So you've decided to use tile in your home and are asking the all important question; which is better, Ceramic or Porcelain?  It is a question that is not easily answered.  Ceramic and Porcelain tile actually share a similar manufacturing process, but this is where the similarity ends. 

A Ceramic tile is made from finely ground clay and minerals that are pressed into the shape of the tile.  Colored glaze is then applied to provide a variety of colors and textures; and the tile is then kiln fired to harden the tile and melt the glaze.  This is a simplified version of 'how to make a ceramic tile' but you get the idea. 

A Porcelain tile is also made from finely ground clay and minerals, but with a substantially higher quantity of feldspar minerals than clay.  The tile is again pressed into shape but using much higher pressures; actually, many of the presses used in Porcelain manufacture can produce in excess of 2,800 tons of force (that’s 2,800,000 kilograms!)  The Porcelain tile then undergoes glazing steps as required and a longer firing process. ( Read More )