About Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile, including Porcelain Stone^® by Crossville, differs from ceramic tile in its manufacture, absorption and breaking strength. These inherent differences in the manufacturing processes and the quality of the raw materials make porcelain tile a superior product in terms of value, durability, color and design.

Porcelain tile is made up of approximately 50% feldspar; the remaining 50% is made up of various high-quality light firing ball clays. This makes the fired body white, allowing clear, brilliant colors and through body construction, meaning the color goes all the way through the tile rather than a surface glaze application.

Because porcelain is pressed under higher pressure than other tiles, in the range of 6,000 pounds per square inch, it is more dense than ceramic tile. It is also fired at a temperature of 2200° F, while ceramic tile would be fired at 1800° F, providing a much lower rate of absorption. The international standard for porcelain tile states that for tile to qualify as Porcelain, it must have water absorption of 0.5% or less. Crossville Porcelain Stone^® typically has an absorption rate or less than 0.1%.

The water absorption rate for porcelain tile makes it suitable for interior and exterior applications in all climates. The water absorption rate of ceramic tile is usually greater than 3%, which means that it is not suitable for exterior applications.

Using applicable ASTM tests, Crossville Porcelain Stone^® has a breaking strength of 390-400 pounds versus approximately 250 for regular ceramic tile. The Compressive Strength of Crossville tiles range from 36,000 to 38,000 psi. Crossville Porcelain Stone^® products have an absorption rate that allows them to be rated as frost proof, not frost resistant.