Comparison of Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Composition

• To make ceramic tiles, manufacturers mix clay and other natural materials, then fire it in a kiln to remove moisture. Left as-is, it has a terra-cotta color, but ceramic tile can be given a special design layer on top, then glazed, giving it a variety of color and style options. Porcelain tile is made of finely ground sand, which is baked at extremely high temperatures to remove almost all the water. Like ceramic, porcelain tiles can have an added design layer, but most porcelain tiles have the same coloring throughout.

Cost

• Porcelain tile typically comes in at a higher cost than ceramic, though cost differences are slight, and both kinds of tile have higher-end and more budget-friendly options. As of date of publication, a popular home-improvement store offered ceramic tiles starting at 80 cents per square foot and porcelain tile starting at $1 per square foot.

Durability

• Porcelain tile is the more durable option, because it's more dense, less porous and less prone to breakage compared to ceramic tile. Ceramic tile can become stained more easily than porcelain. If ceramic is cracked, the cracks are usually more obvious, because underneath the design layer, the ceramic is a different color. Porcelain can withstand more wear and tear without breaking, so it's a smarter choice for commercial applications. Ceramic tile is not recommended outside of residential use.

Installation

• Installation of ceramic tile is a reasonably straightforward do-it-yourself job, allowing many homeowners to save money on installation. Porcelain is a more difficult tile to install, because the tiles are more likely to be uneven and special tools are required to cut and shape them for installation. if your room is oddly shaped and will require a number of special cuts to work around the edges, ceramic tile installation will be significantly easier.