Renovating your home is one of life’s most exciting challenges. It’s a time when you can stamp your own personal brand of magic in the place you choose to live in. However, a lot of renovators can feel quite nervous about taking on a renovation project because they feel under-informed.

When it comes to choosing the right flooring, it can be hard to decide which type of tile is right for your renovation project. There are a lot of factors to consider, like durability, maintenance, and price. After all, you don’t want to make the wrong choice and have to live with an incorrect floor choice for years afterwards, right?

In this blog, we’ll take you through the two most popular flooring choices on the market at the moment – porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles. You’ll be able to find a wide selection of these tiles at CTM, but how will you know what is right for you? We’re here to help!

What are Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles?

Whilst both are very good flooring options, there are differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles and they start with what they are made of.

Porcelain tiles are made of kaolin clay and other particles like sand and other clay types compacted together and set. Ceramic tiles are made of – or majorly of – clay only. Ceramic clay is also compacted and set and both tile types are placed in a kiln and fired on extremely hot temperatures to bake.

The Difference Between Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

In a recent blog, we discussed the pros of porcelain and ceramic tiles. In summary, we spoke about the main benefits of each tile type:

  • Ceramic tiles can be easier to install as they are sturdier set
  • Ceramic tiles tend to be less slippery than porcelain tiles when wet
  • Ceramic tiles have a wide variety of intricate and modernised designs to choose from
  • Porcelain tiles are water-resistant and do not absorb water
  • Porcelain tiles can be more hard-wearing than ceramic and are durable and scratch-resistant too.

5 Things To Consider When Deciding Which Tile Is Best Suited To Your Project

Both tile types are popular, both are great flooring choices - so, how do you decide which one is best to use for your renovation project? Before deciding which flooring to buy, consider these five things first.

#1 – What Space Are Your Renovating?

Which room will you be renovating? Is it a wet area like a bathroom, patio or pool area? Or perhaps the kitchen or the lounge?


#2 – What Size Are You Looking At?

Is the area you are wanting to tile small and cramped or open and airy. The size of the space is very important when deciding about the size of the tile as well as the colour and design.

#3 – How Much Light Filters In?

Is the room light with loads of natural light through windows filtering in? Or is it relatively dark with little to no natural light filtering in?

#4 – How Much Foot Traffic Does The Area Get?

Is the room in a high-foot traffic area like a kitchen, hallway or outdoor patio area? Or is it less busy like in a guest bedroom, a study or perhaps a bathroom?

#5 – What Is Your Budget?

This is going to be a very important element to consider when deciding between porcelain vs ceramic. Porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles, so if you are on a tight budget you will need to consider what you are more able to afford.

What are The Life Spans of Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles

Experts will tell you that the life span of porcelain tiles that are well-looked after and well-maintained could be anywhere between 75 – 100 years. Which is a considerable amount in anyone’s lifetime, making this tile a wonderful choice for homeowners. Ceramic tiles also have a considerably long lifespan, of up to 75 years, but usually do not exceed that number. 

If you’re still not sure what to choose between these two great tile options, why not chat to the experts at CTM today? Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you weigh up your options and advise you as to which flooring type is best for your next reno.

Shop Ceramic Tiles and Porcelain Tiles at CTM and get your tiles (and other accessories) delivered to your door now.