Ceramic Tile Material Comparison

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles have an “impervious” water absorption rate of 0.5% or less and tests show porcelain is harder than granite. Porcelain’s unique composition and manufacturing process give it incredible durability and low water absorption rates. These qualities make porcelain, and other types of ceramic tile, well-suited for water and outdoor applications.

Additionally, gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs are the largest tiles in the ceramic tile family, measuring as wide as five feet and as long as fifteen feet. These XXL tiles can be used for building facades, countertops, and even furniture construction that can be printed with branding and unique designs.

During the manufacturing process, porcelain tiles may be dry-pressed or extruded and glazed or left unglazed.

Quarry Tile

Quarry tiles differs from other types of ceramic tiles in that it must be formed by extrusion. While quarry tile technically includes impervious, vitreous, and some semi-vitreous tiles (up to 5% water absorption), many quarry tile options are vitreous (0.5 to 3% water absorption).

Many quarry tiles are red, but brown, tan, black, gray, and other earth tones are also available, depending on how much clay, shale, and other minerals are used in manufacturing. These color options make quarry tiles an ideal choice for creating a rustic or natural aesthetic, and a great alternative to similar looking terra cotta, poured epoxy, or stamped concrete, which may not have the same level of water resistance, durability, or versatility as quarry tile.

Quarry tile’s durability, frost resistance, and heat resistance paired with its low price point make it a great economical flooring option for both indoors and out.

Pressed Floor Tile

Pressed floor tiles are manufactured using the dry pressing forming method and have a surface area of at least nine square inches. As the name suggests, these tiles are primarily intended for flooring, but they can also be used on walls and other areas. Check with the manufacturer of your tile choice to ensure it is appropriate for your project.

Pressed floor tiles may be vitreous (0.5 to 3% water absorption), semi-vitreous (3 to 7%), or nonvitreous (more than 7%).

Ceramic Mosaic Tile

Ceramic mosaic tiles are defined as tiles with a surface area of less than nine square inches.

Because of their small size, ceramic mosaic tiles are typically mounted in sheets or strips to facilitate installation. Ceramic mosaic tiles may be made of regular ceramic, porcelain, or quarry tile, so impervious, vitreous, semi-vitreous, and non-vitreous water absorption ratings are all possible.

The intricate manufacturing process of ceramic tiles ensures that even smaller variations, like ceramic mosaic tiles, meet specific standards for quality and durability. Although not part of the technical definition of ceramic mosaic tile, a key element of this tile type is the creativity of the design, involving a combination of colors, tile shapes, and even textures.

The versatility of ceramic tiles, from standard forms to intricate mosaics, highlights their adaptability and aesthetic appeal across various applications.

Health & Hygiene

Easy to clean: Water is all that’s needed to wipe up most messes — no harsh chemicals necessary.

Bacteria-resistant: It’s surfaces are inhospitable to the growth of bacteria and other microbes such as mold.

Antimicrobial: Options are available with antimicrobial properties that can suppress and even destroy harmful microorganisms, such as mold, fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

Free of allergens: Ceramic tile surfaces contain no allergens, and allergens in the environment such as dust, dirt, and pollen can’t penetrate a ceramic tile surface.

No volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs are harmful gases that cause various health concerns and can be emitted by some flooring types, but not ceramic, which contains no organic compounds.

No formaldehyde: Some wood products may contain formaldehyde. Certain levels of formaldehyde can irritate asthma and other respiratory disorders.

No polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a plastic resin found in vinyl flooring. PVC contains phthalates and organotins, both regularly a subject of concern among health experts.

No plastic: The health and environmental concerns associated with plastic aren’t an issue for any type of ceramic tiles.

Nontoxic: Ceramic tile surfaces do not emit any toxic fumes when exposed to heat and fire.

Naturally occurring materials: A healthy choice for both you and the environment!

Environmental Sustainability

Lowest carbon footprint of any flooring material in North America: Lowest global warming potential and lowest fossil fuel resource depletion (based on comparison of publicly available flooring environmental product declarations — see Tile: the Natural Choice for more information)

Durable: Lifespan of 75+ years, lowest life cycle cost and environmental impact compared to other flooring materials

Energy-efficient: Inherent thermal mass reduces peak heating and cooling to help lower energy costs, creates the possibility of natural conditioning for more stable and comfortable indoor environments

Recycling: Pre- and post-consumer recycled content available

Salvageable: Can be salvaged in a major renovation and repurposed

Post-life clean fill option: Solid and inert, reusable as construction filler, free of plastic, and does not contribute to growing landfill issues

Low Maintenance

Water resistance: All types of ceramic tile are moisture-resistant.  

Stain resistance: Stains aren’t a concern for ceramic tile.

Fade resistance: Don’t worry that your tile will lose its luster, as ceramic tile surfaces won’t fade from the sun, indoors or out.

Freeze-thaw resistance: Many options of ceramic tile can withstand the damaging effects of repeated freeze and thaw cycles, making it a great choice for outdoor spaces in every climate.

High breaking strength: Low porosity and high density results in ceramic tile having a high breaking strength.

Scratch resistance: Ceramic tile’s hard surface means scratches and dents are unlikely.

Safety

Slip resistance: Many slip-resistant options are available for flooring exposed to wet conditions or in moisture-rich areas, such as the shower, kitchen, outdoor applications or pool deck. Some options are even available with different textures for even more slip resistance.

Fire resistance: Ceramic tile is nonflammable, meaning that it doesn’t burn, produce smoke, or give off toxic fumes if exposed to heat and fire (and can even reduce flame spread).