Quick answer
Porcelain is the safer pick for bathroom floors and wet shower areas. It is denser, absorbs very little water and takes knocks well. Ceramic is a good choice for walls. It is usually cheaper and easier to cut.
Neither tile makes the bathroom waterproof. The waterproofing membrane under the tile does that job, and it is laid to AS 3740.
| If this matters most | Better fit |
|---|---|
| Floors and wet areasDenser tile that absorbs very little water. | Porcelain |
| Wear and knocksHarder body that resists chips and scuffs. | Porcelain |
| A lower tile costCeramic is usually cheaper per square metre. | Ceramic |
| Easy cutting and fittingSofter body, so less cutting time on site. | Ceramic |
| Bathroom wallsNo foot traffic, so ceramic does the job well. | Ceramic |
Compare the actual tile you like, not the label. Both groups have a wide range in price and quality.
What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Both are made from clay and fired in a kiln. Porcelain uses a finer clay and a higher heat, so the tile comes out denser and harder. By the usual industry definition, a porcelain tile absorbs 0.5 percent water or less. Ceramic is more porous and softer.
In a bathroom that gap shows up in three places: how the tile handles water, how it handles wear and how it behaves when it is cut and laid.
Which is better for a bathroom floor?
Porcelain, in most cases. A bathroom floor takes water, soap, dropped bottles and daily foot traffic. A dense, hard tile copes with that better than a porous one.
Slip resistance matters as much as the material. Ask your supplier for the slip rating of any floor tile. It is shown as a P rating from the wet pendulum test or an R rating from the ramp test. A matt or textured finish usually grips better than a polished one. Our matt vs gloss tile guide covers that choice.
Which is better for bathroom walls?
Ceramic is a good, cost-sensible choice on walls. Nobody walks on it, and the tile is lighter and easier to cut around niches, windows and fixtures. If you have a low budget, putting ceramic on the walls and porcelain on the floor is a common way to keep the cost down.
Porcelain also works well on walls, especially in large sizes. Large porcelain panels are heavy, though, so the wall behind them must be flat and strong. Read our large-format tiles guide before you commit to big sizes.
What do cutting, fitting and cost look like?
Porcelain is harder to cut and drill. It needs a diamond blade and more time, which can lift the labour cost. Ceramic cuts faster. The tile price also tends to be lower, but both groups range from cheap to very high, so a premium ceramic can cost more than a budget porcelain.
Compare the exact tile and its fitting needs. The cheapest tile per square metre is not always the cheapest finished wall. Our guide to what changes the cost shows how tile choice sits inside the whole scope.
Does the tile make the bathroom waterproof?
No. Water gets through the grout lines and, in a ceramic tile, can pass through the tile body. The seal that protects the room is the waterproofing membrane laid under the tile. We lay it to AS 3740 and supply the certificate. See our guide to how bathroom waterproofing works.
That is why a good tile alone does not fix a leaking bathroom, and why a great membrane does not make up for poor tiling.
Who lays the tile matters as much as which tile you pick
Adam Dawood is our licensed tiler. Kieran C described our finished tiling this way: "good falls, neat consistent joints, clean cuts and no lippage."
Falls, straight joints and flat edges depend on the person laying the tile, whichever type you choose. We talk through the tile at the free measure, then record your choice in the fixed-scope written quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is porcelain always better than ceramic for a bathroom?
Not always. Porcelain is the stronger choice for floors and wet areas. On walls, ceramic works well and often costs less. The best plan can use both.
Is porcelain more expensive than ceramic?
Usually, but not always. Porcelain is harder to cut, so labour can also cost more. Both groups range from budget to premium, so compare the exact tile.
Can I use ceramic tiles on a bathroom floor?
You can, if the tile is rated for floors and has a suitable slip rating. Porcelain is the more common choice because it is harder and absorbs less water.
What is a through-body porcelain tile?
It is a porcelain tile with the same colour all the way through. A chip shows the same colour as the surface, so damage is less obvious than on a glazed tile with a different body colour.
Do porcelain tiles need sealing?
Many glazed porcelain tiles do not need sealing, but the grout and some natural-look or unglazed tiles may. Follow the maker advice for the exact product you choose.