Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles: What's the Difference?

Both are made from clay and fired in a kiln, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures and with a denser, less porous clay body. 

Porcelain is harder, denser, and absorbs less water than ceramic. It's suitable for both floor and wall applications, including outdoor and wet areas. It's also more resistant to scratching, staining, and frost, which is why it's the recommended choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas. Check the product spec on any floor tile you're considering to confirm whether it's ceramic or porcelain before ordering.

Ceramic is softer, lighter, and easier to cut, which makes it a practical choice for wall tiles where you're not dealing with heavy foot traffic or water pooling. It's generally more affordable than porcelain and comes in a wider range of surface finishes and glazes. Most wall tiles and decorative tiles are ceramic.

The practical rule we'd suggest: use porcelain on floors and in wet areas, ceramic on walls where it won't be subjected to heavy use or standing water. If you're tiling a shower floor or an outdoor area, porcelain is the right call every time.

See our tile range at the Buildmat Selection Centre.