Ceramic vs Porcelain Tile: Which Is Right for You?

Tiles have long been a cornerstone of home design — celebrated for their durability, versatility, and effortless ability to elevate both floors and walls. Among the most popular options are ceramic and porcelain tiles, each offering unique benefits but often leaving homeowners wondering: which is the right choice?

In this guide, we break down the key differences between ceramic vs porcelain tiles — exploring their composition, strength, and ideal uses — so you can confidently choose the perfect fit for your space.

Ceramic tiles are a durable and versatile surface material made from natural brown, red, or white clay that is shaped, glazed, and fired at high temperatures. With a wide selection of colours, patterns, and textures, they offer an affordable yet stylish way to enhance both walls and floors.

When considering ceramic vs porcelain tile, ceramic stands out for its water resistance, ease of maintenance, and practicality — making it a popular choice for New Zealand homes, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or a more classic design inspired by Aotearoa’s natural beauty, ceramic tiles bring timeless style and functionality to both residential and commercial spaces.

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile made from refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures. This process creates a dense, less porous, and highly durable surface—making porcelain tiles incredibly resistant to moisture, stains, and wear. As a result, they’re a practical choice for high-traffic areas, outdoor spaces, and moisture-prone environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries.

What sets porcelain tiles apart from standard ceramic tiles is their superior strength, lower water absorption rate, and more refined, premium finish. In New Zealand homes, where design often balances natural textures with contemporary style, porcelain tiles offer versatility—allowing you to mirror the look of natural stone, timber, or concrete without the added maintenance.

Their durability also makes them well-suited for our varied climate, whether you're styling a modern coastal home, a city apartment, or a cosy rural retreat. Plus, they’re a great option for seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces—a design feature increasingly popular in New Zealand homes.

There are two main types of porcelain tiles:

• Through-bodied porcelain: The colour and texture run throughout the entire tile, helping to conceal chips or scratches—perfect for high-traffic areas or family homes. With no surface glaze to wear away, these tiles are ideal for floors, walls, and countertops.
• Glazed porcelain: Finished with a hard, protective coating, these tiles come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and finishes. If you want to create a bold feature wall, an eye-catching splashback, or a stylish outdoor patio, glazed porcelain lets you pair durability with striking design.

Durability & Strength

• Ceramic: Easier to cut and shape, ceramic tiles offer flexibility in design but are less durable than porcelain. They are prone to cracking in cold weather, making them unsuitable for outdoor use.
• Porcelain: Heavier and denser than ceramic, porcelain tiles boast superior strength and resilience. Their durability makes them ideal for high-traffic areas and long-lasting indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Water Absorption

• Ceramic: Made from natural clay, ceramic tiles have a higher water absorption rate, which makes them more vulnerable to moisture damage and cracking over time. As a result, they are best kept to indoor spaces.
• Porcelain: Crafted from denser materials and fired at higher temperatures, porcelain tiles are non-porous and highly water-resistant. This makes them perfect for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor settings.

Appearance & Style

• Ceramic: Typically lighter and slightly coarser to the touch, ceramic tiles come in a wide array of colours, patterns, and finishes. Their versatility makes them a go-to for decorative walls and feature areas.
• Porcelain: Smoother and heavier than ceramic, porcelain tiles offer a more refined, premium finish. They also mimic natural materials like stone or wood, providing sophisticated style options for floors and walls.

Cost

• Ceramic: More affordable and easier to install, ceramic tiles are a practical choice for budget-conscious projects. Their user-friendly nature makes them especially popular for DIY renovations.
• Porcelain: Due to their density, porcelain tiles are typically more expensive and require more skill to install. Depending on your experience, professional installation may be necessary, adding to the overall cost.

Maintenance & Cleaning

• Ceramic: While easy to clean, ceramic tiles are more prone to staining than porcelain. Care must be taken with cleaning products to avoid discolouration over time, making them slightly more maintenance-intensive.
• Porcelain: Thanks to their non-porous surface, porcelain tiles are highly resistant to stains and incredibly easy to clean. This makes them a low-maintenance choice, ideal for busy areas prone to spills—like kitchen splashbacks and bathroom floors.

Where to Use Ceramic Tiles 

Ceramic tiles are a great choice for lower-traffic areas, walls, backsplashes, and living rooms. They’re an ideal option for DIY projects, as they’re easier to cut and install — especially for detailed designs or smaller spaces that need precision.

Ceramic tiles also pair well with underfloor heating, helping to trap warmth and keep your home cosy during cooler months. While both ceramic and porcelain tiles are compatible with most underfloor heating systems, ceramic's versatility and affordability make it a popular choice for those wanting a stylish yet practical option.

Where to Use Porcelain Tiles 

Porcelain tiles are perfect for high-traffic areas, outdoor spaces, bathrooms, and kitchens — anywhere moisture resistance and durability are important. Thanks to their almost complete water resistance, porcelain tiles are a smart choice for spaces that are often exposed to water. While ceramic tiles are still a good fit for bathrooms, porcelain’s durability provides extra peace of mind.

Porcelain tiles also perform well outdoors. Their strength and ability to withstand the elements make them less likely to crack in cooler conditions, ensuring your patio or outdoor living area stays beautiful and durable all year round.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Tiles

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tiles

When deciding between a ceramic vs porcelain tile, it’s important to consider several factors to find the best fit for your space:

• Budget: Ceramic tiles tend to be more affordable, making them ideal for larger projects or decorative wall features.
• Location: For high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces, porcelain's low water absorption and durability make it the smarter choice. However, for lower-traffic areas or rooms where intricate cutting is needed, ceramic tiles offer both versatility and ease of installation.
• Design Preferences: Both options are available in a wide range of styles, though porcelain often mimics natural materials like stone or timber with a more premium finish.
• Long-Term Maintenance: Porcelain's non-porous surface resists stains and wear, while ceramic may require more care to prevent staining over time.

By balancing these elements, you can confidently choose the right tile to enhance both the function and style of your space. If you need help selecting the right tiles for your project, reach out to our friendly team. If you have any questions, email [email protected].

For more design inspiration, read these blogs:

How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?

Tiles vs Floorboards: Which is Best for Your Home?

5 Bathroom Tile Design Trends