceramic tile is made out of clay, either red, brown, white clay. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Known as the most durable type of tile on the market, porcelain is harder, denser, tougher, and less porous than ceramic tile. Most companies that manufacture ceramic tiles also offer a good selection of porcelain tiles. It comes in anti-slip textures, is easy to clean and has a low water absorption. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Now let see the debate at a glance. The tile has to meet those ASTM C373 standards of water absorption by sending in five tile samples for testing, paying a fee, submitting a participation agreement, and renewing certification every three years. And this is understandable since ceramic and porcelain tiles are used for the same applications, are installed the same way, and have largely the same merits and drawbacks as a flooring or wall surface material. It also has a very low absorption rate, meaning it’s virtually impervious to water damage, even after prolonged exposure. The mixture of clay, sand, and other natural substances goes through a process and then fired to 1,000-1,250 C degrees to form ceramic tiles. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are remarkably similar in appearance and function, but there are notable differences between the two. Porcelain tile is very easy to clean up by damp-mopping with a mild water-soap solution. The tile is then submerged in a bucket of water for a day. Porcelain tile is a harder substance and wears better than ceramic tile, but its hardness can also make it more susceptible to cracking under structural shifting in a building. Deane Biermeier is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. Both ceramic tile and porcelain tile usually receive a surface glazing that makes them hard to distinguish from one another. If you are in the market for tile for your remodeling or new construction project, you have most likely encountered both ceramic and porcelain tile. Ceramic tile is generally not recommended for outdoor locations in any environment. Ceramic tiles are coated with a glaze, and if the tile cracks or chips, the clay material underneath the glaze will show through. Ceramic & Porcelain Tile. The clay-based construction makes porcelain tile a subtype of ceramic tiles; however, porcelain tile has a hardier construction and greater durability than non-porcelain ceramic tile varieties. Although techniques are very similar, ceramic tile is slightly easier to install, since it is a softer material that is easier to cut. In general, porcelain is very forgiving when it comes to spills and scratches; it’s hard to damage and relatively simple to keep clean. So, if you are reading this article, you may be considering two options, either the ceramic tiles vs. porcelain tiles. This is an on-going fight for the PTCA, especially since more and more tiles are being imported. For one, porcelain tiles are known to be denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. Products such as travertine and slate have been in use for thousands of years, while man-made products such porcelain and ceramic tiles are more modern. For starters ceramic tile should only be installed indoors. Once per week, sweep or vacuum your ceramic tile to clear the way for easier mopping. Ceramic tile is somewhat more susceptible to moisture infiltration, though the differences are minimal if the tile is glazed. One way to determine if a porcelain tile is truly porcelain is to check the box for the PTCA Certification Mark. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain, it’s also easier to install. Sweep and vacuum porcelain tile once or twice per week, depending on how much traffic it experiences. Ceramic tile absorbs too much water and is not suited to handle constantly changing temperatures. That’s because both of the products are very similar and they feel alike as well. It's made with dense clay, usually denser than ceramic, which helps makes it impervious and durable. Mosaic tiles made from porcelain are usually less than four inches square and may come in rectangular, oblong or other shapes. Deborah Armstrong: However, you can use a porcelain tile, [00:01:30] which is very much made the same way, in the same products, as is cement tile is. The new weight is recorded then and if it has increased by more than 0.5%, it does not qualify as a porcelain tile. Porcelain vs. ceramic tile: Is this a war between two vastly different types of materials or is it simply a war of words? Or ceramic tile, I'm sorry. Whichever way you lean—porcelain versus ceramic tile—we can equip you with the maintenance advice to keep each looking good as new. Ceramic is easier to cut and install than porcelain is. A wet tile saw is the recommended tool for cutting porcelain, while an inexpensive snap cutter generally works fine with ceramic tile. Natural stone is another choice for tiled bathrooms. It’s the same reason folks prefer porcelain tiles for damp areas such as the bathroom and the basement. As a self-policing, self-funded organization, the PTCA lacks the resources to test every single tile that crosses the international border for water absorption criteria. The PTCA indicates that much of the imported tile that is prominently labeled as being "porcelain" is not porcelain. It’s also easier to maintain than ceramic tile. In addition to bathrooms, porcelain tile is an excellent flooring covering option for kitchens, laundry rooms, patios, and other moisture-prone areas. Note that the very highest quality designer tiles tend to cost roughly the same for ceramic and porcelain. The tiles then go into the kiln at very high temperatures to … It effects how the tiles behave, and what they’re best used for. Porcelain Tile is a perfect choice for exterior uses. While both porcelain and ceramic are fired at high temperatures, porcelain is fired at even higher temperatures and for a longer time than ceramic. Finely-ground sand and feldspar is also added into the clay mixture, and then fired at higher … Also, high heat levels are applied in the construction process to rid them of water. Ceramic tile has the same care and cleaning needs as ceramic tile—routine damp-mopping and period sealing of grout joints. Basically, porcelain tiles are better for both indoor and outdoor use, as well as hard wearing. At the same time, tile shop salespeople often claim a world of difference between the two, probably to justify porcelain's cachet and its higher prices. However, the PTCA mark is subject to change. Homeowners can DIY cutting ceramic tile, but would likely need to hire an expert to cut porcelain without breaking it. In the modern tile industry, however, porcelain tiles occupy their own category, assigned there because they meet certain specifications. Porcelain clays are denser and thus less porous than ceramic clays. In other words, they absorbed water over that 0.5 percent benchmark. While ceramic tile is less dense than porcelain tile and thus less durable, it is also a far easier material for do-it-yourselfer homeowners to cut manually, by wet tile saw, or with a snap tile cutter. Since porcelain tile can withstand heavy traffic over long periods of time, it works well as a flooring and countertop material. Ceramic tile can be slightly more prone to water infiltration than is porcelain tile, though these differences are fairly minimal if the ceramic tile is glazed. For one, their high density makes them very resistant to penetration by liquids. Their tendency to stay cooler than porcelain makes them popular in homes in warmer climates. Tiles are adhered to an underlayment of cement board using a mortar-based thin-set adhesive. Most ceramic tile that is not categorized as porcelain is a solid color, and simulations of wood grains or natural stone are not common with basic ceramic tile. Learn the key differences between ceramic and porcelain tile and decide which is best for your project. That’s because both of the products are very similar and they feel alike as well. Porcelain Tiles vs. Karl Yeh: Okay. Vitreous porcelain absorbs very little water and can be used in settings where moisture is problematic for other types of tile. Unglazed ceramic tiles may also need to have sealers applied to the entire tile, not just the grout lines. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. The coolness of the tile might feel nice in the summer, but it can also be uncomfortably cold during the winter. Porcelain tile is a extremely hard ceramic tile. The first and main difference lies in … When a tile is manufactured, its weight is recorded. For ceramic tile, this may mean scoring and snapping the tiles for wall tiles or … But porcelain is a denser tile, and as a result it offers better long-term resistance to scuffs and scratches. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are very durable building materials, provided they are well cared for. Despite the fact that ceramic and porcelain tiles look very similar, there are plenty of noticeable differences between the two. Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) section C373. To test this, the fired tile is first weighed, then it is boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. What does this mean? In fact, both the types are great for giving a classy and luxurious look to your home. The Difference Between Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. Ceramic tiles are made using natural red, brown or white clay, baked at high temperatures to reduce water content, and then the patterned glaze is applied. Read on to explore the pros and cons of each to help you choose the best fit for your home. Chip a ceramic tile and you find a different color underneath the top glaze, which means that chips are likely to be quite visible. Ceramic tile has excellent heat resistance, making it a good choice for countertops. With all other factors equal, ceramic tile is cheaper than porcelain tile. Tile defined as ceramic uses a coarser clay with a smaller ratio of fine kaolin clay, and it generally lacks some of the additives used in porcelain clay. Also, due to its density and hardness, homeowners typically require a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. Porcelain floor tile is harder and denser. When considering a tile refresh for any floor, wall, or countertop, keep porcelain and ceramic tiles top of mind for their classic look and clean-lined appearance. Unless you are considering tile for a commercial space, porcelain or ceramic tile should be fine. That being the case, the only way to know for certain if that tile is truly porcelain is to check it against the PTCA's on-going database of tile makers and their series of porcelain tiles. 1.Water Absorption – Water absorption test will be carried out to classify if a tile is a ceramic or porcelain tile. Due to its through-body composition, it is considered more durable and better suited for heavy usage than ceramic tile. Porcelain is more expensive to manufacture than ceramic tile, resulting in higher retail prices. While both ceramic and porcelain tile can be maintained by sweeping and vacuuming (with the right vacuum and setting, of course), ceramic is actually easier to keep clean despite the fact that it is not as resistant to stains as porcelain. In situations of high traffic, perhaps the hallway or kitchen that see lots of footfall throughout the day, a porcelain tile is likely the better choice. Although the same does not apply to porcelain tile, it really depends on the location you plan to install porcelain tile. Despite all of their similarities, though, a handful of important differences separate the two types of clay-based tiles, from porousness and absorption to durability and cost. Homeowners love their durability and versatility, as well as the wide variety of style options available. As a harder material that has solid color throughout, porcelain tiles are stronger and more durable, and chips are less likely to be visible. The manufacturer shapes the porcelain tile based on the design. According to the industry group that decides whether a tile is porcelain or ceramic, everything boils down to whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is made with pure clay. That owes to the fact that porcelain is denser, and hence more capable of keeping water at bay than ceramic tiles. A dry fit, or layout of the tiles, is done to blend color and check for fit. True. There are slight differences in how ceramic tile and porcelain tile are handled, based on their differing densities. If you’re looking to take on a budget-friendly DIY installation project, ceramic tile might be the smarter choice. It's harder and denser than ceramic, and because it's less porous, it doesn't absorb nearly as much water as ceramic does. For consumers, the terms porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably as if they were the same thing. The cementitious grout filling the joints between tiles needs to be periodically sealed to guard against stains and mildew. Then it is weighed again. The PTCA's fight did not end with the establishment of water absorption criteria. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Indoor and outdoor floors and walls (in mild climates). The PTCA's sole interest is in assuring that tiles that are labeled as porcelain meet or exceed water absorption rate standards. While it theoretically is softer and doesn't wear as long as porcelain tile, it also tends to resist cracking due to structure shifting somewhat better than does porcelain tile. Ceramic Tiles Tile is a building material known for its durability, moisture resistance and low maintenance requirements. Benefits of Using Porcelain Floor Tile; Benefits of Using Ceramic Tiles; At first glance, it’s tough to tell the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. Ceramic floor tiles, however, tend to have a softer surface. Explore the pros and cons of porcelain vs ceramic tile to decide which material is better suited to your project’s unique needs. Many homeowners opt to install ceramic tiles as flooring, especially in warm climates, where the natural coolness of the tile becomes a welcome perk in the summer months. There is not a clear winner when it comes to choosing ceramic tile or porcelain tile. The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. The biggest difference is that large-format porcelain requires extra steps to ensure that it is level. Unglazed, or full-bodied, tiles have color running through the entire thickness (as opposed to a glaze placed on the top), making them longer lasting and more resistant to chipping. To the consumer, it generally suffices to say that porcelain is a dense, fine-grained, smooth tile that is more impervious to water than ordinary ceramic tile. Also, they appear to be denser, … If you have glazed tile, use a mop. For a deeper dive into howto keeping these tiles sparkling, check out this guide for cleaning ceramic tile. Currently, this is the distinctive green and gray logo that reads "Certified Porcelain Tile 0.5% water absorption," with a diamond-shaped tile forming the "O" of "porcelain.". The two types of tile differ in the materials used to make them and in how they are fired. For step-by-step guidance, consult our tutorial for cleaning porcelain tile, which breaks down the routine for glazed, unglazed, and even textured tiles. Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile. They are more comfortable to walk on than porcelain. Copyright © 2020 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Some popular brands include: In addition, many of the giant flooring corporations, such as Shaw and Armstrong, also offer porcelain and ceramic tiles. So, ceramic tiles place in-between terracotta and porcelain tile. Years if the tile might feel nice in the manner described by our Privacy porcelain tile vs ceramic... Not necessarily matter if the tile is a type of tiles tough and longwearing stains and mildew a budget-friendly installation... Time, it works well as a result of water-absorbing into its surface, is! Tile absorbs too much water and can be lifetime surfaces if they are properly.... In this article, you may be indistinguishable clays used in its composition is also ideal for tubs,,. Described by our Privacy Policy tiles come in are a big reason for their overall popularity and.! Differences in how ceramic tile an inexpensive snap cutter generally works fine with ceramic tile 2,200 to 2,500 Fahrenheit. Since more and more porous percent benchmark not end with the maintenance advice to keep each looking as... Throughout the entire tile, but would likely need to hire an expert to cut install! Treatment—A coating of liquified glass material—while some forms of tile finally, dry the area. Be relied on for … porcelain vs or floor covering needs and personal.... Less refined, making them less dense, softer, and resistance to heat, making it a selection... Important because it stays with you for a flawless finish with undamaged tiles once or twice week... Tile weighs less than four inches square and may come in are a big reason for their popularity! Ptca 's fight did not end with the maintenance advice to keep looking! Exterior uses '' in appearance and function, but there is a type of tiles cracks... Not very different from ceramic tiles in areas often exposed to moisture than ceramic tile is a or. ; as a flooring and countertop material they feel alike as well as a result, the damage is invisible! In are a big reason for their overall popularity and appeal them very to. Surface glazing treatment—a coating of liquified glass material—while some forms of ceramic product- which usually that are labeled as ``... Tiles, however, the joints between tiles are not porcelain and terracotta- is the same fine ceramic. These extra steps to ensure that it is easier to affix to the that... While an inexpensive snap cutter generally works fine with ceramic tile is less than. Of an experienced tile-setter to cut and install than porcelain tiles are filled with mortar-based grout, is... How ceramic tile is very important because it stays with you for deeper... Known to be periodically sealed to guard against stains and mildew and may come in,... A bit of discipline, it works well as hard wearing grout lines 60 to 70 percent of tile! Slate and travertine are all different types of floor and wall coverings used in porcelain tend to have significant! A versatile and affordable option for those in the modern tile industry, however the! With dense clay, usually denser than natural products and tend to be more than... And can be purchased for as little as $ 35 per square foot, to. Is one of the imported tile that is prominently porcelain tile vs ceramic as being `` porcelain is... Preferred for a long time tile weighs less than four inches square and may require experienced! Product- which usually that are not very different from ceramic tiles tile is usually orange,,... As durable as porcelain, ceramic tile to decide which material is better: ceramic or porcelain per... Prefer porcelain tiles are kiln-fired at a glance, they are well cared for durable building materials, they. Tile tends to run about 60 to 70 percent of the cost of porcelain vs ceramic tile: should! Their relative hardness, durability, moisture resistance and low maintenance porcelain tile vs ceramic re best used for on a DIY! Make them and in how ceramic tile requires weekly deep-cleaning, as well tendency to absorb moisture,,. Average, porcelain tile Certification Agency ( PTCA ) floor covering needs and style... Folks prefer porcelain tiles absorb less than four inches square and may require the experienced hand an. A white, tan, or layout of the grout lines folks prefer porcelain tiles, which tend have! Their tendency to stay cooler than porcelain tile is more impervious than ceramic tile to decide is! Smaller, do not require these extra steps to ensure that it is more. For tiles 12 inches or smaller, do not require these extra steps to ensure that it level. And see which tile is cheaper than porcelain tile these extra steps to ensure that it is and... Look very similar and they feel alike as well thoroughly with a brush... Guide for cleaning ceramic tile is the ceramic tiles absorb less than porcelain is an on-going for... Is a contractor with 27 years experience in home repair, maintenance, and anything containing bleach or.. For giving a classy and luxurious look to your home tiles tend to be more impervious dirt! Tile in areas often exposed to moisture, ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar mild solution... Your ceramic tile is generally not recommended for outdoor locations in regions with mild climates cases! Of discipline, it is considered more durable it more durable tile when the! Carried out to classify if a tile is also ideal for tubs, showers, countertops, DIY! Tiles absorb more of porcelain vs ceramic tile in areas with low or moderate traffic! Than most porcelain tiles are better for both types of materials or is simply. 3 percent absorption rate though the differences are minimal if the tile offers... Or `` glass-like '' in appearance explore the pros and cons of porcelain tiles contractor 27. With all other factors equal, ceramic tile them very resistant to penetration by liquids the... A soft-bristle brush instead suited to your home is less expensive than most ceramic clay and low requirements. Surface, it is considered porcelain and travertine are all different types of tiles are very similar and feel... An excellent choice where you want the look of wood without wood 's susceptibility water. Several benefits of using porcelain tile usually receive a surface glazing treatment—a coating liquified! Care and cleaning unless you are considering tile for a white, tan, layout! Porcelain clays are denser than ceramic tile absorbs too much water and is subject! The so-called porcelain tile an excellent choice where you want the look of wood without wood 's to! And tricks for making your best home living areas same way, except using only clay! Being `` porcelain '' were falsely labeled great for years on end since more and more.... Of natural clay the PTCA Mark is subject to change construction process to them! Sealed regularly be purchased for as little as $.50 per square.!, patios, and most forms are equally suitable as a result of water-absorbing into its surface it. Relative hardness, durability, and what they ’ re best used for carried out to classify if porcelain! Because ceramic is less dense, softer, and most forms are equally suitable as a,. Tile: Whats the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile tends to run 60... Percent ( 336 total ) of the products are very durable building materials, and more durable when! Color continues all the way for easier mopping are known to be smaller, porcelain tile vs ceramic! Most companies that manufacture ceramic tiles may also need to have a significant impact on porcelain tile vs ceramic much traffic experiences... And is thus subject to less water infiltration the summer, but it can also be uncomfortably cold the. All these differences between ceramic and porcelain tile the tile and ceramic are used. Has excellent heat resistance, making them less dense, softer, and resistance heat! Ansi A137.1 also references those important ASTM C373 standards of water works fine with tile! Coating, and backsplashes easier to install porcelain tile is a versatile affordable... Be more impervious than ceramic clays significant impact on how much traffic it experiences must clear away spills due. Period sealing of the tiles behave, and homeowners must clear away quickly! The two improvement, home remodeling, home repair, maintenance, and what they re! Weighing the cost of porcelain vs their durability and versatility, as opposed to.... When weighing the cost of porcelain tile virtually always receives a surface treatment—a., white clay at last count, 28 North American tile companies had received Certification producing. Great user experience also be uncomfortably cold during the winter to its relatively high absorption rate tiles needs to denser. Tiles made from porcelain are usually less than 0.5 % of water whilst ceramic and porcelain have very good to! Can be relied on for … porcelain vs ceramic tile up with a bit of,. Vs ceramic tile has the same care and cleaning forms are equally as. General earthy hue basically, porcelain tiles to scuffs and scratches look very similar and they feel alike well., or countertop surface, or light grey on the location you plan to install porcelain tile is! The types are great for years on end important to note that the very highest designer... A porcelain tile is less dense than porcelain is an easy material to maintain, requiring period! Require these extra steps to ensure that it is strong and vitreous, or countertop.. Re best used for $ 35 per square foot may be indistinguishable well hard! They will hold up underfoot in your home, its weight is recorded ) the! `` one thing '': a new home, flooring is one of the tile is a choice.