The Difference Between Ceramic Tiles and Porcelain Tiles

There are two kinds of ceramic tile; porcelain and non porcelain. Porcelain tiles are generally made up of porcelain clays and they are made using a dry press method. This basically means that they are bisque-fired to begin with at lower temperatures than standard ceramic tiles. They are then taken out of the kiln and glazed before being refired for up to two or three days at extreemly high temperatures. The resulting product is a tile which is dense and fine grained making it very hard waring and durable. It is the high temperatures at which the tile is fired at that make it stronger than other ceramic tiles. Due to the nature of the clay used porcelain tiles are natually very dense so they are non porous meaning they have an extreemly low water absorption level. It is this property which means they are very popular for use in areas where they are exposed to water on a regular basis eg, kitchens, splashbacks, shower walls.  For example a tile we stock called Leonardo Blanco is a white porcelain tile and is perfect for use in bathrooms. It is the porcelain tiles durability and hardwearing qualities that have made it such a popular choice. Porcelain tiles can also be used for tiling projects outdoors as they have the correct properties to withstand frost.

On the other hand non-porcelain ceramic tiles require firing for much less time than porcelain tiles. They are dense like porcelain tiles making them durable and hardwearing and they are often used in high traffic areas such as walkways. However due to the clays used to make these tiles they are are only designed for use indoors as they are not frost proof like porcelain tiles, and they have a slightly higher rate of water absorption. An example of a very popular ceramic tile we sell is the Iroco range which are wood effect ceramic floor tiles and are very popular for use in hallways, living rooms etc. A great choice for a floor which gets a lot of use.

As I have explained the main difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles is the fact that porcelain tiles are made from slightly higher quality natural clays which give them there extreemly strong hardwearing properties and mean they can also be used outside. Basically porcelain tiles are of a slightly higher quality however both types of tile are very hardwearing and popular choices for use in the home. For any questions our customers have we have a FAQs page on our website which may help with general questions about our tiles.