Ottawa Granite Blog & News

The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic

One of the questions we hear most often is what is the difference between porcelain and ceramic.  We prefer porcelain, as TNT carries porcelain tile for bathrooms, kitchens, and other uses in our showrooms serving Ottawa, West Ottawa, Carp, Kanata, Stittsville, West Carleton, Dunrobin, and Arnprior.

But why do we prefer porcelain over ceramic?  While these materials are very similar, the difference happens during the manufacturing process. The cliff notes’ version of the difference is porcelain is denser. less susceptible to staining, and longer lasting .  While ceramic tile can be “good enough” for residential use, we and many Ottawa contractors prefer porcelain.

• Porcelain’s water absorption rate is significantly lower than ceramics as it is a denser material.   Most porcelain is actually certified to be “impervious” to water.
• Denser, less absorption also means less staining or dis colorization.
• Because porcelain is denser it is also more durable than ceramic.
• Yes, porcelain is more chip-resistant that ceramic – but should you indeed chip it, you’ll find that underneath, porcelain is the same color – not the case with ceramic.
• Camofla