So what is the difference between ceramic and porcelain? Well, porcelain is a ceramic but is made from a denser clay and fired at a much higher temperature. So much so that it has a considerably lower moisture absorption rate and, therefore, is mostly usable outdoors.   There are a few porcelains that are not rated for outdoor use but that should have little or no bearing on use of these tiles in Florida. (Ask about freeze/thaw effects.)

Some, but not all porcelain is known as "thru color". As you might expect, that means the color goes thru the entire body. Again, not all porcelain has color thru the entire body. The greatest difference is easily seen when comparing these thru color tiles to a red bodied ceramic tile. But, even with a (very common) glazed porcelain, the body color can be, and usually is, different from the top wear surface. Not only is this not a problem, it allows the glaze to emulate a number of texures and looks.