Let's start with what makes them similar - porcelain is a type of tile, meaning it is also made from clay and fired in a kiln. However, porcelain tile is made from a specific type of clay. Most tile is made from red or white clay. Porcelain tile is made from light-colored clay that has a slightly different chemical composition from the other clay types. When fired at high temperatures, this lighter clay creates an incredibly durable type of tile, called porcelain. Porcelain is also more moisture-resistant than other ceramic tile types.