A Matter of Composition and Durability. Ceramic tiles, made from red or white clay fired in a kiln, are finished with a resilient glaze that showcases an array of colors and patterns for wall and floor applications. Offering easier cutting due to their softer nature, ceramic tiles carry a foot traffic suitability rating (0 to 3) rather than indicating quality. For heavy foot traffic areas like airports or grocery stores, porcelain tiles with a rating up to level 5 are preferred, while non-porcelain tiles are better suited for lighter to moderate activity.