If we look at the composition alone, porcelain tiles are the better of the two options. They have lower water absorption (almost nill), making them more water-resistant, and they are harder, making them more durable than ceramic tiles.
As such, you should expect to pay more for porcelain tiles over ceramic tiles. But, the better tile comes down to your needs and application. Many feature tiles, for example, are ceramic and therefore a better option for splashbacks etc.
| Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | |
| Composition | Coarse red, brown or white clay | Fine kaolin white clay, sand and feldspar |
| Water Absorption | Between 0.5 and 6% | Less than 0.5% |
| Cost | $10 to $55 per square metre | $30 to $60 per square metre |
| Typical Use | Indoor floors and walls | Indoor and outdoor floors and walls (sealed) |
| Hardness | Softer than porcelain 5 or 6 MOHS |
Harder, more brittle than ceramic 7, 8 or 9 MOHS |
| PEI Rating | Between 3 and 4 | Between 3 and 5 |
| Water Resistance | Good | Excellent |
Ross’s Discount Home Centre has a wide range of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles to meet all your requirements. You may view our online range here.
