Ceramic or porcelain for bathroom areas? Which is best?

Is it best to choose ceramic or porcelain for bathroom areas? You will find a whole host of tiles are available in both these materials and it really can be confusing to know the difference. Both porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles have their benefits. Both are durable, water resistant and available in beautiful designs. So which is best for the bathroom? In our blog we explore which is the best pick ie ceramic or porcelain for bathroom areas but first let’s start with some basics and find out a little more about these materials.

The basics of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles

Ceramic tiles are produced from a mixture of natural clay and water and baked in a kiln. They are generally cheaper than porcelain tiles and because of their make-up they are easier to cut and lighter to handle. However, ceramic tiles are not as water resistant as porcelain tiles and because they are lighter, whilst still robust, they can also be more prone to chipping. This makes ceramic tiles ideal for bathrooms with lighter usage or walls where perhaps weight bearing may be a concern. In addition, if budget or time is key, then ceramic tiles could be a good pick because they are faster and easier to work with than porcelain tiles. In addition for tight spaces smaller ceramic tiles can make working around fixtures and fittings easier.

Porcelain tiles are manufactured from a more refined mix of clay than ceramic tiles and fired at higher temperatures. This makes them denser and more durable. Because of their make up they are highly resistant to scratching and staining and even more water resistant than ceramic tiles making them ideal for wet areas. However, they are more difficult to cut and heavier to handle. Porcelain tiles are perfect for bathroom floors as they get the most wear and tear and if you want the crème de la crème, then opt for porcelain for walls too.

Key areas

Let’s take a look at some specifics and the areas you want your tiles to perform in the bathroom and compare these two materials:

Water Resistance – porcelain is better in wet environments with a porosity rate of less than 0.5%. This makes porcelain tiles an ideal choice for busy bathroom floors and the walls inside the shower.

Durability – definitely porcelain. Porcelain tiles are highly scratch and stain resistant so they are ultra durable and perfect for family or well-used bathrooms.

Installation – ceramic tiles are softer and therefore easier to cut and lighter to handle than ceramic tiles which can make them a more cost effective option. They can be a better choice for really tricky, small spaces with fiddly cuts and work arounds.

Style – both porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are available in the most amazing, beautiful designs. However, porcelain tiles can mimic other materials more accurately with collections housing tiles that look like marble, wood, concrete, cement and all kinds of stone.

To sum up

If durability, water resistance and high-end design are your thing then porcelain is the better pick. But if you are on a tight budget, tight time frame and in a tight space then the lighter ceramic tiles offer plenty of style.

Mixing the two A really great idea can be to combine the two with porcelain tiles your choice for the floor, which is likely to take more wear and tear, and shower walls that will take a lot of water. That leaves ceramic tiles for those drier and less used areas such as behind basins and baths.

Ultimately whichever you choose, it is key that your tiles are installed by a professional to ensure they last for years to come and continue to look beautiful. Both porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are a brilliant option for bathrooms – we hope we’ve made it easier to choose ceramic or porcelain tiles for your bathroom!

Ceramic or porcelain? Gallery

Knot Porcelain Wooden Effect Tiles – Honey

Arc Porcelain Feature tiles – Mint and Aqua

Hush ceramic kit kat tiles in Olive and Ochre

Dune porcelain beige marble effect tile

Element porcelain natural stone effect tile – Sand

Season Caramel Porcelain floor tiles and ceramic wall tiles

Want to know more?

Click the images to head straight to these tiles on our website. Working on a project? We’d love to help! Get in touch and let us start searching for beautiful tiles with you!

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The TilePortfolio specialise in Italian and Spanish Porcelain and Ceramic tiles, in particular large format Porcelains and Porcelain tiles for inside and outside. Our carefully curated, stunning tile portfolios are beautifully presented online and supported by our fuss-free ‘go-the-extra-tile’ service. In addition, you can view our entire tile collection at our Northamptonshire Showroom. Visit our website for unmissable interiors inspiration. The TilePortfolio team are always available to chat, we’d be delighted to help with your project so please do get in touch.

Please note: We strongly recommend using a professional tiler for your project. Installation requirements may vary depending on the tiles you choose, the fixing products used and the specific conditions. Always check with your tiler regards the suitability of the tiles. Please get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Ceramic or porcelain for bathroom areas? Which is best?