Which is better, Porcelain or Ceramic? 

Porcelain and ceramic are used interchangeably, especially by homeowners or people that do not have an in-depth knowledge of the two materials. As similar as these two materials are, there are some slight differences between them. Builders or homeowners choose material based on one or more of these unique differences and qualities. To determine which is better between the two products, it is important to discuss their similarities and the qualities that make each one unique. Listed below are some of the significant differences between Porcelain and Ceramic tiles.

• Production Process

Although both ceramic and porcelain are made using clay, the process of producing each of them differs, and this is observable in the nature of the end products. Porcelain is made by baking white clay, feldspar, and sand at a very high temperature to make it denser and more resistant to stress. On the other hand, ceramic is produced by firing red, brown, or white clay at a moderate temperature.

• Durability and Water Resistance

Due to the production process of porcelain and ceramic, porcelain is usually more durable. It is considered the most resilient flooring option because of its resistance to heavy impact and water. Water-resistance also makes porcelain a more suitable choice for bathroom floors and the likes. 

• Density

Since porcelain is processed at a higher temperature, it also has a higher density than ceramic. This is both an advantage and a disadvantage because it makes porcelain heavier and more challenging to cut. Meanwhile, you can easily cut ceramic into different shapes to suit your purpose.

• Price 

When comparing the costs of the two materials, ceramic is less expensive than porcelain. Porcelain owes its high price to its density, water resistance, and durability. The cost-effective option is usually to have a mixture of both porcelain and ceramic in the home.

• Application and Use

Porcelain is suitable for areas where water flow is expected and for places where there are heavy-duty activities. Since ceramic is less dense and less durable, you can use them in areas with minimal movements and little or no water flow like mudrooms and foyers.

• Maintenance

Since porcelain is durable and resistant to wear and tear, it requires little or no maintenance to stay in excellent condition. This also means you spend less money on the repair. With time, ceramic may begin to wear out since it is easily affected by water and heavy-duty load. You have to regularly take care of ceramic to keep it in good shape.

Both porcelain and ceramic have unique differences that make them suitable for use. With the qualities discussed, the choice of material still depends on factors like the homeowner’s taste and preference, budget, the type of home to be built, and the intended application or use of material.