Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles: Which is the Better Option?
Choosing between porcelain vs. ceramic tiles can be a real head-scratcher for many Western Australians planning a home renovation. Both tile types offer durability, style, and versatility, but each has unique qualities that make them better suited for different applications.
To help navigate these differences, we’ve turned to one of the nation’s leading tile experts, Fiona Burford, Business Development at Lifestyle Decorations—a premier distributor of decorative and architectural tiles in Australia. With years of experience in the tile industry, Fiona provides valuable insights into where porcelain vs. ceramic tiles work best, ensuring homeowners make informed choices.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, we’ve seen firsthand how the right tile selection can completely transform a home—whether it’s a high-traffic kitchen, a spa-like bathroom, or an outdoor entertaining area. Drawing on our decades of experience and Fiona’s expert perspective, we’ll share practical insights and considerations for choosing the right tile based on factors like durability, moisture resistance, cost, and design versatility.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of what each tile brings to the table and feel more confident in your decision.
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles: A Consumer Comparison
| Feature | Porcelain Tiles | Ceramic Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | High durability, suitable for heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and kitchens | Durable for low to moderate traffic, suitable for bedrooms, dining rooms, and walls |
| Water Resistance | Low absorption (<0.5%), ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and outdoor spaces | Higher absorption, suitable for indoor applications with limited water exposure |
| Cost Range | $25 – $65 per square metre at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, up to $150 elsewhere | $10 – $70 per square metre at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, generally more affordable |
| Design Options | Realistic look of natural materials like timber, stone, terrazzo, and marble; various finishes available | Wide variety of colours, patterns, and finishes; glazed and unglazed options |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance; regular sweeping and mopping; vinegar solution for tough stains | Easy maintenance; regular cleaning with mild cleaners; sealing recommended for water resistance |
| Best Uses | High-traffic indoor and outdoor areas, commercial spaces, wet environments like bathrooms | Indoor spaces like kitchens, splashbacks, feature walls, and decorative surfaces |
| Installation | Requires precision tools due to density; often needs professional installation | Easier to install, suitable for DIY projects |
So, which is the better option?
The better option depends on your specific needs. Porcelain tiles are superior for high-traffic or wet areas due to their durability, low water absorption, and realistic look of natural materials, though they come at a higher cost and often require professional installation. If you’re looking for affordability and versatility for indoor spaces with moderate traffic, ceramic tiles offer a wide range of design options and are easier to install, making them great for kitchens, splashbacks, and feature walls. Choose porcelain for lasting performance in demanding areas or ceramic for style and value indoors.
Keep on reading as we dive into each option in more detail.
Understanding Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
Choosing between porcelain and ceramic tiles can be daunting, especially when you consider the significant impact your choice will have on your home’s overall look and durability. To make an informed decision, it’s essential to understand what each type of tile offers in terms of composition, manufacturing process, and performance. Let’s delve into the specifics of porcelain and ceramic tiles to help you determine the better option for your needs.
What are Porcelain Tiles?
Porcelain tiles are renowned for their strength and low porosity. Made from a finer, denser clay than ceramic tiles, they are fired at higher temperatures. This process results in a more durable tile that is less prone to moisture absorption. The primary materials include kaolin clay, feldspar, silica, and mineral oxides, contributing to the tile’s hardness and colour.
Manufacturing Process:
The production of porcelain tiles involves several key steps:
- Material Preparation: Finely milled raw materials are blended and mixed with water to form a slurry.
- Forming: The slurry is then spray-dried to create a powder, which is pressed into moulds to form tiles.
- Drying: These green tiles are dried to remove excess moisture.
- Firing: The dried tiles are fired in kilns at temperatures exceeding 1200°C, resulting in a vitrified, dense, and hard tile.
- Glazing and Printing (Optional): Some porcelain tiles are glazed or digitally printed to add colour and pattern.
Read our ‘Beginners Guide to Choosing Porcelain Tiles‘ to get a more in-depth understanding of porcelain tiles.
What are Ceramic Tiles?
Ceramic tiles, while less dense than porcelain, offer versatility and aesthetic appeal. They are made from natural clay, sand, and water. The composition also includes talc and other minerals that enhance the tile’s workability and firing characteristics.
Manufacturing Process:
The creation of ceramic tiles involves these fundamental steps:
- Material Blending: Raw materials are blended and mixed with water to form a pliable mixture.
- Shaping: This mixture is then extruded or pressed into moulds to shape the tiles.
- Drying: Shaped tiles are dried to reduce moisture content, making them suitable for firing.
- Firing: The dried tiles are fired at lower temperatures (typically around 1000°C to 1100°C) than porcelain tiles, creating a strong but more porous finished product.
- Glazing and Decorating: Ceramic tiles are often glazed to apply colour and patterns, enhancing their visual appeal and providing additional protection against moisture.
Read our ‘Beginners Guide to Choosing Ceramic Tiles‘ to gain a more in-depth understanding of porcelain tiles.
Cost Comparison
When embarking on a home renovation, understanding the cost implications of your tile choices is crucial. While both porcelain and ceramic tiles offer aesthetic appeal and functionality, their pricing varies based on materials, production techniques, and durability.
Fiona highlights the key cost difference: “Porcelain tiles are typically more expensive than ceramic tiles due to their denser materials, high-quality manufacturing process, and superior durability. However, their longevity often makes them a worthwhile investment.”
Here’s a closer look at what affects the cost of porcelain and ceramic tiles.
Porcelain Tile Costs
Porcelain tiles can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per square metre, according to hipages.com.au. However, at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, you’ll find high-quality porcelain tiles at a more affordable price range of $25 to $65 per square metre.
Several factors influence porcelain tile pricing:
- Material Density & Quality: Denser and harder tiles tend to cost more due to premium raw materials and advanced manufacturing processes.
- Size & Format: Larger tiles often have higher production costs, making them slightly more expensive.
- Printing & Design Complexity: High-quality digital printing, such as stone, timber, or marble-look designs, adds to the cost.
- Slip Resistance & Durability: Tiles with enhanced slip resistance or textured finishes may carry a premium price tag.
- Installation Costs: Porcelain is harder to cut and install than ceramic, potentially increasing labour costs.
Despite higher upfront costs, porcelain’s durability and long lifespan make it a cost-effective choice over time, especially for high-traffic areas or wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic Tile Costs
Ceramic tiles are generally more budget-friendly, ranging from $40 to $100 per square metre, but at Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our ceramic tile range is available at an even lower price of $10 to $70 per square metre.
Factors affecting ceramic tile pricing include:
- Material & Brand Quality: Well-known brands and higher-quality materials come at a premium.
- Design Complexity: Handmade, patterned, or custom designs tend to be more expensive than standard tiles.
- Glazing & Finish: Glazed ceramic tiles cost slightly more than unglazed ones due to the additional production steps.
- Thickness & Durability: Thicker tiles may be pricier as they require more raw materials.
Fiona explains why ceramic remains a cost-effective choice: “Ceramic tiles are a great option for homeowners on a budget. They offer a stylish look at a lower cost and are more affordable for large installations where covering a bigger area is a priority.”
Another advantage of ceramic tiles is lower installation costs—since they are lighter and easier to cut, they require less specialised labour, making them cheaper to install than porcelain.
Durability and Strength
When it comes to choosing tiles for your home, durability and strength are key factors to consider. After all, you want your investment to withstand daily wear and tear, maintain its beauty, and offer long-term value. Let’s explore how porcelain and ceramic tiles compare in terms of resilience and suitability for various environments.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are renowned for their exceptional durability, making them a top choice for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and living spaces. Thanks to their dense composition and high firing temperatures, they are harder and more resistant to chips and cracks than ceramic tiles.
Fiona explains why porcelain is preferred for both residential and commercial spaces. “Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic, making them highly resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. Their durability makes them ideal for floors, heavy-use areas, and even outdoor applications.”
One of porcelain’s key advantages is its low water absorption rate (<0.5%), making it perfect for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. This moisture resistance helps prevent staining, mould growth, and long-term damage, ensuring the tiles remain in top condition for years. If you are looking for outdoor tiles, check out our guide on what to look for when shopping for outdoor tiles.
Porcelain tiles are also tested for breaking strength, a measure of how much weight a tile can bear before breaking. A minimum breaking strength of 400 pounds makes porcelain tiles ideal for both residential and commercial settings, as they can withstand significant pressure and heavy foot traffic.
While they offer many advantages, they also come with some drawbacks, which you can read about in our article outlining the pros and cons of porcelain tiles.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles, while not as dense as porcelain, still provide commendable durability for low to moderate traffic areas like bedrooms, dining rooms, and walls. They offer a stylish and practical surface, balancing affordability with functionality.
According to Fiona, ceramic tiles remain a popular option but have some limitations in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas:
“Ceramic tiles are a fantastic choice for many homes, but they are slightly more porous and softer than porcelain. This means they may wear down faster in high-traffic areas and require sealing when used in wet environments.”
Because ceramic tiles absorb more water, they are better suited for dry, indoor applications. Their lighter weight makes them easier to install, particularly on walls and accent areas, but they are more prone to chipping and staining over time.
In terms of breaking strength, ceramic tiles typically range from 250 to 400 pounds, which is sufficient for most residential applications. However, for commercial or high-traffic areas, porcelain is the stronger option due to its superior resistance to pressure and wear. Learn more about this and other ratings in our tile ratings and grade guide.
Design and Aesthetic Options
Tiles play a crucial role in defining the look and feel of your home. Whether you’re aiming for modern minimalism, classic elegance, or rustic charm, both porcelain and ceramic tiles provide a wide array of design possibilities to suit any interior.
Fiona highlights the difference in their design appeal: “Both porcelain and ceramic tiles come in an extensive range of designs, but porcelain tiles tend to offer more premium looks due to their higher quality and advanced manufacturing processes.”
Let’s explore how each tile type brings style and function to home design.
Porcelain Tile Design Options
Porcelain tiles are renowned for their ability to mimic high-end materials with incredible realism, making them a preferred choice for luxury and contemporary spaces.
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our porcelain tile collections include:
- Oak Range: Timber-look tiles are perfect for warm and inviting spaces.
- Stone-Look Tiles: Consider the Normandy & Magic Stone ranges for a natural, organic feel.
- Terrazzo Range: Terrazzo-look tiles that offer timeless elegance.
- Concrete-Look Tiles: The KMG range is ideal for modern industrial aesthetics.
- Marble-look tiles: The Venato Carrara range delivers a sophisticated, high-end appearance.
Fiona explains why porcelain is the superior choice for achieving realistic finishes: “Porcelain tiles can be printed to resemble high-end materials like marble, wood, concrete, or stone. Their sleek, thin designs and ability to create large-format tiles make them perfect for seamless, high-end aesthetics.”
Beyond their visual appeal, porcelain tiles come in various tile finishes that enhance both aesthetics and functionality:
- Matte & Textured Finishes: Offer slip resistance while maintaining a modern look.
- Polished & Lappato Finishes: Create a luxurious sheen ideal for contemporary spaces.
- SmoothGrip Finish: A balance between grip and smoothness, making it ideal for bathrooms and high-traffic areas.
Porcelain’s ability to replicate intricate textures and patterns while offering durability and water resistance makes it an excellent investment for any space.
Ceramic Tile Design Options
Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile, available in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and finishes that cater to both traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
For those seeking charm and character, Fiona highlights ceramic tiles’ unique appeal: “Ceramic tiles are fantastic for creating vintage-inspired or decorative looks. They work beautifully in feature walls, kitchen splashbacks, and bathroom accents, thanks to their variety of patterns and shapes.”
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our ceramic tile collection includes:
- Classic Subway Tiles: A timeless favourite for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Mosaic Tiles: Ideal for intricate patterns and creative detailing.
- Encaustic & Patterned Tiles: Perfect for feature walls and vintage-inspired designs.
Ceramic tiles also come in glazed and unglazed finishes, each offering unique benefits:
- Glazed Ceramic Tiles: Feature a protective coating, making them stain-resistant and easy to clean.
- Unglazed Ceramic Tiles: Provide a natural, earthy texture, adding warmth and authenticity to rustic designs.
While ceramic tiles can replicate wood, stone, or concrete, porcelain remains the superior choice for ultra-realistic finishes and high-end applications. However, ceramic tiles excel in decorative applications, making them an excellent choice for splashbacks, accent walls, and intricate tile patterns.
Applications and Use Cases
Choosing the right tile for your project isn’t just about aesthetics and cost—it’s about selecting the right material for its intended use. Porcelain and ceramic tiles each have unique strengths, making them suitable for different environments and functions. Understanding their best applications will help you make an informed decision for your home renovation.
Fiona explains the key difference in tile applications: “Porcelain’s dense, durable nature makes it perfect for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas, while ceramic tiles shine in decorative applications like walls and splashbacks due to their lighter weight and design versatility.”
Here’s a closer look at where each type excels.
Common Porcelain Tile Applications
Porcelain tiles are incredibly versatile and durable, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Their low water absorption rate, scratch resistance, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures make them a top choice for high-traffic and wet areas.
Best Uses for Porcelain Tiles
- High-Traffic Areas: Porcelain’s hardness ensures exceptional resistance to scratches, stains, and wear, making it perfect for hallways, entryways, and living rooms.
- Bathrooms & Showers: Thanks to their moisture resistance, porcelain tiles are the best option for wet areas, including showers, bathroom floors, and bathtub surrounds.
- Kitchen Floors & Benchtops: Porcelain’s durability and low-maintenance properties make it ideal for kitchen floors and countertops, handling spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic with ease.
- Outdoor Spaces: With frost resistance and weather durability, porcelain tiles are perfect for patios, outdoor kitchens, pool areas, and walkways. “Porcelain tiles are the best option for outdoor areas as they are moisture-resistant, extremely durable, and offer great traction—perfect for pool decks and patios,” Fiona adds.
- Walls & Feature Areas: While heavier and harder to install, porcelain feature walls can create stunning high-end looks, especially in luxury bathrooms and modern kitchens.
Common Ceramic Tile Applications
Ceramic tiles offer a balance of style and practicality, making them a great choice for indoor spaces where high durability isn’t the primary concern. They excel in decorative applications like backsplashes, accent walls, and low-traffic floors.
Best Uses for Ceramic Tiles
- Kitchen Splashbacks: Ceramic tiles are lighter and easier to install, making them perfect for splashbacks. They come in a wide range of patterns, colours, and textures, allowing for personalisation. “Ceramic tiles are ideal for splashbacks because they offer endless design possibilities, from classic subway tiles to intricate encaustic patterns, all at a more affordable price point,” notes Fiona.
- Bathroom Walls & Vanity Splashbacks: While not as moisture-resistant as porcelain, ceramic tiles work well for bathroom walls and vanity areas, adding texture and character.
- Feature Walls & Decorative Accents: Ceramic tiles are lighter than porcelain, making them a popular choice for feature walls and accent designs in living rooms, dining areas, and kitchens.
- Low-Traffic Floors: In areas with less wear and tear, such as bedrooms and dining rooms, ceramic tiles offer style without the need for extreme durability.
- Not Recommended for Outdoor Use: Due to higher porosity, ceramic tiles aren’t suited for outdoor spaces, as they absorb moisture and may crack in freezing temperatures.
Installation and Maintenance
Understanding your tiles’ installation and maintenance requirements can help ensure they remain a beautiful and functional part of your home for years to come. Porcelain and ceramic tiles have specific needs during installation and ongoing care, so let’s explore what each entails.
Porcelain Tiles
Due to their density and hardness, installing porcelain tiles requires precision and patience. Cutting can be more challenging and may require specialised tools.
In terms of maintenance, porcelain tiles are relatively low-maintenance. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild detergent keep them looking their best. For tougher stains, a mixture of water and vinegar can be effective. The minimal water absorption means less risk of mould and mildew, making them easy to maintain over time.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are generally easier and often cheaper to install than porcelain due to their lighter weight and softer composition.
Maintaining ceramic tiles is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft broom and damp mop keeps them in good condition. A non-abrasive cleaner is recommended for stubborn stains (read our Tile Cleaning & Maintenance Guide for advice on keeping your tiles clean). While ceramic tiles have higher water absorption, using a quality grout and sealer can help prevent moisture issues.
Please take a look at the following resources for tips on installing tiles.
- How to Install Bathroom Tiles
- How to Tile a Kitchen Splashback
- How to Lay Ceramic Floor Tiles Over Floorboards
- Master DIY Tiling in 5 Easy Steps
Pros and Cons Summary
Deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles involves understanding their respective benefits and drawbacks. Both types have unique characteristics that suit different applications and preferences. Let’s delve into the key advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make a well-informed choice for your home renovation.
Porcelain Tile Advantages
Porcelain tiles are exceptionally durable, boasting a dense composition that resists wear and tear. Their low water absorption rate makes them ideal for wet areas like bathrooms and outdoor spaces. Porcelain tiles can also mimic various natural materials, offering aesthetic versatility at a fraction of the cost. With minimal maintenance required, they remain a robust and long-lasting flooring solution.
Porcelain Tile Disadvantages
The primary downside of porcelain tiles is their higher cost than ceramic tiles. Additionally, their density and hardness can make installation more challenging, often necessitating specialised tools and professional expertise.
Ceramic Tile Advantages
Ceramic tiles are more affordable and easier to install, making them popular for DIY projects. They offer a wide array of colours, patterns, and finishes, providing great flexibility in design. Ceramic tiles are suitable for many indoor applications, adding style and functionality to various spaces.
Ceramic Tile Disadvantages
Ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate, which can limit their use in very wet environments. While durable, they are generally less robust than porcelain tiles and may be more prone to chipping and cracking under heavy use.
Ross’s Expert Recommendations
At Ross’s Discount Home Centre, our expertise and extensive range of tiles are designed to guide you towards the best choice for your specific needs. Here are our recommendations:
Porcelain Tile Recommendations
Choose porcelain tiles for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and commercial spaces. Their durability and low water absorption rate make them perfect for bathrooms, showers, and outdoor patios. Our porcelain tiles, featuring wood-look, stone-look, and marble-look, offer sophisticated options for those seeking a luxurious aesthetic without exceeding their budget.
Ceramic Tile Recommendations
Choose ceramic tiles in indoor settings with moderate foot traffic, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen splashbacks. If budget constraints are a concern, ceramic tiles offer a stylish yet cost-effective option. Their ease of installation makes them ideal for DIY projects, allowing you to transform your space without professional help.
Conclusion
In summary, porcelain and ceramic tiles offer unique benefits catering to different needs and applications. Porcelain tiles, with their superior durability, are ideal for high-traffic and wet areas, while ceramic tiles offer affordability and ease of installation, perfect for indoor use and DIY projects. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your renovation goals.
Ready to transform your space? Visit Ross’s Discount Home Centre at 57 James Street in Guildford, Perth, to discover our extensive range of high-quality porcelain and ceramic tiles. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you in finding the perfect tiles that combine style, functionality, and excellent value for money.
