Do you know the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles?

As a tile professional and owner of an tile factory, the difference between porcelain and ceramic are the ones that confuse my customer most.

porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are made from a different composition, and that is what determines the tile’s body color, texture and density. The main materials of ceramic tile is ordinary clay and the fire temperature is about 900℃, but porcelain tile is kaolin clay and should been fired at least 1300℃, which make porcelain tile is a much denser tile than ceramic and less likely to chip.

The water absorption rate is another difference. Porcelain tile is fired at higher temperature and have get harder density. Their quality of reduced water absorption makes them very suitable for certain tasks. They are ideal for covering walls and flooring. For the obvious reason, ceramic tiles would not work as well as their porcelain counterparts.

Either ceramic or porcelain has a PEI(=Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating.  The PEI rating should be the determining factor in making your final decision, not whether the tile is ceramic or porcelain. The PEI rating will tell us how resistant a tile is to chipping or scratching. Ask about the PEI rating and let that influence your final decision.

Rating Usage

PEI 1 Suitable for indoor walls only. Will chip and scratch easily.
PEI 2 Suitable for light traffic floors and walls.
PEI 3 Suitable for all residential applications.
PEI 4 Suitable for light commercial and residential applications.
PEI 5 Suitable for heavy commercial applications.

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