Porcelain Tiles vs. Ceramic Tiles, Which is Better for your NEED!

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are made of refined clay, with ultrafine sand and feldspar added to the mixture. After being kiln-fired at high temperatures and transformed, they look like stone, wood, concrete or materials. This clay-based construction makes porcelain tiles a subtype of ceramic tiles. However, porcelain tile is harder to construct, durable and long-lasting than non-porcelain ceramic tiles. Lioli Ceramica porcelain tiles company in India, we manufacture and source of high technology offers several options: porcelain floor tiles, porcelain slabs, and countertop porcelain tiles.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made with specific clay (with red, brown and white clay) and kiln-fired at a higher temperature but lower than porcelain tiles to reduce water level content, making them less dense, softer and more porous. The clay used in it is less refined hence it is less durable than porcelain tile. Ceramic tile is more affordable with numerous design options.

Water and stain resistance capacity

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are well crafted, denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. It is categorised as impervious tiles which means the water absorption rate is less than 0.5 % making them perfect for bathrooms and other damp areas. A low water absorption rate enables a tile to absorb the stain of food and beverages in a lesser percentage.

Ceramic tiles

The main difference between porcelain vs ceramic tile is water resistance. Ceramic tiles are more porous and it has a higher water absorption rate. With proper installation and good quality grout, it can be used in the bathroom and outside applications.

Durability

Porcelain tiles

Since porcelain tile has a highly dense material, it is much harder and can withstand heavy use over time than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is more durable and less prone to wear. Which makes it ideal for both home and commercial use.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are not as durable as porcelain tiles. Since it has a less dense material, it is also less hard and can be more versatile. It is better to avoid using at a higher traffic place. Our ceramic tile manufacturing company in India offers tiles that have a more natural feel.

Easier to cut

Porcelain tiles

As porcelain tiles are denser and much heavier than ceramic tiles, this makes them harder to install. The thing which makes it so long-lasting and reliable, it is also hard to cut through and lay out properly. For this, you require a professional and experienced tile settler to cut it properly.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are less dense and durable compared to porcelain tiles. It is also easy to cut manually with a snap tile cutter. Ceramic tiles are easy to install since it is a softer material.

Colour and appeal to elegance

Porcelain tiles

While investing in porcelain tiles, there is a wide range of styles available so you don’t have to stick to one particular style. You can find porcelain tiles in many different appearances, like marble, granite, hardwoods, limestone, and many other kinds of flooring as well.

Ceramic tiles

Some experts find it is more flexible and easy to create an artful design. It is mostly available in natural colour and can be printed in an attractive look on hardwood and stones. Ceramic tiles are the best choice for kitchen walls for giving a warm look.

Maintenance

Porcelain tiles

Besides their durability, porcelain tiles look great, they’re tough and easy to maintain. Simply wash them regularly and they will remain in good shape for years.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are extremely tough and impossible to crack, it is easy to maintain and take care of. Stain or dirt can easily be cleaned by simply being mopped.

Prevents Growth of Germs and Moulds

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles will remain the same with regular cleaning and do not harbour bacteria like some porous materials, and they are easy to keep clean over time. Due to the impervious material porcelain tiles prevent growth of germs and moulds.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are not only easy to clean, but they also prevent the growth of germs and moulds. It has a hard surface that makes them impermeable, which means they are resistant to water and moisture making them less prone to germs and moulds.

Cost

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles are certainly more expensive, which you have to think about especially if your budget is tight. It begins at $3 to $35 per square foot. Porcelain tile is also more difficult to repair and the cost compared to other tiles is much more.

Ceramic tiles

In comparison to porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles are cheaper and affordable for everyone's budget. It begins at $0.50 to $35 per square foot. But remember that you have to deal with maintenance and repair expenses over the years.

Best use for

Porcelain tiles

• Floors
• Use on walls depending on weight
• Commercial properties – hotels, offices, retail outlets
• Areas with very high moisture levels such as bathrooms
• High foot traffic areas
• Exterior and interior both

Ceramic tiles

• Walls and floors.
• Home interiors.
• Commercial interior walls.
• Low foot traffic areas
• Interiors only

Conclusion

From the above article, you got to know the difference between porcelain tiles vs. ceramic tiles and the pros and cons of each.

Porcelain tile is expensive but it is a harder substance that prevents cracking and is highly durable. While ceramic tile is cheaper, it is less dense and may crack in cold weather.

The higher water resistance of porcelain tiles makes them an option to use both indoors and outdoors. However, ceramic tiles tend to have a softer surface to make them suitable inside the home in warm climates.

Confused as to which one to select? Porcelain tiles vs ceramic tiles, which is better for your needs? We hope this article will help you choose the right tile to beautify your space.

At Lioli Ceramica porcelain tile manufacture company in Morbi, our team of experienced designers and artisans create beautifully designed slab tiles for amping up your outdoor or indoor floors, walls, and countertops.