Union Tiles: Ceramic VS porcelain tiles

The low-down on ceramic VS porcelain tiles and how to choose the correct tile for your project.

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in a plethora of colours, shapes, sizes and patterns. And while you might think they are “more or less” the same, there are some key differences between the two that you should keep in mind when selecting tiles for your home.

The first thing you should remember is that ceramic and porcelain tiles are made differently, which means they have different characteristics.

Ceramic tiles are made from coarser clay and fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, which means they are less water resistant than porcelain tiles (although if glazed, this is not an issue) and softer. In general, these tiles are also more cost-effective.

Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are essentially ceramic tiles that have been dry pressed into moulds and fired under high pressure, making them more resistant to water absorption and harder than ceramic tiles.

In addition, porcelain tiles are always glazed and available in a larger range of designs and colours, including tiles that mimic real wood and stone.

While both are a good choice for floors and walls indoors, porcelain is the better option for outdoor use as it is less porous (which also makes it a better choice for bathroom and shower floors).

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are heat resistant and good options for kitchen countertop surfaces.

That means that where you plan on using your tiles will ultimately determine the type of tile you purchase.

Once you’ve got that sorted, the fun starts and you can choose between a wide range of colours and shapes.

Here are a few of our favourites from Union Tiles for inspiration: