What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?

Porcelain is made from finer clay pressed and fired at higher temperatures, so it is denser and absorbs 0.5% water or less. That makes it better for floors, showers, and outdoor spaces. Ceramic tile is lighter and offers more gloss and color options, which makes it popular for walls and backsplashes.

Porcelain Tile

Q: What size porcelain tile should I choose?

Large formats like 24 x 48 inches mean fewer grout lines and make rooms feel bigger. Planks 6 x 36 inches and up read like real hardwood. Small formats and mosaics are best for shower floors because the extra grout lines add grip and follow the slope to the drain.

Porcelain tile is the hardest-working tile you can put on a floor. It is fired denser than standard ceramic, so it absorbs almost no water (0.5% or less), resists stains and scratches, and holds up in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and busy entries. Our Shaw porcelain tile collection covers every popular look: realistic wood-look planks, Calacatta and Carrara marble looks, travertine and limestone, concrete, terrazzo, brick, cement-tile patterns, and mosaics, in sizes from 1" hex up to 24" x 48" large-format slabs.

Shaw porcelain tile is priced by quote. Call 1-888-976-8166 for our price, or order free samples. Minimum order 250 sq ft.

Wood-look porcelain planks: the warmth of oak with none of the worry about water, pets, or refinishing. Try the 8" x 48" Overland planks or the 6" x 36" Corsicana.
Marble-look porcelain: polished or matte Calacatta, Statuario, and Carrara visuals that never need sealing, like Astoria 24x48 Polished, Casino, and Enclave.
Travertine and limestone looks: soft natural variation for a timeless floor, such as Basanite Legacy and Layered Earth.
Concrete and solid looks: clean, modern floors like Callisto and the color-rich Revel.
Terrazzo, brick, and terracotta: Exterior Notion terrazzo, Bowery brick, and Tempest clay tones.
Patterned and decorative tile: cement-tile looks like Castilian and Blooms Deco, plus glossy handmade-look Halftone.
Mosaics: hex, penny round, herringbone, and basketweave sheets such as Grandeur 2" Hex for shower floors and backsplashes.

Why Choose Porcelain Tile

Impervious body (0.5% water absorption or less), so it will not swell, warp, or stain like wood or laminate
Through-fired for strength; many styles carry a 7 glaze hardness rating for scratch resistance
Wet DCOF of 0.42 or higher on floor styles, the industry benchmark for level interior floors that may get wet
Many styles are frost resistant for covered patios, porches, and outdoor kitchens
No sealing, waxing, or refinishing; clean with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner
Works with radiant floor heat and is a great match for pets and kids

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile

Both are kiln-fired clay tile, but porcelain is made from finer clay pressed and fired hotter, which makes it denser and far less absorbent. That is why porcelain is the go-to for floors, showers, and outdoor spaces, while ceramic tile shines on walls and backsplashes where you want more color and gloss options at a lower weight. Browse all of our tile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is porcelain tile waterproof? The tile itself is impervious, absorbing 0.5% water or less. For showers and wet rooms, install it over a proper waterproofing membrane and use quality grout so the whole assembly is waterproof.

Can porcelain tile go outside? Choose a style listed as frost resistant. Frost-resistant porcelain can be used on covered and open patios in freezing climates; textured or slip-resistant versions give extra grip outdoors.

Is porcelain tile slippery? Floor styles in this collection test at a wet DCOF of 0.42 or higher. For pool decks, ramps, or commercial entries, pick a slip-resistant (SR) or textured style.

What size porcelain tile should I choose? Large formats like 24" x 48" mean fewer grout lines and make rooms feel bigger. Planks (6" x 36" and up) read like real hardwood. Small formats and mosaics are best for shower floors because the extra grout lines add grip and follow the slope to the drain.

How much extra tile should I order? Plan on 10% extra for straight lays and 15% for diagonal, herringbone, or plank offsets, and keep a box for future repairs. Our minimum order is 250 sq ft.

Do you offer free shipping? Yes, free shipping on orders over 750 sq ft of Shaw flooring. See shipping details.

Get a Quote and Free Samples

Tile pricing depends on the style and quantity, so call 1-888-976-8166 for a quote. Want to see the color and finish in your own light first? Request free samples.