When remodeling or building a bathroom, choosing what tile to use in the shower walls is a big decision. It affects how long the finish will last, how easy it is to clean, how much it costs, how it looks, and even how safe or water-tight the shower is. Two of the most common options are ceramic tile vs porcelain tile. They’re related, but they aren’t the same, and in showers the differences matter. This article goes deep.
What Are “Ceramic” and “Porcelain” Tiles — Technical Definitions & Key Standards
To meaningfully compare, we need to define what each is, how they’re made, and what standards exist in the U.S. (and internationally) that distinguish “porcelain” from other ceramics.
- Ceramic tile refers broadly to tiles made from clay (often earthenware, stoneware, etc.), molded or extruded, glazed or unglazed, and fired in a kiln. The body (called bisque or “biscuit”) is clay-based. Ceramic tile can vary widely in water absorption, density, hardness, glaze types, etc.
- Porcelain tile is a subset of ceramic tile, distinguished by very low water absorption (≤ 0.5%) and higher density, finer clay body, and often fired at higher temperatures or with special processes to make the tile more impervious. According to ANSI A137.1 (the U.S. standard specification for ceramic tile), porcelain tile is defined as ceramic tile with water absorption of 0.5% or less. (Tile Council of North America)
- Water absorption is tested by ASTM C373 method. When a tile meets that ≤ 0.5% absorption, by the ANSI/TCNA standards, it qualifies as “porcelain.” Ceramic tiles with higher absorption (>0.5%) don’t qualify, though many glazed ceramic wall tiles are water-resistant enough for shower walls. (Tile Council of North America)
- There are also certification programs (e.g. PTCA — Porcelain Tile Certification Agency) that verify tiles claiming to be porcelain do meet the relevant standards. (Tile Council of North America)
So, when someone asks “porcelain vs ceramic tile” in reference to shower walls, one of the first technical differences to check is: does the tile meet porcelain water-absorption specs?
Key Properties that Matter for Shower Walls
Shower walls are wet, humid, exposed to chemical soaps/shampoos, thermal changes, and expect to be cleaned often. These pressures mean certain tile properties are especially important. Here are the metrics and properties that most affect performance in a shower wall context:
| Property | Why It Matters in Shower Walls |
|---|---|
| Water absorption / porosity | The lower the absorption, the less water the tile body soaks. Porcelain’s low absorption reduces risk of water penetrating behind tiles, mold/mildew behind, and damage to wall structure. |
| Density & strength | Denser tile resists cracking, chipping, supports heavier grout/fixtures. Shower walls get force (sprays, accidental knocks, changes in temperature) — denser tile holds up better. |
| Glaze type & finish | Smooth glazed surface helps water flow off, easier cleaning, less soap scum. Matte or textured can look nice but harder to clean. Some glazes are more resistant to staining or chemical attack. |
| Size / format & edges | Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines (which are weakest spots). Rectified edges allow tighter joints. Tile format (thickness, weight) also affects substrate strength and installation method. |
| Slip resistance (for floors) & cg-rating (less relevant for wall, more for floor) | For shower walls, this is less relevant, but textured wall tiles may need cleaning more often. For walls, moisture does drip, so smoother surfaces help. |
| Installation & waterproofing behind tile | Tile is only part of the system. Backer board, waterproof membrane, grout sealant, caulking, slope, etc., all matter. Even high-quality porcelain fails if set improperly. |
| Maintenance, cleaning & durability | Glazed porcelain tends to resist soap scum, stains, mildew, easier to clean. Ceramic can also do well, but often requires more frequent deep cleaning or sealing of grout, depending on quality. |
Comparing Porcelain vs Ceramic Tile for Shower Walls — Pros & Cons
Let’s break down how porcelain and ceramic tiles compare, specifically for shower wall use, along relevant dimensions.
| Dimension | Advantages: Porcelain | Advantages: Ceramic | Trade-offs / Disadvantages: Porcelain | Trade-offs / Disadvantages: Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance / Moisture Penetration | Very low water absorption (≤0.5%), making it less likely for moisture to penetrate tile body. Better for constant wet conditions. (Tile Council of North America) | Many ceramic tiles are glazed and sufficiently water resistant for wall use. If high quality and glaze intact, water penetration can be minimal. | Harder to cut / heavier, more difficult work for installer. If glaze is damaged or edges exposed, still risk exists. Premium price. | More porous, absorbs more if glaze is thin or damaged; may require more maintenance; glaze wear over time can reduce effectiveness. |
| Durability (Chipping, Cracking, Wear) | Higher strength, more resistant to impact, less prone to chips/cracks; less movement by expansion/contraction. Porcelain often more durable long term. (clé tile) | Ceramic can be durable in low-impact areas; wall usage generally has less risk than floor, so ceramic may perform well. Easier to replace if damaged. | More brittle in some cases; installation more challenging; needs strong backing and proper adhesive. Limited ability to “repair” glazed porcelain issues. | Lower cost up front, but may require refinishing or replacing if issues; potentially more damage over time if moisture gets behind or glaze degrades. |
| Aesthetic / Styles / Finishes | Wide range now; porcelain can mimic stone, wood, large formats, some finishes (polished, matte). More consistency for colors, size, rectified edges. | Huge design variety; ceramic often has more artisanal, decorative options. Easier to find smaller budget or specialty tile. | Porcelain can be more expensive, heavier, more difficult to cut; requires better tools. Some finishes (polished porcelain) may be slippery or show water spots. | Ceramic is less costly, easier to cut/design with, more forgiving for DIY; but less variety in extreme formats or finishes sometimes. |
| Installation Complexity / Cost | Higher cost: tile cost + labor cost. Requires good substrate, waterproofing, strong adhesive. Cutting porcelain is tougher and slower. | Lower material cost and lower labor cost in many cases. Easier to cut; easier to handle; less weight for wall substrate. | Cost higher; more challenging for DIY; mistakes more costly. | Less durable; might need more frequent repair or maintenance; glazing quality varies so risk of staining or damage higher. |
| Maintenance & Cleaning | Easier to clean (glazed porcelain), less staining, less mildew behind the tile if grout is done well; less frequent sealing needed (mostly grout, not tile body). | Ceramic still cleans up okay; grout remains weakest point; glaze can wear over time; may require resealing or more cleaning of grout lines. | Price and installation cost; some finishes (matte or textured) harder to keep clean; heavier tiles mean more care in installation for slope, waterproofing. | Lower upfront cost, but ongoing costs may accumulate (cleaning grout, replacing damaged tiles, possible moisture damage if installation not impeccable). |
| Longevity | Longer lifespan expected in wet environment; less risk of water damage over decades. | Good lifespan, especially for wall use; but more vulnerable to moisture intrusion if deficient installation. | Higher upfront investment; more difficult to replace individual porcelain tile later due to cutting difficulty. | Might look less new over time; grout and glaze more likely to degrade faster; potential for needing earlier renovation. |
Standards, Certifications & What to Check Before You Buy
Because not all tiles are equal, and marketing can be misleading, it’s crucial to check specifications and certifications. Here are the things to ask or demand.
- Water absorption rating / porosity
- Does the tile meet ANSI A137.1 definition for porcelain (≤0.5% absorption)? (Tile Council of North America)
- If ceramic, what is the absorption rate? Lower is better for showers.
- Certification / lab testing
- PTCA (Porcelain Tile Certification Agency) mark if it’s porcelain. (Tile Council of North America)
- Manufacturer’s test data, lab data.
- Glaze & finish quality
- Is the glaze thick and of high quality? Is the finish glossy, matte, textured?
- Glazed vs unglazed tiles. Some porcelain is unglazed (e.g. through-body porcelain).
- Tile format & size
- Larger tiles or slab-look porcelain need flatter substrate, better backer, precise leveling to reduce lippage (uneven joints).
- Edge types: rectified edges allow tighter grout joints, more modern look.
- Substrate & waterproofing system
- Cement backer boards, waterproof membranes, appropriate mortar / adhesive that can handle tile weight.
- Proper slope for water drainage (on floor, threshold).
- Grout & joint design
- Smaller grout joints are easier to clean and less prone to mold/mildew, but require precision.
- Type of grout (epoxy grout vs cementitious) influences durability & maintenance.
- Manufacturer warranties / specs
- What warranty does tile manufacturer back? Does finish or glaze have warranty?
- Does installation system (tile + adhesive + grout) have combined warranty?
Real-World Use Cases: When Porcelain Wins, When Ceramic Is Enough
Not every shower needs the top-tier porcelain. Depending on your context (budget, climate, usage, maintenance expectations), ceramic may be perfectly acceptable.
Scenarios where porcelain is strongly recommended:
- Showers in homes in humid or high-moisture climates (e.g., coastal areas, tropical/subtropical): moisture penetration risk is higher, mold/mildew problems more likely.
- Showers that will experience a lot of use (daily showers, multiple users, large family). Strength and low absorption become critical over time.
- Large-format tiles or premium finishes: if you want large panels, slab-look porcelain, rectified edges, something that looks modern and sleek, porcelain is often the only material that holds up and looks premium.
- Long-term investment: if you don’t plan to remodel for many years and want minimal upkeep.
Cases where quality ceramic tile might do fine:
- Smaller showers, guest bathrooms, or low use (occasional use) where budget is a constraint.
- Exposed wall surfaces rather than wet zones (backsplashes, shower walls but maybe not full floor or high spray zones).
- Decorative walls / accents where appearance and cost are more important than maximum durability.
- If you are ready to accept more need of care (frequent grout cleaning, occasional tile replacement, etc.).
Installation & Best Practices: No Tile Alone Does Magic
Even the best porcelain tile will fail quickly if the installation is sloppy. Here are things you must get right so whichever tile you pick (ceramic or porcelain) performs well in a shower.
- Use appropriate waterproof substrate / backer board (e.g. cement board, waterproofing membrane), not plain drywall, in wet zones.
- Install a good waterproofing membrane behind tiles (sheet membrane, liquid waterproofing) especially for shower walls especially at seams, corners, niches.
- Proper adhesive / thinset mortar suitable for the tile type (porcelain often needs stronger/modified mortar).
- Ensure grout joints are sealed and properly caulked, especially at corners, niches, bench edges, around plumbing penetrations.
- Provide proper slope / drainage (for floor), ensure tile edges are slightly pitched or designed to avoid water pooling or splash back. For walls, joint and bead sealants at top or interfaces (e.g. with door, glass, etc.) matter.
- Allow proper drying, curing time for both tile, adhesive, grout. Read manufacturer specs.
Aesthetic & Design Considerations
Style, appearance, and design also play a big role. Sometimes the differences in look, finish, size, texture may tip the scales.
- Porcelain often allows larger sizes, thinner profiles, clean rectified edges, more exact color & pattern consistency. If you want a sleek, modern look, fewer grout lines, you may prefer porcelain.
- Ceramic has many more decorative/glazed options, textures, artisanal looks, more budget-friendly decorative features (mosaic, decals, ornate glazes, color variety), so for decorative walls or accent features ceramic may offer more choices.
- Tile thickness, weight, edge finish (bullnose, trim), grout color/joint size, and finish (matte vs gloss) all shape aesthetics and also cleaning behavior (gloss shows water spots; matte may hide them but may harder to clean).
- Also consider lighting (gloss reflects, making wall bright; matte diffuses), and maintenance: e.g. gloss porcelain may show spots and streaks more than matte ceramic.
Cost & Budget Implications
Upfront vs long-term cost is very important.
- Initial cost: Porcelain tile itself tends to cost more per square foot vs ceramic tile, especially premium porcelain. Installation labor is costlier as well (because of difficulty in cutting, heavier tile, special tools).
- Material waste & handling: Porcelain is heavier, harder to cut; more breakage probably; more waste; may need more expensive tools (diamond saw blades, specialized cutters).
- Maintenance cost over time: Grout maintenance, potential tile replacement, cleaning supplies. Porcelain often lowers long-term costs due to better performance (less replacement, less damage, less staining). Ceramic may require more cleaning, sealing, etc.
- Resale & value: High quality porcelain tile tends to be seen as a premium upgrade, possibly adding more resale value. Decorative ceramic tiles may shine in certain styles, but in luxury markets porcelain is often preferred.
Common Myths & Misconceptions
There are many misleading ideas out there. Clearing them up helps you make better choices.
- “Porcelain is 100% waterproof” – False. Tile itself may be nearly waterproof if absorption is very low, but water can get through grout joints, edges, seams. Waterproofing system behind tile still matters.
- “Ceramic can’t be used in showers” – Also false. Many glazed ceramic wall tiles are made for showers, especially when used with good water protection behind and good grout/sealant.
- “Glazed finish = full protection” – Partial truth. Glazing helps prevent water absorption on surface, but if glaze breaks, edges are exposed, or grout is poor, leaks or moisture issues may occur.
- “Thinner tile = cheaper and worse always” – Thickness matters somewhat but more important are the body, firing, absorption, and finish. A high-quality thin porcelain tile may outperform a poor ceramic thick tile.
- “All porcelain tiles are the same” – Not true. Some “porcelain” tiles may have different finishes (gloss, matte, textured), some may be rectified, some not; some may meet the standard strictly, others less so. Quality varies.
Decision-Making Guide: How to Choose Which Is Better for Your Shower Wall
To decide what’s better for your specific project, work through the following steps/questions:
- Evaluate Usage & Environment
- How often is the shower used? How many people? Frequency?
- How humid is your climate? Is there strong water spray or splash every wall?
- Is the house older, newer? Are walls exposed to freeze-thaw cycles or mold risk?
- Define your Budget
- How much are you willing to spend initially vs over time?
- Are skilled labor costs high in your region?
- Define Aesthetic Priorities
- Do you want large modern slabs, sleek minimal look, uniform color/pattern? Or decorative style / mosaic / accent features?
- Gloss vs matte finish preferences?
- Check Structural/Substrate Capabilities
- Can your walls/backing support heavier porcelain tile? Do you need to reinforce?
- Do you need waterproofing etc.?
- Look at Long-Term Maintenance & Resale
- How much cleaning effort are you willing to do? Grout cleaning, resealing, dealing with soap scum etc.
- Are you planning to stay for many years or sell soon? A higher-end tile may help resale.
- Inspect Tile Specifications
- Get absorption rating, PEI rating (though for walls PEI less critical than for floors).
- Glaze quality, finish (gloss/matte), tile size, rectified edges.
- Talk to Contractors / Tilers
- Get input on what works well in your area. Ask for samples, see installed examples.
- Confirm installer has experience with the chosen tile type and size.
FAQs About Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile for Shower Walls
Q1. Can you use ceramic tile on shower walls?
Yes, glazed ceramic tile is commonly used on shower walls and is considered safe if installed correctly with proper waterproofing.
Q2. Is porcelain tile always better than ceramic tile for showers?
Not always. Porcelain is more durable and water-resistant, but high-quality ceramic tile can perform well on shower walls, especially in low-traffic or decorative applications.
Q3. Which tile is easier to install on shower walls — porcelain or ceramic?
Ceramic is easier to cut, lighter, and simpler to handle, making it better for DIY projects. Porcelain requires stronger tools and experienced installers.
Q4. Do porcelain tiles need sealing in the shower?
Generally, glazed porcelain does not need sealing. However, grout lines always need sealing, regardless of whether you choose ceramic or porcelain tile.
Q5. Will ceramic tile absorb water and cause mold behind shower walls?
If glazed and installed properly with a waterproof membrane, ceramic tile won’t cause mold issues. Problems usually come from poor installation, not the tile itself.
Q6. Which tile looks more luxurious in a shower?
Porcelain is often chosen for upscale, modern, and large-format designs. Ceramic is versatile and decorative, often used in artistic or patterned showers.
Q7. Is porcelain tile more expensive than ceramic?
Yes. Porcelain typically costs more for both material and labor. Ceramic is more budget-friendly.
Q8. Can I mix porcelain and ceramic tile in the same shower?
Yes. Many designers use porcelain for the main walls or wettest areas and ceramic for accent walls or niches. Just make sure grout lines and finishes coordinate.
Q9. Which tile lasts longer in a shower?
Porcelain typically lasts longer because of its strength and water resistance. Ceramic can also last decades if cared for properly.
Q10. What’s more important than the tile choice itself?
Installation and waterproofing. Even the best porcelain tile can fail if grout, caulking, and membranes are poorly installed.
Conclusion
So, is porcelain or ceramic tile better for shower walls? The truth is, it depends on your priorities.
- If you want maximum durability, low water absorption, sleek modern styles, and long-term performance, porcelain is the superior choice. It’s tougher, more water-resistant, and often viewed as a premium upgrade in bathrooms.
- If you’re aiming for budget-friendliness, decorative designs, easier DIY installation, or a unique handcrafted look, ceramic tile can absolutely be the right option — provided it’s glazed and installed with proper waterproofing.
Both materials can work beautifully in a shower, but porcelain shines in high-use, high-moisture settings, while ceramic offers creative flexibility and affordability.
At the end of the day, your decision should balance performance, style, budget, and installation quality. Choose wisely, invest in professional waterproofing and grout care, and either option will leave you with a shower that looks stunning and functions reliably for years.
