Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile

       Ceramic and Porcelain Tile can transform a room or outdoor space, from a standard room to an elegant living area.  As a result, the question is frequently asked by our customers: “What is the difference between Ceramic and Porcelain tile?” Well the answer is complex but simple. Porcelain tile is basically made almost exactly the same as Ceramic tile.  It is just made of a more refined material. All ceramic tiles are made up of clay and quartz ferrous sand materials, along with water. Once the tiles are formed they are fired to high temperatures and in some cases their surfaces are glazed. The only difference between Porcelain tile and regular ceramic tile is that the clay used in porcelain tile is more highly refined and purified. Consequently, Porcelain tiles are denser than a standard ceramic tile.

     Porcelain Tiles are more rugged making them ideal for harsher applications such as showers, tubs, outdoor installations, floors, and in cold weather climates where freezing can occur. Porcelain is a higher density tile, so the tiles are less likely to absorb moisture (0.5%) which makes them more durable and more resistant to staining. Porcelain tile costs a little more than the traditional, more porous, standard clay tile; however prices in general have been coming down in recent years for ceramic tile which the quality as well has been on a decrease.

     Ceramic Tile comes in either glazed or unglazed surfaces. The glazed surfaces are like glass and are best used on walls as they are too slippery for floor applications. Glazed ceramic tiles are also a little more susceptible to cracking.  Ceramic tile is constructed using red, brown or white clay. Most porcelain tile, however, is constructed using white clay.

     When selecting any ceramic tile it is important to look at the PEI factor. This is the scratch resistance factor. A PEI of 1 is ideal for walls. A PEI of 2 is best for bathrooms and kitchens. A PEI of 3 is appropriate for all residential applications, and PEIs of 4 and 5 are applicable for commercial and heavy commercial applications, respectively.

Porcelain Tile is a higher quality then Ceramic Tile!