Porcelain and ceramic tile look similar on the showroom floor, but they perform differently once they are installed in a South Florida home. Here is what you need to know before you choose.
What is the difference?
Both are made from clay and fired in a kiln. Porcelain uses a finer, denser clay and is fired at a higher temperature, so it absorbs less than 0.5% water. Ceramic is softer and more porous, which makes it easier to cut but less resistant to moisture and heavy wear.
Durability and water resistance
In Florida, humidity, sand and storms are a fact of life. Porcelain’s low absorption makes it the safer choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and any space close to the outdoors. It also resists chipping and scratching better, which matters with kids, pets and furniture.
Style options
Modern porcelain can look like marble, natural stone, concrete or even wood, and it comes in large formats like 24×48 and 48×48 for a seamless look. Ceramic is a great budget option for walls, backsplashes and low-traffic rooms.
Cost
Ceramic usually costs less per square foot, and installation can be slightly faster. Porcelain costs more up front but lasts for decades, so it often costs less over the life of the floor.
Our recommendation
For floors in South Florida homes, we recommend porcelain almost every time. Use ceramic for walls and decorative areas where it shines. Not sure which one fits your project? Learn about our porcelain tile installation or request a free estimate.