Which Are Better: Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles?

Perfect Application For Porcelain

• Porcelain tiles are often made from a light-colored clay that contains little iron oxide. Porcelain clay is denser than ceramic clay, and is baked at a higher temperature and for a longer time. The longer and hotter drying time makes porcelain more durable and water resistant than ceramic. Full-body porcelain is the highest quality of porcelain tile; it is left unglazed and the color extends through the entire tile. Typically, porcelain has an extremely low water absorption rate of less than 0.5 percent. This low absorption rate renders porcelain frost proof, making it ideal for outdoor purposes.

Ceramic

• Ceramic tiles are often used for walls, kitchen and bathroom floors and counter tops. They are typically made out of natural clays and sand, giving them a darker red-brown color. Once formed, ceramic tiles are baked in a kiln to remove as much moisture as possible. However, most ceramic tiles have a water absorption rate of higher than 0.05 percent. This makes them susceptible to freezing and means that they are more likely to crack if used outside. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze that carries the color and pattern. This type of tile is also softer than porcelain, making it easier to cut and install.

The Importance Of PEI Rating

• Tiles are rated by the Porcelain Enamel Institute on the basis of how and where the tiles will be used. The PEI scale has six classes. Class 0 is the lowest and Class 5 is the highest. Typically, ceramic tiles fall into Class 0 to Class 3. A Class 0 tile is best suited as a wall tile and should never be used for a floor. Class 1 tiles are suitable for floors that experience low foot traffic, usually bare or sock-covered feet only — as in a master bathroom or spa room. The best ceramic tiles are Class 3 — suited for moderate foot traffic, good for most residential purposes. Porcelain tiles are available in all PEI ratings. Class 4 and 5 porcelain tiles are reserved for areas of high traffic such as in a commercial building or kitchen counters where abrasive objects are commonly used.

Traffic Determines Choice

• Porcelain is definitely more durable and longer lasting than ceramic, but it's more difficult to work with and more expensive. A ceramic tile with a low water absorption rating and a PEI of Class 3 is less expensive, easier to work with and suitable to almost all residential purposes. Even though porcelain is less likely to chip and show wear, it might be more than you need. Unless you are looking for a porcelain tile for outdoor use, or on a floor that experiences abrasive traffic, ceramic will serve your needs just fine.