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Porcelain or ceramic? The differences in one table
Both are clay tiles fired in a kiln. The difference is in the clay, the firing temperature and how much water the finished tile soaks up — and that decides where each one can go.
Side by side
Water absorption
- Porcelain
- 0.5% or less
- Ceramic
- Usually above 3%; wall tiles often 10% or more
Body
- Porcelain
- Dense and hard, fired hotter
- Ceramic
- Softer and lighter
Floors
- Porcelain
- Yes, including busy areas
- Ceramic
- Light-traffic indoor floors only, if rated for floors
Wet areas and outdoors
- Porcelain
- Yes, when the product is rated for it
- Ceramic
- Walls in wet areas; not for outdoor use
Cutting
- Porcelain
- Harder — a good wet saw or cutter helps
- Ceramic
- Easier to cut and shape
What the numbers mean
Tiles are classed by how much water they absorb (ISO 13006). Porcelain is the group that absorbs 0.5% or less of its weight in water. Less water in the tile means it is less likely to stain, crack in frost or wear through.
The figure is on the product’s technical sheet. If it isn’t on our product page, ask us for it before you buy.
Glazed or through-body
- Most porcelain today is glazed: the pattern is printed on a glaze fired onto the surface. If a glazed tile chips, the body underneath can show a different colour.
- Through-body (or colour-body) porcelain carries the colour through the tile, so chips and wear show less — useful for commercial floors and outdoor areas.
Which one for your room
Floors, showers, kitchens and anything outside: porcelain. Feature walls, splashbacks and handmade looks: ceramic works well and is easier to cut around outlets and edges.