Lakeville homeowners planning a bathroom refresh, kitchen update or new mudroom floor often face the same choice: porcelain or ceramic tile? Both look beautiful, both are durable and both are easy to clean. Yet they differ in density, water absorption and how well they handle Minnesota's demanding conditions. At Infinite Floors Kitchens Bathrooms, our tile work is handled by master tile setter Shawn and his crew, and we help Lakeville homeowners compare both options every week. Here is what you need to know.
What Porcelain and Ceramic Share
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are both made from clay that is shaped and fired in a kiln. Both can be glazed in countless colors and patterns, and both create hard, stain-resistant surfaces. Each is a strong choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways.
The differences come from the clay mixture and the firing process.
How Porcelain Is Different
Porcelain tile uses a finer, denser clay and is fired at higher temperatures. The result is a harder, less porous tile.
Very low water absorption, which makes it excellent for showers, bathroom floors and entries that see snow and slush.
High durability that stands up to heavy traffic, pets and dropped objects.
Through-body color options that make chips less noticeable.
Realistic designs, including wood-look planks, stone looks and large-format tiles.
Porcelain is heavier and harder to cut, which can make installation more involved and a little more costly.
How Ceramic Is Different
Ceramic tile uses a coarser clay fired at lower temperatures. It is lighter and slightly softer.
Budget-friendly, with lower material and installation costs.
Easier to cut around fixtures and corners.
Ideal for walls, backsplashes and shower surrounds.
Wide design range, from bold colors to handmade-look finishes.
Because ceramic is more porous, it is best for areas with light to moderate traffic and less direct water exposure.
Which Is Best for Lakeville Homes?
Entryways and Mudrooms
Lakeville winters bring snow, ice and road salt, and entryways take the brunt of it. Porcelain is the stronger choice here because it resists moisture and stands up to grit and heavy boots.
Bathrooms
Porcelain is the top choice for bathroom floors and shower floors. Ceramic works beautifully for shower walls, tub surrounds and decorative accents.
Kitchens
Both work well. Porcelain offers extra durability for busy family kitchens, while ceramic is a smart option for backsplashes.
Basements
Many Lakeville homes have finished lower levels. Porcelain handles cool, sometimes damp basement conditions better than ceramic.
You can explore our full range of tile flooring online, including porcelain, ceramic, natural stone and glass tile.
Tile and Minnesota Winters
Tile can feel cold on January mornings, but there is a great solution: radiant heated floors. Both porcelain and ceramic conduct heat well, and porcelain's density helps it hold warmth a little longer. Heated tile is one of the most popular upgrades in South Metro bathrooms.
Tile also handles the dry winter air indoors without shrinking or gapping the way wood can, which makes it a low-maintenance choice for our climate.
Design Trends in 2026
Popular tile looks in Lakeville homes include:
Wood-look porcelain planks that bring warmth with tile durability.
Large-format tiles that reduce grout lines and make rooms feel larger.
Natural stone looks with soft veining.
Handmade-look ceramic for backsplashes and accent walls.
Patterned tiles for laundry rooms and powder rooms.
Why Installation Matters
A tile floor depends on proper subfloor preparation, the right mortar and careful layout. Our master tile setter Shawn and his crew bring craftsmanship and attention to detail to every job, from shower surrounds to full bathroom remodels. As an installer-owned company, we take pride in getting the job done right the first time.
Honest Quotes and Guarantees
After we measure, you will receive an exact, guaranteed written quote within two to three days, good for 30 days, with no hidden costs. Every flooring purchase includes a free lifetime installation warranty and our 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Wells Fargo financing is available.
Caring for Tile
Sweep regularly to remove grit and salt. Mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, and seal cement-based grout as recommended. Choosing a mid-tone grout color helps hide dirt between cleanings. Avoid grocery store polish products, which can leave residue; our team can recommend products approved by manufacturers.
Comparing Costs
Ceramic generally costs less per square foot than porcelain and is quicker to cut and install. Porcelain costs more up front but often lasts longer in high-traffic rooms, which can make it the better value over time. Total project cost also depends on tile size, pattern, subfloor preparation, heated floor systems and removal of old flooring. Large-format and wood-look porcelain planks need a very flat subfloor, so preparation may add to the budget.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Ask about the PEI rating, which measures how well a glazed tile resists wear, and whether the tile is rated for floors, walls or both. Ask about slip resistance for entries and bathrooms, and how much extra tile to order for cuts and future repairs. Matching a discontinued color later can be tricky, so keeping a spare box is a smart idea. Our team is happy to walk you through each answer during your visit or in-home estimate. Bring photos of your space, and we will help you compare samples side by side so you can see how each tile looks with your cabinets, fixtures and lighting before you decide on the right tile for each room in your home.
Visit Our Showroom
Our showroom at 1310 Larc Industrial Blvd in Burnsville is a short drive from Lakeville and is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, with evening and weekend appointments available. Our mobile showroom can also bring tile samples to your home. Reach out to us to compare porcelain and ceramic tile for your Lakeville home.
