What's the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?

Question

What are the pros and cons of each, I want a do it your self tile floor in my kitchen and would like to know what i should use.

Answer 1

Porcelain is a higher quality product. Porcelain is more dense, and you can get color body products also. Color body mean that the color goes all the way through the product. a ceramic has a glazing which is only on the surface of the tile.

Answer 2

Hi Alex,

Porcelain is a ceramic tile.  It would be easier to understand by following the link.  The site is #1 for helping folks with their projects when you get ready to start.  Good luck!

Answer 3

There is a common misconception about porcelain tiles and that is that when you choose this flooring for a room the color will be even throughout. This can have a direct bearing on your choice when it comes to porcelain vs ceramic tile. Most of the porcelain tiles out there are not all the same color, in fact less than five percent of the floors with these tiles are evenly tones. There is actually a name for this kind of tile and it is called Through Body Porcelain. This is not the regular kind of porcelain that you buy, it is specially made.

Most of the porcelain out there on the market today is glazed and if it gets cracked or chipped you will see the under layer of the porcelain and it is not going to be the same color as the top of the tile. It is as simple as that. This is something that you need to understand before you choose sides in the war between porcelain vs ceramic tile.

Porcelain is the choice for outdoor patios because it can withstand the elements better, at least in its absorption rate. Porcelain is much denser than regular ceramic tile and this will keep it from absorbing wet and dirt keeping its color much cleaner over time. This is a huge pro on the side of porcelain when it comes to porcelain vs ceramic tile. It is also frost resistant which is great for those of you who live in climates where the winters can be harsher.

You can get really good ceramic tiles that are strong and dense however but they are much more expensive than other ceramic tiles. It all comes down to what your needs are and which room you want the tiles put down in. Look at all of your options when it comes time to choose between porcelain vs ceramic tile and you will make a wise decision.

Answer 4

porcelain tile absorbs less water than regular tile and is denser. I just installed some in my bathroom. It is harder to cut although I had no problem using a manual tile cutter. I would use porcelain in the kitchen.