What’s the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles, and why it matters in Christchurch

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If you’re renovating or building in Christchurch, choosing the wrong tile could mean cracked floors, slippery surfaces, or costly replacements, especially in outdoor or wet areas.
This guide explains the key differences between porcelain and ceramic tiles, focusing on cost, durability, weather resistance, and where each works best in New Zealand homes.

By the end, you’ll know:

• What makes porcelain and ceramic different
• Which is better for your floors, walls, or outdoor areas
• What you can expect to pay
• How to successfully combine both in one project

What are porcelain and ceramic tiles made of?

Both start with the same base materials, clay, sand, and other natural elements but the way they’re processed is very different.

Ceramic tiles are fired at lower temperatures, resulting in a softer, more porous tile. This makes them easier to cut, shape, and install ideal for decorative wall designs or projects where intricate patterns are important.

Porcelain tiles are fired at much higher temperatures for longer periods. This increases density, reduces water absorption to almost zero, and delivers superior durability. The result is a tile that performs exceptionally well in high-traffic areas, outdoor spaces, and moisture-prone zones.

Porcelain is harder, heavier, and in some case frost-resistant, making it ideal for floors, wet areas, and exterior use.

At Naturally Tiles, we source porcelain and ceramic collections exclusively from Italy’s leading brands, including Panaria, Marca Corona, ABK Ceramiche, Quintessenza, Gambini, MGM Ceramiche, and Coem Ceramiche ensuring style, quality, and long-term performance.

Where do they work best in Christchurch homes?

Christchurch weather can bring frost in the morning and warm sun by afternoon. Flooring here must handle moisture, temperature shifts, and heavy use.

Porcelain tiles best for:

• Indoor floors in kitchens, hallways, and living areas
• Bathrooms, laundries, and showers
• Outdoor patios, entryways, and pool surrounds

Porcelain thrives in spaces with frequent water exposure or changing temperatures.

Ceramic tiles best for:

• Indoor wall features or splashbacks
• Accent walls in living spaces
• Cost-conscious projects prioritising design over durability

Ceramic is not recommended for exterior use unless frost-rated, and even then, porcelain remains the safer choice for floors and outdoor applications in Christchurch’s climate.

What will you pay?

Pricing is often the deciding factor. While both options have a place, the investment varies.

Porcelain tiles:

• Entry-level: $80–$110/m²
• Mid-range: $110–$150/m²
• Premium: $150–$200+/m²

Ceramic tiles:

• Entry to mid-range: $70-$110/m²
• High-end decorative ceramics: $120+/m² (still generally less than premium porcelain)

Porcelain costs more upfront but offers unmatched longevity. Ceramic can be the smarter choice for stylish, low-impact areas when budget is a priority.

Use our FREE Tile Price Guide tool to calculate your project’s full cost and avoid surprises.

Pros and cons

Porcelain advantages:

• Exceptional strength and density
• Minimal water absorption (<0.5%), frost-resistant
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Available in large formats for a seamless look

Porcelain drawbacks:

• Heavier and harder to cut
• Higher price point

Ceramic advantages:

• Lightweight and easier to work with
• Ideal for DIY wall installations
• Wide variety of patterns and styles

Ceramic drawbacks:

• Not frost-proof unless specially treated
• Unsuitable for high-moisture or heavy-use floors

Can you use both in one project?

Absolutely! Mixing porcelain and ceramic tiles allows you to balance cost with performance.

For example:

• Use porcelain on floors and wet zones for durability and safety
• Use ceramic for decorative walls or splashbacks to bring in colour and texture

At Naturally Tiles, we offer curated collections where porcelain and ceramic pieces coordinate perfectly, same tones, textures, and finishes making it easy to achieve a cohesive look.

Local case study, Christchurch bathroom renovation

Sarah and Tom from Fendalton renovated their family bathroom with a mix of both tile types.

• Porcelain: Large-format tiles for the floor and shower, ensuring waterproof performance.
• Ceramic: Decorative wall tiles and mosaics behind the vanity for a softer design touch.

The result was a bathroom that met moisture-proofing standards, looked beautiful, and stayed within budget, a prime example of smart tile selection.

Plan your budget before you buy

When combining materials, budgeting can be tricky. Our FREE Tile Price Guide tool helps you:

• Estimate costs by room size
• Mix materials in one calculation
• Compare pricing by quality level

It’s a simple way to make informed decisions before visiting our showroom.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right tile for your home is about more than style. It’s about selecting materials that will stand up to Christchurch’s unique climate and your household’s daily life.

Porcelain offers the highest performance for floors, wet zones, and outdoor spaces. Ceramic brings design flexibility and cost savings for feature walls and light-use areas.

At Naturally Tiles, we’ve been guiding Christchurch homeowners toward durable, beautiful tile solutions for decades. Visit our showroom or try our FREE Tile Price Guide tool before you buy so you get it right, first time.

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