Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles | What's the Difference?

Thinking about new tiles for your kitchen splashback, bathroom floor, or perhaps that sunny patio area? You’ve likely stumbled across the terms ‘ceramic’ and ‘porcelain’. They look similar, feel similar, and are often grouped together.

But here’s the secret. While they’re related, they’re definitely not the same thing.

Getting it right is super important to ensure your tiles look great and last for years in the Aussie climate, whether you’re battling the heat in Perth or humidity elsewhere. So, let’s break down the great Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles debate in simple terms.

Think of it like this. All porcelain tiles are ceramic. But not all ceramic tiles are porcelain. Confusing? Don’t worry, we’ll clear it up.

The Main Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

The single biggest difference boils down to water absorption (porosity).

Porcelain tiles are much less porous. True porcelain is defined as absorbing less than 0.5% water. Ceramic tiles typically absorb more than 0.5% of their weight in water.

This makes porcelain essentially waterproof. Ceramic is still water-resistant. Especially when it’s glazed. But it’s more susceptible to moisture over time.

This means porcelain is ideal for areas exposed to a lot of water or moisture (like bathroom floors, outdoor patios, or kitchens). Ceramic tiles, being a bit more porous, are best for dryer spots or where spills can be quickly wiped.

Now that we’ve discovered the key difference in water absorption. Let’s dig deeper into how porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles differ in terms of manufacturing, design, application, durability, and cost. So, you can choose the perfect tile for your space in Perth and beyond.

Ceramic Tiles

How They Are Made?

Ceramic tiles are made from a blend of natural materials like white or red clay, sand, feldspar, quartz, and water. This mixture is dried into a fine powder and then pressed under high pressure into moulds. The tiles are fired at high temperatures (between 1000–1300°C) to reduce moisture and increase durability. After firing, a glaze is applied to give the tile its colour, texture, and finish.

If a ceramic tile is meant for outdoor use, the glaze may include sand or textured particles to improve grip. Glazed ceramic tiles are typically lighter, making them ideal for walls and low-traffic floors, especially in residential or light commercial interiors.

Pros:

• More affordable.
• Wider variety of designs, colours, and patterns (especially decorative ones).
• Easier to cut and install (less likely to chip).
• Great for walls.

Cons:

• Less resistant to wear and tear.
• More prone to chipping or scratching in high-traffic areas.
• Higher water absorption means they’re generally notsuitable for outdoor use or areas constantly exposed to water (like inside a shower cubicle floor). Unless they have a specific, very hard glaze suitable for wet areas.
• Not frost-resistant (not usually an issue in Perth. But something to consider in colder parts of Australia).

Best Places to Use Ceramic Tiles:

If you’re looking for Porcelain Tiles Perth or anywhere else in Australia for demanding areas, porcelain is your go-to. Use them for:

• Interior walls (kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, accent walls).
• Low- to moderate-traffic floors (bedrooms, living rooms, family rooms) See our Living room tiles inspiring options.
• Countertops and backsplashes (ceramic’s cool-to-touch quality is great for hot pans).
• Indoor showers and tub surrounds (as wall tile; for floors, porcelain is usually safer).
• Commercial spaces with light use (shops, offices, showrooms) where style is key over extreme durability.

Porcelain Tiles

How They Are Made?

Porcelain tiles are a denser, more durable version of ceramic tiles. They’re made using a refined mix of kaolin (white clay), feldspar, quartz, and mineral oxides. This composition allows the tiles to be pressed with extremely high force and fired at even higher temperatures (typically above 1250°C).

This results in a vitrified (glass-like) structure that’s harder, stronger, and far more resistant to wear, water, and stains. Porcelain tile strength comes from three key factors:

1. Ultra-fine, high-quality raw materials
2. Extreme pressing pressure
3. High-temperature firing, leading to vitrification

Because of this dense structure, porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% water. This makes them perfect for high-traffic floors, bathrooms, outdoor areas, and even swimming pools.

Glazed porcelain tiles have a decorative top layer just like ceramic. However, vitrified porcelain tiles, don’t need glazing. The colour and texture run through the tile body. This means even if they chip, the surface and core look the same, making them a top choice for long-term performance.

Pros:

• Naturally stain-resistant.
• Highly resistant to wear, perfect for high-traffic areas.
• Often frost-resistant (great for outdoor areas in cooler climates).
• Available in large formats, which can make spaces feel bigger.
• Very low water absorption makes them ideal for wet areas and outdoors.
• Can realistically mimic natural stone, wood, and other materials due to advanced printing technology.

Cons:

• Generally, more expensive upfront.
• Less variety in bright, hand-painted style decorative patterns compared to ceramic.
• Harder and heavier to cut, often requiring specialist tools. So, installation can be trickier (and potentially cost more if hiring a tiler).

Best Places to Use Porcelain Tiles:

• High-traffic floors like hallways, kitchens, living areas, and entryways where you need the toughest tile.
• Wet areas like bathroom floors and walls (with proper slip rating), laundry rooms, and showers. Explore our bathroom floor tiles to get an idea.
• Outdoor & alfresco: Covered patios, verandahs, and even driveways (with textured finishes) since porcelain won’t flake or crack in Perth’s sun or frost. See our Outdoor wall tiles for durable outdoor looks.
• Commercial spaces: Restaurants, shops, offices – anywhere heavy use and easy cleaning are priorities.
• Feature walls: Large-format porcelain can make striking feature walls (e.g. wood-look or stone-look panels) inside or out.

Durability & Longevity

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both tough nominees. But if you’re comparing stain resistance, scratch protection and lifespan, the differences matter.

• Stain Resistance

Both tiles resist stains well, but porcelain has the edge. Its extremely low absorption means it virtually never stains. Ceramic’s glaze protects it too, but any unglazed areas or grout might need sealing to fend off wine, oils or dyes.

• Scratch Resistance

Porcelain is harder and more scratch-proof. So, heavy furniture or dropped objects are less likely to damage it. Ceramic is slightly softer. Sharp or heavy objects might scratch or chip it. Take care when moving furniture. So, use felt pads under legs on any tile floor.

• Lifespan

Both tiles can last for decades if properly installed and maintained.

• Porcelain often outlasts ceramic simply because it’s tougher. It’s not uncommon to see 50+ year-old porcelain floors still looking great.
• Well-kept ceramic floors and walls can last 20–30 years or more.

So, think of porcelain as a long-term investment and often seen as vitrified tiles in the industry – meaning they’re built to last.

Tile Maintenance Needs

Both ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are relatively low-maintenance compared to natural stone or wood. Here’s what to expect:

• Cleaning

In general, you can clean both with a broom, vacuum, or mop. Porcelain’s vitrified surface is very stain-resistant that spills won’t soak in, so a simple wipe will do. Glazed ceramic is also stain-resistant, but the grout lines can get dirty over time. Use a mild detergent or tile cleaner for stains. Avoid harsh abrasives on any tile finish.

• Sealing Needs

Porcelain rarely needs sealing due to its impervious nature. If you choose unglazed porcelain (like some matte or textured styles), a one-time seal may help its longevity.

Ceramic tiles usually come glazed, so the tiles themselves never need sealing. However, grout between any tiles will benefit from a penetrating grout sealer to prevent moisture/mold, especially in showers or wet areas.

Cost Comparison & Value for Money

If we talk about the tile price…

Ceramic tiles are generally more affordable per square meter. Basic glazed ceramic can be very cheap, whereas porcelain tiles tend to start higher due to the premium materials and processing. So, expect porcelain to be, on average, 20–50% more expensive than a comparable ceramic tile. However, with the durability gain, porcelain can be better “value” over 20 years.

When it comes to installation costs…

Porcelain usually costs a bit more because it requires stronger tools and often more labour time for cutting the hard surface. Ceramic is easier on tools and faster to lay in some cases. If you DIY, ceramic might save on labour expenses, but always factor in your tools or rental costs.

Lifetime Value:

While ceramic saves money upfront, porcelain’s long life means lower replacement costs. In a busy home or commercial setting, porcelain may save money down the road by not needing to be re-tiled.

Both tiles add home value and appeal. No buyer will mind ceramic or porcelain, they’re both high-quality finishes.

Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles: Quick Comparison

Comparing porcelain and ceramic side by side highlights their core differences:

Overall, porcelain tiles are denser and stronger, while ceramic tiles give more decorative flexibility and easy handling.

Wondering which tile is better for your spaces? Here’s the answer.

Choosing the Right Tile for the Right Area

• Bathrooms & Wet Areas

Porcelain is usually the clear winner here. Its impervious surface resists moisture and protects subfloors. Kajaria’s anti-slip porcelain options also keep showers and baths safe.

Ceramic can work on bathroom walls, but avoid using ordinary ceramic on bathroom floors.

• Kitchens

Kitchens demand durability and stain resistance. Porcelain floor tiles handle dropped pots and heavy foot traffic with ease. Their low water absorption means spills and grease won’t penetrate.

You can also opt for ceramic tiles on walls or backsplashes (especially glazed ceramic tiles) to save cost while still getting washable surfaces.

• Outdoor Areas

Western Australia’s climate (hot sun, occasional rain and frost) favours porcelain.

Standard ceramic tiles can absorb water and crack in cold or under UV exposure. In contrast, porcelain’s low absorption and weather resistance make it ideal for patios, alfrescos and pool surrounds.

• Living Areas & Bedrooms

Both ceramic and porcelain work here, depending on priorities.

Porcelain is excellent for living-room floors due to its durability and ease of cleaning. It also stays cool underfoot, a bonus in summer. Ceramic is mostly chosen for bedroom floors or accent walls if you want a specific design or a limited budget.

Remember, ceramic floor tiles in living rooms should be glazed and rated for foot traffic. For wall décor, try our bedroom wall tiles collections. These feature beautiful ceramic patterns ideal for feature walls.

• Commercial Spaces

High-traffic commercial floors like shops, offices, hotels usually require porcelain. Its robustness handles crowds and wheeled loads. We recommend porcelain for Australian commercial projects. It’s the only tile tough enough for daily heavy use.

In a Nutshell…

Porcelain and ceramic tiles share a family tree, but they serve different roles.

Porcelain tiles are made denser and vitrified. They’re waterproof, hard-wearing, and ideal for heavy-duty jobs (outdoor patios, bathroom floors, commercial spaces). Ceramic tiles are softer, more decorative, and budget-friendly; they shine on indoor walls, backsplashes, and floors that don’t see constant abuse. Both come in endless tile finishes and styles, so you don’t have to sacrifice beauty.

Looking for tiles Perth? Still not sure which tile is right for your space?

Let WA Kajaria Ceramics Help You Decide

We’re Perth’s trusted tile specialist with thousands of high-quality ceramic and porcelain floor and wall tiles in stock.

Whether you need help selecting porcelain floor tiles for a busy kitchen, or unique ceramic wall tiles for a living room accent, we have the expertise and range to match your needs. When you shop ceramic wall & floor tiles with us, you’ll find styles to suit any taste and budget.

Visit the WA Kajaria Ceramics showroom in Perth or explore our tile collection online.

CONTACT US (Speak with a tile expert)

Shop Kajaria Ceramic Tiles Now