Royal Stone Dimensional Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: History, Innovation & Why Los Angeles Prefers Royal Stone

Its history in the use of ceramic tile spans centuries from the making of clay roofing. Despite its long history dating back centuries, ceramic tile is today also in demand thanks to the advancement in technology in the production of tiles in a way that it can now be used in numerous uses. We at Royal Stone & Tile in Los Angeles show how modern ceramic and porcelain tile can bring areas from walls and floors to ceilings, fireplaces, murals, and even exterior cladding.

The History of Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Throughout history, ceramic and porcelain tiles have come a long way from their original role as roof tiles to being both decorative and functional. Around the globe, colorful tile panels have adorned houses and great public monuments alike. In Spain and Turkey, mosaic tiles became legendary in the Roman Empire, adorning dining rooms, baths, and courtyards. In Burma, ceramic plaques glazed with mythological legend covered temple walls.

Tile has never only been a building material—it is likewise a vehicle of cultural expression and architectural art. And now, Royal Stone combines this timeless tradition with cutting-edge Italian porcelain slabs and tiles here in Los Angeles.

Why Porcelain Tile is a Modern Favorite

With its durability, versatility, and aesthetics, porcelain floor tiles and large slabs have become a first choice among homeowners, builders, and interior designers. Unlike standard ceramic, porcelain tile consists of super-fine porcelain clay, fired at extremely high temperatures. This creates a hard, dense, low-porosity finish that withstands heavy-traffic floors, kitchens, bathrooms, patio spaces, and commercial spaces.

Glazed and unglazed, porcelain tiles are available with high-gloss polished finishes, refined matte surfaces, or textured finishes that replicate the natural lines of marble, travertine, limestone, and concrete. We import only the finest Italian porcelain slabs and porcelain tiles at Royal Stone in Los Angeles, which are both beautiful as well as long-lasting.

Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: The Key Differences

One of the most common customer questions at Royal Stone is: How does ceramic tile differ from porcelain tile?

Ceramic Tile

Made up of clay and minerals that are ground with water, after which they are fired in a kiln.

Porous by nature, so most ceramic tiles get covered with a layer that determines color, pattern, and wear.

Glazed ceramic is scratch-, burn-, and stain-resistant and one of the easiest surfaces to clean.

Most popular for backsplashes, walls, decorative panels, and light-use floors.

Porcelain Tile

Made of ground porcelain clay and sand, fired at much higher pressures and temperatures.

Produces a dense, long-lasting surface with water absorption less than 0.5%.

Recommended for indoor and outdoor applications, such as the coastal climates of Los Angeles, pool areas, and patios.

Available in slabs up to 63" × 126", great for fireplaces, shower walls, kitchen islands, and flooring.

???? Bottom line: Ceramic tile is classic beauty and thrift, and porcelain tile offers superior performance, luxury look, and long-lasting durability. Royal Stone stocks both so you can pick the superior one for your project.

The History of Tile: Ancient Egypt to Modern-Day Los Angeles

Tile has been transforming living spaces into works of art for more than three millennia.

Egyptians: Hand tiles decorated the homes of the affluent and the tombs of the pharaohs.

Middle East & Islamic Architecture: Intricately glazed tiles adorned mosques and palaces.

Europe (13th Century): Hand-painted ceramic floors adorned cathedrals and aristocratic homes.

Industrial Revolution: Ceramic and porcelain tile came to the masses in the form of mass production.

That rich heritage lives on today at Royal Stone & Tile in Los Angeles, where we bring Italian porcelain slabs and ceramics to modern homeowners, designers, and architects who want to bring heritage to innovation.

Why Los Angeles chooses Royal Stone for Porcelain & Ceramic Tile

With its status as the premier importer of Italian porcelain slabs and ceramic tiles, Royal Stone helps homeowners, contractors, and architects achieve both functional day-to-day requirements and high-end appearances. Whether creating a Beverly Hills porcelain marble-look kitchen island, Pacific Palisades porcelain fireplace surround, or Santa Monica ceramic backsplash, West LA's slab yard offers the best selection and expertise.