Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile for Lakewood Bathrooms
When you walk into a tile showroom in Lakewood or the Denver metro area, you are immediately faced with hundreds of choices. But before you pick a color or a pattern, you have to answer the most fundamental question in bathroom design: porcelain vs ceramic tile?
To the untrained eye, they look exactly the same. But underneath the glaze, these two materials behave very differently. Choosing the wrong tile for the wrong application can lead to chipped floors, water damage, or unnecessary expenses during your Lakewood bathroom remodel.
In this guide, we break down the pros, cons, costs, and best uses for both porcelain and ceramic tile, so you can make the smartest choice for your home.
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Explore our tile and flooring services →The Core Difference: Water Absorption
Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are part of the larger family of ceramics. They are both made from a mixture of clay, sand, and water, which is shaped and fired in a kiln.
The major difference comes down to the density of the clay and the temperature of the kiln. Porcelain is made with highly refined, dense clay and fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic.
Because of this intense manufacturing process, the tile industry uses a strict standard to define porcelain: to be certified as porcelain, a tile must have a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. In other words, it is virtually waterproof. Ceramic tile, being slightly more porous, absorbs more water (usually over 0.5%).
Porcelain Tile: Pros and Cons
Because it is dense and impervious to water, porcelain is the gold standard for high-moisture and high-traffic areas.
- Exceptional Durability: Porcelain is incredibly hard. It resists scratches, chips, and heavy impacts much better than ceramic.
- Through-Body Color: Many porcelain tiles carry their color all the way through the tile (known as "through-body"). If a through-body porcelain tile does manage to chip, the chip is nearly invisible because the color underneath matches the surface.
- Low Maintenance: Because it is almost completely non-porous, porcelain does not harbor bacteria and is highly resistant to stains.
The Cons:
- Cost: It is generally more expensive to purchase.
- Installation Difficulty: Because it is so dense, it requires specialized diamond-blade wet saws to cut cleanly. This slightly increases the labor costs for tile installation.
Ceramic Tile: Pros and Cons
Ceramic tile has been used for centuries and remains incredibly popular for good reasons. It is softer than porcelain, making it easier to work with.
- Budget-Friendly: Ceramic is significantly cheaper to manufacture, making it a highly cost-effective choice for large areas.
- Easier to Cut: DIYers and contractors alike appreciate how easily ceramic scores and snaps, leading to faster installations.
- Endless Designs: Because ceramic doesn't require the extreme kiln temperatures of porcelain, manufacturers can produce vibrant, intricate glazes and patterns that are harder to achieve on porcelain.
The Cons:
- Surface Glaze Only: The color and pattern on ceramic tiles are usually just a surface glaze over a red or white clay body. If you drop a heavy bottle and chip a ceramic tile, the contrasting clay underneath will be glaringly obvious.
- More Porous: While the glazed surface is waterproof, the unglazed back and sides are not, meaning it must be sealed perfectly in wet areas.
Porcelain vs Ceramic: Cost Comparison
If budget is a primary concern for your Lakewood remodel, ceramic is the clear winner on material costs alone. However, when you factor in longevity, porcelain often provides better long-term value.
| Feature | Porcelain Tile | Ceramic Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | $5 – $15+ per sq. ft. | $3 – $10 per sq. ft. |
| Installation Cost | Higher (harder to cut) | Lower (easier to cut) |
| Durability | Excellent (impact resistant) | Good (prone to chipping) |
| Best Application | Main floors, shower pans | Shower walls, wainscoting |
Where to Use Each Tile in Your Lakewood Bathroom
The best bathroom designs often combine both materials strategically to balance durability and budget. Here is how we typically recommend utilizing them in Lakewood and Jefferson County homes:
Bathroom Floors: Choose Porcelain
Your main bathroom floor takes a beating from foot traffic, dropped curling irons, and moisture. Always choose a textured, matte porcelain tile for the main floor. It will not chip easily, and the texture prevents slip-and-fall accidents when the floor is wet.
Shower Walls: Choose Ceramic
Shower walls don't experience foot traffic or heavy impacts. This is the perfect place to save money and get creative with ceramic subway tiles, vibrant colors, or intricate patterns. As long as the wall is properly waterproofed behind the tile, ceramic is an excellent choice for custom shower installations.
Shower Floors (The Pan): Choose Porcelain Mosaics
The shower floor is the wettest area in the home. You want a dense, non-porous material here. We highly recommend using small porcelain mosaic tiles (like 2x2 inch squares or hexagons). The high density prevents water absorption, and the numerous grout lines provide excellent traction for your feet.
💡 The Bottom Line
Put your money into the floors. Spend the extra $2 per square foot for high-quality porcelain on your main bathroom floor and shower pan where durability matters most. Then, save money by using beautiful ceramic tiles on the walls.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between porcelain vs ceramic tile?
The main difference is water absorption. Porcelain tile is denser and has a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less, making it nearly waterproof. Ceramic tile is slightly more porous. While both are made from clay and kiln-fired, porcelain uses more refined clay and is fired at higher temperatures.
Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for a bathroom floor?
Porcelain is generally better for bathroom floors in Lakewood because it is highly water-resistant, highly durable, and less prone to chipping or cracking under heavy traffic. Ceramic is perfectly fine for bathroom walls and backsplashes where there is less foot traffic.
Which is more expensive: porcelain or ceramic tile?
Porcelain tile is typically more expensive than ceramic. On average, you can expect to pay $3 to $10 per square foot for ceramic, while porcelain usually ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. Installation costs for porcelain are also slightly higher because its density makes it harder to cut.
Can I use ceramic tile in a shower?
Yes, you can use ceramic tile on shower walls. Because shower walls don't take the heavy impact of foot traffic, ceramic is a cost-effective and beautiful option. However, for the shower floor pan, smaller porcelain mosaic tiles are recommended for better traction and ultimate water resistance.
Are porcelain tiles slippery when wet?
Any polished tile can be slippery when wet, whether porcelain or ceramic. For bathroom floors, you should always look for tiles with a matte or textured finish, or a high slip-resistance rating (COF or DCOF rating). Smaller tiles with more grout lines also provide better traction.
How long does porcelain tile last?
When properly installed over a solid, level subfloor, porcelain tile can easily last 50 years or more. It is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making it a permanent finish for your home.