Ceramic and porcelain tiles are highly popular with homeowners, who seek these clay-based materials out for their durability, timeless aesthetic and relative affordability. “Porcelain and ceramic tend to be more cost-effective since they do not need to be mined from the earth,” says Kendra Nash of Nash Design Group.

The finer clay and higher firing temperatures result in higher prices for porcelain than for ceramic tile.

First leading manufacturer of ceramic tiles: China In any case, there is no question that China has always been the biggest manufacturer of ceramic tiles in the world, and it is possible to assert that it has produced around 8.47 billion square meters of ceramic tiles.

The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how it's made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture that's fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and it's fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile.