Ceramic or Porcelain: Which one’s the best?

What is a Porcelain Tile?

Technically speaking, porcelain is a type of ceramic. However, porcelain is crafted from a higher grade of clay and is treated and constructed at relatively higher temperatures than ceramic. Thus, a porcelain tile is much harder and relatively denser than a ceramic tile. Porcelain is also noticeably less porous and significantly more durable than ceramic.

Types of Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and Porcelain tiles are available in a variety of types and forms. The difference between porcelain and ceramic is not noticeable right off the bat. To gauge the difference between porcelain and ceramic, you have to be sort of an expert. Porcelain tiles price and ceramic tiles price also vary based on a lot of factors. They are used based on the specific requirements as there are different use cases for both types of tiles. The ceramic tile and porcelain tiles are built to serve different purposes. Most tiles are classified according to their strength. One gauge of strength is the thickness of the tile. Other factors are the composition, the temperature and duration of firing on the kiln, etc. To help you understand the different types of ceramics and porcelain, refer to the distinguishing factors i.e. hardness ratings below. The scale of hardness is called the PEI scale.

PE Class 0 - No Foot Traffic

This type of tile is only suitable for walls. This class of tile should not be installed on floors as they are not as hard and weight-bearing as the other types.

PE Class 1 - Light Foot Traffic

This type of porcelain or ceramic tile works best in areas where wear and tear are pretty less, like a guest bathroom.

PE Class 2 - Medium Foot Traffic

These types of ceramic and porcelain tiles are specifically designed to be used in areas like the interiors of a house. Class 2 tiles are particularly designed for areas where there is light abrasion. Class 2 tiles are not approved for kitchens or stairwells.

PE Class 3 - Medium to Heavy Foot Traffic

Class 3 tiles are built to be used anywhere inside a home, including kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms etc.

PE Class 4 - Heavy Foot Traffic

This class of porcelain tile or ceramic tile is used in light to medium commercial areas. This could mean small hotels, resorts etc.

PE Class 5 - Extra Heavy Foot Traffic

This type of ceramic tile or tiles porcelain can be used anywhere. They are mostly found in stores and commercial spaces like malls etc. These tiles are designed to withstand extremely heavy loads of foot traffic. 

Ceramic vs. Porcelain tile: How to Distinguish?

The easiest and most ideal way of checking whether a tile is a porcelain or a ceramic is to check the packaging. The packaging usually indicates whether a tile is a porcelain or ceramic. There are also a few litmus test level approaches to distinguish between the two.

• Textured porcelain tiles are denser, and are hence heavier than ceramic tiles.

• Typically, porcelain tiles have a smoother finish and texture than ceramic ones. Ceramic tiles feel relatively coarse in feel.