Porcelain and ceramic tile are both fired clay, but porcelain is made from a denser, more refined clay fired at higher temperatures, giving it a water absorption of 0.5% or less — the industry line that separates the two. In practice that makes porcelain harder, less porous, and better for floors, wet areas, heavy traffic, and outdoors, while ceramic is softer, easier to cut, and often cheaper — a fine choice for walls, backsplashes, and lighter-traffic floors.
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The core difference: density
Porcelain’s dense, low-porosity body is why it shrugs off water, frost, and heavy use. Ceramic is more porous and generally softer, so it can absorb more moisture and is better kept to walls or lighter-traffic floors. Porcelain also comes as glazed (a coloured surface over the body) or through-body (the colour runs all the way through, so chips barely show) — the latter is prized for very high-traffic and commercial floors.
Reading the ratings
Two numbers matter most on a floor tile. The PEI rating grades how well a glazed surface resists abrasion — PEI III suits typical residential floors, PEI IV to V handle heavier and commercial traffic. The DCOF grades wet slip resistance, with a common benchmark of 0.42 or higher for level interior floors expected to get wet. A rectified edge lets you set very thin, crisp grout lines.
Cost and installation
Ceramic is usually less expensive and easier to cut, which is why DIYers often start there. Porcelain’s hardness makes it more durable but harder to cut and drill, and it can call for specific blades and setting materials. Either way, tile is the most demanding of the common floors to install well — the substrate, thinset coverage, and grout all have to be right.
Head to head
| Porcelain | Ceramic | |
|---|---|---|
| Water absorption | 0.5% or less | Higher (more porous) |
| Hardness / durability | Harder, denser | Softer |
| Best use | Floors, wet areas, outdoors, heavy traffic | Walls, backsplashes, light-traffic floors |
| Cutting / DIY | Harder to cut | Easier to cut |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Frost / outdoor | Often suitable | Generally no |
Which should you choose?
- Choose porcelain for floors, bathrooms and wet areas, entryways, heavy traffic, and covered outdoor spaces where its density and low water absorption pay off.
- Choose ceramic for walls, backsplashes, and lighter-traffic residential floors — especially on a budget or as a more DIY-friendly first tile project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?
Both are fired clay, but porcelain is made from a denser, more refined clay fired at higher temperatures, giving it a water absorption of 0.5% or less. Ceramic is more porous and generally softer, which makes it better for walls and lighter-traffic floors.
Is porcelain better than ceramic for floors?
For floors, wet areas, and heavy traffic, porcelain is usually the better choice thanks to its density and low water absorption. Ceramic is perfectly good for walls, backsplashes, and light-traffic residential floors, often at a lower price.
Is porcelain tile waterproof?
Porcelain is extremely water-resistant because it absorbs 0.5% water or less, which is why it suits bathrooms and outdoor use in many climates. The tile itself resists water; a fully waterproof installation also depends on proper grout, sealing, and any membrane beneath.
Is porcelain harder to install than ceramic?
Yes. Porcelain is denser and harder, so it is more difficult to cut and drill and often calls for specific blades and setting materials. Ceramic is softer and easier to work with, which is one reason DIYers often start with it.
What is the difference between glazed and through-body porcelain?
Glazed porcelain has a coloured surface layer over the body, while through-body (full-body) porcelain has the same colour all the way through, so chips and wear are far less visible — useful in very high-traffic areas.
What do PEI and DCOF ratings mean on tile?
PEI grades a glazed tile's surface resistance to abrasion (PEI III and up suits most floors), while DCOF measures wet slip resistance (a common benchmark is 0.42 or higher for level interior floors that get wet). Check both when choosing a floor tile.
Sources
This guide explains standards and terms defined by the bodies below; we are not affiliated with any of them.
- ANSI / TCNA — American National Standards and the Tile Council of North America: water absorption, PEI, and DCOF (ANSI A137.1 and A326.3).
- ASTM — test methods for tile properties such as water absorption (ASTM C373).
Educational information — not professional advice. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and a qualified professional before you buy or install. Last verified: 21 July 2026. See our Disclaimer & Terms.