Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are fired clay products, but the differences in their manufacturing process result in significantly different performance characteristics that affect their suitability for different applications.
Key Differences
Porcelain tiles are made from denser, more refined clay and fired at higher temperatures (1,200–1,400°C), resulting in a denser body with very low water absorption (typically <0.5%). Ceramic tiles are fired at lower temperatures, producing a more porous body (water absorption 3–10%).
When to Specify Porcelain
- High-traffic commercial flooring
- Exterior applications exposed to rain
- Wet areas such as bathrooms and pools
- Areas requiring chemical resistance
