Tiles: porcelain vs ceramic
Understanding tile ratings, slip resistance, and cutting considerations.
At a glance
Quick Checklist
Key points at a glance
- 1Porcelain for floors, ceramic OK for walls
- 2Check slip rating for floor tiles (R10+)
- 3Order 10-15% extra for waste
- 4Ensure floor is level for large format tiles
- 5Don't use wall tiles on floors
Questions to ask your installer
Take these to your next conversation with your fitter
- 1Is my floor flat enough for large format tiles?
- 2How much tile waste should I allow for my layout?
- 3Do you have the right tools to cut this tile material?
- 4What grout width works best with these tiles?
- 5Can you handle the weight of these tiles safely?
- 6How will tile layout affect waste percentage?
💡 Tip: A good installer will welcome these questions. If they dismiss them, that's a red flag.
💡Myth vs Reality
Common Myth
"Porcelain and ceramic are the same thing"
The Reality
Porcelain is denser, harder, and less porous. It's fired at higher temperatures and is better for floors and wet areas.
Common Myth
"Bigger tiles mean less grouting and easier installation"
The Reality
Large tiles require perfectly level floors and are harder to cut. They can be more expensive to install.
What to look for
- •Porcelain has <0.5% water absorption vs 3-7% for ceramic
- •PEI rating indicates wear resistance (PEI 3+ for floors)
- •R-value slip rating (R10+ recommended for bathroom floors)
- •Rectified tiles have precise edges for minimal grout lines
Common mistakes
- •Using wall tiles on floors (they're not rated for foot traffic)
- •Ordering exact quantities without waste allowance (add 10-15%)
- •Large format tiles on uneven surfaces (they'll crack or lippage)
- •Not considering how the tile pattern affects waste percentage
Quality considerations
- •Through-body porcelain hides chips better than surface-glazed tiles
- •Cheaper tiles often have more colour variation between batches
- •Quality tiles are more consistent in size, making laying easier
- •Italian and Spanish tiles often have better quality control
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This guide is written to help you make informed decisions, not to sell you anything. Always discuss your specific situation with a qualified installer.