Ceramic vs Porcelain Tiles for Shower: Which is Better?

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are two of the most popular options for a shower. And for a good reason. They’re not only two of the most durable and long-lasting options, but they come in many different shapes and designs, allowing you to create a shower that perfectly suits your aesthetic style and needs.

To help you choose which type of tile is the better option for you, in this article, we’ll explain the key differences between the two, touch upon their pros and cons, and in the end, we’ll go over which tile is more suitable for a range of requirements, including durability, cost, maintenance, and more.

But before we get into the above, let’s first take a look at what each of the tiles is all about - starting off with ceramic tiles.

Understanding Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of natural clay, water, and various minerals, the combination of which is then fired at a high temperature. Due to the wide availability of their key ingredients, ceramic tiles have been used for centuries, making them a tried and tested option for both residential and commercial shower applications.

Understanding Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are also made out of clay. However, the manufacturing process and the materials used are different. To make porcelain tiles, manufacturers use finer and more refined clay that is fired at a much higher temperature. This is what makes it denser, harder, and more resistant to water and general wear and tear.

Key Differences Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles for Showers

Despite both types of tiles serving a very similar purpose, there are a few differences that can make one more suitable than the other. The key differences between ceramic vs porcelain tiles for shower applications mainly revolve around:

Durability and Strength

Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and more durable than their ceramic counterparts. And while ceramic tiles are also quite durable, they’re generally softer and are more prone to damage from heavy impacts.

Water Resistance

Porcelain tiles have a very low rate of water absorption (typically under 0.5%). This makes them highly resistant to water, unlike ceramic tiles, which are also water resistant but are more porous than porcelain.

Installation and Cost

Porcelain tiles are typically the more expensive option not just to buy but to install as well. This is mainly due to their density and hardness, which requires the use of specialised tools and equipment.

If you’re working on a budget, ceramic tiles are not only the more suitable option, but by reading our guide to tiling a bathroom for beginners, you can also see if you can try and install the tiles yourself rather than spending money on a professional installer.

Aesthetic and Design Options

Both tiles are available in a range of designs to suit different aesthetic preferences. With that said, porcelain tiles are commonly designed to mimic high-end materials such as granite, wood, and marble while ceramic tiles tend to be available in a wider variety of colours and patterns.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Porcelain tiles require significantly less upkeep due to their non-porous nature. This is unlike ceramic tiles, which are much more susceptible to stains, mold, and mildew.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic Tiles for Showers

As is the case with any shower tile, ceramic tiles also come with their pros and cons, so let’s take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of using ceramic tiles in your shower:

Pros

• More cost-effective compared to porcelain tiles
• They’re available in a wide array of colours, patterns, and sizes
• They’re lighter and easier to handle and install
• They’re very low maintenance

Cons

• They’re more prone to chips and cracks
• Although suitable for shower applications, they’re not as long-lasting
• Grout lines can become discoloured over time
• Higher water absorption unless properly sealed and maintained

Pros and Cons of Porcelain Tiles for Showers

Now that you know what the pros and cons of ceramic tiles are, let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of using their porcelain counterparts.

Pros

• They’re exceptionally durable and long-lasting
• They have a very low rate of water absorption
• They can mimic the look of natural stone, wood, and other high-end materials
• They’re scratch and stain resistant

Cons

• Porcelain tiles are typically costlier than ceramic tiles
• They’re more difficult to install
• They’re cold to the touch
• They’re heavier, making them less suitable for some wall applications

Which Tile Is Better for Your Shower?

If you’re still sitting on the fence between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles for your shower, keep on reading to find out what the best option is for a range of different requirements, including:

Best Option for Durability and Longevity

Porcelain tiles are the better option if you’re looking for tiles that are not only durable but will last you for many years to come. Their dense composition, resistance to stains and scratches, and low rate of water absorption make them an ideal choice for wet environments like your shower.

Best Option for Budget-Friendly Installation

If you’re working on a tighter budget, we’d recommend you to go for ceramic tiles as they’re usually the more affordable option. Depending on the shape, size, and overall design of the tiles, ceramic tiles typically start from around £35 per square meter - not to mention that they can also be cheaper to install.

Best Option for Easy Maintenance

Nobody wants to spend longer cleaning their shower than they need to. And if that also applies to you, we’d recommend you to choose porcelain tiles. They’re extremely low maintenance thanks to their non-porous surface and resistance to stains, mold, and mildew, making them a popular choice for people looking to upgrade their shower or modern wet room in the UK.

Best Option for Aesthetic Appeal

There is no best option when it comes to aesthetic appeal as both types of tiles can be more appealing to certain individuals. That being said, if you want to achieve a more sophisticated or high-end look, porcelain tiles might have an edge as they can mimic the appearance of natural materials like marble, granite, or wood extremely well. 

Final Thoughts / CTA

Choosing between ceramic and porcelain for your shower is a big decision to make - not only because the tiles and their installation can be quite costly, but because your choice will affect the overall look, durability, and the level of maintenance your bathroom requires.

Hopefully, after reading this article, you now have a better idea whether you want to go for ceramic or porcelain tiles. Whatever the case might be, at Plumbworld, we have plenty of ceramic and porcelain tile options to choose from.

So, browse through our shower tiles page to discover our range of products and find the tiles that work best for you.