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.

Crittall-style bath screen and shower, Stroud project, similar to what we deliver in Gloucestershire, referenced in our guide to porcelain or ceramic
Bathroom Tiling in Cheltenham, example of work near Gloucestershire, referenced in our guide to porcelain or ceramic
traditional bathroom tiling project, Newent (Gloucestershire), referenced in our guide to porcelain or ceramic

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.