What are the advantages of porcelain tile over ceramic?

What are the advantages of porcelain tile over ceramic? It's one of the questions we get asked the most.

These materials are very often confused and whilst there are similarities they are quite different and with porcelain tending to be more expensive than ceramic it pays to know the difference.

Abode Sand porcelain tiles to floor and co-ordinating ceramic tiles to walls.

Durability

Porcelain as a material is exceptionally hardwearing. Porcelain tiles are fired at a much higher temperature than ceramics and made from a mixture of finer clays. This makes for a heavier, denser material than ceramic.

Porcelain is therefore a perfect choice for areas of the home that are busier so it is simply brilliant for kitchens, open plan areas, entrance hallways and more. It also makes porcelain an ideal choice for bathroom floors.

Ceramic tiles will wear more quickly than porcelain and if installed correctly porcelain delivers a much more robust flooring material as it is less prone to cracking.

Beat Grey porcelain tiles are perfect for busy kitchens

Let's go outside

Another advantage of porcelain tile over ceramic is porcelain's low water absorption. Because it is less than 0.5% (ceramics is slightly higher) it is perfect for outside spaces too.

Porcelain is also frost and fade resistant so come rain or shine, it will perform. And tiles come in surface textures that provide more grip for outside - in fact many of our collections feature tiles that can be used inside and outside and co-ordinate so you can create that amazing flow across thresholds and connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

So if you are asking what are the advantages of porcelain over ceramic, this is a key one.

Our new Stride collection featuring Stride Arena 9mm inside and 2cm outside tiles

Porcelain is so easy to look after!

Some types of flooring require quite a lot of maintenance for example marble floors or hardwood. Porcelain is a cinch in comparison. A mop and water will usually do the trick.

Tile Size

Porcelain is denser than ceramic and tile sizes tend to be larger. That said, there are some stunning large format ceramics available - our collections house many 900 x 320mm and 1000 x 333mm ceramic tiles, however, if you want to go super large, then porcelain it is - typically 1200 x 600, 900 x 900 or 1200 x 1200mm tiles are porcelain.

So whilst porcelain will be more tricky to work with in smaller spaces with lots of angles if you love the large format look then porcelain is your go to.

Bliss Grey Porcelain tiles to floor and 1800 x 1000mm porcelain sheets to wall

Beat White in Contour finish in 1000 x 1000 to floor and 1800 x 1000 to walls.

Shapes, sizes and finishes

Porcelain is generally available in a much larger choice of sizes and finishes than ceramics. So collections house several sizes and finishes for the same tile. This gives great design flexibility. Opting for different shapes eg square and rectangular for floor and wall for example or opting for one finish for a wetroom floor and another for walls.

Also, porcelain is a winner with pets - different finishes can be more or less slippy for pooches paws and claws and food bowls are no contest for porcelain's highly scratch resistant surfacing.

Porcelain is a winner with Otto, The TilePortfolio beloved mini wire-haired dachsund! Click to read our blog on porcelain for pets!

What are the advantages of porcelain tile over ceramic? This durable, scratch resistant material is perfect for the floors in your home, easy to clean and with the right care will look amazing in years to come!

Want to know more about our impeccably stylish Spanish and Italian tiles porcelain tiles? Click on the links to find out more or you can order samples via our website or get in touch with us. We'd be delighted to help with your project.

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 and tile consultancy service. 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. www.thetileportfolio.co.uk.

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.