Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles: What Should You Choose?

The practical difference

Porcelain and ceramic are both widely used for homes, but they are not interchangeable in every room. The right choice depends on the exact product, where it will be installed and how the surface will be used.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain is generally denser than standard ceramic. It is available in products made for floors, wet areas and outdoor use, as well as decorative wall finishes.

It can be a good option where you want:

• a hard-wearing floor finish;
• a product rated for a wet or outdoor area;
• larger tile formats; or
• a stone, concrete or timber look with a tiled surface.

Dense or large porcelain tiles can take more cutting and handling. The surface also needs to be suitable for the tile size and intended layout.

Ceramic tiles

Ceramic is often used on indoor walls and splashbacks. It is available in a wide range of colours, shapes and glazed finishes, and many products are straightforward to cut around fittings.

It can be a practical option for:

• kitchen splashbacks;
• bathroom wall tiles;
• feature walls; and
• other indoor areas where the exact tile is rated for use.

Not every ceramic tile is made for floors, wet areas or outdoors. Check the product information before ordering.

Questions to ask before choosing

Where will the tile go?

A kitchen splashback has different demands from a bathroom floor, balcony or entry. Start with the room and surface, then narrow the choices.

Is the finish comfortable and practical?

Think about grip, cleaning, glare, texture and how the colour will work with grout. For floors and outdoor areas, use the manufacturer's suitability and slip information for the exact product.

How will the size affect the room?

Tile size changes the number of grout lines, the layout and the number of cuts. Large tiles do not automatically suit every floor or wall.

What happens at the edges?

Corners, niches, benches, doors and adjoining floors all affect the finish. Discuss trims, mitred edges and transitions before the tiles are ordered.

Choose the product, not only the label

There are many types of porcelain and ceramic tile. Compare the rating, finish, dimensions and intended use of the exact product rather than assuming one material is always better.

If you have shortlisted tiles, send the product details with photos and measurements of the area. Ace can discuss how the tile choice may affect installation.

Ask Ace about your tiling plans.