Porcelain vs ceramic tiles: the differences and which to choose
October 25, 2026
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both made from fired clay. The difference is how dense they are. Porcelain stoneware is fired at a higher temperature from finer materials, so it absorbs almost no water (0.5% or less, group BIa of EN 14411). Normal ceramic wall tiles absorb much more.
The main differences
- Water and frost: porcelain is frost resistant and can go outdoors. Most ceramic wall tiles are for indoor use only.
- Strength: porcelain is harder and stronger — the right choice for floors, shops and terraces.
- Cutting and laying: ceramic is easier to cut. Porcelain needs a good tile cutter and an improved C2 adhesive.
- Price: ceramic is usually cheaper, especially for walls.
Labels worth knowing
- Rectified: the edges are ground perfectly straight after firing, so the tiles can be laid with very narrow joints.
- Slip rating R9–R13 (DIN 51130): the higher the number, the less slippery. R9–R10 for indoor floors, R11 and more for outdoor, ramps and wet areas.
- Finish: matt, satin, lappato (semi-polished) or polished. Polished is the shiniest and most slippery when wet.
Which tile for which room
- Bathroom and kitchen walls: ceramic or porcelain.
- Floors inside the house: porcelain, R9–R10, matt or satin for easy cleaning.
- Terraces, balconies, steps: frost-resistant porcelain, R11 or more.
- Shops and offices: porcelain with a high abrasion resistance.
Browse our porcelain tiles — every tile shows its size, finish and m² per box, with a calculator for how many boxes you need. Lay them with a C2 tile adhesive and a matching grout.
Questions
Can I use porcelain tiles on walls?
Yes. Porcelain works on walls too; for large and heavy formats use a deformable C2 S1 adhesive.
Are porcelain tiles slippery?
Polished porcelain can be slippery when wet. For bathrooms and outdoor areas choose a matt tile with an R10–R11 rating or more.
