China Pottery

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles – What’s the difference?

Ceramic tiles are made from clay and are normally red bodied or white bodied, with a glaze applied to the top surface. The glaze is the part of the tile that you will see when the tile has been fitted and can have varying finishes such as gloss, matt or silk. Red bodied tiles are the least expensive of the two types while the white bodied is the better quality, hence the higher price. Ceramic tiles are particularly suitable for interior walls in areas such as bathrooms where they will not but subject to wear and tear issues to the same degree as in other areas. They are also often used in non-domestic commercial projects mainly due to the cost savings made by the developers. In recent years the size of ceramic wall tiles has increased dramatically with formats of over 1 metre in length now available. Ceramic tiles are also split into two distinct categories, wall tiles and floor tiles. Under no circumstances can the wall tiles be used on floors. Unlike porcelain tiles, ceramic floor tiles are normally only available in small formats usually 33 x 33cm or such like. This is because the material is not really suited to floor use but can be it used in areas of light traffic such as a domestic bathroom. They are not normally suitable for exterior use as they can absorb water, which makes them susceptible to cracking if subject to freezing temperatures.

Many people have only heard of porcelain in terms of porcelain crockery and have the impression that it is delicate and will be easily damaged. This could not be further from the truth as porcelain tiles are extremely tough, scratch resistant and frost resistant. This means that porcelain tiles can be used internally and externally for a multitude of applications. The same tiles can be used on both floor and wall and most porcelain tiles are suitable for any normal domestic application. General categories are white bodied, coloured bodied and through bodied. White bodied porcelain tiles have a glaze applied which gives the tile it’s outward appearance. If the tile is scratched then the underlying white body will show through. With a coloured bodied tile, the body of the tile is a very similar if not identical colour to the glaze itself. This means in the unlikely event of scratching the scratch would be far less noticeable. With a through bodied tile the tile is made from the same material throughout and will can have a polished, semi-polished or matt finish.

If you are in any doubt about the suitability of a tile ask your retailer for information regarding it’s recommended usage. This will take into account qualities such as the hardness, the toughness of the glaze or tile, frost resistance, heat resistance, scratch resistance etc. If they cannot provide this information then you could be taking a risk. The more information you have, the more informed your choice will be.

About the Author

JJ Davies specialises in writing articles concerning the tiling industry. From initial design to installation topics cover bathroom tiles, floor tiles, wall tiles, kitchen tiles, porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles and natural stone tiles.

Kitchen with 18″ Glazed Porcelain Tile

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Forest / 6×6 $4.79 Minimum Order: 220/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Forest / 20×20 $4.39 Minimum Order: 217/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Forest / 13×13 $4.25 Minimum Order: 222/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Lake Pebble / 20×20 $4.39 Minimum Order: 217/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Lake Pebble / 13×13 $4.25 Minimum Order: 222/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Arizona Brown / 6×6 $4.79 Minimum Order: 220/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Arizona Brown / 13×13 $4.25 Minimum Order: 222/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Lake Pebble / 6×6 $4.79 Minimum Order: 220/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Strong Series Glazed Italian Porcelain Tiles Arizona Brown / 20×20 $4.39 Minimum Order: 217/sq ft – Torino’s Strong Series glazed porcelain tile exhibits a unique, earthy beauty, reflecting all the class and style associated with the best in European tile. Offering a range of earthy tones: greens, browns, and subtle beige Torino’s Strong Series also offers the kind of resilience and long-lasting durability expected of professionals the world over. This glazed porcelain tile is the product of manufacturing expertise and innovation. Comprised of similar elements found in the hardest of natural stone, Torino Strong Series porcelain tile adds the benefit of superior technical performance. Rectified and glazed, these porcelain tiles are characterized by a notable hardness, exceeding all ANSI specifications. These tiles are easy to install, wear resistant, scratch-resistant, and are easy to maintain. Torino Strong Series porcelain tile are ready made for all manner of installations, including those meant for heavy commercial use.

Florentine Glazed Tiles $31.99 Jerry Sic Florentine Glazed Tiles – Art Print

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Ivory / 13×20 $3.49 Minimum Order: 252/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Ivory / 20×20 $3.49 Minimum Order: 253/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Beige / 13×13 $3.09 Minimum Order: 251/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Beige / 20×20 $3.49 Minimum Order: 253/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Beige / 13×20 $3.49 Minimum Order: 252/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Noce / 13×13 $3.09 Minimum Order: 251/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Ivory / 13×13 $3.09 Minimum Order: 251/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

Italian Porcelain Tiles – Tuscany Series Noce / 20×20 $3.49 Minimum Order: 253/sq ft – The Southern regions of France, and particularly Provence, boast an important tradition in the manufacture of naturally colored earthenware. These floors are still found in ancient buildings, sometimes up to 500 years old, and their colors and shape still bear the hallmarks of their original working. The Old Euro Series has been inspired by these traditional floors with their structural unevenness resulting from hand molding of the material, and the variegated colors that are particular to firing in wood-burning kilns. The colors reflect the influences of their regions of origin, yellow from Bordeaux, ochre and rose from the Southwest and red from Nimes.The Old Euro Series is a premium quality, glazed porcelain tile, produced by one of the premier Italian tile manufacturers. The state of the art processes used to manufacture these floor tiles results in a tile which is extremely durable, very strong, easy to clean, and totally environmentally-friendly.

China, Beijing, Summer Palace, Glazed Tiles with Red Wall $24.99 Keren Su China, Beijing, Summer Palace, Glazed Tiles with Red Wall – Photographic Print

Glazed Tiles of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, Pergamon Museum, Berlin, Germany, Europe $24.99 Ken Gillham Glazed Tiles of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon, Pergamon Museum, Berlin, Germany, Europe – Photographic Print

Detail of Turquoise Glazed Tiles on Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Afghanistan $19.99 Jane Sweeney Detail of Turquoise Glazed Tiles on Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa, Afghanistan – Photographic Print

Detail of Decoration on Minaret Including Kufic Inscription in Turquoise Glazed Tiles $19.99 Jane Sweeney Detail of Decoration on Minaret Including Kufic Inscription in Turquoise Glazed Tiles – Photographic Print

Remington Lamp 2147 Table Lamp In Glazed Porcelain $298 Transitional Table Lamp in Glazed Porcelain by Remington Lamp. Dimensions: 31.5 H 19 W

Porcelain Tile – Wood Grain Series Maple / 6×24 $2.89 This line of Kaska Wood Grain Porcelain Tile is noted for its wood-grain pattern appearance and glazed finish. The size of these tiles allows for an installation all on its own or as an accessory to larger, square tiles. These tiles are an excellent choice for floor and wall tile applications.

Porcelain Tile – Wood Grain Series Timber / 6×24 $2.89 This line of Kaska Wood Grain Porcelain Tile is noted for its wood-grain pattern appearance and glazed finish. The size of these tiles allows for an installation all on its own or as an accessory to larger, square tiles. These tiles are an excellent choice for floor and wall tile applications.

Porcelain Tile – Wood Grain Series Pecan / 6×24 $2.89 This line of Kaska Wood Grain Porcelain Tile is noted for its wood-grain pattern appearance and glazed finish. The size of these tiles allows for an installation all on its own or as an accessory to larger, square tiles. These tiles are an excellent choice for floor and wall tile applications.

Porcelain Tile – Wood Grain Series Chestnut / 6×24 $2.89 This line of Kaska Wood Grain Porcelain Tile is noted for its wood-grain pattern appearance and glazed finish. The size of these tiles allows for an installation all on its own or as an accessory to larger, square tiles. These tiles are an excellent choice for floor and wall tile applications.

Tin-glazed Tiles from London $74.52 No Synopsis Available

Ceramic Tiles $3.99 These ceramic tiles provide a safe mosaic project environment in the classroom. They have rounded edges and no sharp corners. Glazed tiles are ready to use for any mosaic project. Square tiles are 3/8" (10 mm). The 5 lb Mixed Shapes pack has an assortment of rectangles, leaves, pebbles, flowers, hearts, circles, and squares in a variety of colors.

Detail of Turquoise Glazed Tiles on Late Timurid Style Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa $19.99 Jane Sweeney Detail of Turquoise Glazed Tiles on Late Timurid Style Shrine of Khwaja Abu Nasr Parsa – Photographic Print