Should Bathroom Floor Tiles be Ceramic or Porcelain?

by Team BuildMyplace on Oct 03, 2024

Should Bathroom Floor Tiles be Ceramic or Porcelain?

Looking for bathroom floor tile? When it comes to that, there are two options that you might have heard. The popular options are Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles. 

Why they are a better option compared to the others? It’s because they have a better grip and provide durability, style and water resistance. However, like every other thing they are different when we talk about the cost, maintenance, and performance. 

What should you buy for your bathroom tile flooring? Ceramic? Or Porcelain? Lets break down all the features of each these floor tiles for the bathroom. 

Is Porcelain Tile Ideal For Your Bathroom? Why?

The Porcelain tiles are constructed from a more refined clay. Also, they are fired at much higher temperature compared to ceramic. The thorough process makes them denser and strong. 

Not only this but following this manufacturing process, porcelain tiles become less porous and can easily withstand moisture better. 

A Bathroom floor tile should be able to withstand moisture better. It’s very important, especially in an environment where the water exposure is high. 

Why Choose Porcelain for Bathroom Floors?

Why Choose Porcelain for Bathroom Floors?

Can’t wrap your mind around the porcelain tiles? Here are some points that might help you:

  • Moisture Resistance: As we shared above, these tiles have high water absorption rates. Having high water absorption rates is perfect for bathrooms that usually have high humidity levels. 
  • Strength and Durability: The porcelain tiles come with a hard surface. What’s the hard surface is for? The surface can easily withstand heavy foot traffic. It gives you strength and durability. 
  • Variety of Designs: If you go around searching for these tiles, you’ll see that they come in various styles. Also, they have options that very closely imitates natural stone or wood. Having so many options makes them versatile. 
  • Low Maintenance: All the credit goes to their manufacturing and these tiles require very low upkeep. 

Benefits of Using Porcelain Tile in Bathrooms

Benefits of Using Porcelain Tile in Bathrooms

Well, here are some benefits that you can get if you decide to install this bathroom tile flooring option. 

  • High Water Resistance: Porcelain is waterproof, and by waterproof, we mean WATERPROOF. It means you can rest easy and don’t have to worry slightly a bit about water getting through them and causing damage. 
  • Longevity: The porcelain is your long-term investment. Do you know how? Porcelain is made of up of a dense composition and is very less likely to crack or chip. So, for the decade being, you don’t have to worry about changing your bathroom tile floor 
  • Easy Cleaning: Wondering how you can keep your bathroom floor hygienic? You can simply do it by adding these bathroom floor tiles. How it will keep your bathroom floor hygienic? It’s because of the non porous surface of porcelain, it resists stains, mold, and bacteria. 
  • Enhanced Look: The Porcelain tiles comes with a more refined and polished look. This look can uplift the look of your bathroom. 

Is Ceramic Tile Ideal For Your Bathroom? Why?

Let's start with ceramic tiles. Did you know that compared to porcelain tiles, these tiles are fired at a much lower temperature? Also, they are crafted from less dense clay too. 

They are slightly softer, which can benefit you if you’re doing DIY. These tiles can perform well even if they are not as water-resistant as porcelain. 

Why Choose Ceramic for Bathroom Floors?

Why Choose Ceramic for Bathroom Floors?

Here are some features to better explain why you should consider these Ceramic tiles for your bathroom. 

  • Cost-Effective: Looking for a budgeted renovation for your bathroom? This tile is perfect for your bathroom floor tiles. They are more budget friendly than porcelain. 
  • Ease of Installation: As we just discussed that these bathroom tile floor are much softer than porcelain. Their softer structure makes them easier to cut and install. Were you planning on DIYing? You can do it with Ceramic tiles. 
  • Design Options: Want flexible bathroom tile flooring? Ceramic is your option. Why? Because you can get these tiles in variety of shapes, colors and sizes too. Looking to create something creative in your bathroom? Do it with the help of these tiles. 

Yes, the ceramic tiles may not be as durable as the porcelain. But they are a great choice if you want your bathroom floor tiles to be stylish. 

Benefits of Using Ceramic Tile in Bathrooms

Well, ceramic tiles also offer some unique benefits and especially for the budget conscious homeowners. Here are some benefits to consider in mind:

  • Affordability: Want a budgeted renovation? Choose ceramic tiles because they cost less than porcelain tiles. Also, while staying in their budget range they offer a wide range of design choices. 
  • Comfort Underfoot: If you were looking of a more softer underfoot experience, we heard you. Our ceramic tiles will provide you with a more softer and warmer underfoot experience compared to porcelain. This can be a plus point in colder climates. 
  • Ease of Replacement: If somehow a tile gets damaged, these ceramic tiles are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.

What’s the Best Type of Tile for a Bathroom Floor?

What’s the Best Type of Tile for a Bathroom Floor?

Ceramic and porcelain have their strengths. The best type can only be determined based on specific needs. 

Porcelain Tile is the best if you want a tile that can withstand moisture, heavy traffic, and is little in maintenance. The material particularly comes in handy for exposed facilities as master bathrooms or those where there are frequent splashes of water.

Alternately, if the requirement is of being budget-friendly with flexibility in design and ease of installation, you may choose to have ceramic. That would come in as perfect for guest bathrooms or areas where there is a less number of foot traffic.

Conclusion

it doesn’t matter what option you have picked. Because in the end both these bathroom floor tiles are there considered the best option for your bathroom. They give you practicality and style. Your choice of bathroom floor tile will depend on your considerations like budget, what’s your preference, whether can you maintain them, and your overall design. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Is porcelain or ceramic better for bathroom floors?
A. They both have their own advantages. For example, porcelain is more denser then ceramic, and ceramic gives more softer underfoot experience. Porcelain is very less likely to chip or crack, and if somehow ceramic tile got damaged, it is easy to replace them. 

Q. What kind of tile is best for bathroom floors?
A. It depends on your considerations. But if you want the best, go with Porcelain tile. They can withstand high moisture, heavy foot traffic with little maintenance. 

Q. Can I use ceramic tile for a bathroom floor?
A. Yes, you can use ceramic tiles for your bathroom floors, if you’re looking for a budgeted tile. However, if budget it not your concern, we would recommend porcelain tile to go with. 

Q. Which is more expensive, ceramic or porcelain?
A. Between ceramic and porcelain, the porcelain tiles are more expensive. 

Q. Should bathroom floor tiles be ceramic or porcelain?
A. You can keep either of them. Both of the materials are perfect for your bathroom floors. However, if you’re on a spending spree you can go with porcelain tiles. They provide more durability, water resistance and ease of maintenance, compared to ceramic.