What are Porcelain Tiles and How is it Different from Ceramic Tiles

Thanks to its benefits, Porcelain tiles have become among architectures and home-owners alike in the last decade. Its low absorption rate, sleek designs, and extensive versatility enable it to be used for almost all kinds of surfaces as well as for both– indoor and outdoor structures.

Porcelain tiles can be used to cover both– the walls and the floors. However, because of the many similarities between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, the consumers often get confused while buying.

You, too, might have got confused between these two identical tiles some time in your life. But, not anymore! This article explains what porcelain tiles are and how it is different from ceramic tiles.

What are Porcelain Tiles?

To be honest, it is almost impossible or challenging to distinguish both these tiles based on their appearance. Because both the tiles usually get a surface glazing, making them looks very similar. In fact, porcelain tiles are nothing but a type of ceramic tile. However, the key factors that distinguish these tiles are clay material and the manufacturing process.

Compared to ceramic tiles,porcelain tiles are made from more refined and quality clay, known as Kaolin clay. The Kaolin clay is generally denser than the coarse clay– used for ceramic tiles. The quality clay and the advanced manufacturing process make the porcelain ceramic tiles more strong, sleek, and versatile. In addition, it also gives them an edge over vitrified ceramic tiles.

Let us understand the key differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles in the following section.

Key Differences between Ceramic Tiles and Porcelain Tiles

Composition, water absorption rate, cost, hardness, and water resistance are a few characteristics that make both of these tiles different from each other. Let us learn each of these characteristics in brief.

A. Water Absorption Rate

The absorption rate is one of the significant factors that make porcelain tiles superior to ceramic tiles. It is a rate that defines how much moisture a specific tile is likely to absorb regularly. Ceramic tiles have an absorption rate of more than 0.5 %, while the vitrified porcelain tiles– known as ‘impervious’ tiles have an absorption rate of less than 0.5%.

B. Composition

The composition can be defined as the material used to manufacture the product. Ceramic tiles use coarse clay, while porcelain tiles use fine kaolin clay. The clay’s high fusion temperature, denser particles, and white burning characteristic make it suitable for vitrified porcelain tiles.

C. Appearance

Undoubtedly, porcelain tiles have the edge over ceramic tiles when it comes to appearance. It offers more colors, design patterns, and surface finishes compared to vitrified ceramic tiles. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain vitrified tiles can be polished– which means it can be fired, and then a polish cut into a surface, creating a shine without a glaze.

D. Water and Heat Resistance

Both- ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles have better water and heat resistance. The least absorption rate and denser particles together make porcelain vitrified tiles ideal for outdoor surfaces and bathrooms. Besides, the higher heat resistance properties of the porcelain tiles make them a preferred choice for countertops and kitchen wall tiles.

These are the four major factors that distinguish–otherwise lot similar–porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. These characteristics also make porcelain vitrified tile ‘the head’ of the tiles family.