Porcelain vs Ceramic Tiles: Which Should You Use in Each Room? (A 2026 Guide)

Introduction: Choosing the Right Tile Matters

When renovating or designing your home, the choice between porcelain and ceramic tiles can make a huge difference, not just in looks, but performance, durability, and suitability for each room. At Discount Ceramics Online, we help you find the perfect tile for every space,  be it wet rooms, kitchens, hallways or outdoors.

What is the Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both clay‑based, kiln‑fired products, but they perform very differently:

• Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures, making them denser, stronger, and far less porous (less than 0.5% absorption). Ideal for wet and high‑traffic spaces.
  

• Ceramic tiles are lighter, easier to cut, and more budget‑friendly, but slightly more porous and less durable.
  

In short: porcelain = performance; ceramic = versatility & economy.

Room‑by‑Room Guide: Best Tile Choices

Bathrooms & Wet Rooms

Porcelain wins here: Its low water absorption means it handles moisture much better without damage or staining. This makes it perfect for shower floors, bathroom floors and walls where water is constant.

Cronen Bianco Polished 60x60cm – elegant, high‑shine porcelain — great for floor & wall.

Tabor Grey Porcelain Tile – contemporary neutral grey, perfect for modern wet spaces.

Ceramic option: Wall‑only zones like decorative backsplash areas can use ceramic since water exposure is minimal.

Kitchens

Kitchens have spills, foot traffic, and grease splashes, so:

• Floor: Go with porcelain for durability and spill resistance.
  

• Walls/splashbacks: Both porcelain and ceramic can work — ceramic lets you play with colours and patterns.

Tile picks:

• Lore Avorio 60x90cm – porcelain with sophisticated finish.
  

• Bama Beige 30x60cm – ceramic for creative wall patterns.

Hallways & High‑Traffic Areas

For open plan spaces, your choice depends on style and activity:

• Porcelain for elegant uniform flooring throughout living and dining spaces.

•  Ceramic can be used on feature walls or decorative sections where durability isn’t the top priority.

Great pick:

• Aurora Blanco Matt 60x60cm – elegant, light porcelain for spacious living areas.

Outdoor Patios & Gardens

Ceramic tiles are NOT recommended outdoors because they can absorb water and crack in frost. Porcelain, especially 20mm outdoor options, is the smart choice.

Explore our outdoor range:

Visit our 20mm Porcelain Pavers Collection for patio‑ready tiles.

When to Choose Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic still has its place:

• Decorative walls
  

• Low‑traffic bedrooms
  

• Budget‑friendly splashbacks
  

Ceramic tiles are lighter, easier to cut (great for DIY) and often cheaper, perfect for creative wall designs and detailed patterns. 

Tile suggestions:

• Painted Lily 20.5x20.5cm – playful ceramic for feature walls.
  

• San Diego Patchwork 20x20cm – patterned classic for backsplashes.

Bonus: Slip Resistance & Safety

In bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors, choose tiles with anti‑slip finishes, many porcelain options offer R9/R10 ratings, ideal for wet floors. Porcelain also holds heat better, making it suitable for underfloor heating zones.

Conclusion: Tile Smarter, Not Harder

Porcelain tiles dominate high‑traffic, wet and outdoor areas, thanks to superior durability, water resistance, and low maintenance. Ceramic tiles shine on walls and decorative projects, offering style at a budget‑friendly price point.

At Discount Ceramics Online, you can find both porcelain and ceramic tiles to suit every room, helping you design functional, stylish spaces with confidence.