Materials and finishes
Porcelain or ceramic tiles for a bathroom
At a glance
- Porcelain's low water absorption makes it the safer choice for wet floors and level-access showers.
- Ceramic wall tiles are lighter, which matters on stud walls and when tiling over older substrates.
How it performs
Point 1
Porcelain's low water absorption makes it the safer choice for wet floors and level-access showers.
Point 2
Ceramic wall tiles are lighter, which matters on stud walls and when tiling over older substrates.



Frequently asked
Is porcelain harder to fit?
It needs the right blade and adhesive, and rectified edges demand accurate setting out.
Can ceramic go on a bathroom floor?
Floor-rated ceramic can, but porcelain generally performs better in a wet room.
Not sure which option suits your property?
Most of these decisions come down to what is behind the wall and under the floor. A site visit settles it quickly.