Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Picture two tiles that look almost identical on the showroom floor—yet one shrugs off a flood of muddy boots and dog paws, while the other is perfectly happy just dressing up a splashback. So which one actually belongs in your home? It depends on where you're installing it: porcelain tiles are generally stronger and less water-absorbent due to their denser nature, making them the better pick for floors, hallways and outdoor areas, while ceramic tiles are an excellent, often more design-flexible choice for walls and splashbacks without foot traffic. Read on, and we'll walk you through exactly where each one earns its place.

An independent explainer comparing porcelain and ceramic tiles, covering composition, durability, water resistance, cost and finish—helping Australian homeowners choose the right tile.
Video Credit: Belinda Carr

What Makes a Tile Porcelain or Ceramic

Many use the terms “porcelain” and “ceramic” as though they mean the exact same thing, but they are actually quite different!

Both are made from clay, but porcelain tiles are pressed and fired to create a much denser, less porous surface, while ceramic tiles keep a more open, slightly porous body beneath the glaze.

So, why does that matter? It basically comes down to what sort of water absorption the body of the tile has, which impacts its durability, where it can be installed, and its overall texture. According to Australian Standard AS 13006:2020, porcelain tiles belong to the low-absorption group (AS 13006:2020). Think of it like this: porcelain tiles have a tighter weave, while ceramic tiles have a looser weave, which is why one soaks up less moisture than the other.

Close-up of stacked timber-look tile samples showing varied grain finishes and edge thickness

Strength, Water and Cost Side by Side

In the porcelain vs ceramic tiles comparison, these factors are tested in the lab under the AS ISO 10545 series of standards.

These factors are tested in the lab under the AS ISO 10545 series of standards. These tests include measuring water absorption, breaking strength, and surface abrasion. You'll find many of these listed in the specifications table under each product here on the site, letting you compare products before you buy.

To start, I’d like to address one common misconception straight off the bat: ceramic tiles aren’t always cheaper than porcelain tiles. The price of the tiles depends on the specific tile collection, not whether they’re porcelain or ceramic. For instance, our porcelain tiles range from affordable to expensive and are available in both standard and large formats. Same with our ceramic tiles.

Instead of comparing prices based on material type, focus on the price per square metre of the particular tiles you want to buy. Most tiles are priced by the square metre and sold in full packs, but mosaic tiles are sold by sheet, and trims and bullnose tiles are sold individually. Just make sure you check that the price listed is indeed per square metre.

Glossy large-format porcelain floor tiles reflecting ceiling lights with subtle marble veining

Where Porcelain Earns Its Place

Due to their denser construction and lower water absorption rate, porcelain tiles are ideal for high-traffic areas. They are frequently used in flooring, hallways and outdoors. However, just ensure that the product description mentions that the tile is suitable for those applications. In the product catalogue, it might say something along the lines of ‘Wall & Ceiling Tile’, which isn’t a hard rule about how the tile can be used; rather, it’s simply a category the tile falls under. For example, when facing down a flood of muddy boots, dog paws and the entire family on a Saturday morning, quality porcelain tile won’t blink. In areas such as showers, though, be aware the tile isn’t the waterproofing itself; the NCC still states that the shower walls should be waterproofed up to 1800 millimetres (NCC 2025, ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 10.2) from the floor substrate, and then the tile is installed over that.

Narrow green glazed ceramic tiles laid vertically in staggered brick pattern

When ceramics are a good choice

Ceramics have a higher water absorption rate than porcelain, and in many cases for vertical surfaces, this will be sufficient. For walls and splashbacks without foot traffic, ceramic tiles are an excellent choice, and often, porcelain isn’t needed. Ceramics are offered in glossy finishes and bright colours, which is perfect for accent walls. For example, the Southern Cross Ceramics Folio Alessia gloss tile is one gloss option, while both Kai Ming and RAK have gloss subway style tiles that would suit splashbacks.

Hand comparing glossy grey, pale green and white tile samples with different finishes

The Finish Matters as Much as the Material

The tile body is only half of the story. Whichever material they are made from, matt tiles generally have a lower sheen, providing a softer, more organic appearance compared to a polished or lappato finish that provides a slightly greater amount of shine and elegance. Honed and satin finishes fall in between these two extremes. However, the finish isn’t a guide to the slip resistance, which is another matter entirely. Check the slip resistance (P rating (AS 4586:2013)) listed in the technical data on the product page for all floor installations, especially in wet areas, even if it’s a matt or glossy tile. A P3 rating is commonly recommended for residential bathrooms, although this isn't an absolute NCC requirement — check the P rating on the specific product page, whether porcelain or ceramic. Finally, AS 3958:2023 provides guidance on how to install tiles correctly. This is helpful if you are doing your own tiling, but it’s advisable to engage a qualified tiler for wet areas because the tile needs to be fixed directly over the waterproofing membrane.

References AS 13006:2020 Ceramic tiles, Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking, Standards Australia AS ISO 10545 Ceramic tiles (test methods), Standards Australia AS 3958:2023 Installation of ceramic and stone tiles, Standards Australia AS 4586:2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials, Standards Australia National Construction Code 2025, ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 10.2

References

AS 13006:2020 Ceramic tiles — Definitions, classification, characteristics and marking, Standards Australia

AS ISO 10545 Ceramic tiles (multi-part series of test methods), Standards Australia

AS 3958:2023 Installation of ceramic and stone tiles (incorporating Amendment No. 1:2024), Standards Australia

AS 4586:2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials (incorporating Amendment No. 1:2017), Standards Australia

National Construction Code 2025, ABCB Housing Provisions, Part 10.2 Wet area waterproofing

FAQs

Can I mix porcelain and ceramic tiles in the same room?

Yes, plenty of bathrooms pair a porcelain floor with ceramic walls, since each is doing the job it is best suited to. Just keep an eye on thickness and trim pieces at the junctions so the transition sits flush and looks intentional.

Is porcelain harder to cut and install than ceramic?

Porcelain's denser body is often considered harder to cut than ceramic — ask your tiler how this affects the installation and tools needed.

How do I clean and maintain each type long term?

Both are easy to wipe clean day to day. Grout lines on any tile can benefit from periodic sealing regardless of whether the tile is porcelain or ceramic — check your grout manufacturer's guidance.