Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tiles

When it comes to your next renovation or new home in Perth you might be torn between choosing porcelain or ceramic tiles. Deciding which one to use can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you have no idea what types to use and are available or how to go about selecting them. We at Aurora Stone are here to assist you in making a decision for your home depending on your requirements, budget, and aesthetic preferences. 

There are several variables to consider when choosing between the two types of tiles. At Aurora Stone we provide both types of tiles which are commonly used together. However, they are not the same. If you’re considering your tile alternatives, consider the following difference:

What is the difference?

There are many similarities between porcelain and ceramic tiles. To the casual observer, it’s nearly impossible to tell the two apart. The majority of technical differences between porcelain and ceramic are in material composition and durability.

In terms of composition, porcelain tile has a substantially denser composition than ceramic tile, and this is the key difference between the two, and understanding this difference will help you make your decision. Porcelain is more resistant to water and air absorption, plus it is more capable of delaying the onset of the aging process. In comparison to ceramic and other non-porcelain tiles, porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5 percent of the total amount of water that they are exposed to.

The colour within porcelain tiles frequently runs the length of the tile design. Therefore, it’s a good idea to carefully check this before making your selection, as some inexpensive porcelain choices don’t include the customary characteristic.

Another key factor of porcelain tiles depends on the raw materials used in their production. Because clay is denser, there are fewer pores in the finished product. This has an impact on what you can expect the tiles to achieve.

Even though ceramic is a porous material, it is only suitable for internal application due to its tendency to absorb moisture. Therefore, porcelain is a preferable choice for Perth customers who are looking for the highest level of quality, Aurora Stone is your top supplier for porcelain tiles in Perth.

Exactly how do they get made?

There are many similarities between ceramic and porcelain tiles. You may not always be able to determine them apart based on a quick glance at the products. Even though both tiles are made from clay and kiln-fired, porcelain is distinctly different, as it is made from denser clays that are burnt at higher temperatures for a longer period.

• Porcelain tiles are baked above elevated temperatures for a longer time, resulting in a denser and much more durable material that is essentially resistant to water.
• Ceramic tiles are much more fragile and far less absorbent, enabling them to retain more water.

Difference in appearance

Aside from their functionality, the appearance of these tiles is worth noting. They come in a range of shades and patterns thanks to new technology and constantly moving trends.

• Every atom of porcelain tiles bears the colour or design that’s been applied throughout. As a result, it’s less visible should it get chipped.
• With ceramic tiles, the colour difference between the tile’s body and the surface makes it more obvious if it’s chipped as the colour is only applied to the top layer of the tile, therefore you’ll see the clay underneath.

How much does Porcelain cost in comparison to Ceramic?

Porcelain

Porcelain affords designers and homeowners a way to achieve a stone look without the cost-prohibitive price tag of real stone. In comparison to ceramic tiles, porcelain is more expensive to produce, and consequently demands a higher price.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are less expensive than porcelain tiles in view of the less expensive production process. On average, ceramic tiles cost 60 – 70 percent less than porcelain tiles.

Density and durability

Porcelain tiles are denser and less permeable than ceramic tiles, making them more durable. Consequently, it means that they are more resistant to wear and tear, and do not absorb as much water. As a result, they are ideal for high foot traffic areas in both internal and external applications. Porcelain is an exceptional flooring material for areas such as hallways, kitchen and commercial spaces.

Ceramic tiles on the other hand, are just as beautiful as any other material. It is ideal for usage throughout a normal bathroom, especially given the large variety of designs available. We suggest you can consider using ceramic for your home improvement projects to make cost effective savings.

Which tile to pick at Aurora Stone?

You can form an opinion as to the differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles and whether you want to blend the two. Ceramic for indoors and porcelain for both indoor and outdoor application. At Aurora Stone we have both porcelain and ceramic tiles available.

Whether you’re looking for high-quality sintered porcelain that Perth residents can rely on, or you want the option of a huge selection of ceramic tiles that are perfect for every home design, we have what you are looking for. Call us today at (08) 9258 8800, and we’ll be happy to assist you with your enquiry!