Glazed porcelain tile has a protective layer of liquid glass applied during manufacturing, giving it a smooth, often shiny finish.
It enhances stain resistance and design options, but may be more slippery when wet unless textured.
Unglazed tiles (like through-body porcelain) have no surface coating and are the same color throughout. They offer better slip resistance but fewer decorative finishes.

Glossy tiles reflect light, creating a shiny and elegant surface, but they can show water spots and may be slippery.
Matte tiles have a non-reflective surface, offering a more natural, slip-resistant look that hides dirt better.
Matte tiles are great for wet floors like bathrooms and kitchens, while glossy tiles work best on walls, backsplashes, or light-use floors.

Rectified tiles are mechanically trimmed after firing to have precise, straight edges.
This allows for minimal grout lines and a seamless, modern look — but requires very flat subfloors for installation.

Water absorption rate measures how much moisture a tile absorbs.
Porcelain tiles have <0.5% absorption, making them ideal for bathrooms and outdoor use.
Higher absorption means more porous, less stain-resistant, and not suitable for wet areas.
Tiles with water absorption rates below 0.5% are classified as porcelain — more durable and suitable for wet or outdoor use.

Slip resistance is measured by COF (Coefficient of Friction).
A COF of 0.6 or higher is recommended for wet areas.
Matte, textured, and unglazed surfaces tend to offer better slip resistance.

Porcelain tiles are denser and have <0.5% water absorption, making them stronger and better for outdoor or wet areas.
Ceramic tiles are lighter and more porous, better for walls or light-use indoor floors.