The Difference Between Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Shawn and Monica from Guhde Flooring America in Painesville, Ohio explain the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile.

While they might look and feel similar when installed, there are real, substantive differences between the two materials.

Porcelain is composed of finer, more densely packed clay that results in a more durable, weatherproof surface.

[HouseFairyDIY]

I'm very happy I went for porcelain floor tiles. I have fitted ceramic in the past but now I wouldn't dream of doing that! They are far too brittle for a floor. Perfect for walls though! I laid my porcelain floor tiles about eight months ago and have dropped lots of things on them but they have not chipped. One of the best things about them is that if one does chip it won't matter as the tile is the same colour throughout, unlike ceramic tiles that only have the colour on the surface. Porcelain tiles are very easy to cut on a diamond tile cutting machine, which can be bought for about £50. Use a good quality diamond cutting saw though. Very very easy to use these machines and I had no wastage....not one tile broke while being cut.

[MrWhitelightning]

Excellent video. We are sold on our porcelain tile flooring 😊

[friendlyneighborhoodtileguy]

Porcelain and ceramics are in the same family. In fact, all porcelain tiles are also ceramic.

In order for a porcelain tile to be classified as such it must pass rigorous testing. Once the tile has been fired it is then weighed. After the weight is recorded it is then soaked in water for a specified amount of time. The tile is then weighed again. A porcelain tile cannot absorb more than 1/2 of 1% (.005 or less) of its body weight in water.

To achieve the higher density porcelain tiles are made from different clays than ceramics are. Porcelain tile is also fired at a much higher temperature as well.

[davestott]

It’s simple, ceramic for interior walls only, porcelain is a vitrified process, and come in different toughness, fully vitrified is frost resistant and will absorb no moisture, and the grades work down from easy way to tell is to drop a little water on the back of the tile, if it soaks in it’s a ceramic tile, if it beads off it’s a porcelain tile, simple..

[cindydouglass]

This explanation put forth in the video is confusing! Porcelain is a type of ceramic. Generally, there are Porcelain, Stoneware, and Earthenware types of clay bodies under the category of material called "Ceramic".

Porcelain's water absorption rate is usually 1% or less. This is what makes porcelain a good choice for outdoors (freezing weather is less likely to crack a porcelain tile since there is less water in the tile to expand when frozen).

Stoneware, as a rule, has an absorption rate of about 2-5% absorption rate. Some stoneware clay bodies have a lower absorption rate, making it a good choice for pottery dishes along with porcelain. (Dishes are subjected to a lot of abuse from absorbing water in a dishwasher to superfast heating in a microwave.)

Lastly, earthenware is a clay body that can absorb around 10%-15 water. Items made from this clay body are not meant for microwave use, but can be used just like other clay bodies. The clay's absorption of water means that these tiles might help keep a home more comfortable in an arid climate.

[WinsantStore]

Most buyers don't know which one to Basically people will go after, what fits in their budget and give the best look for their home or office.

[KZ-yjop]

You didn't go into the differences at all.

[us]

watch out for crooks in the tile bus. they order way to much tile for you and then charge a re stoking fee that excessive watch out

[jamalsalam]

I appreciate your information but the number you have mentioned is not accurate, I am 40 years floor and wall expert to talk about floor and wall you can’t make a general statement you should categorize the subject any how something better than nothing .

[TDL-TheDARKLordxx]

Which one is good ceramic or porcelain ?

[MrJoshcc]

No freezing here in Florida but I see a lot of porcelain have problem with cleaners leaving steaks and spots

[bRytine]

Thanks for sharing this info, God blessed to your channel :)

[jzhott]

Ceramic
less expensive
More options great availability
Shorter life span
Not water resistant

Porcelain
More durable than ceramic
Water resistant
Less expensive to marble granite etc

They summed it up fairly well not sure what else people wanted to hear
Ceramic is used more by industrial applications or quick home flippers. If building luxury homes or for yourself use porcelain. If no traffic ceramic works great for wall and back splash ideas. The quality of both depends on placement as do all types of tiles and materials. Marble is expensive but also slippery so not ideal in heavy walkway areas so up to you.

[mika]

What do you suggest cleaning porcelain tile floor with. After mopping, and after it dries, I still leave footprints when I walk on the floors. It's so frustrating. With shoes as well as with socks on. Please help me. Thanks

[adrianashby]

she clearly ha done no homework on the firing process difference. "packed tighter" hmmm ok!!

[sweetjesus]

Are porcelain tiles not double fired as opposed single fired ceramic tiles? please correct me if i'm wrong

[adamakaru]

Hoi Shawn, & Monica my question is what from? and how porcelain been made?. And is porcelain, made with Diatomaceous, earth? thank you.

[dtdmotors]

it is very good informationa to know, thanks

[rednalgas]

Yeah but like, which one is more slippery when wet?

[LocalPoolRenovations]

Porcelain/Ceramic are both much better than glass tiles especially for swimming pool interiors.