One of the first questions that must be answered when planning a new home tiling project is: “porcelain or ceramic?”

When evaluating tile, many people look at the PEI rating, a system created by the Porcelain Enamel Institute that measures a material’s hardness. Ceramic tile is cheaper and more widely used, but it usually has a PEI rating of just 0 to 3, meaning that it is only recommended for areas with light foot traffic or for decorative use. Porcelain is a more expensive, more durable substance, with PEI ratings ranging from 3 to 5, indicating that it’s suitable for heavy traffic.

For an excellent demonstration of the difference between the two, check out the DexKnows video, “Ceramic vs. Porcelain Tile.”