Standard ceramic tile or non-porcelain tile differs from that of the porcelain variety. Non-porcelain is typically manufactured using red or white clay, which is then fired in a kiln. Each tile is finished with a durable glaze that displays the tile’s color and pattern, offering myriad variations for wall and floor tile applications. Ceramic tile is softer and therefore an easier product to cut than its porcelain counterpart and thus carries a 0 to 3 Porcelain Enamel Institute rating, which is a scale of foot traffic suitability, not quality. The scale extends to level 5, which designates use in areas with heavy foot traffic such as in airports or the grocery store. As such, non-porcelain tiles are typically better suited for very light to moderate activity.

Porcelain tiles are formed with porcelain clay. The resulting tile is usually dense, fine grained, and smooth with a well-formed face. Provided these tiles carry a far lower absorption rate than non-porcelain they are frost resistant. Porcelain tiles are also available with a glazed surface, which comes in matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finishes. Glazed tiles provide a hardened, impermeable surface after they’re fired in the kiln making it great for the bathroom or kitchen. Here are some additional details surrounding ceramic and porcelain tile products: