Porcelain Tiles vs Ceramic Tiles: What Are the Real Differences?

When choosing tiles for your home, a common question arises: porcelain or ceramic? They may look similar, but their technical performance is very different and impacts durability, water resistance and long-term use.

1. Composition and production process

Porcelain tiles are made from dense ceramic mixtures fired at very high temperatures (over 1200°C), resulting in an extremely compact, strong and non-porous material.

Ceramic tiles (red or white body) are fired at lower temperatures and are more porous and less resistant.

2. Water absorption

Porcelain has < 0.5% absorption, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and heavy-use floors.

Ceramic absorbs significantly more water and is better suited for wall applications.

3. Resistance and durability

• Porcelain tiles: highly resistant to impact, scratches, stains and abrasion.
• Ceramic tiles: less durable, recommended mainly for walls.

4. Formats

Porcelain tiles offer modern formats such as 60×60, 80×80, 90×90, 60×120, 120×120 and wood-effect planks like 20×120, 30×120, 26×160.

5. Aesthetic options

Porcelain realistically reproduces concrete, stone, wood, marble, metal and decorative patterns.

6. When porcelain is the best choice

• High-traffic floors
• Bathrooms and kitchens
• Wet areas
• Covered outdoor areas (R10) and outdoor floors (R11)
• Modern interiors with large formats

Conclusion

Porcelain tiles offer superior durability, versatility and aesthetics, making them the preferred choice for modern homes.