How is porcelain tile different from ceramic tiles?

Let's figure out what is better to choose for wall and floor cladding in the kitchen - porcelain stoneware or tiles, where and how to better use them and how exactly ceramic tiles differ from porcelain stoneware.

The variety of finishing materials for repairing the kitchen today is so great that it is sometimes very difficult to decide and make the final choice in favor of a particular type of decoration. This is especially true for porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, especially since these materials practically do not differ from each other in terms of constituent components and technical characteristics. But in order to make the right choice, it is necessary to understand all the differences and nuances of using these two materials.

High strength and large size are the two main advantages of porcelain tiles over tiles

By the way, we recently published a detailed guide on how to choose ceramic tiles for the kitchen on the floor. In it you will find the recommendations of a pro, what to look for before buying, an overview of popular manufacturers, tips for choosing a baseboard and grout, styling nuances and much more.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles, also known as tiles, are made by pressing and then firing a mixture of sand, clay and minerals. After applying the enamel to the tile surface, it undergoes repeated firing. This type of tile is used exclusively for wall cladding, as it is more porous and has less strength.

Another type of ceramic tile is made under a more powerful press, which makes it not so porous. It goes through only one stage of enamel firing at higher temperatures. The result is a denser, more reliable and wear-resistant tile that can be used both for wall cladding and for flooring.

Of the advantages of ceramic tiles, the following properties can be listed:

• durability,
• strength,
• a wide selection of different colors, textures and patterns,
• rigidity,
• hygiene
• fire resistance and fire resistance,
• moisture resistance
• affordable price.

There is one drawback that somewhat spoils the reputation of tiles. This is her ability to burn out over time. Also, during operation, the pattern may be partially erased.

Porcelain Tiles

The constituent components of porcelain stoneware are no different from the composition of ceramic tiles, but the production process of this material is somewhat different.

What is the key difference between porcelain tiles and tiles? The difference is that a mixture of clay, silica sand and minerals is tinted with coloring pigments. This allows you to achieve a uniform color throughout the thickness of porcelain stoneware, while tile has a color coating only on the surface - in the enamel layer.

Thanks to this technology, granite does not need additional enamel, because its color is laid initially in the mixture. The finished mixture is molded, dried and pressed. Then the products are re-pressed under a more powerful press. After that, the porcelain is fired at 1200-1300 degrees.

The result is porcelain tiles with low porosity. For comparison, it should be noted that the water absorption of wall tiles is 10%, and porcelain stoneware has a water absorption of 0.05%.

Over time, technologies have appeared that allow the use of glazing and polishing of porcelain stoneware.

The advantages of porcelain stoneware include:

• constancy and uniformity of color throughout the thickness of the tile,
• high strength
• material hardness
• frost resistance
• wear resistance
• low water absorption
• environmental cleanliness of the material,
• durability.

Porcelain tile also has flaws. First of all, fragility during transportation (but this is also inherent in tiles), the complexity of processing and cutting of the material, as well as its heavy weight. It is also worth noting that porcelain stoneware has a higher price and does not differ in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

The nuances of choice

As you can see, each of these two finishing materials has characteristics unique to it, which dictate the scope of its application.

So, because of its frost resistance and strength, porcelain stoneware can be used in rooms facing the open air (terraces, verandas, balconies, loggias). Here, porcelain stoneware can easily withstand both low temperatures and weather disasters. But ceramic tiles in this case would be inappropriate.

In the bathroom or hallway, it is better not to use glazed tiles as a floor covering, as small particles of dirt or sand can damage the surface of the tile.

In addition, a smooth glazed surface will be too slippery. That is why it is better to use matte ceramic tiles as the flooring of the hallway or bathroom. This does not mean that in such rooms it is better to use porcelain tiles for the floor. And in that, and in another case, it is worth paying attention to the indicator of anti-slip of the tile.

I would also like to say about the flooring in the kitchen. Porcelain tiles are the best fit here. Features of the processes in the kitchen require increased strength of the floor covering. For example, the floor covering should withstand the fall of the pan and not crack at the same time. Also, frequent floor washing can erase the pattern on an inexpensive tile, but this does not threaten porcelain stoneware.

But in most cases, you can do with high-quality floor ceramic tiles. Under standard conditions, she will completely cope with her task.

When facing walls, it is worth considering the weight of the finishing material. Therefore, tiles are usually used for these purposes, because the weight of one porcelain tile is quite large.

If the original pattern or unique design is important to you, you should make a choice in favor of ceramics, because its range is rich in colors and patterns, which cannot be said about porcelain stoneware.

Countertop

Recently, tiling of kitchen countertops has become quite common. And here you can not do without ceramic tiles. Such a countertop will have a relatively light weight, strong and durable surface with an interesting pattern and color. However, it is perfectly acceptable to use small-size ceramic granite for cladding countertops, for example, 10x10 cm.

As you can see, the unique characteristics of ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware make these materials especially popular and in demand. And to give the palm to one of them is impossible, since each material has its own field of application in which it has no equal.

Comparison of tiles and porcelain by physical and technical characteristics

Ceramic wall tile

Ceramic floor tiles

Wear resistance, REI 0-V

The number of repetitions of freezing / thawing at T = -5 .. + 5 ° C

Let's look at what tiles should be used in decorating rooms and what terms may occur.

* The wear resistance of ceramic tiles is determined by the hardness of the glaze, which is used as a topcoat.

Pros and cons of porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles

Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic tile

Resistant to mechanical damage, sudden changes in humidity, temperature, does not fade in the sun.

Before laying additional leveling of a floor surface is required.

When laying on cement additional leveling of a floor is not required.

Over time, the color may fade in the sun. Mechanical stress can lead to chips on the surface of the glaze.

Used for both exterior and interior decoration

Due to the high density of the plates and the large weight, it is possible to adjust the porcelain tile only with a special tool.

Light weight and porosity make it easy to cut and adjust tiles.

Only suitable for interior decoration.

* The wear resistance of ceramic tiles is determined by the hardness of the glaze, which is used as a topcoat.

In modern design projects, ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are used not only as flooring, but also for the design of walls, kitchen worktops and window sills.

Comparison of ceramic coating technology

Red and white clays with the addition of a pore-forming additive to reduce the weight of the finished product.

White-burning kaolin and illite clays with the addition of surfactants to reduce internal friction in the mixture.

2. Forming products

Pressing up to 400mPa

Pressing under pressure 500mPa

With a gradual increase in temperature from 200 ° C to 1180 ° C

With a gradual increase in temperature from 200 ° C to 1300 ° C

Choosing ceramic flooring

Floor cladding made with ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware has the same high wear resistance. The final choice depends on where and in what conditions the facing material will be used:

• For the flooring of balcony blocks, terraces, loggias, garages and other unheated rooms, it is recommended to use porcelain stoneware because of its high frost resistance and low water absorption. And also this material is used for flooring in places with high traffic: shopping centers, train stations, schools, etc.
• For the kitchen, bathroom, household rooms use ceramic tiles with a strength index of at least 25 MPa.

For rooms with constant temperature and humidity, ceramic tiles are suitable, and in rooms with temperature differences and variable humidity, porcelain stoneware is used for flooring.

Porcelain and ceramic tile manufacturers

Our catalog contains 33 brands and more than 50 collections of flooring both foreign and Russian production. Among them:

• Estima - The first Russian producer of porcelain tile. The company works according to the “green trends” of production, using natural components in accordance with safety and environmental standards.
• Kerama marazzi. The company has been producing ceramic tiles since 1988, and since 2006 porcelain tiles. The brand annually releases a thematic collection of tiles dedicated to various countries or holidays.
• GRACIA CERAMIKA - A brand that produces ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles in the premium segment. Modern technologies for the production of ceramics are combined with hand-painted tiles, which has become a distinctive feature of the company.
• ITALON- A Russian company that produces high-quality ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles using modern technologies in accordance with environmental standards and product safety standards.

Tile making

For the production of ceramic tiles use:

• red (about 90% of the total production) or white (not more than 10%) clay (kaolin) - refractory or refractory grades. In this case, preference is given to refractory types - they allow to obtain more durable ceramics,
• quartz sand - is needed to create uniformity of mass, as a result of which, during the firing process, the tile, firstly, retains its geometric dimensions, secondly, it gains strength,
• sodium aluminosilicate - gives raw materials viscosity before molding,
• potassium aluminosilicate - increases the strength of the material when exposed to high temperatures.

If it is necessary to set certain properties, plasticizers, vapor-forming substances and fluxes (clay) from clay with high plasticity can be added to the clay.

The process of manufacturing tiles is carried out in the following sequence:

1. raw materials are prepared by mixing in certain proportions all the components,
2. tiles of specified sizes are molded by a press,
3. compressed clay is dried.

After this stage, technologists have two ways:

1. The dried tile is fired, then enameled and fired again. It turns out a more porous and, therefore, less durable finishing material, which can only be used for wall cladding. This technology is called bicottura (translation from Italian. - "double firing").

2. The tile is coated with enamel and fired at a temperature of 1200-1300 o C. The result is a more durable material, which can be used already for the floor, where the load is much higher. At the same time, the enamel holds better, showing increased abrasion resistance. Ceramics that underwent the firing process once at a temperature close to 1200 o C is called monocottura.

Depending on the amount of firing and temperature, the type of clay and the pressing force, several types of ceramic tiles are distinguished:

• majolica. Very durable, with large pores tiles. For its manufacture use red clay. To strengthen the clay fraction in the manufacture of various decorative elements, faience waste is added. Double firing

For information: on Wikipedia, faience waste, i.e. fired clay. The question arises: due to what is the ceramic molded if the raw material does not have plasticity?

1. durability - can be used not only for walls, but also for floors,
2. long term of operation,
3. abrasion resistance
4. noble appearance.

• faience. A classic look for wall decoration in a bathroom, toilet or shower. It is made only from kaolin (white clay), without additives of other types of clays.It is fired at a temperature of only 1000 o C, or even lower, and therefore many pores remain on the surface. The porous structure of the surface absorbs moisture well. Therefore, the use of faience tiles in the open air can lead to its rupture when freezing absorbed water. Rarely, but still tile is laid on the floor. In this case, you can’t walk on it in shoes (best barefoot) - it will quickly wear out and fade,

• porcelain is a new type of ceramic tile for the construction market. It features a smooth, glass-like surface, high strength and resistance to chemically aggressive materials.
  It is made from high-quality varieties of kaolin (47-66%), feldspar and quartz sand (approximately 25% each). It is fired at a very high temperature from 1400 to 1460 o C.

Ferrous metals are added to the floor tiles to increase strength and hardness. High-temperature firing creates a continuous layer of sintered ceramics on the surface, in connection with which the water absorption of the material is only 0.5%. This tile can withstand an almost unlimited number of freezing cycles, which turns the material into one of the best types of decoration of building facades. Porcelain perfectly copes with its functions on the floor of open balconies and loggias. With excellent technical characteristics, the high price restrains sales growth.

• cottoforte. Tile from a mixture of various clays with the addition of chamotte, obtained by pressing and double firing. It differs from majolica in very high mechanical strength, which allows it to be used for flooring,

• clinker. These are glazed or unglazed ceramics obtained as a result of single firing. It has a compacted base due to extrusion or pressing under very high pressure. It is fired at very high temperatures, which ensures high density, and, based on this, increased strength (has maximum strength among all types of tiles) and frost resistance. These qualities make the clinker almost an ideal option for exterior wall and flooring in rooms with high traffic.

Porcelain production

The basis of porcelain tiles is the so-called "slip" - a paste-like mass of white and illite clays, quartz sand and feldspar. The slip (a mixture of all components of the raw material with water) is converted into a powder for pressing, in which mineral dyes are introduced, according to a certain technology. At the following stages of production:

1. tiles are formed from powder,
2. molded tiles are pressed and dried under very high pressure (up to 500 kg / cm 2) to remove air bubbles and moisture,
3. drawings or glazes are applied to the surface (if necessary, depending on the purpose of the finished product),
4. the molded mass is fired at a temperature of about 1300 o C,
5. the surface of the granite is ground or polished (if necessary).

An attentive reader will immediately ask the question: where is granite? The first porcelain tile was obtained in Italy. It had a matte shade, a very dense, literally monolithic structure, without pores, cracks and foreign inclusions and a rough surface, which strongly resembled natural granite. Therefore, the corresponding name is ceramic granite. In short - porcelain tile.

Porcelain tile is made of several types:

• technical or “salt and pepper” (another name common among manufacturers and tilers). Another name: “Gres Tile”, which is more familiar to consumers. This is the very first type of porcelain tile and the cheapest. It has a very high strength and resistance to chemicals.

• matte. Like technical porcelain stoneware, it does not undergo any processing after exiting the furnace. However, it differs from the "gres" tile in size. The latter is thicker (from 12 to 30 mm) and smaller in area (format on either side does not exceed 300 mm). The technical and operational indicators of both types of ceramics are almost the same, except for strength. In matte tiles, it is slightly lower, due to different thicknesses,

• polished. Porcelain tile receives the mirror surface during the removal of the top layer of the tile by grinding with subsequent polishing. But such tiles are very slippery when wet, and therefore used mainly in public buildings for wall cladding. In apartments and private houses, this type of ceramics looks "expensively-rich" on the walls and on the floor. But the floor must be dry. Polishing is very sensitive to abrasion. With intensive walking, it becomes covered with the smallest scratches and the gloss disappears,

• lappated, which is translated from Italian. means shabby. This type of surface is obtained as a result of partial, not completely, grinding of the front side of porcelain stoneware. As a result, the surface is combined: in some places matte, in some places shiny (polished), in some places and completely untouched by abrasives. Such surface heterogeneity gives specific decorative and functional properties. For example, ceramics are not so slippery, which is why it is widely used for flooring,

• Satin The satin texture is obtained using mineral salts, which are applied to the surface of the tile before firing. Such porcelain stoneware has a soft sheen and almost zero chance of slipping,

• glazed - coating with glaze applied before firing. This type of decoration has a variety of drawings, tones and textures, which allows designers to diversify the interior design of apartments, cottages, restaurants and cafes,

• raised (structured porcelain tile) - on the front side there is always a picture or pattern. Tiles can be glossy, matte or glazed. Most often imitates natural materials: stone, leather, wood, bamboo, etc.

Finishing material is perfect for interior decoration.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing a facing material for walls, homeowners rely mainly on two criteria: the cost of materials and their appearance (design). In the case of the floor, everything is not so simple. Here it is necessary to take into account much more technical characteristics of materials, for example, such as the level of abrasion, strength, friction coefficient (adhesive force of shoes with a wet floor), the rate of contamination, ease of maintenance, etc.

To understand which is better, tiles or porcelain tiles for the floor, we first consider the strengths and weaknesses of each material.

Plain tile

Ceramic tiles have strengths and weaknesses similar to ceramic granite, with the exception of several nuances. Among the advantages:

• durability - lower than that of porcelain stoneware and reaches 20-30 years for ordinary tiles, 30-50 or more years for facade tiles and more than 100 years for clinker,
• affordable price for the mass buyer,
• sufficient strength to perform basic functions. However, it is strongly discouraged to drop heavy objects on a lined surface,
• a wide selection of colors, textures and patterns,
• environmental safety - all materials used in production are not allergens and are not toxic,
• moisture resistance - can be used in rooms with high humidity without the risk of destruction and the appearance of mold and mildew,
• simple styling technology - no special skills required
• easy care.

• brittleness - it easily breaks and breaks, which requires a careful attitude to the lining during operation, since the fall of heavy objects can lead to chips and cracks,
• cold surface - high thermal conductivity quickly removes heat from bare feet, as a result of which the tile is always cool,
• poor sound insulation
• slippery - wet tile has caused numerous household injuries.

An analysis of the pros and cons of the materials in question showed that their advantages and disadvantages are almost identical. Therefore, we will try to find differences between the two types of ceramics by comparing their operational characteristics.

Feature Comparison

To determine which is better, porcelain tiles or floor tiles made of tiles, we will conduct a comparative analysis according to the following criteria:

• the cost of tiles and finishing work is one of the determining criteria. After all, you always want to combine the incompatible: to buy cheaper the best quality product,
• durability. The effect of the repair is not only in a beautiful interior, but also in the effectiveness of the funds invested in finishing, which depends on the life of the used materials,
• hardness and strength. The indicators characterize the reaction of materials to static and dynamic loads (how heavy objects can be placed on the floor and how ceramics react to falling solid objects) and the degree of abrasion with high traffic
• stacking difficulty
• slippiness - the coefficient of friction of materials in the wet state is one of the most important criteria when choosing a floor covering,
• water absorption - the reaction of tiles to moisture determines the possibility of its use in wet rooms and outside buildings,
• frost resistance is the most important indicator of ceramics when decorating facades, porch and other elements of buildings located outside,
• resistance to chemically active substances is an important indicator when choosing flooring for industrial enterprises,
• ecological cleanliness. With the advent of a huge number of different types of finishing materials, this assessment criterion becomes the main one, since the addition of even one allergen component to the product can create significant problems for the family,
• ease of care is an important indicator that is not paid much attention to,
• Is it possible to lay on a warm floor,
• variety of choices.

Which is cheaper

In many cases, the price factor comes first. Therefore, the undoubted leader here is tile. Porcelain tile is much more expensive. However, it is not possible to compare specific prices, since the cost is influenced by a huge number of factors: the thickness and geometric dimensions of the product, the type of surface treatment, etc.

What lasts longer

Subject to operating conditions, the materials have a sufficiently long service life of more than 30 years. However, over time, the tile loses its original appearance: the mirror shine fades, the color fades, scratches appear on the surface, though, visible at a certain angle, chips, etc.

Output: the service life of ceramic granite tiles is much higher, which pays for higher prices in the long run.

Hardness and strength

One of the most important advantages of granite ceramic tiles over tiles and other finishing materials is its highest hardness (on the Mohs scale of 6-8 points, against 3-7 points on tiles) and increased strength (withstand a load of more than 200 kg / cm2), due to with which the material is extremely resistant to shock and static loads. Therefore, there are no chips, scratches or cracks on the surfaces lined with porcelain. However, if you try hard, you can get different damage to the tiles. But this is called vandalism.

This property of the material has turned porcelain stoneware into the optimal solution for floors with high traffic, including equipment, as well as for the installation of heavy equipment for which no foundation and anchor bolts are needed.

Output: porcelain stoneware is ideal for surfaces subject to strong dynamic and static loads.

Stacking difficulty

At first glance, there is no difference in laying technology, since both materials are ceramic. However, experienced professionals will immediately say that this is a layman’s judgment. There are differences and they are significant.

• On the wall, the glue does not withstand standard sizes of porcelain stoneware tiles until it sets completely; additional temporary fixing elements are needed.
• Cutting granite ceramic tiles is very difficult due to its high density and strength. We need special tools and skills (many nuances).
• To fix the tiles on vertical surfaces, glue with a special formula is needed - the types of glue used for ordinary tiles do not hold heavy lining.

Output: You can lay tiles and tiles made of ceramic granite yourself. However, in the case of porcelain stoneware, it is much more difficult to do.

Slippery

Both types of ceramics are slippery, especially polished porcelain tiles. Therefore, it is undesirable to clad stairs and places with high traffic through such material - the likelihood of falling with severe injury increases significantly.

Output: tiles and porcelain tiles are hazardous materials, which requires taking this factor into account when laying the floor. However, porcelain stoneware still has an advantage, since some of its types have a non-slip coating (satin tile) or a relief notch (used for facing stairs).

Water absorption

Due to its monolithic structure, granite ceramic tiles practically do not absorb water. Her indicator of water absorption is in the range of 0.01-0.05% (for comparison: for tiles - 1-2%, marble - about 10%). However, for internal work, the above criterion is not relevant. Both materials can be used with the same result in wet rooms: bathroom, in the kitchen.

But when facing the facade, open balcony or loggia, a high level of moisture resistance allows you to transfer a greater number of freezing cycles without consequences for the finishing material.

Output: in porcelain stoneware, the rate of water absorption tends to zero, which increases the number of freezing cycles. Therefore, it is almost ideal for performing exterior cladding. Inside the building, the differences in moisture absorption of these materials are not of practical importance.

Frost resistance

The indicator of frost resistance is important when you need to determine the material for the outer cladding of building elements. Here, porcelain stoneware has a significant advantage - it can withstand up to 300 freezing cycles, while ordinary tiles begin to collapse after 50 frost-thaw cycles.

Output: It seems paradoxical, but ordinary tile in the Far North will serve more than in the temperate zone, where in one winter period there can be up to 10-20 cases of changing weather from frost to plus temperature. Therefore, for regions with a stable seasonal temperature there is no significant difference what to choose: porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles. For regions of Russia with a temperate climate, porcelain stoneware is ideal for exterior cladding. In warm places, the use of ceramic granite tiles leads only to wasted financial means - ordinary tile will perfectly cope with all the functions of the outer cladding.

Environmental friendliness

The starting materials for the production of both types of ceramics are of natural origin. Moreover, all components are not allergens and do not serve as a source of toxic substances in the airspace of the apartment.

Output: both types of finishes can be used for wall and floor cladding in any room of an apartment or house without harm to family members.

Resistance to chemically active substances

The criterion of resistance to various chemicals at the household level is practically not considered. It is important when choosing the type of flooring for chemical laboratories or workshops of industrial enterprises using chemical reagents. Here the choice is clear - porcelain with its high density and homogeneous structure. It is he who shows a high inertness to acids and alkalis.

Output: for walls and floors in rooms where chemically active substances are actively used, there is practically no alternative to ceramic granite tiles.

Variety of choices

The design of the finishing material almost always comes second in the rating system after the price. Here the clear leader is tile. He has a huge variety of types of tiles with different patterns, structures, textures and colors. The competitor has a limited choice in this regard.

However, there are some exceptions: structural porcelain tile looks very elegant and rich, which is not found in tiles. However, such beauty is worth it accordingly.

Output: the tile has an undeniable advantage in terms of design, but it concerns the walls. For the floor, manufacturers of granite ceramic tiles produce a sufficient assortment that not only competes with tile, but in some cases has an undeniable advantage.

What and in which case to choose

If we ignore the price factor, then inside the walls, you need to buy a tile - lighter in weight, for the floor - porcelain tile, especially embossed glazed, matte or satin (the surface is not slippery). This recommendation is universal, it applies to the entrance hall, corridor, bathroom and kitchen.

The tiles in the living room look very impressive. In the bedroom and the nursery, it is better to refuse this type of flooring: slippery and cold.

Quartz Vinyl Tile

Increasingly, consumers are forced to determine: what is best suited for the floor in the bathroom and kitchen, quartz vinyl tiles or porcelain tiles.

The answer is unequivocal: quartz-vinyl tile. It will successfully replace ceramics in rooms with difficult operating conditions. Material:

• much cheaper
• has a long service life,
• warm with tactile contact - you can walk with bare feet,
• not afraid of moisture
• even during wet cleaning it is difficult to slip on it.

In more detail, the pros and cons of the flooring that appeared on sale can be found in the work “Advantages and disadvantages of quartz vinyl laminate”.

Clinker

Clinker in its technical indicators is closer to porcelain tiles than to ordinary tiles. Therefore, it is a direct competitor to ceramic granite tiles for exterior wall decoration: it is cheaper and lasts at least 100 years.

However, inside the building, the question is, clinker tiles or porcelain tiles, is not worth it - clinker is used very rarely due to its meager design.

Pvc tile

PVC tile in the kitchen and in the bathroom is superior in many respects to porcelain tiles, except for one: it differs in appearance - it looks unpresentable. Therefore, to decide whether porcelain tiles or PVC tiles, it is possible only with a shortage of finances for repairs.

The above analysis of the main characteristics of porcelain stoneware and tiles allows owners to choose the most effective option for cladding for each specific case.

Number 7. Disadvantages of Porcelain Tile

Despite a number of significant advantages, as with any material, porcelain tiles also have disadvantages:

• Porcelain tile is able to prevent the penetration of cold and retain heat, but, by itself, this material is cold, in fact, like tile. The solution is to use underfloor heating.
• All types of porcelain stoneware, except for technical, matte and structured ones, will get slippery when wet.
• Of course, it is worth noting the high cost of porcelain tile in comparison with tile. But in this case it can be argued, because it is better to spend one time and get a coating with a guarantee of 50 years or more than to constantly change cracked or burnt tiles. Moreover, now there are a lot of types of porcelain tiles from different manufacturers with different pricing policies. The highest price for Italian porcelain tiles, but there is also Belarusian, Turkish, Greek and Baltic, which allows you to choose the material with the best price-quality ratio.

The difference between porcelain tiles and floor tiles

Floor tiles or monocottur can be distinguished by the following parameters:

• the presence of thick and durable enamel (porcelain stoneware does not have enamel; in bicotura, it is less durable and thick). Some varieties are not recommended for the arrangement of material heterogeneity in thickness (porcelain stoneware is uniform, bicotture is more porous, and, accordingly, cannot be used for arranging floor coverings),
• thick durable biscuit (porcelain stoneware has no basis, and bicotura has a smaller thickness), average water absorption - for some types of monocottur, it is less than 3% (for porcelain stoneware water absorption is two orders of magnitude lower, for bicotura - about 10%). Varieties with low water absorption are characterized by high frost resistance and are used for outdoor applications.

The possibilities for transforming modern interiors can be called almost limitless, while the final result directly depends on how you choose the material for wall and floor decoration. There are more than enough options, but among the constant leaders in popularity, one of the first places is ceramic tile

However, recently it has gained a worthy competitor, namely porcelain stoneware, which has an equally wide scope and attracts the attention of consumers. Some, however, believe that these are different names of the same material, but this is not so.

These two materials are now at the peak of popularity, delighting consumers with a harmonious balance of visual appeal and impressive functional parameters. However, you need to know how ceramic tiles differ from porcelain stoneware and what is best for you if you want to equip the floor or walls in full accordance with your needs and preferences.

Oddly enough, but, even knowing that ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles and what is the difference between them, it is difficult to make a final choice, although there is nothing impossible. It is necessary to focus primarily on operating conditions, for example, for open areas (verandas, loggias), it is preferable to choose granite because of its strength. But for decorating a kitchen or bathroom, tile is much better ”, it’s only worth choosing the right type of ceramic tile on the floor or on the wall and it will give the interior a special“ highlight ”and will meet all functional requirements.

Distinctive features of two materials

Of the two materials presented, ceramic is considered more ancient. She appeared many years ago, was used to finish the floor. As for ceramic granite, it appeared much later than the first material.

So, the main distinguishing features of artificial granite from tiles are as follows:

• during production: two similar materials are produced in different ways. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles undergo temperature pressing and firing. But in the production of porcelain stoneware, higher temperatures are used due to the use of a powerful press. Tiles are made using gentle technology,
• in the materials used: in the manufacture of ceramic tiles, a mixture of clay and sand with natural fillers is taken as the basis. A mixture of plasticine is created from the mixture, which after the firing procedure takes the form of a tile. Porcelain tile also goes through the firing procedure, but a large amount of sand, granite chips are added to the mixture. An additional filler is foreign material, for example, marble chips,
• in properties: the abrasion of ceramic tiles differs from artificial granite, in the first material it is much worse. In this case, the stone surpasses the tile. If we compare porcelain tiles and tiles with the wear resistance of natural stone, the first material becomes the leader. Porcelain tiles are difficult to pierce and damage,
• in the field of application: porcelain stoneware is best used for decorating walls and floors in rooms with a high level of traffic: shopping centers, offices, sports facilities. This is due to its strength, resistance to external influences. Artificial stone is used for cladding facades of buildings, for the device of paving paths, borders. Ceramic tile is used as a finishing material when working inside a building: laying floors or walls. The main advantage of the tile is its attractive appearance - modern products are presented in a large decorative assortment, this is the main difference.

When choosing materials for floor and wall decoration, people often have difficulty: what is better suited for granite stone or tile? Choosing ceramic tile, the buyer saves money, as the material is cheaper. The choice in favor of porcelain stoneware guarantees the durability and wear resistance of the finish for many years, which means that artificial stone is better suited to quality.

Ceramics

Ceramic tiles never go out of fashion, it appeared a long time ago, but at the same time it becomes more and more popular every year, regardless of brand. Tile can be safely called one of the most relevant facing materials for all kinds of rooms. It is bought both for private estates and for public institutions.

Basically, tiles are made from natural materials and components, which include: clay, sand, kaolin and some other substances. To create a high-quality tile, a mixture of natural raw materials is baked at a certain temperature, subject to certain conditions. In addition, ceramic tiles can be decorated with various patterns and patterns. It can also be coated with enamel and special glaze.

Today, many domestic and foreign brands offer a ton of tile options for every taste, color and customer’s wallet. Among the widest assortment you can find glossy and matte options, as well as models in a variety of colors and with a variety of patterns.

Ceramic tile in all its properties is designed for the sparing conditions of private houses and apartments, in contrast, for example, from porcelain. Nevertheless, many experts are confident that high-quality tiles can well compete with more stable and wear-resistant porcelain tiles. This is ideal for home decoration, as the material is moisture resistant and durable.

Number 4. Porcelain classification

• The size. The most popular tile sizes for flooring are square tiles with dimensions of 300 × 300 mm, 450 × 450 mm and 600 × 600 mm. If you have some kind of design and unusual project in mind, and the floor will be the center of your interior, then you also have at your disposal tiles of the smallest size - 50 × 50 mm, and non-standard sizes - 200 × 200 mm, 150 × 300 mm, 300 × 450 mm, 300 × 600 mm, 400 × 400 mm. If you still have not found the size that is right for you, you can get it using waterjet cutting.
• Caliber is the size of the allowable discrepancy in the size of the tiles, component 3-5 mm. In the process of heat treatment, the edges of the tiles are slightly deformed, so they can differ from each other in order to avoid a large difference in size, the tiles undergo a rectification process, that is, edge trimming on special equipment. Such tiles porcelain during subsequent installation will match perfectly.
• Thickness. The maximum thickness of porcelain stoneware is 30 mm, the minimum is 3 mm. With the correct laying of the flooring with a thickness of 3 mm, its strength and wear resistance are in no way inferior to the coating with a thickness of 30 mm, so it makes no sense to give preference to the thickest, and therefore more expensive porcelain stoneware. For example, a tile recommended for flooring with a thickness of 8.5 mm can withstand a load of 200 kg / cm2.

Abrasion class. Abrasion (wear resistance) is the main technical characteristic of porcelain stoneware. Depending on the degree of load and mechanical stress, there are 5 main classes of abrasion:

• PEI I, PEI II - for rooms with low traffic in soft shoes (bathroom, toilet),
• PEI III - for residential premises with an average level of traffic, without access from the street or from the yard (balcony, kitchen, hallway),
• PEI IV - for public areas with high traffic,
• PEI V - for rooms with any level of traffic and mechanical stress.

For example, for flooring in the whole apartment, class III abrasion is quite enough, and for bath and toilet, I or II class can also be used. If your task is to choose porcelain stoneware for a private house, then select class IV in the corridor, and for the porch, give preference to class V, which, moreover, is frost-resistant. In the remaining rooms, III class will also be sufficient.

How to make ceramics

Its production begins with the mixing of ingredients. Sand, various grades of clays, minerals are mixed, fed to the press, and then fired. Depending on the manufacturing methodology, the properties of the products are different. The bicotura or double firing plate has low strength. This is due to the technology of its production.

The billet is pressed, then fired, glazed, and again fed into the oven. The resulting lining is porous, which somewhat reduces its strength, but is light. In this way, only wall models are produced. For floor elements using a different technique. Monocottura is fired only once. Raw materials are pressed under greater pressure than for bicoture.

What is porcelain tile

Strictly speaking, this is another modification of ceramic cladding. The raw material is a mixture of sand, minerals, pigment, various grades of clay. A feature of production is pre-pressing, firing at temperatures above 1000 ° C. Such conditions are similar to those in which rocks are formed in the bowels of the earth's crust. Therefore, the properties of ceramics were close to natural stone.

For this reason, the material is called porcelain. It is almost similar in its properties to natural granite, in some ways even surpasses it.

Characteristics of porcelain stoneware

• The increased durability, easily maintains considerable loadings, blows.
• Low water absorption. There are very few pores; they hardly absorb water.
• Wear resistance. It does not wear out during heavy use.
• The uniform distribution of color throughout the thickness of the plate, because the pigment is introduced at the production stage.
• Durability. Properties are maintained throughout the life of the material.
• Frost resistance. Withstands more than twenty freezing and thawing cycles, therefore, it is suitable for decoration of facades, verandas, etc.

Matte (unpolished)

Matte porcelain tiles in a Gres 30 * 30 cm garage (Cersanit, Russia).

Due to its wear resistance, it can be used in the most crowded places and places with a high load on the material: garages, car washes and other technical rooms. The rough surface makes the tile highly anti-slip, and the minimum porosity is moisture resistant. The last paragraph applies to all types, which makes porcelain stoneware for the floor able to withstand temperature fluctuations and severe frosts.

Polished

By processing the surface of matte porcelain tile with abrasive materials, a shiny polished canvas is achieved. The decorative properties of this species open the doors of status institutions. In addition to gloss, ceramic granite gets a rich and deep color.

Polished porcelain tile 120x60 cm from the collection of the Ural facades (Ural granite, Russia). It can be used for cladding floors and facades.

Lappated (polished)

Like porcelain stoneware, the Italians developed the lapping technology. The tile sheet is sanded surface, as a result of which it becomes heterogeneous.Polished areas are mixed with rough and not treated at all. Depending on the design idea, the location of the zones is random or filled with a semantic component.

Lappated Ampato porcelain stoneware (CF Systems, Russia).

The Playa collection (Meissen Keramik, Germany) imitates natural rocks with streaks of quartz. Suitable for floors and walls indoors and outdoors.

Satin (Glossy)

To obtain a velvety and visually soft surface, mineral salts are added to the top layer of satin floor porcelain stoneware. The wear resistance of the “salty” type is almost at the same level as that of matte artificial stone, while the lacquered look performs the decorative functions no worse than polished. In addition, unlike the latter, it glides much less.

Satin finish makes the surface matte and velvety. Pictured is the Xtra ordinary collection (Graniti Fiandre, Italy).

Structured

If you lay porcelain tiles on the floor, then it has a relief texture. This is a matter of taste and a matter of price, but a structured artificial stone has a lot of advantages. The technology involves imitating a tile of all kinds of materials with a canvas. Wood, travertine, brick, marble ... The world of relief porcelain stoneware is huge, for which interior designers love it.

A collection of porcelain stoneware under a mosaic from a natural stone of Toledo (Keramin, Belarus).

Riverstone porcelain tile (Navarti, Spain) with embossed pebbles.

The floor in the bedroom is made of wood tiles. The MDE LONG collection (Emigres, Spain) has a long plate format - 120x20 cm and 6 options for the color and texture of natural wood.

Glazed (smalted)

This species is the closest relative to ordinary ceramic tiles. Bonding their layer of glaze covering the facing material. In the production of small granite, double pressing technology is used. Vitreous enamel is “pressed” onto the pressed composition of clays and dyes. The result is an unlimited palette of colors and compositions.

The Sicily collection (ColiseumGres, Russia) consists of square plates with a format of 45x45 cm.

Mosaic

Technical porcelain tile 20x20 cm (Estima, Russia).

Using waterjet cutting from porcelain stoneware, you can make a mosaic and collect unique patterns.

• abstract drawings
• geometric ornaments
• combination of styles and patterns,
• chess layout, etc.

Rectified

Previous species, with the exception of the mosaic one, differed in the structure of the material. Edged ceramic granite differs from the others in caliber, silhouette. Leaving the stove, the tile has geometric defects that are not visible to the eye - this is the specifics of mass production of porcelain stoneware. Rectification allows you to achieve perfect straightness of the contour of the tile. Cut the edges of the material on special machines with a laser or a mixture of water and abrasive.

Rectification makes the joints between the tiles almost invisible. Pictured is the Stage collection (Italon, Russia).

lay seamless

Styling process

How to put porcelain tiles on the wall? In fact, the differences between the installation of ceramic tiles are minimal. There is one caveat: in view of the greater strength and density, it is much more difficult to trim the material. For this purpose, a special electric tile cutter is used.

The rest of the work is done like this:

1. Surface preparation. It should be smooth, clean and primed.
2. Preparation and application of glue. The composition is applied to the wall and to the tile itself. This is done with a notched trowel.
3. The tile sticks to the surface. To get an even seam between all the elements, crosses are used. The glue residue is removed immediately so that it does not dry out.
4. If necessary, the material is trimmed. Especially in places where pipes or other elements pass. As indicated above, a tile cutter will be required for this purpose.
5. When the surface is processed, it remains to wait for it to dry. The dates are indicated on the packaging from the glue.
6. The final stage of installation - jointing or sealing joints. A special grout is used for these purposes. This will make the coating aesthetically attractive and practical.

That's all the work. As you can see, the process is almost identical with the installation of tiles. And this means that even a novice will be able to cope with this task.

The difference between porcelain tiles and tiles: manufacturing technology

Everything that is not a natural material is either an artificial stone or a ceramic tile made of clay. Artificial stone is made of high quality cement with the addition of various components to obtain the desired composition.

Ceramic tiles are made by pressing and firing clay. There are three types of ceramic tiles:

This is a single fired enameled tile. It is made from dried and ground to a state of suspension of clay, which is pressed under high pressure. Then enamel is applied to it and once burned in an oven. In fact, this is the most common tile.

This is a tile obtained by pressing and double firing. It is light in weight and has a characteristic red-brown base under shiny enamel, which is applied before the second firing. Such tiles are very thin, therefore not intended for flooring.

Floor tiles: production technology and characteristics

Ceramic tile (Greek. Plinthos) or tile (German. Kachel) for the floor is a thin rectangular or square plate (sometimes more complex shape) of burnt charge mixture, including up to 20 components. The main components are:

The recipe and quality of raw materials for various indicators (stability of chemical composition, mineralogical purity, degree of grinding, etc.) determine the class of finished tiles and directly affect the final technical characteristics of the products.

Floor tiles are produced in several stages:

1. The resulting raw materials are tested and, based on the results, a loading flow chart or, more simply, a dressing recipe is compiled.
2. All components are loaded into continuous wet mills. It turns out a homogeneous mass - a slip.
3. The porridge-shaped semi-finished product passes through a whole system of vibrating screens and filters and enters a special atomizer drum, where it is dried with hot air heated to +500 ° C. The result is a powder, which is the basis of the tile - biscuit.
4. The dried slip is loaded into the forming presses, from which the future tiles of the programmed sizes come out - from 5x5 cm to 120x120 cm.
5. Biscuits are sent to the dryer, where the temperature is maintained at about +100 ° C.
6. The dried tiles go through the stages of grinding, drawing, glazing and firing at temperatures from +900 to + 1100 ° С.
7. The final step is sorting and packaging.

As a rule, single firing technology is used - monocottur. This tile is characterized by high strength and low coefficient of water absorption - less than 3% of the total volume when fully immersed in water. Secondly - exceptional resistance to aggressive chemistry, temperature extremes, partial frost resistance. And finally, the third - a decent thickness for decorative-finishing coating - from 8 mm, which guarantees the stability of products to severe loads, cracking and so on.

Very rarely in the production of floor tiles uses bicotura technology, that is, double firing. This process is more often used for the production of wall products. At the same time, the biscuit goes through several stages: the first baking after pressing, glazing, staining, and then repeated heat treatment. The enamel is obtained glossy, but not as resistant to various damaging factors as mono-fired products.

But there is another type of floor tile - unglazed. In our country, it is practically not produced due to impracticality and fragility. The fact is that the pores of such a product are not protected from water, dirt (which literally eats into the surface), abrasion. Therefore, it requires additional processing of the coating after installation.

To calculate the quality of the product, a whole system of EN standards is used, according to which the basic characteristics of the product are determined. Including:

• Bending resistance
• Surface hardness
• Resistance to temperature changes,
• Chemical resistance
• Frost resistance
• Abrasion resistance
• Anti-skid coefficient and many others.

All the above criteria allow you to divide the finished ceramic tile into categories of use:

Thus, in the assortment of manufacturing plants, you can choose ceramic tiles, the advantages of which are:

1. Versatility - all products can be used indoors, but there are frost-resistant series designed for installation on the street or in unheated buildings.
2. A variety of decors, colors, sizes and applications.
3. Operational convenience.
4. Relatively light weight.
5. High level of chemical, water and wear resistance.
6. Durability.
7. Fire safety and hygiene.
8. Easy installation. Moreover, any types of adhesive mixtures are suitable for laying.
9. Prices for any wallet.

Cons of floor tiles:

• Cold surface.
• Low level of frost resistance - no more than 25 cycles.
• When buying, you need to check the batch number to match the size and shade.
• The need for a device for hydro, heat and sound insulation during installation.
• A large amount of waste during installation.

Design Features and Collections

Tile manufacturers have made significant progress not only in the manufacture of finishing materials, but also in the field of design. Today, most factories contain a whole unit responsible for the development of new collections and drawings. And many decisions are provided to the buyer comprehensively - in one collection there is wall tile, and borders, and panels, and floor tiles. Moreover, ready-made layout options and design projects for standard apartments are offered. This is very convenient when you are not confident in your sense of style.

But even granite, contrary to its name, is now far from always looking like a stone. Manufacturers offer a variety of solutions:

• Imitation of art parquet and metal stamping,
• Marble and precious stone stains,
• Silk and brocade fabric textures
• Polished porcelain stoneware reflecting light like a mirror.

Selection tips

To surely make the right choice in favor of a particular material, one should take into account a number of important factors, which include:

• Functional purpose of the room.
• Future load on the surface (often it is about floors, not about walls).
• Temperature mode and its possible differences.

The possibility of damage from the outside.
It is also important to take into account the style of the room. Porcelain stoneware or tiles should be as suitable as possible for the design of a room .. Tiles and tiles for a room are best acquired medium or high stability, especially if you want the material to serve you for many years

The choice should be given to trusted stores that have been selling floor and wall coverings for years

Tiles and tiles for this or that room are best to acquire a medium or high class of stability, especially if you want the material to serve you for many years. The preference in choosing should be given to trusted stores, which have been selling floor and wall coverings for years.

Do not replace porcelain tiles with tiles when you need more serious characteristics from the material, otherwise you risk that the coating will not last you the right time

In order to use the material as efficiently as possible, when choosing it is important to consider all the characteristics of the future room where the coating will be located and only then choose between several options

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, experts say in the next video.

Technical and operational specifications

Floor tiles and porcelain stoneware are materials similar both in appearance and in their characteristics. Both are quite durable and reliable, require some skill in laying, have many designs and shapes. Significant differences become noticeable only in operating conditions:

• Ceramic tiles are less resistant to abrasives. Therefore, it is not recommended to choose it as a finishing material even for a hallway - sand can leave marks on the paint layer in just a few years. Porcelain tile also withstands operation in street conditions - they are faced with terraces and loggias, house facades and walkways.
• The wear resistance of porcelain stoneware is several times higher. After all, it was created for rooms with high traffic - shops, train stations and airports. Even erasing the top layer does not affect its aesthetics, because it is painted throughout its thickness.
• Moisture absorption is an indicator by which porcelain tile is also ahead of the "younger brother". If the tile is capable of collecting water up to 10%, then for a new material this figure is only 0.05%.
• Weight. If this characteristic matters to you, then it is better to choose a floor tile. It is much lighter and will not cause difficulties in facing partitions and coatings made of wood and plywood.

What is made of

Ceramics are made not only from clay - it contains a sufficient number of elements that can create a strong and reliable structure. The tile is based on a complex formula of components, the presence of which determines the external qualities and decorative properties of the material.

The composition of ceramics includes:

• clay - plastic mass, the main component,
• sand - it is customary to use river, having a finer structure,
• quartz,
• to increase the density - spar and carbonates,
• mica,
• important decorating components are dyes and enamel, which adds gloss to the product.

The prepared mass goes through several stages of preparation to obtain the final product.

Production technology

The best characteristics of the material depend on the accuracy of the manufacturing technology: external data, strength, scope.

The stages of production are as follows:

• preparing a mixture (clay): carefully sifted, freed from lumps and impurities,
• all the components that are part are mixed,
• then the mixture is molded and goes through the compaction stage with a powerful press, the more carefully the mixture is compacted, the stronger the material will be,
• then follows the drying process - removal of excess moisture, which contributes to comfortable mixing and pressing,
• glaze is applied to dried billets,
• fired in high-temperature furnaces, where the input components are melted: aluminosilicates, quartz, sand,
• at the sorting stage, products are rejected and divided into grades and batches that depend on color,
• then the goods are packaged and sent to the warehouse.

Production technology is not a complicated process, but it requires special attention and control.

Types of tiles by purpose

The quality of ceramics is regulated by GOST 6787-2001 - for the floor and GOST 27180-2001 - for finishing work.

These regulations allow you to attribute it to the following categories of flooring:

• PEI I - for installation in rooms with low traffic, it is used for civil engineering, for example, flooring in bedrooms or bathrooms,
• PEI II is a more durable product designed to equip apartments and houses with the possibility of more frequent walking, even in slippers,
• PEI III - for more intensive traffic in residential buildings and small office rooms, not recommended for corridors,
• PEI IV - more suitable for the arrangement of commercial facilities: shops, restaurants, cafes,
• PEI V - suitable for the construction of industrial facilities with complex loads.

Marking PEI 0 - designed for interior work in the design of walls.

Appearance

The color scheme, shapes, sizes - these are exactly the components that can decorate a home or commercial property. Tiles are preferred by designers both as a flooring and in the design of walls, and not only in kitchens and bathrooms. In today's interior, tiles are successfully used in living rooms, emphasizing the nuances and designating areas of living rooms.

It is beautiful as a facing material for fireplaces and stoves.

A variety of colors and textures has expanded the boundaries, allowing you to give the product a different surface:

Tiles are made manually - for each specific order. Therefore, it is impossible to find the same tiles in the interior.

Benefits

The presence of the above characteristics can be reduced to a single positive point of use.

What distinguishes products:

• absolute versatility, allowing them to be used for interior and exterior finishes,
• a wide range of shapes and colors,
• ease of installation,
• lightness of products
• long service life
• anti-slip function,
• the ability to choose the price in accordance with the budget.

All these factors determine the high demand for products.

What is the difference?

When choosing a durable and reliable coating for walls or floors, we are faced with the choice - to purchase ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles? Today we offer you to get acquainted with the main differences between these two materials, their advantages and disadvantages.

The properties

Both materials have proven themselves in the market. Ceramic tile has many advantages, thanks to which it has been a leader in sales for many years. It is characterized by high strength, low weight, long service life, high moisture resistance, ease of installation and care. Modern manufacturers offer a lot of ceramic design options, and a variety of textures and colors allows you to choose a color based on the design of the room where it is planned to be installed.

The disadvantages of ceramics include extreme fragility, therefore, during transportation and installation should be careful. Another significant minus is the low resistance to ultraviolet light - over time, the tile may burn out or change color.

The main difference between porcelain tiles and tiles is the ability to withstand enormous loads without deformation of the top coating. Moreover, there are practically no traces of scratches on it.

It is worth noting that in terms of strength, porcelain stoneware significantly exceeds the more decorative ceramic coating. Due to the weak porosity of the surface, it repels moisture, thereby preventing it from entering the coating. Due to this, the risk of mold under the porcelain stoneware layer is minimal.

This material is characterized by high heat-resistant properties. It is resistant to fire, frost and high temperatures. Its wear resistance is also noteworthy - even a few years after installation, the coating will be in its original form.

Porcelain tile is easy to care for and is not “afraid” of abrasive, alkaline and acid detergents and cleaners. It does not fade under the influence of sunlight, does not deform under bad weather conditions.

Composition

Ceramic tiles are thin rectangular or square plates. The main component for its manufacture is a burnt charge, although up to 20 different components can be included. Most often, ceramic products consist of the following elements:

• clay of different grades and types, but the highest quality products are obtained from white clay,
• silica sand
• chamotte - crushed waste and defective products that did not pass quality control in the production process,
• feldspar or pegmatites used to create floor tiles, they give the finished product hardness and reliability,
• pigments.

Depending on the quantity and quality of the components (for example, the stability of the chemical composition, mineralogical purity, particle size), the technical characteristics of the products are determined, and, accordingly, the class of finished products.

At a certain stage of production, products are fired using special technology. This makes the products more durable and reduces the percentage of water absorption of the material. In addition, it positively affects the resistance to chemical compositions, as well as to temperature extremes. Plus, thanks to a single firing, the thickness of the finish increases.

The composition of porcelain stoneware and its manufacturing process are partially similar to the production technology of classic floor ceramics. Even the materials used are the same, the difference is only in the proportions used. In production apply:

• white clay,
• kaolin,
• quartz sand,
• feldspar.

Porcelain tile receives its unique strength properties during baking. For this, the temperature in the furnace is raised to 1300 degrees, and during firing, the components are practically soldered to each other. High pressure (about 450 kg per 1 cm) reduces the porosity of the material and increases resistance to moisture and low temperatures.

After firing, the surface of porcelain stoneware turns out to be slightly rough, and it becomes mirror after polishing. Although it is the mirror models of porcelain stoneware that are prone to rapid wear, as the structure of the material is violated due to abrasive treatment.

Scope of application

Ceramic tiles are suitable for flooring and walls in the kitchen, corridor, bathroom. For the kitchen, it is better to choose products "marbled" or stone. Most designers prefer a combined coating, combining tiles with different decorative elements from wood, glass, metal. The use of products of different sizes allows you to achieve a delightful visual effect.

For the bathroom, it is better to choose ceramics with a high level of resistance to chemical compositions. It is good if the tile structure has low porosity and high acidity - this will increase the resistance to moisture.

When choosing ceramics, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the designations indicated on the packaging - suitable tiles for residential buildings with a high level of humidity should be marked AA.

To design the walls of the kitchen, tiles with low strength are suitable, but at the same time it must be resistant to acids and alkalis. It is best to choose products with a smooth surface - they are easier to maintain.

Tiles for facing the corridor and hallway should be wear-resistant, so it is best to give preference to unglazed durable ceramics. When choosing, it is worth considering parameters such as hardness, durability and ease of care. Modern manufacturers produce ceramics collections for hallways, with a “chrome” structure, gloss and high strength.

Often, ceramic tiles are used to wall and floor cafes, restaurants, shopping centers, hotels, theaters and concert halls. Usually used glazed products with high strength properties. Often in such institutions you can find designer ceramics or products from limited series.

More and more rarely, ceramics are used for facing industrial enterprises, since its properties are somewhat inferior to porcelain stoneware and there is a likelihood of quick cracking. However, if desired, ceramics can still be used for cladding internal and external walls. In this case, choose a solid and dense tile. For flooring, products with an anti-slip surface are chosen.

The scope of ceramic tiles is not at all limited to the walls of residential and industrial buildings. Often it is used to equip train stations and airports, parks, metro stations, verandas, pedestrian crossings. Usually in such places you can find enameled, unglazed and extruded ceramic products.

Due to the fact that porcelain is more durable material, it is used in those places where not only decorative qualities are important, but also the reliability of the coating. It will be simply indispensable in the home interior: in the kitchen, in the bathroom or hallway. With it, you can create a truly practical design for any room.

If we talk about the design of the outer walls of buildings, then there is no more suitable material than porcelain stoneware. Thanks to its properties, you can not worry about the condition of the facade, even in conditions of great frost.

The special structure of porcelain stoneware allows its use even for facing fireplaces and stoves. Of course, decorative ceramic products are also suitable for such purposes, but the wear of porcelain stoneware will be much less.

Often, porcelain stoneware serves as a practical material for the design of floors and walls in residential buildings with high traffic. That is why it is often used to design a kitchen apron, bathroom, porch.