Ceramic Flooring vs. Porcelain Flooring: What Are the Differences?

Ceramic flooring vs. porcelain flooring: How much do you know about the differences between the two? Read on to learn more.

Tiles are big business in the US, with the market expected to reach $30.67 billion by 2028!

Right now, most of us are choosing them for flooring, with floor tiles accounting for nearly 60% of the market. It's no wonder sales are surging, because tiles come in a huge range of stylish finishes. From terrazzo to herringbone designs, right through to wood effect finishes, there's a style of tile to suit everybody.

But you might be wondering about the difference between ceramic flooring vs. porcelain flooring tiles. Are they basically the same, or is there a clear winner for your next project?

Let's explore the differences so that you get the right flooring for your home.

What Is Ceramic Flooring?

Let's face it: if we're honest, most of us probably use the words ceramic and porcelain interchangeably. Is there really a difference?

The reason we get confused is that ceramic flooring and porcelain flooring basically do the same job. The installation process is the same and they're both great quality materials. The main difference customers tend to notice is the price!

Porcelain is definitely seen as a premium product whereas ceramic flooring is more affordable. They're both made from clay. So porcelain tiles are ceramic, but ceramic tiles are not porcelain.

You see, ceramic flooring tiles are made from a rougher type of clay than porcelain tiles. They also contain a lower ratio of fine kaolin clay. They are fired at a lower temperature.

The result is a less dense and more porous tile. Because the clay is less dense, it's more affordable. But that makes it less durable too. 

That's not to say that ceramic tile is not a great flooring option for many homes. Are you looking for something that stays refreshingly cool during the relentless Arizona summers? Ceramic tiles are a great option.

Ceramic flooring comes in a wide range of glazes, colors, and patterns making it a versatile flooring option. Some modern ceramic tiles have glazes that make them more waterproof than others. However, it's usually best to avoid using ceramic tile in high moisture areas.

Ceramic Flooring Guide

If you've got a large area to cover, ceramic flooring is a high-quality and affordable option. It isn't as durable as porcelain, so think twice before installing it in high-traffic areas.

To get the best result, it's a good idea to have your ceramic flooring installed by an expert.

However, if you want to go the DIY route, ceramic tiles are easier to install than porcelain. This is due to the fact that they are much easier to cut. You can trim them with a simple tile cutter.

Ceramic Flooring Upkeep

Ceramic floors are porous so they are harder to keep clean than porcelain floors.

You will need to clean up spills quickly so that they don't penetrate the tiles and cause stains. They will need a thorough sweep or vacuum and mop every week. Remember to dry the tiles after mopping for best results.

For a deeper clean you can scrub them with a baking soda paste or use a steam cleaner. 

What Is Porcelain Flooring?

Porcelain is a refined type of ceramic. It is made from a finer type of clay and is then fired to a very high temperature. The result is a vitrified (glass-like) material that is highly water-resistant.

The downside is that it is more expensive than ceramic and is more brittle. It takes much more skill to install a porcelain floor. But once it has been laid, it forms a hardwearing, durable surface.

Porcelain flooring tiles are usually glazed and can come in a huge variety of styles. You can find porcelain tiles that imitate marble, wood grain, and stone. Because they are water-resistant, they're suitable for use outdoors and in high moisture areas such as bathrooms.

Porcelain Flooring Guide

Porcelain is extremely hard-wearing. It can stand up to daily use in high-traffic areas of the house. You don't have to worry about it getting wet, so it's great for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and if you've got nervous pets...

However, the fact that it's very hard-wearing does make it harder to install than a ceramic floor. It's a job best left to the experts, especially as costs tend to be much higher than for ceramic flooring. 

Once the porcelain tiles have been laid, they are very forgiving. They're hard to scratch and chip. But even if they get chipped, they are much less noticeable than on ceramic tiles.

Porcelain Flooring Upkeep

Porcelain flooring is easy to keep clean. Simply sweep or vacuum it regularly and give it a hot mop as needed - usually once a week or less.

The grout needs more attention than the tiles. Seal the grout every couple of years to maintain the color. Otherwise, it will start to discolor and you may need to regrout the floor which can be expensive.

Ceramic Flooring Vs. Porcelain Flooring: The Winner Is...

There are pros and cons to both ceramic and porcelain flooring. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that's great in hot weather, ceramic is the winner.

If you're looking for a more hardwearing option that comes in a huge range of styles, check out porcelain flooring.

If you can't decide between ceramic flooring vs. porcelain flooring then head over to Eagle Flooring West in Phoenix, AZ. At our showroom, you can view a wide range of ceramic and porcelain tiles and are sure to find the perfect choice for your project. Our friendly installation team can also provide free in-home estimates.

Call us at (480) 967-2700 or request a free estimate online today!