There is nothing complicated about having too many options to choose between when picking a tile for your home. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are two of the most selected; both BuyTilesAndMore offers. On the face value, it may look like the same thing, but, as we are going to see, there's actually a difference, mainly concerning a difference in composition and durability besides application. So who is going to win for your project? Break down eight key differences between the two so you can make an informed decision for your next project.

1. Composition and Production

The most obvious difference is the way in which these tiles are made.

The ceramic tile is a product of a mixture of clay, mineral powders, and water. This paste then is shaped into the required form, and then fired in a kiln.

Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made out of denser clay and fired at a much higher temperature, thus it would be stronger and less porous than ceramic tiles .

2. Porosity and Water Absorption

Water absorption is one area wherein porcelain tiles have an edge.

Ceramic tiles, for example, have a mean water absorption of between 3% to 7%, which makes them appropriate for areas less moist. 

Porcelain tiles have a very low absorption rate of water, less than 0.5%, and are perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor areas with high moisture levels surrounding them.

3. Durability and Strength

Ceramic tiles constitute a very hard product but not perfect for high foot trafficked areas such as walls, backsplashes, and residential flooring.

Porcelain tiles are extremely hard and are resistant to any form of damage. This quality makes it perfect for high foot trafficked environments and high traffic commercial environments.

BuyTilesAndMore advises that in place where the tiles need to be strong and long-lasting, to use porcelain tiles.

 

4. Design and Appearance

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles come in an extremely extensive array of designs. With hundreds of colors, shapes, and patterns, ceramic tiles are best for imaginative wall and backsplash design.

Porcelain tiles can also mimic natural stone, wood, or other premium materials. That high-end look without the price to match six figures.

Both of them give you the freedom to make amazing designs for your place.

 

5. Pricing

In general, Ceramic tiles are more affordable as their manufacturing is less complex.

Porcelain tiles are more expensive because of their increased durability and the additional complexity of their manufacturing process. This should be taken into consideration with the budget you have for your project. Installing ceramic in a room such as a living room or hallways may be ideal. For bathrooms and outdoor spaces, you would want to spend a little bit more on porcelain.

 

6. Installation and Maintenance

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are installed similarly, but the method in which they install differs.

Unlike other ceramic tiles, these are easier to mold and cut down, thus making them apt for a DIY project.

Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, due to their density, would only need very specialized tools and perhaps hard to set.

Maintenance-wise, these are pretty low maintenance. All one needs to do is sweep and mop them up to keep them quite stunning. But, of course, since porcelain is less porous, there is not much effort needed to maintain in the long run.

.

7. Design Applications

Both types are versatile, but for two different purposes.

Ceramic tiles: are perfect for indoor walls and countertops and for surfaces with light to moderate traffic. It is widely used as a backsplash or for decorative accents.

Porcelain tile:s are much more durable, suitable for flooring, outdoor areas, or heavy-traffic places like bathrooms or kitchens.

At BuyTilesAndMore, we carry an enormous amount of each of these types to fit any space in your home or business.

8. Environmental Footprint

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are derived from natural resources and today, production methods are very low-waste. They also can be recycled which further reduces their ecological footprint. Either option, ceramic or porcelain is the eco-friendly one.

Which Tile Should You Choose?

Differences between ceramic and porcelain tile boil down to their composition, strength, and water absorption.ceramic tile supplier are very affordable Discount tile online and adequate for interior applications that do not possess higher moisture content or foot traffic. Porcelain tiles are more suitable in moisture-exposed areas, outdoor applications, or rooms with high usage levels because they have a stronger and lower porosity.And from this difference, knowing them will help you make the right choice for your home. Want that low-cost ceramic tile for your kitchen backsplash or a porcelain tile that will last for years for your bathroom floor? BuyTilesAndMore has it for you! Happy tiling!