The real difference between stoneware and porcelain tile comes down to density and how much water each one absorbs. Both are ceramic fired at high temperature, both clad floors and walls, and to the eye they can look identical. Yet they behave in completely different ways once water, frost or constant foot traffic enter the picture. At Gomila Cerámica we work with both families because every project asks for a different answer. This guide explains what separates one material from the other, with concrete technical data, and helps you decide with confidence based on where the tile will actually go: bathroom, kitchen, outdoors, pool or commercial space.
What is stoneware?
Stoneware (gres) is a clay-based tile fired at high temperature; the glazed version carries a vitrified glaze that provides colour, pattern and finish, over a whitish, slightly more porous body. Glazed stoneware absorbs ~0.5%–6% water. It’s noble, warm, versatile, affordable and easy to install, with huge design variety. Weak point: if the glaze wears in high-traffic zones, it shows, because colour lives on the surface.
What is porcelain tile?
Porcelain is a highly compacted stoneware fired at higher temperatures, with water absorption ≤0.5% (ISO 13006 / EN 14411) — effectively impervious. It resists frost, staining, humidity and heavy traffic. Full-body technical porcelain runs the colour through the whole piece (ideal for commercial floors); glazed porcelain adds realistic marble, stone, wood or cement effects. See our porcelain flooring range.
Comparison table: stoneware vs. porcelain
| Feature | Glazed stoneware | Porcelain tile |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Fired clay + surface glaze | Highly compacted; technical or glazed |
| Water absorption | ~0.5% – 6% | ≤ 0.5% (near impervious) |
| Resistance / PEI | PEI II–IV | PEI IV–V; high deep-abrasion resistance |
| Rectified edges | Less common | Frequent: minimal joints (2–3 mm) |
| Frost resistance | Limited | High (outdoors / cold) |
| Recommended uses | Interior walls/floors, medium traffic | Interior, outdoor, pool, commercial, heavy traffic |
Which to choose, scenario by scenario
Bathroom: porcelain ≤0.5% for floors and trays (anti-slip); walls in glazed stoneware (WOW). Kitchen: technical porcelain or PEI IV; stone and cement effects from Emil Ceramica or Keope. Outdoors: porcelain (20 mm), frost-resistant — key in Mallorca. Pool: anti-slip pool porcelain, chlorine and salt resistant; coordinated ranges from Coem and Ragno. Commercial: full-body technical porcelain (PEI V).
Conclusion
It isn’t about quality, it’s about fit. Glazed stoneware is excellent for walls and medium-traffic interiors; porcelain wins wherever water, frost, heavy traffic or the outdoors are involved. Choosing well means laying the right material in the right place — and at Gomila we help you do exactly that.
Frequently asked questions
- Is porcelain a type of stoneware? Yes — a compacted variety fired higher, absorption ≤0.5%. All porcelain is stoneware; not all stoneware is porcelain.
- Which absorbs less water? Porcelain (≤0.5%) versus glazed stoneware (up to ~6%).
- Is porcelain suitable for outdoors and frost? Yes, thanks to its low porosity.
- What is a rectified porcelain tile? One with mechanically squared edges after firing, allowing minimal joints (2–3 mm).
- Is glazed stoneware worse? No, just different: ideal and more affordable for walls and medium-traffic interiors.
