For a sophisticated look that is durable and easy to clean, tiles are an excellent D.I.Y choice
Many renovation beginners may think of tiles as just being tiles that come in the form of different shapes and colours, patterns and styles. But when it comes to the experts, there is a world of difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. It’s all in the name of the tile used, that will determine what satisfies the “Eyeball Appetite” when it comes to renovating your home. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are essentially the same, with a slight difference. Before you make the huge decision of investing in what could turn out to be an irreversible installation of tile, here are some tricks of the trade you need to know.

Porcelain vs Ceramic Porcelain clays are denser, therefore less absorbent than ceramic clays. This makes the porcelain tile more resistant to moisture than the ceramic tile.
Water Absorption Rate - The porcelain tile has minimal impurities and a water absorption rate of 0.5%. It’s formed of quartz, clay, and feldspar and often contains more kaolin than ceramic tiles.
Are you in? Or out? Setting porcelain or ceramic tile outside is not recommended, however more and more home owners are using tiles for exterior use. Ceramic is usually not durable enough for exterior use, only because it absorbs too much water. Porcelain is expressly designated for exterior use even though stone is the better option.
All the way to the cutting edge… While ceramic is less dense than porcelain, it's also a far easier material for D.I.Y home owners to cut by hand. Porcelain is harder and may require an experienced hand to be cut properly.
Knock Out Round! Porcelain vs Ceramic. Take The Test! Not only is porcelain tile denser than the ceramic tile, it is also considered more durable and better suited for heavy usage. It has a higher content of feldspar, which makes it the most durable.
Take The Test!!
- Chip into the porcelain tile. The colour of the tile continues through the chip and becomes nearly invisible.
- Chip into the ceramic tile. The colour of the tile is different to its top glaze.
Water Absorption Rate - The porcelain tile has minimal impurities and a water absorption rate of 0.5%. It’s formed of quartz, clay, and feldspar and often contains more kaolin than ceramic tiles.
Are you in? Or out? Setting porcelain or ceramic tile outside is not recommended, however more and more home owners are using tiles for exterior use. Ceramic is usually not durable enough for exterior use, only because it absorbs too much water. Porcelain is expressly designated for exterior use even though stone is the better option.
All the way to the cutting edge… While ceramic is less dense than porcelain, it's also a far easier material for D.I.Y home owners to cut by hand. Porcelain is harder and may require an experienced hand to be cut properly.
Knock Out Round! Porcelain vs Ceramic. Take The Test! Not only is porcelain tile denser than the ceramic tile, it is also considered more durable and better suited for heavy usage. It has a higher content of feldspar, which makes it the most durable.
Take The Test!!
- Chip into the porcelain tile. The colour of the tile continues through the chip and becomes nearly invisible.
- Chip into the ceramic tile. The colour of the tile is different to its top glaze.