Ceramic vs Porcelain Tile Backsplash – Which One Is Better?

A kitchen backsplash serves both aesthetic and functional purposes – it protects the walls from splatters and stains while adding visual appeal. When it comes to choosing tile material for your backsplash, ceramic and porcelain are two of the most popular options. But what’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile? And which material makes the best backsplash? We’ll examine the pros and cons of ceramic and porcelain tiles to help you make the right decision.

What is a Ceramic Tile?

Ceramic tile is one of the most common and affordable backsplash materials. It’s made from natural clay that’s shaped and then fired at high temperatures. Here are some key characteristics of ceramic tile:

Made from clay and other natural materials
Available in a wide range of colors, shapes, sizes, and textures
Has a water absorption rate of more than 0.5% (porous)
Prone to staining and scratching
Lower density and durability than porcelain
Budget-friendly option for backsplashes

Ceramic tiles are a great choice for low-moisture areas like backsplashes. The tiles come either glazed or unglazed. Glazed ceramic tiles have a liquid glass coating for extra durability and stain-resistance. Unglazed tiles expose the clay body beneath for a textured look.

Benefits of Ceramic Tile

Inexpensive
Easy to cut and install
Wide range of styles and finishes
Can mimic look of natural stone or brick
Available in multitude of colors

Drawbacks of Ceramic Tile

Less durable than porcelain
Absorbs water and stains easier
Prone to chipping and cracking
Grout lines can get dirty

What is Porcelain Tile?

Porcelain tile is fired at higher temperatures than ceramic, creating a denser and tougher material. Here’s an overview:

Made from refined natural clays
Fired at temperatures above 1200°C
Water absorption rate of less than 0.5%
Extremely dense and durable
Stain, scratch, chemical, and water resistant
Available in wide range of colors, shapes, sizes

Porcelain tiles are ideal for backsplashes in any area since they resist moisture, stains, and scratches. Their durability also makes them suitable for high traffic areas. Porcelain comes either glazed or unglazed. The unglazed type offers a natural, often textured appearance.

Benefits of Porcelain Tile

Highly durable and scratch resistant surface
Stain, chemical, and water resistant
Low maintenance
Mimics look of natural stone
Clean, smooth surface that resists grime

Drawbacks of Porcelain Tile

More expensive than ceramic
Heavier and more difficult to cut
Can chip if not cut properly
Limited color options with unglazed

Now that we’ve covered the characteristics of ceramic and porcelain tile, let’s compare them directly to see which material makes the better backsplash.

Ceramic vs Porcelain Backsplash: Key Differences

Appearance

Both ceramic and porcelain come in a wide variety of colors, textures, finishes, and patterns. So aesthetically, neither material has an advantage. You can find traditional subway tiles, mosaics, large format tiles, and stone or wood looks in both ceramic and porcelain.

That being said, unglazed porcelain often has a more natural, raw look reminiscent of stone. The dense material and natural colors lend an earthier feel. With ceramic, the colors tend to be more vibrant.

Cost

Ceramic tile is the more affordable option. Basic white ceramic subway tiles can cost as little as $2 per square foot. Porcelain tiles start at around $5 per square foot and go up from there for stone looks and special finishes.

Durability

Porcelain is the clear winner when it comes to durability. The dense firing makes porcelain resistant to scratches, chips and cracks. Porcelain’s near-zero porosity also prevents stains from setting in. By contrast, ceramic is prone to chipping and staining over time. Porcelain can withstand decades of wear and tear and still look great.

Moisture Resistance

Since porcelain tile is non-porous, it won’t absorb water. This makes it very moisture resistant. Porcelain backsplashes are fine to have behind sinks and around stovetops where splashes occur. Ceramic tile is more porous and susceptible to water damage, especially in areas with direct water contact.

Maintenance

Porcelain’s stain-resistant properties also make it easier to keep clean. grime and grease won’t set into the surface. Ceramic requires more regular cleaning to keep looking new. Porcelain is also easier for grout clean up, while unglazed ceramic’s textured surface can trap grout and dirt in crevices.

Best Uses for Ceramic and Porcelain Tile

Based on their characteristics and differences, here are the best applications for ceramic and porcelain tile:

Ceramic tile works best for:

Backsplashes not near a sink or stove
Areas away from direct water contact
Homes with children, pets or high traffic
Budget-friendly projects
Adding color and vibrancy

Porcelain tile is optimal for:

Behind sinks and stoves
High moisture areas like bathrooms
Backsplashes in rental units or vacation homes
Low maintenance installations
Contemporary, minimalist designs
High-end finishes that mimic natural stone

Porcelain is the top choice for backsplashes that need to withstand heavy usage and moisture. But for low-traffic backsplashes on a budget, ceramic tile can be a great option as well.

Ceramic Tile Backsplash Ideas

Here are some beautiful ways to use ceramic tile for a kitchen backsplash:

Subway Tile

A classic 3×6 white ceramic subway tile backsplash is an economical choice that looks great in all kitchens. Go for a gloss finish for easy wiping. Lay the tiles in a simple staggered brick pattern for the most versatile design.

Mosaic Tile

Tiny ceramic mosaic tiles set in mesh sheets make for easy DIY installation. Mosaics come in endless color combinations. Use mosaics alone or mix with larger tiles. Finish with a mosaic tile trim.

Handpainted Tile

Choose hand-painted ceramic tiles for a backsplash that doubles as wall art. Hand-painted tiles feature colorful designs like fruits, flowers, geometric patterns or landscapes fired onto the tile. Use them alone or mix and match for a playful cottage look.

Faux Tin Tiles

Faux tin tiles recreate the industrial aesthetic of traditional tin backsplashes using ceramic. Go for a small format faux tin tile and lay them in a herringbone pattern or verticle stack for vintage charm.

Colorful Hexagons

Cover your backsplash in a kaleidoscope of small hexagon tiles. Pick one bold color like blue or go for a mix of colorful hues. Hexagon tiles create movement and interest behind kitchen sinks.

Porcelain Tile Backsplash Ideas

Here are some striking ways to utilize porcelain tile for backsplashes:

Metal Look

Reflective polished metal-look porcelain tiles lend an ultra-modern vibe or industrial feel to kitchens. Lay them in a running bond pattern or checkerboard design. Use metal-look mosaic tiles for an affordable small format option.

Marble Look

Marble-look porcelain is perfect for achieving the beauty of natural marble without the high maintenance. Use large marble-look tiles or mosaics to create stunning white or grey veining.

Stone Look

Porcelain stone-look tiles offer an organic feel with more durability than real stone tiles. Choose a polished stone-look for a contemporary vibe or tumbled for rustic charm. Create visual interest by mixing stone colors, shapes or tile sizes.

Wood Look

Wood-look porcelain planks bring natural warmth to kitchen backsplashes. The variety of wood grain colors and textures mimic real hardwood’s beauty without worry over water damage. Use wood-look tiles alone or mix with tiles like marble or subway.

Moroccan Fish Scale

Make a statement with bold Moroccan fish scale pattern porcelain tiles. The circular tiles overlap to mimic scales and create fun dimension and pattern. Use blue, green or multicolor tiles for pops of color.

Pros and Cons of Ceramic vs Porcelain Backsplashes

FAQs About Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Backsplashes

Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for a backsplash?

Porcelain tile is better for backsplashes overall since it stands up to moisture, stains, and wear and tear. But for protected backsplash areas away from water, ceramic can work well at a lower price point.

Do you need to seal porcelain or ceramic tile?

You don’t need to seal porcelain tile since it’s non-porous. For ceramic tile backsplashes near sinks or stoves, using a sealant can help resist stains and damage from splashes. But sealing isn’t mandatory.

Is ceramic or porcelain tile cheaper?

Ceramic tile is the less expensive option, starting around $2 per square foot. Porcelain tile ranges from $5-10 per square foot. Higher end porcelain tiles that mimic natural stone can cost even more.

Is porcelain hard to cut?

Cutting porcelain tile requires more effort than ceramic since it’s denser. Use a wet saw with a diamond blade. For intricate cuts, you may need to score the tile then break over a dowel. Have extra tiles handy in case some break during cutting.

Can you put ceramic tile backsplash in kitchen?

Yes, ceramic tile is very common for kitchen backsplashes, especially around the sink and stove. Use caution when installing ceramic behind or near appliances with direct water contact. Make sure to seal the grout and tile to prevent staining and water damage.

Conclusion

When choosing between ceramic or porcelain for a backsplash, consider the location, your budget, and the aesthetic you want. Porcelain tile is best for high-traffic areas that need to withstand moisture, stains and heavy usage. But for protected backsplash spaces, ceramic provides an affordable way to add color, texture and personality. With all the style options available, you’re sure to find the perfect material to fit your kitchen’s needs and design vision.