Tile Myth & Misconception #5: Ceramic Tiles Are No Good - Busting the “Porcelain Tile Only” Myth

The Controversial Claim

You've probably heard it before: "You should ONLY use porcelain tiles in your home. Ceramic tiles are inferior and shouldn't even be considered."

I can't tell you how many times customers come into my showroom and tell me "ceramic tiles are no good to use for my home." What? Really? I would love to know who is saying this.

Really? ONLY porcelain? NEVER ceramic? I'm calling BS on this myth right now. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly why the "porcelain only" crowd has it wrong - and how this misconception might be costing you money and limiting your selection options.

Know Your Tiles

Let's get some basics straight first.

Both ceramic and porcelain are technically ceramic materials - they're cousins, not completely different species.

Ceramic Tiles:

Made from natural clay
Fired at high temperatures
Coated with durable glaze
Been used for centuries in homes worldwide
Come in endless colors, textures, and finishes

Porcelain Tiles:

Actually a TYPE of ceramic tile (surprise!)
Made from more refined clay
Fired at even higher temperatures
Results in denser, less porous material
Has very low porosity rate (water absorption under 0.5%)
Porosity refers to the body of the tile, not the glazed surface
More water-resistant

Here's where the controversy starts. Porcelain gets marketed as the "superior" option. The ONLY option worth considering. But that's simply not true.

The Myth vs. Reality

The Myth: "Ceramic tiles are fragile, break easily, and aren't durable enough for high-traffic areas.
Porcelain is the only reliable option for a quality home."

The Reality: Let me tell you what's actually happening here. This is classic upselling right from the manufacturers or even classic misinterpretation by the market when new products come out. It's about convincing you that you NEED the most expensive option when you might not, or the market collectively jumping to conclusions about older products becoming obsolete.

Let me share some history. Before porcelain tiles became widespread, Italian manufacturers were making mono cottura ceramic tiles, which were essentially the premium product of that era - the best tiles available at that time. Then they developed porcelain tile, and suddenly everyone acted like ceramic tiles were no good anymore.

This is like saying Ferrari 2019 models are not good cars anymore because they're now making 2025 models. What kind of logic is that? Yes, I'm sure the 2025 model has far better performance than prior years, like porcelain has certain advantages over ceramic, but that doesn't make the prior product inferior!

Both tile types have their strengths, and ceramic tiles can be FANTASTIC depending on where and how they're used.

Important Note About Tile Quality

Before diving into ceramic's benefits, let me share something crucial that most people miss: when selecting tiles, the quality of the glaze is actually MORE important than what the body of the tile is made of.

Did you know that tile manufacturers actually spend more money on the glaze than on the body of the tile? That's because the glaze gives the tile its color, pattern, texture, and durability.

So the question you should be asking if you're considering a floor tile for your space is not whether it's ceramic or porcelain but rather what is the quality of the glaze. This is measured by the PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating, which tells you how durable and wear-resistant the surface actually is.

Focus on quality glazing regardless of whether you choose ceramic or porcelain.

Four Reasons Ceramic Deserves Respect

1. Ceramic Tiles Are Surprisingly Durable

Modern ceramic tiles can handle daily wear and tear like champions. For kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, laundry rooms, and even moderate foot-traffic floors, quality ceramic performs beautifully.

Many ceramic tiles exceed industry durability standards. Ever seen those centuries-old ceramic tiles in European buildings? Yeah, they're still going strong.

Properly installed ceramic tile can last DECADES with minimal maintenance. That's hardly "inferior."

2. Ceramic Offers More Design Flexibility

Because ceramic is slightly softer than porcelain, it's easier to cut and install. This makes it perfect for intricate designs, detailed edges, and custom tilework.

Want those beautiful hand-glazed finishes and artistic patterns? Ceramic gives you WAY more options. The "porcelain only" crowd is missing out on some seriously gorgeous design possibilities.

3. Ceramic is Budget-Friendly
Without Sacrificing Quality

Let's talk money. Ceramic tiles typically cost 60-70% of what comparable porcelain tiles cost. On a large project, that's THOUSANDS of dollars in savings.

You still get durability, aesthetic appeal, and longevity - just without emptying your wallet. Smart designers know when to splurge and when to save.

4. Ceramic Excels in Indoor Applications

Ceramic tiles are PERFECT for indoor spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms, and living areas. They provide beautiful design options with excellent durability for these environments.

Now, you might hear that ceramic can't handle moisture like porcelain can. But here's what people misunderstand: When we talk about porosity differences, we're referring to the body of the tile absorbing water - not the glazed surface that you actually interact with.

Porcelain's very low porosity rate (under 0.5% water absorption) only becomes critical in freeze-thaw conditions outdoors. For indoor applications, properly installed ceramic performs beautifully. As a matter of fact, ceramic tiles are even used outdoors in tropical climates where freezing isn't an issue!

Don't let anyone tell you ceramic isn't suitable for your indoor spaces. It's been the reliable choice for centuries for good reason.

Installation is Key

Here's what many people miss: proper installation matters MORE than your choice between ceramic and porcelain.

When installing ceramic tiles:

Ensure proper subfloor preparation for flooring applications
Use high-quality adhesives and grout
Consider sealing grout lines for extra moisture protection
Use pH-neutral cleaners at all times (industry standard)

A properly installed ceramic tile will outperform a poorly installed porcelain tile EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

The Bottom Line

So here's the bottom line: Ceramic tiles are far from inferior. The "porcelain only" rule is misleading at best and costly at worst.

Lead your selection process for indoor spaces with aesthetics and design, not material type. That beautiful handcrafted ceramic with the perfect glaze that matches your vision shouldn't be passed over just because it's not porcelain.

While porcelain is great for certain applications like high-traffic commercial spaces and outdoor areas, ceramic tiles hold their own in durability, aesthetics, and versatility.

Instead of blindly following the "porcelain only" crowd, be smarter about your choices. Consider where and how your tiles will be used, your design goals, and your budget.

With the right selection and installation, ceramic tiles can be an outstanding choice for many parts of your home - and might save you serious money in the process.

Ready to Make the Right Tile Choice for Your Space?

Don't let myths limit your design options! View our digital catalog, visit our online showroom, or stop by our tile showroom in Glendale, Queens, NY to explore our stunning collection of both ceramic AND porcelain tiles. Make your selection based on what truly works for your specific needs, not outdated misconceptions!

Follow us on social media for more tile tips, design ideas, and inspiration: https://linktr.ee/tilesunlimited

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