Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles: Key Differences | Besso

While they may look similar at first glance, these materials vary in composition, durability, and ideal usage. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, updating your kitchen, or upgrading a high-traffic hallway, knowing how porcelain vs ceramic tiles compare can help you make a more confident, informed decision. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison from your Besso Floor & Decor experts to get you started:

Feature	Porcelain Tile	Ceramic Tile
Water Absorption	Less than 0.5% (highly water-resistant)	Higher than 0.5% (not fully waterproof)
Cost	Generally more expensive	More affordable
Location	Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor areas	Best for dry areas like bedrooms, living rooms
Composition	Made from refined clay and fired at higher temperatures	Made from natural red, brown, or white clay
Hardness	Denser and harder	Softer and easier to cut
Body Water Resistance	Very low — suitable for wet environments	Moderate — can absorb more moisture
Top Water Resistance	Glazed surface offers water protection	Glazed, but not as impervious as porcelain

Note: Many people think porcelain and ceramic tiles are interchangeable, but understanding their distinct qualities helps you pick the right tile for your space, budget, and lifestyle choices too.

Key Takeaways

Porcelain tiles are more durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic tiles are more budget-friendly and easier to work with, perfect for decorative walls and low-traffic areas like bedrooms, home offices, and formal dining rooms.
Water resistance is the main functional difference: porcelain absorbs far less water than ceramic does.
Both offer stylish finishes, and you can choose based on where and how you plan to use them.

How to Tell the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic

Even experienced installers and contractors sometimes need a closer look. Professionals may use specialized tools or moisture absorption tests to verify tile type. But here are a few simple ways to tell them apart:

Weight and Density: Porcelain is denser and heavier than ceramic.
Water Test: If unglazed, porcelain will absorb very little water — a standard industry test.
Appearance: Ceramic tiles often have a red or brown clay body under the glaze, while porcelain is typically white or grey throughout.
Touch: Porcelain feels smoother and harder to the touch; ceramic may feel slightly more porous or textured.

Advantages of Porcelain

Porcelain tiles offer a range of advantages that make them a great choice for both residential and commercial spaces. They’re:

Highly water-resistant — perfect for showers, laundry rooms, and even exterior walls or enclosed porches.
Exceptionally durable — ideal for high-traffic areas such as entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Low maintenance — resists stains, scratches, and surface wear.
Compatible with radiant floor heating due to its density.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Low wastage thanks to clean cutting edges; easier to do miter cuts and joints. (Glazed tiles may chip more easily.)

Where Porcelain Works Best

Bathroom floors and showers
Kitchen floors and backsplashes
Outdoor patios and walkways
Entryways, hallways, and mudrooms
Furnace rooms, basements, workshops
Commercial applications

Disadvantages of Porcelain

Higher cost — you’re paying for long-term performance.
Harder to cut — its density makes precision tools necessary.
Heavier — may require added support for vertical installations.

Advantages of Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are a versatile, budget-friendly option that perform well in the right settings. They’re:

More affordable — excellent for tight renovation budgets.
Easier to cut and install — ideal for DIY projects and intricate shapes.
Lightweight — great for feature walls and backsplashes.
Available in countless colours, patterns, and finishes.
Simple to maintain in dry areas (unglazed tiles may require sealing).

Where Ceramic Works Best

Living rooms and bedrooms
Wall features and backsplashes
Low-traffic floors
Decorative accents

Disadvantages of Ceramic

Not as water-resistant — avoid using ceramic in showers or wet zones.
Less durable — can chip or crack under heavy use or impact.
More prone to staining, especially if unglazed.
May fade or show wear faster in direct sunlight or busy areas.

Conclusion

When comparing ceramic vs porcelain tiles for showers, kitchens, or floors, your choice should come down to where the tiles will go and what kind of performance you need. If you need something highly durable and waterproof, porcelain is the way to go. If you’re after affordability and design flexibility in dry areas, ceramic is a perfect fit.

Whether you choose ceramic or porcelain, our curated selection at Besso ensures you’ll find the right style and quality for your project.

Need help choosing? Visit our Markham or Etobicoke showrooms to explore in person and speak with our design team. You’ll also enjoy: