Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile For Your Home.

Key Differences: Pros, Cons, and Maintenance Tips for Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Choosing the right tile for our home can be confusing. Porcelain and ceramic tiles look similar, but they have important differences. These differences affect durability, water resistance, and where each tile works best. This guide breaks down the key differences, highlights the pros and cons of each, and offers practical tips for care and maintenance. By the end, we’ll have a clear idea of which tile suits our space and lifestyle.

Ceramic Wall Tile - Perfect for Shower Walls, Bathroom Walls, and Backsplash. Cost $8.99 SF

Porcelain Tile can be used on Floors and Walls Costs $12.99 SF

Understanding the Material Differences

Porcelain and ceramic tiles both come from clay, but the way they are made sets them apart. Porcelain tiles use a finer, denser clay and are fired at higher temperatures. This process makes porcelain harder and less porous than ceramic.

• Porcelain tile

- Made from refined clay

- Fired at higher temperatures (about 2300°F)

- Denser and less porous

- Often has a more uniform color and texture

• Ceramic tile

- Made from a mix of clay and other natural materials

- Fired at lower temperatures (around 2000°F)

- More porous and softer

- Usually glazed with a decorative surface

This difference in material and firing affects how each tile performs in daily use.

If we need help selecting the right tile, Licari Tile & Home has 40 years of experience doing just that. They help customers pick the right tiles for their homes.

Durability and Strength

Porcelain tiles are known for their strength. Their dense composition makes them highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and wear. This durability makes porcelain a great choice for high-traffic areas or places where heavy objects might be dropped.

Ceramic tiles are durable but less so than porcelain. They can chip or crack more easily under impact. However, ceramic tiles still hold up well in many residential settings, especially in areas with moderate foot traffic.

Summary of Durability

| Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |

|-----------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|

| Hardness | Very hard | Moderately hard |

| Resistance to chipping | High | Moderate |

| Suitable for heavy use | Yes | Yes, but less ideal |

| Longevity | Longer-lasting | Good, but may wear faster|

Water Resistance and Moisture Handling

One of the biggest differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles is how they handle water. Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% of water, making them highly water-resistant. This quality makes porcelain ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor spaces where moisture is common.

Ceramic tiles absorb more water, typically between 3% and 7%. While glazed ceramic tiles have a protective layer that repels water, the tile body itself is more porous. This means ceramic tiles are better suited for dry areas or places with occasional moisture rather than constant exposure.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile, Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely durable and strong

• Highly water-resistant and suitable for wet areas

• Low maintenance and stain-resistant

• Wide range of styles, including options that mimic natural stone or wood

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

  
  

Cons

• More expensive than ceramic tiles

• Harder to cut and install, requiring special tools

• Can be cold and hard underfoot without underfloor heating

  
  

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Tile

Pros

• More affordable than porcelain

• Easier to cut and install

• Wide variety of colors and patterns available

• Good for walls and low-traffic floors

• Glazed surface offers some water resistance

  
  

Cons

• Less durable, prone to chipping and cracking

• More porous, less suitable for wet or outdoor areas

• May require more frequent sealing in some cases

  
  

Ceramic Wall Tile pictured below, all available at Licari Tile & Home

Ideal Use Cases for Different Spaces

Choosing between porcelain and ceramic tiles depends on where we plan to install them and how much wear they will face.

Porcelain Tile Works Best For:

• Bathrooms and kitchens where water resistance is critical

• Entryways and hallways with heavy foot traffic

• Outdoor patios and walkways due to durability and moisture resistance

• Living rooms and open spaces where a premium look and long-lasting surface are desired

  
  

Ceramic Tile is Ideal For:

• Wall coverings in bathrooms and kitchens

• Low-traffic rooms like bedrooms or guest rooms

• Decorative accents such as backsplashes or fireplace surrounds

• Budget-conscious projects where cost is a major factor

  
  

Porcelain tiles are durable, allowing for large formats. If we are looking for a place to purchase porcelain tiles in Los Angeles, Licari Tile & Home provides a large selection.

Where can we buy porcelain tiles in Los Angeles? Licari Tile & Home offers a huge selection.

Tips for Maintenance and Care

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are relatively easy to maintain, but following some simple care tips will keep them looking their best.

Porcelain Tile Care

• Clean regularly with a mild detergent and warm water

• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers that can dull the surface

• Use a soft mop or cloth for cleaning

• Seal grout lines periodically to prevent staining

• For outdoor porcelain, remove debris and dirt to avoid surface damage

  
  

Ceramic Tile Care

• Clean with a gentle cleaner suitable for glazed surfaces

• Avoid acidic or bleach-based cleaners that can damage the glaze

• Wipe up spills quickly to prevent staining

• Seal grout lines regularly, especially in wet areas

• Repair chips or cracks promptly to avoid further damage

  
  

Licari Tile & Home not only carries these specialty cleaners, but they will help us select the right one for our needs as well as demonstrate how to use them.

Making the Right Choice for Our Home

When deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles, we should consider our budget, the room’s function, and the level of wear the tile will face. Porcelain offers superior durability and water resistance, making it a smart investment for busy or wet areas. Ceramic tiles provide a cost-effective, versatile option for decorative and low-traffic spaces.

By understanding these differences, we can select the tile that fits our style and needs, ensuring our floors and walls look great and last for years.

Licari Tile & Home, with 40 years of experience, can assist us in choosing the perfect tile for our home. They specialize in helping customers select the ideal tiles. Shop the showroom at 5250 Valley Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90032 or online. They are also available to help via email info@licaritile-stone.com or by phone at 323-225-3000.

Now that we know the Porcelain Tile vs Ceramic Tile pros and cons, we can make an informed decision.