Porcelain Tiles vs Wall Tiles vs Floor Tiles: What’s the Difference?

shirin004
11 hours ago
3 min read

Choosing the right tile is one of the most important decisions in any renovation or building project. With so many options available, understanding the difference between porcelain tiles, wall tiles, and floor tiles can help you select the best material for performance, durability, and style.

This guide breaks down the key differences so you can confidently choose the right tile for your space.

What Are Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile made from refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures. This process makes them denser, harder, and less porous than standard ceramic tiles.

Key Features of Porcelain Tiles

Extremely low water absorption
Highly durable and hard-wearing
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
Available in matte, polished, textured, and natural stone looks
Ideal for high-traffic areas

Best Uses for Porcelain Tiles

Floors in living areas and hallways
Bathrooms and wet areas
Kitchens and laundries
Commercial spaces
Outdoor paving and alfresco areas

Tip: Porcelain tiles are often searched for durability and water resistance, making them a top choice for long-term performance.

What Are Wall Tiles?

Wall tiles are designed specifically for vertical surfaces. They are typically lighter, thinner, and less dense than floor tiles, making them easier to install on walls.

Key Features of Wall Tiles

Lightweight and easy to cut
High water absorption
Decorative finishes and gloss options
Not designed to withstand foot traffic

Best Uses for Wall Tiles

Bathroom walls
Kitchen splashbacks

⚠️ Important: Wall tiles should not be used on floors, as they are not strong enough to handle weight or impact.

What Are Floor Tiles?

Floor tiles are engineered to handle foot traffic, weight, and wear. They are thicker and more durable than wall tiles and are often slip-rated for safety.

Key Features of Floor Tiles

High strength and impact resistance
Slip-resistant surface options
Suitable for heavy traffic

Best Uses for Floor Tiles

Living rooms and hallways
Bathrooms and kitchens
Commercial interiors
Entryways

Many floor tiles can also be used on walls, offering design flexibility — but the reverse is not true.

Porcelain Tiles vs Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiles

Porcelain Tiles

✔ Very low porosity
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Indoor and outdoor use
✔ Higher price point, premium performance

Ceramic Wall Tiles

✔ Lightweight and decorative
✔ Cost-effective
✖ Not suitable for floors

Ceramic Floor Tiles

✔ Stronger than wall tiles
✔ Suitable for indoor floors
✖ Less durable than porcelain

Which Tile Is Best for Bathrooms?

For bathrooms, porcelain tiles are often the best choice due to their water resistance and durability. Ceramic wall tiles are ideal for vertical surfaces, while porcelain or ceramic floor tiles with a slip rating are recommended for bathroom floors.

Which Tile Is Best for Kitchens?

Kitchens benefit from porcelain floor tiles because they resist stains, moisture, and heavy foot traffic. Wall tiles or porcelain slabs are commonly used for splashbacks.

Porcelain Tiles for Modern Homes

Porcelain tiles are increasingly popular in Australian homes due to their versatility. They can replicate the look of:

Natural stone
Timber
Concrete
Terrazzo

This makes porcelain tiles a practical and stylish alternative to natural materials, especially in high-use areas.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tile

Understanding the difference between porcelain tiles, wall tiles, and floor tiles ensures your space looks great and performs well for years to come.

Quick Guide:

Choose porcelain tiles for durability and moisture resistance
Use wall tiles for decorative vertical surfaces
Select floor tiles designed to handle traffic and weight in low traffic interiors