KNOW YOUR TILES: THE TIMELESS APPEAL OF PORCELAIN

PostedOctober 6, 2025

UpdatedOctober 6, 2025

ByMichael Akinwumi

Welcome to the NBH KNOWLEDGE CENTER, your go-to resource for informed decisions in home building and renovation. In this guide, we celebrate PORCELAIN TILES, a versatile, durable material that has revolutionized modern spaces.

From their ancient origins to their unmatched performance in high-moisture environments, porcelain tiles offer elegance and resilience. We’ll explore their history, compare them to ceramic options and explain why they’re the top choice for bathrooms, outdoor patios and any water-exposed area.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF PORCELAIN TILES

Porcelain’s story begins in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), where artisans first crafted fine ceramics from kaolin clay, fired at intense heat to create a vitrified, non-porous surface.

Initially prized for vases and imperial wares.
Expanded into architecture with landmarks like the Porcelain Tower of Nanjing (15th century).
Spread via the Silk Road, influencing Islamic, Persian, and European tile-making.

By the 19th century, industrialization in Europe (Italy and Spain) perfected mass production, making porcelain tiles accessible beyond palaces. Today, with digital printing and extrusion technology, porcelain mimics natural stone, marble, or wood while retaining its strength and low porosity.

PORCELAIN VS CERAMIC: COST, DURABILITY AND BEYOND

CERAMIC TILES

Made from clay, fired at ~1,000°C.
More porous: 3–7% water absorption.
Lower cost: 20–50% cheaper than porcelain.
Best for dry interiors and decorative walls.
Vulnerable to cracking, staining, and mold in humid conditions.

PORCELAIN TILES

Fired at 1,200°C+, denser and stronger.
Nearly impervious: <0.5% water absorption.
Superior durability in high-traffic and wet areas.
More expensive initially, but lower long-term cost due to longevity.
Resistant to scratches, chips, UV fading, and mold.

KEY COMPARISONS:

COST: Ceramic = Low / Porcelain = Higher
WATER ABSORPTION: Ceramic = 3–7% / Porcelain = <0.5%
DURABILITY: Ceramic = Low-traffic / Porcelain = High-traffic, wet zones
BEST USE: Ceramic = Walls, dry rooms / Porcelain = Floors, bathrooms, outdoors

WHY PORCELAIN EXCELS IN BATHROOMS, OUTDOORS, AND WET AREAS

Porcelain’s low porosity makes it the ideal solution in moisture-prone zones:

BATHROOMS – Prevents warping, resists steam, splash and mold.
OUTDOORS – Withstands freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays and heavy foot traffic without fading.
KITCHENS & LAUNDRY ROOMS – Stain-resistant and “impervious” to spills.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

NON-SLIP OPTIONS – Enhance safety around wet areas.
ECO-FRIENDLY – Recyclable, low VOC emissions.
THERMAL STABILITY – Works with underfloor heating systems.
LARGE-FORMAT SLABS – Create seamless luxury looks with minimal grout.
LOW MAINTENANCE – Unlike ceramic, porcelain usually requires minimal or no maintenance.

ELEVATE YOUR SPACE WITH PORCELAIN

Porcelain tiles aren’t just functional, they’re a long-term investment in beauty and durability. As building trends move toward sustainable, low-maintenance materials, porcelain continues to dominate global architecture.

NBH RECOMMENDATION: Choose porcelain for bathrooms, kitchens, pools, outdoor patios and all high-traffic floors.

Browse NBH’s Porcelain Tile Collections or consult our experts for custom advice on design, installation and maintenance.