Both tiles are clay-based and kiln-fired, but porcelain is technically a specialized type of ceramic. The clays used to make porcelain have a higher density and are fired longer at a higher temperature than ceramic. The difference in ingredients and production methods creates types of tile with unique characteristics.
Porcelain is distinguished from ceramic by its denser body and finer particles that allow for smoother surfaces and sharper designs after firing. It is also less porous than ceramic, so it holds water better, which makes it suitable for high-traffic or commercial areas.
Cost of Porcelain vs. Ceramic. While both ceramic and porcelain are less expensive than most renovation materials, their price differences are due to their density differences. Porcelain tiles are therefore more expensive than ceramic tiles.
Porcelain is a type of ceramics that is primarily made from kaolin clay, a fine-grained white clay that is abundant in nature. In addition to kaolin, porcelain is usually mixed with other natural materials such as feldspar, quartz, and petuntse or china stone.
Ultimately, porcelain tile is the superior choice for bathroom floors. When compared to ceramic, the material is much better equipped for rooms that use plumbing. It's also easier to maintain than ceramic tile.
Durability: The density of porcelain tile makes it more durable than ceramic tile while being less subject to wear and tear. This makes it more suitable for commercial use as well as in the home. Water Resistance: Porcelain tile is almost impervious to water compared to ceramic tile.
Porcelain is denser and harder than ceramic, so it's more resistant to chipping. However, its increased brittleness means that it may be more likely to crack upon heavy impact. Despite this, it is a bit more durable than regular ceramic and can last 75 to 100 years with proper maintenance.
Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, and therefore less porous. Meaning they're harder, therefore more durable and absorb less water. This makes them more suited to high footfall areas which will see heavy use.
Nowadays, most toilets are made of porcelain, a ceramic material processed through high levels of heat. Porcelain is the material of choice because of its durability, low porosity, and density.
The three main types of porcelain are true, or hard-paste, porcelain; artificial, or soft-paste, porcelain; and bone china. Porcelain was first made in China—in a primitive form during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and in the form best known in the West during the Yuan dynasty (1279–1368).
Since the clay mix used to make ceramic is less dense, ceramic is easier to break and crack than porcelain. The higher temperatures used to make porcelain also give it extra-hardness.
Water resistance
However, glazed ceramic is only designed to inhibit moisture from being absorbed. Regardless of how ceramic is glazed, it will always be far more absorbent than porcelain. Choose porcelain for tile showers, or opt for ceramic tile for walls and porcelain tile for the flooring.
The surface of porcelain and ceramic tile do not require sealing, however, it's important to note that even though your porcelain or ceramic tile does not need to be sealed, the grout used during installation will need to be sealed and maintained.
Porcelain is a denser material than ceramic, so it's more difficult to scratch. Ceramic dishes are easier to scratch, which can affect their appearance over time. If you're looking for a dish that can withstand frequent use and won't easily chip or break, porcelain is the better choice.
There are numerous benefits to cooking with porcelain in addition to its wide temperature safety range. Not only is it freezer and oven safe, it is also microwave safe, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean since it's naturally non stick.
The formal definition of ceramic dinnerware is “made of clay and permanently hardened by heat”. As both china and porcelain includes this as part of their definitions, one can consider ceramic to be interchangeably used with porcelain and china dinnerware.
Most toilets are made from porcelain which is mainly clay that has been fired in a kiln and glazed. It is a hard substance but, like many rigid compositions, it has a narrow tolerance for flex or lateral stress. Over time stress fractures and hairline cracks may develop that are not visible on the surface.
“Popular materials include porcelain, ceramic, and vitreous china,” she explains. “Porcelain is a popular material for toilets because it is affordable and durable. It has been used for many years in the production of bathroom fixtures and is known for its smooth surface that resists stains and scratches.”
The clays used for ceramic tile are less dense than porcelain clays, which means ceramic tiles are somewhat more prone to cracking and breaking. Unglazed ceramic tiles may also need to have sealers applied to the entire tile, not just the grout lines.
Cons to consider:
Although porcelain tile is extremely durable, it does occasionally chip, particularly around the edges. This may not be noticeable with through-body composition, but it is a concern. Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic and other popular flooring materials.
Because of its finish and through body composition the same may not be visible, but it does happen. However, modern porcelain tiles do not crack easily, it must be a particularly unusual circumstance under which a porcelain tile cracks.
Traditional subway tile is glazed ceramic. But you can get subway tile in porcelain, many kinds of natural stone, glass, and more.
In the case of less durable materials such as porcelain, fiberglass, wood and glass, these materials will eventually break down and erode if exposed to drastic temperature shifts over long periods of time. These usually will manifest as cracks, material stripping or warping.
Disadvantages of Ceramic Tile
Compared to porcelain, ceramic tiles are less durable. So, you may want to install ceramic tiles in low-traffic areas and surfaces that don't receive much wear and tear. Ceramic is also more porous than porcelain, which means it absorbs liquids more readily.