When it comes to choosing the right tile for your home or project in Malaysia, understanding the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles is essential. While both belong to the same tile family, their characteristics vary significantly — and that can impact their performance, placement, and cost. In this guide, we’ll explore how these two types of tiles differ, where they’re best used, and how to make the right choice for your space.

While both ceramic and porcelain tiles are made from clay and fired in kilns, their composition, manufacturing process, and performance differ:

Porcelain Tiles: Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and less porous than ceramic tiles. With a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, they offer superior moisture resistance. This makes them ideal for wet areas, high-traffic spaces, and outdoor applications, especially in Malaysia’s humid climate.

Ceramic Tiles: Ceramic tiles, made from coarser clay and fired at lower temperatures, are more porous and softer than porcelain. They’re typically best suited for dry indoor areas like bedrooms and living rooms, where water exposure and heavy wear are minimal.

The manufacturing process influences the tiles’ performance:

Porcelain Tiles: Made from refined, denser clay and fired at high temperatures over longer periods. This results in a harder, more durable, and less porous tile.

Ceramic Tiles: Made from less refined clay and fired at lower temperatures, resulting in a lighter, more porous tile that’s easier to cut and shape. 

Malaysia’s tropical weather, with high humidity and frequent rain, makes tile selection even more important. Porcelain tiles, being less porous, are excellent for bathrooms, kitchens, patios, and commercial spaces, where water resistance and durability are essential. Ceramic tiles, though more affordable, are ideal for dry, climate-controlled environments like bedrooms and indoor feature walls.

Ceramic Tiles

• Design Options: Wide range of textures, patterns, and finishes — from matt to glossy.
• Cutting & Handling: Easier to cut and work with, ideal for DIY or complex layouts.
• Maintenance: Easy to clean with regular sweeping and mopping.
• Cost-Effective: Generally, more affordable than porcelain.
• Installation: Lightweight and easier to install.

Ceramic Tiles – Best For:

• Indoor Walls: Great for bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, and feature walls.
• Light-Traffic Floors: Bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
• Decorative Touches: Ideal for adding colour, patterns, or design accents.

Porcelain Tiles – Best For:

• Outdoor Areas: Patios, garden paths, and even driveways.
• High-Traffic Flooring: Office lobbies, retail outlets, and malls.
• Wet Areas: Showers, laundry rooms, and kitchen floors.
• Feature Walls: Achieve a luxury feel by mimicking marble or stone.

Consider Your Environment:

• Ceramic Tile in Malaysia: Great for indoor dry spaces with light foot traffic.
• Porcelain Tile in Malaysia: Ideal for wet zones, outdoors, and busy areas thanks to their superior strength and water resistance.

Think About Your Design Goals:

• Ceramic Tiles: Offers plenty of affordable design options in vibrant colours and textures.
• Porcelain Tiles: Best for a premium look or when replicating high-end materials.

Set Your Budget:

• Ceramic Tiles: Budget-friendly and efficient for standard use.
• Porcelain Tiles: A higher initial investment, but longer-lasting — making it cost-effective in the long run.

Kimgres offers a wide selection of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles tailored for Malaysian homes and commercial spaces. Whether you’re renovating your home or designing a new office, our tiles provide:

• Reliable performance for Malaysia’s climate
• A wide variety of styles and sizes
• Trusted local quality backed by decades of experience
• Solutions for every budget and aesthetic

Ceramic tiles are affordable, easy to install, and perfect for decorative and light-use areas. Porcelain tiles offer superior durability, water resistance, and a refined aesthetic for high-traffic and moisture-prone zones.
Choose the tile that fits your lifestyle, environment, and budget — and enjoy both beauty and performance in your space.

Need Help Choosing the Perfect Tile?

Browse our collection of ceramic and porcelain tiles in Malaysia, or get in touch with our tile experts. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading a single room, we’ll help you find the right tile solution that brings your vision to life.