Porcelain Tiles or Ceramic Tiles: Which is Best For Outdoors?

Porcelain and Ceramic tiles are two of the most popular options you will come across while revamping your outdoors. Both of these flooring materials are durable, versatile, and available in a massive range of styles and colors, owing to which, most homeowners use these terms interchangeably.
At a glance, porcelain and ceramic tiles might look similar but there are many key technical differences that make them different from each other. While porcelain tiles are less porous, denser, and much more durable, Ceramic ones are highly resistant to scratches, chipping, and stains.
Are you a novice, having no idea about Porcelain and Ceramic tiles? Here’s a quick comparison between these materials, that will help you make an informed choice. Keep scrolling the page and pick the one that complements your space while being easy on your pocket.

A Quick Introduction to Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Before you get deep down into the notable differences, it’s good to learn a bit more about these flooring options to have a better idea.

Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are a new type of ceramic tiles, made of thin, dense clay. They are characterized by their strength, purity, hardness, and high water resistance. It uses more refined particles of clay, fired at a high temperature.

These tiles can maintain their shape easily, are more resistant to scratches and stains, and are widely known for their inherent versatility. However, like all other flooring options, it also comes with a range of disadvantages that you must keep into account before making a choice.

Owing to their high density, they are too hard and difficult to cut. These are heavy and require some good effort to install. So, if you are going to choose Porcelain tiles for your outdoors, make sure to hire a professional tiler and get the job done with ease.

Ceramic Tiles

There’s no denying that ceramic tiles may be the only flooring option that works in every area of your house, be it walls, worktops, backsplashes, bathrooms, or patios. They have a firm, solid surface that never collects dirt, dust, pollen, or other allergens.

The classic appearance and vast selection have these tiles popular among homeowners and tiles installers. Ceramic tiles are super strong and abrasion-resistance. If installed correctly and maintained properly, these tiles can last for up to 20 years or even longer.

The major downside of ceramic tiles is that they don’t absorb or retain heat; hence, can get rather cold during winters. Moreover, these tiles are a bit heavy, which further makes them unfit for upper-story installations.

5 Key Differences Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Now that you are aware of both flooring options, it’s time to uncover the key pointers that distinguish ceramic and porcelain tiles from each other. Check them out here and make an appropriate choice for your outdoors.

1. Appearance

While both flooring tiles are manufactured with a glazed surface coating, Porcelain tiles have an edge when it comes to appearance. It is extremely good at mimicking natural stone, such as marble and wood grains, making it an excellent choice for outdoor areas.
Also, they are available in better surface finishes, more colors and patterns, and slightly better quality as compared to ceramic ones.

2. Water and Heat Resistance

There’s no denying that both Ceramic and Porcelain tiles have good resistance to heat and water. Porcelain tiles are heavier, denser, and more impervious to water, making them a better choice for outdoor locations. However, outdoor use is recommended in mild climates only.
Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are somewhat more susceptible to moisture infiltration. Hence, it can resist water as long as the face of the tile is glazed and in good condition. An unglazed portion of ceramic tiles will not resist water, making them slightly unfit for outdoor locations.
So, all and all, Porcelain tiles have slightly better water and heat resistance, which is why they are an ideal choice for outdoors and countertops alike.

3. Cleaning and Maintenance

It is essential to consider the maintenance part when choosing the tiles for outdoors. Both Porcelain and Ceramic have identical care and maintenance needs. You can easily clean them up with a mild water-soap solution.

4. Installation process

While both forms of tile flooring use a similar installation method and a good craftsman, Ceramic tiles are far easier to install and are suitable for DIY homeowners. They are less dense; hence, easier to cut with a tile cutter.
Porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are slightly more brittle and may require experienced professionals to cut them properly.

5. Durability

There’s no denying that Porcelain tiles are way more durable than ordinary ceramic ones. They are suitable for heavy usage and impervious to moisture, which further makes them an ideal choice for outdoors. Owing to their thorough-body composition, Porcelain tiles are considered to be stronger than their counterpart.

Which is better – Porcelain or Ceramic Tiles?

There’s no clear winner when it comes to choosing ceramic or porcelain tiles for your outdoors, and your choice really boils down to what particular style appeals to you visually. It is suggested to pick the option that elevates your space and stays with you for quite a long.