Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic tile. Both are made from clay and then fired in a kiln, but porcelain uses a denser clay with a finer texture. Porcelain tiles are also fired at a much higher temperature, resulting in a harder, more durable tile that absorbs less water than a traditional ceramic tile.

The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.

The primary difference lies in the type of clay used, the manufacturing process, and the level of water absorption. Porcelain tiles are made from a denser, more refined clay that is fired at higher temperatures compared to ceramic tiles. This results in a tile that is harder, more durable, and less porous than its ceramic counterpart.

Ceramic tiles are kiln-fired at a lower temperature than porcelain tiles, making them less dense, softer, and more porous. The clay used in its composition is also less refined, making it a more affordable, albeit less durable, option.

Porcelain is composed of more refined clay and is kiln-fired at a higher temperature than ceramic. That makes porcelain considerably harder. Harder tile is difficult to cut, but its increased hardness also means porcelain lasts longer than ceramic. Porcelain also has an edge on ceramic when it comes to porousness.