Porcelain or ceramic: what is the difference?
They can look the same on the shelf, but porcelain and ceramic tiles behave differently. A short guide to which to use where.
Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are made from fine clays pressed hard and fired at high temperature. The result is dense, with very low water absorption, which makes porcelain the right choice for floors, busy areas, bathrooms and outdoors.
Many porcelain tiles are rectified: the edges are ground perfectly square after firing, so they can be laid with slim, neat grout joints. That is what gives large formats their calm, seamless look.
Ceramic
Ceramic wall tiles have a lighter, more porous body. They are easier to cut and shape, come in a huge range of glazes and decorative relief finishes, and are ideal for kitchen and bathroom walls.
How hard wearing?
Glazed floor tiles carry a PEI class from I to V, describing how well the glaze resists wear: II for bedrooms and bathrooms, III to IV for homes and most commercial rooms, V for the heaviest traffic.
In short
Floors and outdoors: porcelain. Feature walls, splashbacks and bathroom walls: ceramic or porcelain, chosen for the look. Each collection page shows popular sizes and finishes; ask our showroom team for the full range.
