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Is porcelain always better than ceramic?

Not necessarily. For wall applications like kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls, ceramic tiles are perfectly adequate and often more cost-effective. Porcelain's advantages — density, low water absorption and durability — are most important for floor applications, particularly in wet or high-traffic areas.

Can I use ceramic tiles on bathroom floors?

It's not recommended. Ceramic tiles have higher water absorption than porcelain, making them less suitable for wet floor areas. For bathroom floors, porcelain tiles with an appropriate slip rating are the standard choice. Ceramic tiles are fine for bathroom walls.

How can I tell if a tile is porcelain or ceramic?

Check the product specifications or packaging — porcelain tiles should state a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. You can also ask your tile supplier or builder's selection consultant. Visually, it can be difficult to tell them apart, as both come in similar styles and finishes.

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Tiles, Flooring & Finishes

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

Durability, water absorption, cost and best uses — a clear comparison to help you choose the right tile type.

6 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

Porcelain tiles are denser, less porous and more durable than ceramic tiles
Porcelain is better suited to high-traffic floors and wet areas
Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive and often used for wall applications
Both come in a wide range of styles, sizes, colours and finishes
The price gap between porcelain and ceramic has narrowed as porcelain has become more common

Porcelain and ceramic are the two most common tile materials used in Australian home building. While they look similar and are often grouped together, they have different properties that affect durability, water resistance, cost and suitability for different applications.

What's the Difference?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay and fired in a kiln. The key difference is the type of clay and the firing process. Porcelain tiles are made from denser clay (kaolin), fired at higher temperatures, making them harder, denser and less porous than ceramic tiles. Porcelain is technically a type of ceramic, but it meets specific standards for water absorption (less than 0.5%) that distinguish it from standard ceramic.

Porcelain Tiles

Denser and harder — more resistant to wear, scratching and chipping
Very low water absorption (less than 0.5%) — ideal for wet areas and outdoor use
Through-body or glazed — through-body porcelain has consistent colour throughout, so chips are less visible
Suitable for high-traffic floors — living areas, entryways, kitchens and outdoor alfrescos
Available in large format — popular for modern, seamless floor designs
Generally more expensive than ceramic — though the gap has narrowed

Ceramic Tiles

Less dense than porcelain — adequate for most residential wall applications
Higher water absorption (typically 3–7%) — not ideal for outdoor or high-moisture floor areas
Usually glazed — the glazed surface provides colour and pattern, but chips can show the underlying clay body
Popular for walls — kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls and feature walls
Generally less expensive — a cost-effective option for wall tiling
Easier to cut and install — softer body makes DIY and complex cuts easier

Comparison Summary

Characteristic	Porcelain
Durability	High
Water absorption	<0.5%
Best for	Floors & wet areas
Cost	Moderate–high

General comparison only. Specific tile products vary. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.

Note

The cost table above is a simplified comparison. In practice, both porcelain and ceramic tiles come in a wide range of prices depending on brand, design, origin and format. Some premium ceramic wall tiles can cost more than standard porcelain floor tiles.

Which Should You Choose?

For floor applications — especially in high-traffic areas, wet areas and outdoor spaces — porcelain is generally the better choice due to its density and low water absorption. For wall applications — splashbacks, bathroom walls and feature walls — ceramic tiles are perfectly adequate and often more cost-effective. Many homes use a combination: porcelain on floors, ceramic on walls.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

What's the standard tile allowance — does it cover porcelain or only ceramic?
What's the per-m² upgrade cost from ceramic to porcelain floor tiles?
Are the standard wall tiles ceramic or porcelain, and does it matter for my wet areas?
Can I use the same porcelain tile on floors and walls for a cohesive look?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using ceramic tiles on bathroom floors — higher water absorption can cause damage
Assuming porcelain is always more expensive — the price gap has narrowed significantly
Not checking the water absorption rating for outdoor or wet-area tiles
Choosing glazed ceramic for high-traffic floors — chips show the underlying clay body

Builder Tips

Porcelain is the recommended choice for all floor applications — durable and low water absorption
Ceramic is perfectly adequate for most wall applications — splashbacks and bathroom walls
Many homes use a combination: porcelain on floors, ceramic on walls — cost-effective and practical
Through-body porcelain hides chips better than glazed ceramic — better for high-traffic floors

Tile Selection Appointment Explained

Prepare for your tile appointment with a room-by-room guide.

Read the Guide