Which is Best For A Bathroom Remodel, Porcelain or Ceramic Tile?

When referring to tile, the terms porcelain and ceramic are often used interchangeably. However, they are distinctly different materials with different properties, applications, and price points.

While ceramic and porcelain tiles have similarities, they also have some noteworthy differences. Homeowners love these clay-based tiles for their durability, beautiful aesthetic, and affordability. Both porcelain and ceramic are man-made materials that are relatively cost-effective compared to natural stone because they are not mined from the earth.

They are less delicate than natural stone, making them a perfect choice for use in a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Ceramic and porcelain tiles share many similarities but have some significant differences, like porosity, maintenance, and cost.

Learn the pros and cons of each material to help you make an informed choice about which is best for your bathroom remodel.

All About Ceramic Tile

How it is Made

Ceramic tiles are made from clay, water, or other inorganic material, typically coated in glaze and hardened in a kiln at high temperatures (1800 – 2000 degrees). Ceramic tile is known for durability and a relatively low cost compared to natural stone. Ceramic tiles come in many colors, shapes, sizes, and designs. You can choose from almost any installation pattern and include trim pieces, borders, or inlays to create unique designs. Mix and match colors and sizes for visual interest, or repeat the same styles on walls, countertops, or showers for a more cohesive look.

Where To Use Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is perfect for everything throughout your home, from walls to floors, countertops, and backsplashes. Ceramic tile is porous but is water resistant when glazed, stands up to stains, and won't absorb bacteria or odors, making it a good choice for bathroom applications. The PEI scale measures the hardness and durability of tile materials. Ceramic tile is rated from 0 to 5 based on hardness. Zero through 2 is suitable for wall tile, and 3+ is good for most residential uses. PEI levels 4 and 5 are excellent for high-traffic uses like kitchen and bathroom flooring,

View Our Bathroom Remodeling Project Portfolio

The Advantages of Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile can last for decades, stands up to wear, and withstands water and foot traffic. Unlike porcelain, which is extremely difficult to cut, ceramic tile is softer and is cut with a tile cutter. It is a versatile option, perfect for use throughout your home, and it includes multiple uses in your bathroom remodel.

The Disadvantages

Compared to porcelain, ceramic tile is less durable and best suited for low-traffic areas or as wall tile in the bathroom. Ceramic tile is also more porous than porcelain, meaning it absorbs water easily, which is why glazing is key. Porosity ratings are crucial when considering materials for your bathroom remodel. Ceramic tile has a higher porosity rating, which means they can be prone to moisture absorption. As a result, they may require more cleaning and occasional resealing. Ceramic tile can vary slightly in size and color from lot to lot and, without radiant heating, can be cold on bare feet.

Cost

The cost of ceramic tiles is relatively low compared to other tiles. With a price range of $1 to $35 per square foot, uninstalled, it is an affordable option for most bathroom remodel projects.

Cleaning Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is easy to clean. However, to maintain water resistance and avoid scratching, do not use abrasives like steel wool or scouring pads. Ceramic tiles can withstand high heat, so a steam mop, like the Shark Hard Floor Cleaner, is a good option.

All About Porcelain Tile

How it is Made

Porcelain is a variety of ceramic tile made from a higher grade of clay and fired at a higher temperature than ceramic (2200 – 2500 degrees). This makes porcelain harder, denser, and more water-resistant than ceramic. There are two types of porcelain tile. Through-bodied porcelain has color and texture that run through the tile. Through-bodied porcelain is better at disguising chips and scratches. It is strong and durable since there is no glaze used that can wear off. It is suitable for floors, walls, and countertops. Glazed porcelain is covered in a wear-layer or hard finish that is colored. It is strong, dense, and offers the broadest range of colors and designs.

Porcelain Tile is Best Used For...

Porcelain tile is popular for bathroom floors since its toughness and low porosity offer better stain and water resistance than ceramic. Since porcelain is so much more durable than ceramic, it's an intelligent choice for surfaces that get a lot of traffic, like kitchen floors and countertops. Porcelain is a very durable man-made material that is perfect for kids' bathrooms. It does not etch or stain over time, like natural stone can. Porcelain tile is also excellent for use with radiant floor heat. Its many colors and styles can even mimic natural stone like marble, granite, or limestone. Newer designs can mimic textures like leather, fabric, or even animal prints.

The Advantages of Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is durable and will withstand years of heavy floor traffic. Because of its lower porosity, it is resistant to splashing water, staining, bacteria, and odors, making it an excellent choice for a bathroom remodel.

The Disadvantages

Porcelain costs more than ceramic tile but is more affordable than natural stone. While durability is a good thing, it also makes porcelain tile harder to cut and install. Due to its low porosity, porcelain tile requires special tools to cut and a different setting material to anchor it.

Cost

Porcelain is relatively inexpensive and much more cost-effective than natural stone, ranging from $3 to $10 per square foot uninstalled.

Cleaning Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is remarkably easy to clean, requiring a simple sweep or vacuum about once a month or so. For example, for ceramic tile, you'll want to avoid abrasive cleaners like steel wool or scouring pads and never use cleaners with bleach or ammonia. If you choose unglazed porcelain, it will require more frequent cleaning.

So Which Choice Is Better for a Bathroom Remodel?

Both porcelain and ceramic tile are durable, affordable, and available in many sizes, colors, patterns, and finishes. Your choice will come down to its application, traffic flow, and budget. If you are looking for versatility, porcelain is a better option. If budget is a concern, ceramic tile will be a better choice. Either way, it's hard to go wrong with either porcelain or ceramic for your bathroom remodel.

Are you considering remodeling your bathroom? Let us help you create a new look and design the perfect finished space to meet your needs! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.