Ceramic Tile Compared To Porcelain Tile

Ceramic tile can be slightly more prone to water infiltration than is porcelain tile though these differences are fairly minimal if the ceramic tile is glazed.

Ceramic tile compared to porcelain tile. The clays used in porcelain tend to have fewer impurities than clays used in ceramic tiles and have more kaolin and feldspar. Porcelain comes in mosaics but usually starts at 2 inches in size skips up to 6 or 8 inches then 12 inches. This ultimately results in a denser and more durable tile. Ceramic tiles come in far more colors and sizes than porcelain ranging from inch mosaic to 16 inch or larger tiles.

According to the astm standards porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0 5 percent or lower. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that s fired in a kiln but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it s fired at higher temperatures. Ceramic tiles are kiln fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles making them less dense softer and more porous. Ceramic tiles are made with red brown or white clay while porcelain tiles are almost exclusively made with refined and purified white clay.

Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate. The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it s made. If you chip a porcelain tile no change in color occurs.