How is porcelain tile different from ceramic tile?

As a leading provider of premium tiles in the UK, Surfaces Tiles aims to provide our customers with comprehensive knowledge about different types of tiles. This blog post will delve into the fascinating world of porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles, highlighting their differences and helping you make informed decisions for your next tile project. Whether you're considering wall tiles, floor tiles, kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles, or outdoor tiles, understanding the disparities between porcelain and ceramic tiles is essential. Read on to discover the unique characteristics and benefits of porcelain tiles and how they set themselves apart from their ceramic counterparts.

Composition and Manufacturing Process:

Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are made from a special type of clay. Known for their high density and low porosity. This clay is fired at extremely high temperatures. Resulting in a dense, durable, and moisture-resistant tile. The manufacturing process involves compressing the clay under intense pressure, ensuring the final product is exceptionally strong. Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, minerals, and water. Compared to porcelain tiles, these tiles require less heat when being fired. Resulting in a more porous and less dense structure. This makes ceramic tiles better suited for indoor applications with lower foot traffic.

Durability and Strength:

Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are famous for their exceptional durability. The high firing temperatures make them extremely strong, and resistant to scratches, stains, and fading. Their dense structure enables them to withstand heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for high-traffic areas such as commercial spaces or busy households. Ceramic Tiles: While ceramic tiles are durable, they are generally not as strong as porcelain tiles. They are more susceptible to chipping and cracking under significant pressure. Consequently, ceramic tiles are more commonly used for residential spaces with lighter foot traffic.

Water Absorption:

Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles have an incredibly low water absorption rate, typically less than 0.5%. This property makes them highly resistant to water damage, making them suitable for areas exposed to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. Porcelain tiles are also less prone to freeze-thaw damage, making them an excellent choice for outdoor applications in colder climates. Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate, usually around 3% to 7%. While they are still suitable for most indoor applications, they may not be the best choice for areas with high humidity or direct water exposure.

Design Options:

Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles offer a wide range of design options, including various colors, patterns, and textures. Modern manufacturing techniques can even mimic the appearance of natural materials like stone or wood, providing versatile options for both classic and contemporary designs. Ceramic Tiles: Similar to porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles come in a variety of designs. However, the options may be more limited when compared to porcelain. Ceramic tiles are available in an array of colors and patterns, offering ample opportunities to personalize your space. The differences between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles lie in their composition, durability, water absorption, and design options. While both types of tiles have their merits, porcelain tiles, with their superior strength, low water absorption, and wide range of design choices, are often the preferred choice for high-traffic areas, bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor applications. At Surfaces Tiles, we take pride in offering an extensive collection of porcelain tiles in the UK. Visit our website or Instagram & Facebook to explore our diverse range of wall tiles, floor tiles, kitchen tiles, bathroom tiles, and outdoor tiles. We also offer free tile samples, allowing you to experience the quality and beauty of our porcelain tiles firsthand.