Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for showers?

Porcelain and ceramic tile are ideal for bathrooms, including shower floors and walls. With so many styles available, you can design a tile shower that is uniquely yours. Mosaic tiles, which are 2-inch or smaller squares, are trendy at this time. You can find a large selection of porcelain and ceramic tile from top companies like Daltile, Marazzi, and American Olean at 55 Flooring in Anaheim, California. We have more than 25 years of experience in the flooring industry.

Kiln-fired

Ceramic and porcelain are both made of clay, and both materials are hardened in a high-temperature kiln. But porcelain is the better material, and therefore, it’s more costly. Porcelain is made of fine kaolin clay rather than the coarse clay used to make ceramic. And it is hardened in the kiln at a higher temperature than ceramic. Thus, porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic tile. Density determines how easily water can pass through the material.

Water resistance

Most importantly, the two clay-based materials differ in their resistance to water. Porcelain is virtually impenetrable, while ceramic is porous. Ceramic tile must be glazed to be waterproof. However, glazed ceramic is only designed to inhibit moisture from being absorbed. Regardless of how ceramic is glazed, it will always be far more absorbent than porcelain. Choose porcelain for tile showers, or opt for ceramic tile for walls and porcelain tile for the flooring.

Here for all your tile questions

Family-owned 55 Flooring offers more than high-quality floors and wall tile. We offer residential and commercial flooring installation, countertop installation, and design consultation along with shower installation. We bring our services to Orange County, California, including Anaheim, Newport Beach, Irvine, Tustin Ranch, and surrounds. Start your tile shower project by viewing our online catalog, then stop by our showroom in Anaheim. Our friendly flooring specialists can assist you with all of your flooring needs.