Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: What Is The Difference?

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles: What Is The Difference?

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The biggest difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria. Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of less than .5%. To test this, first the tile is weighed, then boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. Then the tile is weighed again. If the tile absorbs less than half of one-percent, it is considered porcelain. Cool, right? In other words, porcelain tile is known as the most durable tile on the market. It’s harder, denser, and less porous than ceramic tile. Its low water absorption rate means it is virtually impervious to water damage, making it the natural choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, etc. Porcelain tile can also withstand high traffic, so it’s great for busy households or commercial areas. Porcelain tile also has the edge when it comes to appearances. It is available in more colors, patterns, and surface finishes, including tiles that resemble wood grains and natural stone. All those faux wood plank floors you see, you now know they are porcelain tiles!

Porcelain

So, with all these great benefits to porcelain tile, why wouldn’t I use it all the time? We are so glad you asked! Porcelain tile is approximately 60% more expensive than ceramic tile because of its durability and versatility. Due to its density and hardness, it requires the use of a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. This can increase the installation costs. You always want to make sure you are using experienced and trusted installers no matter what material you select!

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Ceramic

However, ceramic tile has its place! Ceramic tile is a versatile and affordable option for those in the market for large quantities of tile. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain tile, it’s also easier to install. Because of its relatively soft surface, it can be cut with a simple tile cutter and doesn’t need a diamond blade. Ceramic tile is great for a wall or a backsplash that will not see a ton of moisture.

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Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: What Is The Difference?

DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AS A PDF
The biggest difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria. Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of less than .5%. To test this, first the tile is weighed, then boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. Then the tile is weighed again. If the tile absorbs less than half of one-percent, it is considered porcelain. Cool, right? In other words, porcelain tile is known as the most durable tile on the market. It’s harder, denser, and less porous than ceramic tile. Its low water absorption rate means it is virtually impervious to water damage, making it the natural choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, etc. Porcelain tile can also withstand high traffic, so it’s great for busy households or commercial areas. Porcelain tile also has the edge when it comes to appearances. It is available in more colors, patterns, and surface finishes, including tiles that resemble wood grains and natural stone. All those faux wood plank floors you see, you now know they are porcelain tiles!

Porcelain

So, with all these great benefits to porcelain tile, why wouldn’t I use it all the time? We are so glad you asked! Porcelain tile is approximately 60% more expensive than ceramic tile because of its durability and versatility. Due to its density and hardness, it requires the use of a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. This can increase the installation costs. You always want to make sure you are using experienced and trusted installers no matter what material you select!

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Ceramic

However, ceramic tile has its place! Ceramic tile is a versatile and affordable option for those in the market for large quantities of tile. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain tile, it’s also easier to install. Because of its relatively soft surface, it can be cut with a simple tile cutter and doesn’t need a diamond blade. Ceramic tile is great for a wall or a backsplash that will not see a ton of moisture.

Image

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: What Is The Difference?

The biggest difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria. Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of less than .5%. To test this, first the tile is weighed, then boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. Then the tile is weighed again. If the tile absorbs less than half of one-percent, it is considered porcelain. Cool, right? In other words, porcelain tile is known as the most durable tile on the market. It’s harder, denser, and less porous than ceramic tile. Its low water absorption rate means it is virtually impervious to water damage, making it the natural choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, etc. Porcelain tile can also withstand high traffic, so it’s great for busy households or commercial areas. Porcelain tile also has the edge when it comes to appearances. It is available in more colors, patterns, and surface finishes, including tiles that resemble wood grains and natural stone. All those faux wood plank floors you see, you now know they are porcelain tiles!

Porcelain

So, with all these great benefits to porcelain tile, why wouldn’t I use it all the time? We are so glad you asked! Porcelain tile is approximately 60% more expensive than ceramic tile because of its durability and versatility. Due to its density and hardness, it requires the use of a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. This can increase the installation costs. You always want to make sure you are using experienced and trusted installers no matter what material you select!

Image

Ceramic

However, ceramic tile has its place! Ceramic tile is a versatile and affordable option for those in the market for large quantities of tile. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain tile, it’s also easier to install. Because of its relatively soft surface, it can be cut with a simple tile cutter and doesn’t need a diamond blade. Ceramic tile is great for a wall or a backsplash that will not see a ton of moisture.

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DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AS A PDF

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: What Is The Difference?

The biggest difference between porcelain and ceramic tile is whether the tile can meet a set of highly controlled water absorption criteria. Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of less than .5%. To test this, first the tile is weighed, then boiled for five hours and left to sit in water for 24 hours. Then the tile is weighed again. If the tile absorbs less than half of one-percent, it is considered porcelain. Cool, right? In other words, porcelain tile is known as the most durable tile on the market. It’s harder, denser, and less porous than ceramic tile. Its low water absorption rate means it is virtually impervious to water damage, making it the natural choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, patios, etc. Porcelain tile can also withstand high traffic, so it’s great for busy households or commercial areas. Porcelain tile also has the edge when it comes to appearances. It is available in more colors, patterns, and surface finishes, including tiles that resemble wood grains and natural stone. All those faux wood plank floors you see, you now know they are porcelain tiles!

Porcelain

So, with all these great benefits to porcelain tile, why wouldn’t I use it all the time? We are so glad you asked! Porcelain tile is approximately 60% more expensive than ceramic tile because of its durability and versatility. Due to its density and hardness, it requires the use of a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut cleanly through the material. This can increase the installation costs. You always want to make sure you are using experienced and trusted installers no matter what material you select!

Image

Ceramic

However, ceramic tile has its place! Ceramic tile is a versatile and affordable option for those in the market for large quantities of tile. Not only does it cost significantly less than porcelain tile, it’s also easier to install. Because of its relatively soft surface, it can be cut with a simple tile cutter and doesn’t need a diamond blade. Ceramic tile is great for a wall or a backsplash that will not see a ton of moisture.

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DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE AS A PDF