When you’re renovating a bathroom in Manhattan or Brooklyn, especially in a condo or co-op where the building is strict — tile choice matters more than people think. You’re working in a small footprint, you’ve got constant moisture, and anything that isn’t done right can turn into a building issue. That’s why people get stuck on the porcelain vs. ceramic question so often.
Porcelain is generally the safer bet for the areas that actually get wet. It’s denser, absorbs less water, and stands up better on shower walls and floors, which makes it ideal for things like a bath-to-shower conversion where the shower becomes the main feature. If you want a walk-in shower with a glass panel and you don’t want to worry about chipping or long-term durability, porcelain usually wins. It also comes in lots of large-format and stone-look options, and those are perfect for making a small Brooklyn or Manhattan bathroom feel cleaner and more seamless instead of chopped up with grout lines.
Ceramic still absolutely has a place, though. It’s easier to cut, often a little more budget-friendly, and it’s available in a ton of decorative sizes and shapes — great for walls, feature strips, niches, or when you want that softer, more handmade look. A really common NYC spec is: porcelain on the floor and in the shower, ceramic on the upper walls. That way the high-moisture zones are protected, but you still get design flexibility and can keep costs under control.
Cost-wise, the difference in a small NYC bathroom usually isn’t dramatic, so it makes sense to prioritize performance where water hits every day. Think of it this way: porcelain for the hardworking, constantly wet surfaces; ceramic for the places you want texture and detail. That combo gives you a bathroom that looks current, passes building scrutiny, and actually holds up to city living.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation in Manhattan or Brooklyn and are not sure which tile to choose, contact DNB Renovations for a tile and materials consultation. We can recommend the right porcelain and ceramic combination for your building and the style you want.
