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Jason's Carpet & Tile Blog > What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain flooring?

What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain flooring?

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 11:01 AM



When you're a homeowner searching for tiles for an upcoming redesign, it's essential to know the differences between ceramic and porcelain. While interior design magazines may appear to use these types interchangeably, there are indeed many distinctions between the two. Find out which material would be ideal for your renovation with the following helpful differentiations.

Installation location

Depending on your location and climate, some experts may okay floor outdoor tile use, and others may not, regardless of whether you're looking at porcelain or ceramic. It all depends on how cold it gets in your region. Porcelain can work outdoors, but it requires a warm location will minimal temperature changes. On the other hand, ceramic is usually not suggested for use outdoors, no matter your location. That's because of its higher water absorbency rate, resulting in tiles cracking when temperatures fluctuate.

Durability & density

Since the clays used in porcelain tiles are denser and thus less porous, this option is usually suggested for use with heavy foot traffic. Its low degree of porousness also makes it less impenetrable to water. Composition-wise, it is slightly more durable, but only because of its single-body composition. That's to say, if a chip occurred, it wouldn't affect the color of the tile since the colors run "through-and-through." On the other hand, ceramic is made differently and has layers of colors beneath its glaze coating. Chips, therefore, would uncover the various layers underneath and be more noticeable.

Visit our tile shop today

Our Amherst, Sandusky, and Elyria OH showrooms at Jason's Carpet and Tile carry the latest floor tile designs. Visit our tile store today for knowledgeable industry advice on your upcoming renovation. We proudly serve the Vermilion, Oberlin, and Wellington areas and look forward to helping you!