Porcelain pavers and ceramic tiles are two of the most popular materials for outdoor hardscaping. They have comparable appearances, applications and installation processes, but there are several key functional differences that make porcelain deck tiles the superior choice for residential and commercial renovations.

1. Water Absorption

Porcelain pavers have a much lower water absorption rate than ceramic tiles, meaning they won’t become discolored or weakened over time due to water exposure. This makes them ideal for outdoor use, where rain or snow is a factor. In addition, porcelain pavers are frost-resistant, so they won’t crack or break in cold weather.

Ceramic tiles, by contrast, have a water absorption rate of approximately three percent — compared to porcelain pavers’ 0.1 percent — so they’re much more susceptible to water corrosion, staining and other damage. If you want an outdoor deck tile that will stand up to the elements and last for years, porcelain pavers are the ideal choice.

2. Durability

Along the same lines, porcelain pavers are much more durable overall than ceramic tiles. This is due, in part, to their nonporous nature, but they’re also incredibly load-bearing and hard-wearing.

Fired in a kiln at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, porcelain pavers undergo a rigorous manufacturing process that makes them incredibly durable and resistant to water, frost, fire, freeze-thaw cracking and much more. Their surface is also scratch-resistant and slip-resistant for enhanced guest safety. If you have a project with high foot traffic or where safety is a top priority, porcelain pavers outperform ceramic tiles every time.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Whether you have a busy household or a popular commercial establishment, time is precious, and you don’t want to waste unnecessary hours on exterior landscaping maintenance. This is precisely why so many property owners choose porcelain deck tiles over ceramic.

Ceramic’s high water absorption rate means it’s susceptible to staining and other water damage, requiring repair or replacement more regularly than you might expect. Additionally, this likelihood of staining also means that the tiles will need to be re-glazed or re-sealed every couple of years to preserve their finish and prevent additional damage.

Porcelain pavers, on the other hand, don’t require re-sealing to remain beautiful, thanks to their remarkably low water absorption rate of 0.1 percent. In case of spills, they can be easily cleaned with a mixture of water and mild soap or occasional pressure washing.

Ceramic tiles and outdoor porcelain pavers each have their own benefits, but porcelain deck tiles have gained rapid popularity in recent years thanks to their stunning appearance, superior durability, installation time, cost and maintenance levels. Whether you have a background patio to renovate or a luxury hotel pool deck to build, Tile Tech porcelain pavers are up for the job. If you’d like to learn more about Tile Tech’s full range of products and services, including porcelain deck tiles, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’re always happy to provide you with a free product sample, catalog or quote for your next project.