Ultimate Guide: Choosing Between Ceramic, Porcelain & Natural Stone Tiles in Kenya
Looking for the best tiles for your home or project in Kenya?
Whether you're renovating your bathroom, updating your kitchen floor, or designing a commercial space, understanding the differences between ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles is key. This guide breaks down each option by durability, price, maintenance, and ideal use cases — with a local Kenyan perspective.
Ceramic vs. Porcelain vs. Natural Stone: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles | Natural Stone Tiles |
Durability | Moderate | High (dense & hard) | Varies (granite > marble > slate) |
Water Resistance | Good, but porous | Excellent (low water absorption) | Depends on stone type |
Maintenance | Easy to clean | Easy, needs less sealing | Needs sealing, higher upkeep |
Indoor/Outdoor | Best for indoor spaces | Ideal for both | Mostly for indoor, with care |
Cost in Kenya | about KSh 800 – 1,500 per sqm | about KSh 1,200 – 2,500 per sqm | about KSh 2,500 – 5,000+ per sqm |
Design Variety | Wide colors, matte/glossy | Modern finishes, wood-look styles | Unique natural patterns |
Ceramic Tiles: A Cost-Effective Choice for Indoor Use
Ceramic tiles are among the most popular choices in Kenya, especially for residential projects. They're ideal for wall tiles in Kenya, kitchens, and indoor floors. If you're considering upgrading your surfaces, choosing a quality floor tile in Kenya ensures durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance thanks to the glazed finish of most ceramic tiles.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Variety of colors and sizes
- DIY-friendly installation
Cons:
- Less durable than porcelain
Not ideal for outdoor or heavy-traffic areas
Porcelain Tiles: Strong, Sleek, and Versatile
Porcelain is a type of ceramic — but fired at higher temperatures, making it harder, denser, and more water-resistant. It's the go-to choice for bathrooms, outdoor patios, and commercial spaces.
Pros:
- Excellent for wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens)
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Looks like wood, stone, or concrete
Cons:
- Slightly pricier
- Heavier, so professional installation is best
Natural Stone Tiles: Timeless Beauty, Premium Appeal
If you're aiming for luxury, nothing beats the earthy, one-of-a-kind texture of natural stone tiles like granite, marble, or travertine.
Pros:
- Unique look; no two tiles are the same
- Adds value to the property
- Ideal for feature walls, high-end bathrooms
Cons:
- Expensive and heavy
- Requires sealing and ongoing care
- Can stain or crack if improperly installed
How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Space
Ask yourself:
- Is the area wet or dry? → Go for porcelain in wet zones.
- Is it indoor or outdoor? → Porcelain wins again.
- Do you want luxury aesthetics? → Choose natural stone.
- Working with a tight budget? → Ceramic is your friend.
Also consider slip resistance (especially in bathrooms), heat resistance (for kitchen areas), and local availability. Tile in Kenya retailers like CTM, Saj Ceramics, and Tile & Carpet Centre stock a wide range of options.
FAQ
What type of tile is best for bathrooms in Kenya?
Porcelain tiles are ideal due to their water resistance, slip resistance, and durability.
How much do premium tiles cost in Kenya?
Premium porcelain starts at around KSh 2,000 per sqm, while high-end natural stones can go beyond KSh 5,000 per sqm, depending on the type and finish.
Are natural stone tiles good for outdoor spaces?
Not always. While granite can work outdoors, marble and travertine are more prone to weathering and need sealing.
Can I install ceramic tiles on my own?
Yes, ceramic tiles are DIY-friendly, but for best results — especially with porcelain or stone — a professional installer is recommended.