Which Is Best: Porcelain or Ceramic Floors?

Durability

• Porcelain tiles are harder and better able to stand up to heavy foot traffic. Additionally, porcelain's low porosity makes it suitable for both outdoor and commercial use. Ceramic tiles are more susceptible to chipping and scratching from daily wear and tear. Before deciding on a tile, look at its hardness rating on a scale developed by The Porcelain Enamel Institute. The higher the number, the harder the tile. For example, a PEI rating of 5 indicates that the tile is suitable for heavy commercial use. At the other end of the scale is PEI1 for tile that cracks or chips easily.
  
  

Installation

• With the proper tools and skill, the handy do-it-yourselfer can manage his own ceramic floor tile installation. Porcelain tile's density makes it harder to work with than ceramic tile. While ceramic is fairly easy to cut, you may need to buy or rent a professional tile saw to cut porcelain.
  
  

Cost

• In general, porcelain tile is often priced higher than ceramic. This is largely due to porcelain's durability and value-added options such as color that continues throughout the tile which is known as "through body" or "full body" porcelain. Not all porcelain has this feature, however. Like ceramic tiles, most porcelain has a design layer on the surface only. If the tile is chipped, the white porcelain will show through.
  
  

Considerations

• As both porcelain and ceramic tiles are available at varying price points depending on quality and size, making a decision on which tile is best for flooring largely depends on where it will be installed. Both types are available in a wide range of colors, patterns and levels of hardness. If the planned installation is indoors and residential, ceramic floor tile will get the job done. If the tile will be exposed to the elements on a patio or porch, for example, porcelain would be a better bet.