Red Seal Tilesetter Practice Exam

What type of tile is generally more porous?

1. Porcelain tile

2. Ceramic tile

3. Glass tile

4. Stone tile

The correct answer is: Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile is generally more porous compared to other types of tile. This characteristic is due to the way ceramic tiles are manufactured. They are made from clay and other natural materials that are fired at lower temperatures than porcelain tiles, resulting in a less dense and more absorbent product. Being more porous means that ceramic tiles can absorb more water, making them less suitable for areas with high moisture levels unless they are properly sealed. In contrast, porcelain tiles are denser and have a lower absorption rate, which makes them more suitable for wet areas. Glass tiles are non-porous and do not absorb water, while natural stone, although varied in porosity, often features less porosity than ceramic due to the compaction of minerals. This fundamental difference in material composition is what establishes ceramic tile as the most porous option.