Types of Porcelain Tiles: Finishes, Bodies & Best Uses

Porcelain tiles come in several practical types: matte or unglazed porcelain, glazed porcelain, full-body porcelain, polished porcelain, double-charged porcelain, printed porcelain, and textured porcelain. The best choice depends on where the tile will be installed, how much slip resistance you need, whether the surface should hide wear, and the look you want to achieve. For most homes, glazed or printed porcelain tile works well on walls and general floors, textured porcelain is safer for wet areas, and full-body porcelain is the stronger choice for heavy-use floors or commercial spaces.

This guide compares the main types of porcelain tile by finish, body, pros, cons, and best use so you can narrow the options before ordering samples. If you are still deciding between tile materials, first compare porcelain vs natural stone and then use the decision table below to match the tile type to your room.

Types of Porcelain Tiles: Quick Comparison

Use this table as a first filter, then verify the product’s floor rating, wet-area suitability, DCOF/slip guidance, thickness, and maintenance notes before installation. For wet rooms, pair finish selection with Solidshape’s guide to porcelain tile slip resistance so the tile looks right and performs safely.

Matte & Unglazed Porcelain Tiles

matte porcelain mosaic tile features a non-reflective, natural-looking finish that adds a subtle, understated elegance to any space. The absence of a glossy surface creates a more rustic, earthy appearance, making these tiles a popular choice for those seeking a minimalist or industrial aesthetic. 

Pros

• Slip-resistant surfaces make them safer for high-traffic areas and wet environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
• Durable and long-lasting, as the color and pattern extend through the entire tile.
• Easy to maintain and clean, as the matte surface hides minor imperfections and dirt.

Cons

• Limited color and design options compared to glazed or printed porcelain tiles.

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

glazed porcelain tile is coated with a liquid glass layer fired onto the surface creating a smooth, glossy finish. This process allows for a wide range of colors, patterns, and designs. So, if you wish to add a touch of personality and style to your space, this is the right choice. 

From solid colors to intricate patterns that mimic the look of natural stone or wood, there are umpteen design opportunities. The non-porous surface prevents liquids and stains from penetrating the tile, making them a practical choice for areas prone to spills and splashes, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Pros

• Wide range of colors, patterns, and designs available, allowing for greater design flexibility.
• Highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Reflective surfaces can help brighten up a room and create a spacious feel.

Cons

• Glossy surfaces may be slippery when wet, requiring non-slip mats or treatments in wet areas.
• Chips and scratches may be more noticeable on the glazed surface, as the color and pattern do not extend through the entire tile.

Full Body Porcelain Tiles

Full-body porcelain tiles, also known as through-body porcelain tiles, are made from a single layer of colored clay that extends throughout the entire thickness of the tile. This means that the color and pattern remain consistent from the surface to the core, making chips and scratches less noticeable.

These tiles are known for their exceptional durability and longevity, making them an ideal choice for commercial floor tile such as airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. 

Pros

• Exceptionally durable and long-lasting, ideal for high-traffic commercial and residential areas.
• Seamless installations and easy replacement of damaged tiles.
• Resistant to fading, as the color is inherent to the tile body.

Cons

• May be more expensive than other types of porcelain tiles due to the manufacturing process.
• Fewer color and design options compared to glazed or printed porcelain tiles.

Polished Porcelain Tiles

As the name suggests, porcelain pavers also feature a glossy, reflective surface, offering luxury and sophistication to any space. The polishing process involves grinding down the surface of the tile to create a smooth, mirror-like finish that reflects light and enhances the color and pattern of the tile.

These tiles are often used in formal living areas, dining rooms, and upscale commercial settings such as hotels and restaurants to create a sense of elegance and refinement. 

Pros

• Glossy and reflective surface adds a touch of luxury and elegance to a space.
• Enhances the color and pattern of the tile, creating a vibrant and eye-catching look.
• Easy to clean and maintain, as the smooth surface resists dirt and stains.
• Can help create a spacious and bright feel in a room by reflecting light.

Cons

• Requires more care and maintenance to prevent scratches and maintain shine.
• Slippery surface may not be suitable for wet areas or high-traffic zones without non-slip treatments.
• Demands more frequent cleaning to maintain the glossy appearance.

Double Charged Porcelain Tiles

Double-charged porcelain tiles are created using a unique manufacturing process that involves applying a second layer of color and pattern to the surface of the tile before firing. This additional layer adds depth, dimension, and durability to the tile, creating a more realistic and visually appealing look.

Homeowners use these tiles to mimic the appearance of stone-look porcelain tile, such as marble or granite, without the maintenance and cost associated with these materials. 

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and commercial settings.
• Cost-effective alternative to natural stone, with lower maintenance requirements.

Cons

• Limited design options compared to printed porcelain tiles.

Printed Porcelain Tiles

Printed porcelain tiles are manufactured using advanced digital printing technology. This allows for a vast range of colors, patterns, and designs to be applied directly to the tile surface.

The process enables manufacturers to create highly detailed, realistic images that can replicate the look of natural materials such as wood, stone, or even fabric. 

With these tiles, you will have extensive design possibilities to create a unique, personalized look in your home or business. 

Pros

• Allows for unique and personalized designs that can't be achieved with other types of tiles.
• Achieves the look of expensive materials without the associated high maintenance and installation costs/challenges.
• Durable and long-lasting, as the printed design is protected by a clear glaze.

Cons

• Some lower-quality printed tiles may have less precise or detailed designs.
• The printed surface may wear away over time in high-traffic areas, revealing the base color of the tile.

Textured Porcelain Tiles 

textured shower floor tile replicate the look and feel of natural stone with a three-dimensional surface that adds tactile interest to a space. These tiles often feature a range of textures, from the rough, cleft-like surface of slate to the smooth, undulating ripples of sandstone.  A closer look at using the same tile on floors and showers can help refine the same material, maintenance, or design decision.

It is an ideal choice for those who want to add a natural, organic feel to their space without the maintenance and cost associated with real stone. 

Pros

• Offers slip resistance, making them safer for wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
• Durable and long-lasting, with lower maintenance requirements compared to natural stone.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Cons

• Sometimes, it gets difficult to clean than smooth porcelain tiles, as dirt and debris can settle into the textured surface.
• Some textured tiles may be more prone to trapping water, requiring extra attention to prevent mold or mildew growth in wet areas.

How to Choose the Right Type of Porcelain Tile

Start with location, not color. A shower floor, kitchen backsplash, outdoor patio, and commercial lobby all need different surface performance even if the design style is similar. For floors, check whether the product is rated for floor use and whether the finish has the right slip guidance for dry or wet conditions. For walls and backsplashes, you can usually prioritize color, pattern, edge detail, and cleaning ease because the tile is not taking foot traffic.

Next, decide whether the tile body or the surface design matters more. Full-body porcelain is useful when durability and chip visibility are major concerns, while glazed and printed porcelain give you more decorative control. If you want a natural-material look with porcelain performance, compare stone-look porcelain tile with marble-look, concrete-look, and wood-look options before choosing one finish. For shower projects, the article on using the same tile on floors and showers can also help you decide whether one porcelain tile can work across both floors and walls.

Porcelain for Durable Home Decor

Porcelain tiles offer a range of benefits that make them an excellent choice for enhancing the durability and style of your home decor. Some of the key advantages include:

Durability

Porcelain tiles are highly resistant to wear, scratches, and chips, making them a long-lasting choice for high-traffic areas.

Water resistance

The non-porous nature of porcelain tiles makes them resistant to water and moisture, ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.

Stain resistance

Porcelain tiles are resistant to stains and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for areas prone to spills and messes.

Versatility

With a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures available, porcelain tiles can be used to create a variety of looks, from classic and traditional to modern and trendy.

Low maintenance

Porcelain tiles require minimal upkeep, making them convenient for busy households and commercial settings.

Maintenance of Porcelain Tiles

While porcelain tiles are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, proper care is still essential to preserve their beauty and longevity. 

Here are some tips for maintaining the different types of porcelain tiles:

• Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Mop with a damp cloth or mop, using a mild cleaning solution if needed.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the surface of the tile.
• Use a soft cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid dulling the shine for polished porcelain tiles,
• Clean up spills promptly to prevent staining, especially on unglazed or textured tiles.
• Consider applying a penetrating sealer to unglazed tiles to protect against stains and moisture.
• Use protective pads on furniture to prevent scratches and chips.

Bottom Line: Which Porcelain Tile Type Should You Choose?

Whether you're renovating your home or planning a new build, incorporating porcelain tiles into your design can help create a space that is both beautiful and built to last. 

Find the perfect porcelain tiles for your next project at Solidshape. Our extensive collection features various colors, patterns, and textures to suit any style and budget. 

From classic glazed tiles to innovative printed and textured options, we have the expertise and selection to help you create a space that is both beautiful and built to last. 

FAQs About Porcelain Tile Types

Which porcelain tile type is best for shower floors?

Textured porcelain or small-format porcelain mosaics are usually the safer starting point for shower floors because they can offer more grip and more grout joints. Always confirm the individual product is rated for shower floors and wet areas before installation.

What is the difference between glazed and unglazed porcelain tile?

Glazed porcelain has a fired surface coating that creates the color, pattern, and finish on top of the tile. Unglazed or through-body porcelain relies more on the tile body itself, so wear and small chips are often less visually obvious.

Are polished porcelain tiles slippery?

Polished porcelain can be slippery in wet conditions, so it is usually better for dry interior floors, walls, and formal spaces unless the product specifically states otherwise. For bathrooms, entryways, and outdoor areas, compare the slip rating and choose a textured or matte finish when safety is a priority.

What is the best grade of porcelain?

Porcelain tiles are typically classified into three grades based on their quality and durability:

• Grade 1: The highest quality porcelain tiles, suitable for heavy traffic commercial and residential areas.
• Grade 2: Mid-range porcelain tiles, suitable for moderate traffic residential and light commercial areas.
• Grade 3: The lowest quality porcelain tiles, suitable for light traffic residential areas.

When choosing porcelain tiles, consider the intended use and traffic level of the space to select the appropriate grade.

What is the difference between porcelain tile and full-body porcelain tile?

The main difference between porcelain tile and full-body porcelain tile lies in the composition and color consistency of the tile. Regular porcelain tiles are made from a layer of clay with a glazed surface, meaning the color and pattern are only on the surface of the tile. 

Full-body porcelain tiles, on the other hand, are made from a single layer of colored clay that extends throughout the entire thickness of the tile, ensuring color and pattern consistency from surface to core.

Is it better to use porcelain or ceramic tile?

Both porcelain and ceramic tiles have their advantages, and the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and requirements of your project. 

Here are some factors to consider:

• Durability: Porcelain tiles are denser and more durable than ceramic tiles, making them better suited for high-traffic areas and outdoor use.
• Water resistance: Porcelain tiles are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles, making them a better choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
• Cost: Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive than porcelain tiles, making them a more budget-friendly option for some projects.
• Design options: Both porcelain and ceramic tiles offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, so the design possibilities are vast for both materials.

Consider your specific needs, budget, and design preferences when deciding between porcelain and ceramic tiles.