From the surface porcelain tiles look similar to some types of ceramic tiles but are really different in several ways. Porcelain tiles are made from finer clays and are fired in kilns are much higher temperatures that ceramic tiles. This process makes porcelain much more durable and less prone to staining, scratches and the effects caused by moisture absorption. For those reasons, porcelain tiles are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

Real porcelain tiles are homogenous, meaning the coloration goes throughout the tile body from top to bottom. This helps porcelain tile hide scratches or nicks that may occur in the surface of the tile. Porcelain tiles are often a better choice when you need a less porous tile, or you require a tile that is more crack-resistant than some of Mother Nature's natural stone products.