It can be difficult for the untrained eye to tell the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile, let alone what makes one better or worse than the other.

All things considered, if the two tiles are pushed to their absolute limits, porcelain will perform better than ceramic every time.  Porcelain is heavier than ceramic because it has less air in the tile, making it stronger and less absorbent. However, both tiles easily meet the needs of a kitchen or bathroom, and since ceramic is generally more inexpensive, it is more popular in households.

Additionally, since ceramic is lighter, it’s ideal for walls in kitchens and bathrooms and doesn’t require the maintenance of natural stone. Both tiles will outperform natural stone tiles because they’re not porous on the surface like natural products are.

Porcelain tile has come a very long way in available colors, frequently mimicking the look of natural stones and materials; including materials such as hardwood and slate, so much so that some can’t tell the difference unless looking closely.  Ceramic has also made leaps and bounds and is available in a variety of colors and textures.