| Product Type | Temperature |
| Ceramic Tile | ≦1200℃ |
| Porcelain Tile | >1200℃ |
Porcelain tile is one of the most popular materials for modern interiors and exteriors, known for its durability, low water absorption, and timeless aesthetic.
Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom, designing a kitchen backsplash, or selecting flooring for a high-traffic area, porcelain offers a wide range of practical and decorative advantages.
But with so many options on the market—glazed, unglazed, polished, matte, full Body—it’s natural to have questions: What exactly is porcelain tile? Is it better than ceramic? Does it need to be sealed? Can it be used in a bathroom or shower?
This guide answers all of those questions and more.
You’ll learn how porcelain tile is made, how it compares to ceramic tile, and where it performs best—whether on bathroom floors, shower walls, or even outdoor patios.
We’ll also cover whether porcelain tile needs sealing, how to maintain its finish, and what you can or can’t do when it comes to painting or modifying its surface.
If you’re looking for a complete, beginner-friendly overview of porcelain tile that’s packed with expert insights, you’re in the right place.
This Blog will contain the following topics：
1. What porcelain tile is
2. Porcelain Tile vs. Ceramic Tile: What’s the Difference?
3. Where Can You Use Porcelain Tile?
Does porcelain tile require sealing?
5. How to Modify or Maintain Porcelain Tile
How to Make Porcelain Tile Shiny Again
Daily Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Porcelain Tile
6. Conclusion
Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile that is made from refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures—often above 1200°C
| Product Type | Temperature |
| Ceramic Tile | ≦1200℃ |
| Porcelain Tile | >1200℃ |
This process creates a tile that is much denser and harder than standard ceramic tile.
We conducted a weight comparison to highlight the difference in material density between porcelain and ceramic tiles:
The left tile is a single porcelain tile measuring 143 x 143 x 11 mm, with a weight of 419.3 grams.
The right tiles are two ceramic tiles stacked together, each measuring 125 x 125 x 12 mm, with a combined weight of 461.8 grams, which means each ceramic tile weighs approximately 230.9 grams.
This means that a single porcelain tile nearly matches the total weight of two similarly sized ceramic tiles, clearly demonstrating the higher density and lower porosity of porcelain.
This increased density contributes directly to porcelain’s superior durability, water resistance, and suitability for high-traffic or demanding environments.
Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile (per piece) |
|---|---|---|
Dimensions (mm) | 143 × 143 × 11 | 125 × 125 × 12 |
Number of Tiles Measured | 1 | 2 (total weight divided by 2) |
Total Weight (g) | 419.3 | 461.8 (combined for two pieces) |
Average Weight per Tile (g) | 419.3 | 230.9 |
Density Indication | Higher density, less porous | Lower density, more porous |
Conclusion | One porcelain tile weighs nearly the same as two ceramic tiles of similar size, indicating superior density and durability | Lighter weight, suitable for less demanding applications |
In the video below, we showcase the full process of how handmade tiles are created — from shaping and glazing to high-temperature firing and final inspection.
If you’re interested in the craftsmanship behind each tile, this video serves as a perfect complement to the content discussed in this section.
Because of this dense composition, porcelain tile is not porous in the way many other tiles are.
In fact, it has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, which makes it ideal for wet or high-moisture areas like bathrooms, showers, and outdoor spaces.
A glazed porcelain tile has a layer of liquid glass fused onto its surface during firing, which adds color, pattern, and protection.
It can come in glossy, matte, or textured finishes, depending on design preferences.
GLossy Glazed Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both made from clay and other natural materials, but they differ significantly in how they’re manufactured—and those differences affect performance.
Porcelain tile is fired at much higher temperatures, making it denser, harder, and less porous than regular ceramic tile.
This increased density means porcelain tile absorbs less water, typically less than 0.5%, making it better suited for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, showers, and even outdoor spaces.
Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |
Material Composition | Made from finer, denser clay | Made from less refined clay |
Firing Temperature | Fired at higher temperatures (typically >1200°C) | Fired at lower temperatures |
Density | High density, less porous | Lower density, more porous |
Water Absorption | < 0.5% — highly water-resistant | > 0.5% — not ideal for very wet areas without sealing |
Durability | Harder, more resistant to wear, scratches, and chips | Softer, more prone to chipping or surface wear |
Suitability for Wet Areas | Excellent (bathroom, shower, outdoor) | Acceptable, but may require sealing depending on usage |
Finish Options | Can be glazed or unglazed; available in matte, glossy, or textured finishes | Can also be glazed or unglazed; matte, glossy, or textured finishes are available |
Installation | Harder to cut; requires more expertise | Easier to cut and install |
Cost | Generally more expensive due to material and firing process | More budget-friendly |
Best Use Case | High-traffic, wet, or outdoor areas | Residential walls, low-traffic floors, decorative use |
In terms of durability, porcelain is generally more resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks, especially in high-traffic or commercial settings. Ceramic tile, while still a reliable and cost-effective option, is slightly softer and more prone to wear over time, especially if used on floors or in wet areas.
So, which is more durable: ceramic or porcelain tile?
The answer is porcelain—particularly in environments where moisture, wear, and impact resistance matter most. However, both options can be excellent choices depending on the specific needs of your space.
Porcelain tile is an excellent choice for bathroom floors and shower walls. Its dense composition and low water absorption rate (typically less than 0.5%) make it highly resistant to moisture, mold, and staining—key concerns in wet environments.
Its durability also means it can withstand the frequent foot traffic, water splashes, and cleaning chemicals common in bathrooms.
Absolutely.
Whether it’s for the floor, walls, or ceiling of a walk-in shower, porcelain tile offers a waterproof, long-lasting surface.
With the right grout and proper installation, it can create a fully sealed and low-maintenance shower environment.
One of porcelain’s standout advantages is its performance outdoors, where durability and weather resistance are critical.
Porcelain’s high firing temperature—typically over 1200°C—gives it a dense, vitrified structure that can withstand both extreme heat and freezing temperatures without cracking or fading.
At Energy Handmade Tile, we’ve supplied exterior porcelain wall tiles for real-world projects like a large-scale building in Harbin, Northern China—a city known for its long, harsh winters.
The tiles maintained their structural integrity and appearance through seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, confirming porcelain as a reliable choice even in demanding climates.
A common concern is whether porcelain tile is slippery, especially in wet areas. The answer depends on the surface finish.
Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet, so for bathrooms, showers, or outdoor spaces.
We would not 100% recommend you use them on the floor.
It’s best to choose a matte, textured, or anti-slip porcelain finish. Many porcelain tiles are rated with slip-resistance (COF rating), helping you select the safest option for your specific application.
DCOF Value | Slip Resistance Classification | Suitable For… |
< 0.30 | Low (slippery) | Dry, decorative vertical surfaces only |
0.30–0.42 | Moderate | Low-traffic dry floors (e.g., bedrooms) |
≥ 0.42 | Acceptable for Wet Conditions | Bathrooms, kitchens, shower floors, outdoor use |
While COF ratings offer a helpful baseline, no rating system can fully replace real-world experience. The texture, finish, and overall slip resistance of porcelain tile can feel very different in person than what you might expect from a number on a spec sheet.
In wet areas, the finish of your porcelain tile matters just as much as the material itself.
Textured matte tiles provide extra grip underfoot, while glazed glossy finishes are better suited for walls or dry areas where aesthetics take priority.
For commercial or high-traffic settings, there are specialized anti-slip porcelain tiles that balance safety and design.
One of the advantages of porcelain tile is that it typically does not require sealing, especially when it has a glazed surface.
Thanks to its dense composition and low water absorption rate (often less than 0.5%), porcelain tile is naturally resistant to moisture and staining.
However, the answer depends on whether your porcelain tile is glazed or unglazed:
Glazed porcelain has a protective glass-like coating that covers the surface. This glaze acts as a built-in sealant, making the tile resistant to stains, water, and bacteria. In most cases, glazed porcelain tiles do not need additional sealing—either during installation or afterward.
Unglazed porcelain does not have that top protective layer. While still very dense and durable, its surface is slightly more porous and can absorb stains more easily, especially from grout or colored liquids. For this reason, unglazed porcelain tiles are usually sealed before and after grouting to prevent permanent discoloration and to make cleaning easier over time.
Technically, yes, but it’s not always practical.
Because porcelain tile is non-porous and often has a glazed finish, paint doesn’t adhere easily and can peel over time—especially in high-traffic or wet areas.
If you do choose to paint:
However, even when done correctly, this solution is best suited for low-traffic vertical surfaces (like backsplashes), not floors or showers.
Glazed porcelain can lose its shine over time due to dirt and residue buildup. You can restore it by:
For matte or unglazed porcelain, polishing may alter its intended look and reduce its slip resistance—so proceed with caution or consult the manufacturer.
Regular cleaning doesn’t just make your tile look good—it helps preserve its finish and longevity. Here are the essential tips:
Porcelain tile isn’t just a practical flooring or wall solution—it’s a long-term investment in durability, design flexibility, and performance. Whether you’re planning a bathroom remodel, outfitting an outdoor patio, or upgrading a commercial space, porcelain offers the strength and style to meet the challenge. Its low water absorption, high density, and range of finishes make it one of the most versatile materials available today.
Still unsure if porcelain is right for your project? Reach out to us with your questions or request a sample—seeing and feeling the tile in person is the best way to make an informed decision. We’re here to help you choose the perfect tile, every step of the way.
