What’s the Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles may look similar, but they perform differently in everyday use. The key differences come down to durability, water resistance, and how each suits different spaces in your home.

Understanding these distinctions matters when you are choosing tiles for bathrooms, kitchens, or high-traffic floors. Choosing the right type helps secure a surface that looks stylish while staying practical and long-lasting.

This guide outlines the strengths, trade-offs, and best uses of each type, helping you choose the right surface for your home. 

Understanding the differences between ceramic tile and porcelain tile helps you determine which option best suits your project, considering factors such as durability, water resistance, cost, and installation.

• Porcelain is denser and more durable. This makes a stronger choice for high-traffic floors or outdoor areas.
• Ceramic is more affordable. It’s easier to cut and install, which suits DIY projects and smaller budgets.
• Porcelain resists water better. With a very low absorption, it’s ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and pool areas.
• Ceramic offers design flexibility. A wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes makes it easy to match your style.
• Both deliver stylish options. Choose from matte, gloss, patterned, or natural finishes to suit your project.
• Installation and upkeep differ. Porcelain may need professional tools and preparation, while ceramic is simpler to work with.

Ceramic vs porcelain tile comes down to three key factors: how they’re made, how they handle water, and their overall durability. 

Here’s what sets them apart:

Ceramic tiles are made from natural red, brown, or white clay, while porcelain tiles use finer, denser clay mixed with minerals. The refined ingredients in porcelain create a tougher, less porous product.

Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at slightly lower temperatures, which makes them easier to cut and work with. Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures and pressures, resulting in a harder, more compact tile that is suitable for demanding applications.

The key distinction is water resistance. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% of moisture, making it highly suited to bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Ceramic is more porous, which means it is better suited to indoor walls and lighter-use floors.

Porcelain’s density makes it more durable under heavy foot traffic and resistant to chips or cracks. Ceramic, while easier to install, is generally softer and better for spaces with moderate use.

Knowing where each tile type performs its best makes your decision easier. If you’re weighing up porcelain vs ceramic floor tile options, consider how the space will be used and the conditions it will face.

• Bathrooms: If moisture is a daily factor, porcelain is usually the safer choice thanks to its low water absorption. Ceramic still works well on bathroom walls or as decorative bathroom tiles.
• Kitchens: For easy cleaning and durability, porcelain is a wise choice for high-traffic kitchen floors. Ceramic can be a practical, budget-friendly option for splashbacks or lighter-use flooring.
• Outdoor areas: If you’re tiling patios, balconies, or pool surrounds, porcelain is the best choice as it resists frost, heat, and water. Explore our outdoor tiles for slip-resistant options.
• Floors and walls: If you’re covering large floor areas, porcelain offers strength for long-term use. Ceramic is lighter and easier to use on walls, making it ideal for decorative features.

Here’s a breakdown to help you compare porcelain tile vs ceramic tile and decide which works best for your project.

When comparing the two, the budget is often a deciding factor. Ceramic is generally more affordable to buy and easier to install, making it a good fit for smaller budgets or DIY projects. Porcelain costs more upfront and usually requires professional installation, but its durability means fewer replacements and better long-term value.

Ceramic tiles are softer and easier to cut, making them a practical choice if you’re tackling a DIY project. Porcelain’s density gives it superior durability but also means it requires specialised tools and is best installed by a professional. Factoring in installation can help you weigh upfront costs against long-term performance.

Choosing between porcelain vs ceramic floor and wall tile isn't just about function. It’s also about how each finish shapes the atmosphere of your home.

• Finishes: Glossy tiles bounce natural light, brightening kitchens or bathrooms with a sleek, modern edge. Matte options bring a softer, slip-resistant surface, perfect for family homes.
• Textures and looks: Porcelain can replicate natural stone, timber, or terrazzo, making it ideal for luxe living areas or outdoor entertaining spaces. Ceramic often shines with colourful glazes or decorative patterns that add personality to splashbacks or feature walls.
• Slip ratings: In wet zones like bathrooms, matte and textured porcelain improves safety while still creating a spa-like atmosphere.
• Room pairings: Ceramic suits colourful splashbacks or patterned feature walls, adding personality to kitchens or laundries. Porcelain shines in open-plan living or outdoor entertaining areas, creating a seamless flow that feels both stylish and practical.

Think about how you want the space to feel. Do you need a safe, grounded bathroom floor, or a polished surface that sets the tone for sophisticated dining? The right tile creates more than a look; it sets the mood for daily life.

The difference between ceramic and porcelain floor tile also shows in how much upkeep they need. Porcelain is generally easier to maintain, while ceramic may need a little more care.

• Porcelain: Low water absorption makes it resistant to stains and moisture damage. Routine cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner is usually enough to keep surfaces looking fresh.
• Ceramic: Easier to chip or crack, especially in high-traffic areas. Glazed ceramic resists stains, but porous varieties may require sealing to protect against water and dirt.
• Both options: Wiping spills promptly, avoiding abrasive pads, and using the right cleaning products will help maintain their finish.

Tip: Porcelain often costs more upfront, but many homeowners find the lower maintenance makes it more cost-effective over time. Ceramic remains a good choice if you prefer flexibility in design and don’t mind occasional upkeep.

The choice between ceramic and porcelain tiles often comes down to how you live day to day. If you need flooring that can handle constant traffic, splashes, or outdoor exposure, porcelain offers the resilience to match. For feature walls, lighter-use floors, or budget-conscious projects, ceramic offers style and flexibility with easier installation.

Think about the mood you want to create, too. Porcelain’s polished strength feels at home in modern kitchens or outdoor entertaining areas, while ceramic’s colours and patterns bring warmth and character to walls and splashbacks.

Either way, you’ll gain a surface that blends performance with style. For specific advice, Amber’s team can help you balance budget, durability, and design so you walk away confident in your decision.

Contact us to start planning your project.