Ceramic Tile vs Porcelain Tile. How to Differentiate?

What are ceramic tiles?

Ceramic tile is typically made by combining a clay foundation with various minerals and water. A stoneware clay body will be fired at roughly 1,800-2,000°F and absorb water at a rate of 0.5%-3.0%, with some as high as 20%!

What are Porcelain Tiles?

On the other hand, porcelain tile is constructed of clay, sand, and feldspar. Feldspar is a mineral that occurs naturally in granite. The sand fortifies the combination while the feldspar melts, fusing all the components together and making the tile denser than a typical ceramic tile, therefore stronger (30% stronger than granite!) and stain resistant. The porcelain tile will be burned at temperatures as high as 2,300°F. The greater firing temperature will push out more water. The tile will be significantly more impermeable as the feldspar melts to form a low-order glass.

Difference between ceramic & porcelain tile

• Ceramic tiles are made of natural clays, sand and water, which are hardened permanently by baking in a kiln. Porcelain tiles are made of refined clays, sand and water, hence Porcelain tiles are ceramic tiles that are heated and hardened at very high temperatures.
• Ceramic tiles are slightly porous. Porcelain tiles are very dense and impervious, highly resistant to water and more stain-resistant than ceramic tiles.
• Ceramic tiles are not very strong; they are brittle and prone to cracking and getting chipped. Porcelain tiles have strong material strength and do not easily break or get cracked.
• Ceramic tiles are cheaper than Porcelain tiles.
• Ceramic tiles are lightweight, while Porcelain tiles are heavier as they are composed of very dense material.
• Ceramic tiles are used mainly in the interiors. Porcelain tiles are used in both the interiors as well as the exteriors.
• Ceramic tiles are soft and easier to cut than Porcelain tiles.
• Ceramic Tiles are finished with a top glaze that incorporates the tile’s colour, pattern and texture. A Full Body Porcelain tile carries the colour and pattern throughout the thickness of the tile.
• Ceramic tiles are appropriate for residential use, while Porcelain tiles are suitable for residential purposes and areas of light commercial traffic.