How is porcelain stoneware different from floor tiles? The main difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, the properties of both materials

When choosing a wear-resistant floor covering, the consumer hesitates between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Let's look at the differences between these materials, determine their advantages and highlight the disadvantages. Only then will it become clear why porcelain tiles are so popular.

How is porcelain stoneware different from regular tiles?

The myth that special ingredients are used to produce porcelain stoneware products has long been dispelled. The composition of the material is not much different - the same kaolin, clay, quartz sand and feldspar. The only difference is in the production conditions: porcelain stoneware is fired at more high temperatures ah (up to 1300 degrees), more press pressure is used (about 450 kilograms per centimeter).

Production technology explains and quality characteristics materials: porcelain stoneware is not just sintered, its components literally melt, and monstrous pressure eliminates the formation of micropores, as in tiles. It is the absence of pores that explains the fact that porcelain stoneware materials are more durable when used outdoors. Moisture does not get inside, does not destroy the material from the inside during freezing. Facing buildings with porcelain stoneware also guarantees a durable result, as well as its use for the production of steps.

Advantages of porcelain stoneware for interior decoration

Most consumers do not care that porcelain stoneware is frost-resistant, because they choose the material for arranging an office, shop, apartment or house (where there is no frost). But floor porcelain tile has a lot of other advantages:

• Wear resistance. Despite the intensity of movement, porcelain stoneware retains an attractive appearance many years. It is even used to decorate some manufacturing plants.
• The strength of porcelain stoneware is very high. It is able to withstand loads of several hundred kilograms per square centimeter (provided that a professional will lay porcelain stoneware).
• The material is not subject to the formation of chips and cracks how ceramic tiles differ over time.
• Virtually no stains on the surface of the material, it is resistant to moisture (has a water absorption of less than 1%), the effects of aggressive environments. Even an accidentally broken bottle with something vigorous like a solvent will not leave visible marks on porcelain stoneware.
• Porcelain stoneware does not require maintenance It is enough to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness.
• The material has a huge range of colors and textures to the most demanding taste, which will ideally fit into the design of the room.
• The best porcelain stoneware has absolutely clear, even edges., which makes it possible to obtain minimal seams when performing cladding and laying floors, achieving uniformity of the coating.

Does porcelain stoneware have disadvantages?

You have to put up with the cold floor

The number of advantages of the material is quite large, but for the sake of objectivity it is worth pointing out its disadvantages. They are, however, few. Firstly, the floor from it is quite cold, and it is impossible to insulate it (although the floor from ceramic tiles has the same drawback). the only way out of the provision is the use of underfloor heating.

Significant disadvantage - slippery surface

Secondly, the material is rather slippery if moisture gets on it. Therefore, it is undesirable to use it in the bathroom.

Prices for porcelain tiles "bite"

Thirdly, the price. The material has a cost slightly higher than that of ceramic tiles. But this dubious flaw, which is offset by the advantages of porcelain stoneware.

Manufacturers popular material quite a lot, on the market you can find not only Italian (according to many experts, one of the highest quality), but also porcelain stoneware of Turkish, Baltic, Greek and Belarusian production, which has similar dimensions and thickness. How to choose a decent material that will not disappoint over time?

Ways to determine the quality for the right choice of porcelain stoneware

Only in Italy there are more than three hundred manufacturers, not all of which can boast of product quality. Porcelain stoneware must be produced strictly according to the technology, starting from the preparation of the mixture, its coloring, aging temperature parameters before applying a powerful press. "By eye" to determine the quality of the material is almost impossible. We suggest using the following methods:

• Buy by weight

Specify the weight of each tile (usually indicated in the catalog and on the packaging). The "correct" tile with a thickness of 8-8.5 mm should weigh at least 18.5 kilograms.

• e manufacturers quality-saving can be seen with the naked eye

Dimensions of technological recesses on the reverse side. These should be shallow squares with a side of up to 2 centimeters. Deep large squares indicate low quality material.

• Check color match

Color calibration. Tiles of the same series should match as much as possible in color tone. Good company provides a high-quality caliber of its products, which means that you can also count on the compliance of other parameters.

Video: the advantages of porcelain stoneware and its choice

Every day the question becomes more and more urgent, which is better - porcelain stoneware or floor tiles. And this is no accident. Given that the use of tiles as a floor covering began back in the 30s of the last century, the same cannot be said about porcelain stoneware, which was published in the early 70s. Nevertheless, during this time he gained his fans and began to gradually displace his direct competitors from the leading positions.
Surely not all people are aware of the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? And which of them will serve their new owners longer. What is a ceramic tile you probably already know. What is porcelain stoneware? Let us tell you what is the difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic floor tiles.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile flooring option

On the spoken language It is customary to call a ceramic tile - a tile. He represents himself solid material, is used in facing not only residential, but also industrial premises. And due to the variety of colors, textures and patterns, it serves as an excellent design tool in the design of any interiors.
Ceramic tiles are produced by pressing and then firing the composite. The composition is completely natural: sand, clay, minerals. Then it is covered with a special enamel and sent back to the oven. Such tiles are great for laying on walls, as they are more porous and have a low weight and thickness.
The second type of tile is pressed on a more powerful apparatus, in this way its structure loses its porosity and it becomes more elastic and thicker, as a result of which its wear-resistant qualities increase. In this case, she needs only one stage of firing, which is carried out immediately with enamel and at a higher temperature. As a result, a rather dense and wear-resistant tile comes out of the oven; it is used without problems for laying on the floor.

Advantages:

• Moisture resistance
• Doesn't require much maintenance
• Holds up for a long time
• Huge selection of colors
• Inexpensive price
• Low weight

This material has proven itself when decorating walls in a bathroom, when laying an apron in working area kitchens. Matte representatives of ceramics look gorgeous when they finish the floor in the corridors. Ceramic tiles are very easy to clean and create an aesthetically beautiful interior.

The use of ceramics is very extensive

For kitchen and bathroom floors, glossy ceramic cladding is not very suitable. It's not strong enough for this kind of use. In the bathroom, as an extreme option, you can consider matte varieties of tiles, since if moisture gets on its surface, you can slip. In addition, gloss due to constant contact with abrasives in the form of sand and dust can quickly get scratched and lose its original appearance.
A significant disadvantage of the tile is its fragility. If you drop a heavy object on it, it will be damaged. Such cases were mostly earlier, in the 90s. But you should not compare the quality of Russian tiles of those times with our time. Technological process stepped far ahead. Taking quality with you. Of course, you should not intentionally test the quality of the tile for battle, for this case, ceramic manufacturers take off the so-called tile test drives.

Disadvantages:

• High brittleness, in comparison with porcelain stoneware;
• May fade in the sun over time
• Sometimes the drawing is partially erased.

What is porcelain stoneware

The composition of porcelain stoneware is not much different from the base of the tile. The production process just looks a little different. So what is the difference between porcelain stoneware and tiles? Everything is simple here. If enamel is applied to the tile after firing only on the surface, then dyes are added to porcelain stoneware at the kneading stage, which gives a uniform color throughout the entire thickness of the final product.
Just for this reason, it is not covered in glazing, and its color remains stable throughout the service. A mixture of clay, minerals and quartz sand, together with the color scheme, is rolled out to the desired shape and goes under a press of approximately 450 kilograms per 1 centimeter. Then repeated pressing and firing at temperatures up to 1300C °.
After such a process, a porcelain stoneware slab is taken out of the oven, which has a very low porosity.
For example, the water absorption of wall tiles is 10%, while porcelain stoneware absorbs only 0.05% moisture.

Advantages:

• Has high strength;
• Durable;
• Increased wear resistance;
• Not afraid of temperature changes;
• Visually similar to natural stone;
• Color pigment throughout the thickness.

Where is used

Most often, porcelain stoneware is used in flooring on verandas, balconies, loggias and in the external cladding of houses. Since it is heat resistant, it is excellent for facing underfloor heating.
Before choosing a tile for the floor in the kitchen, we recommend that you pay attention to fake diamond, according to its characteristics, it is wear-resistant and is not afraid of falling heavy dishes. And because it is resistant to moisture, it is very convenient to keep it clean.

Areas of application of porcelain stoneware

For wall cladding this species ceramics is not suitable, as its excess weight will make itself felt when laying.

Disadvantages:

• overweight;
• Hard to handle;
• It costs more than tiles;
• Not rich in shades.

Methods for determining high-quality porcelain stoneware

In Italy alone, there are about 300 companies that produce porcelain stoneware, but not all of them can supply quality products to the market. The release of such products implies strict adherence to technology, starting with kneading and ending with maintaining temperature parameters.
With the naked eye, it is almost impossible to understand the quality of the products in your hands.

Key points:

1. If possible, specify the weight of each of the tiles in the box. A real tile made using technology, 8 mm thick, should have a weight of around 19 kg. They try to write the weight on the packaging, it should also be in the catalog.
2. Technological recesses on reverse side doesn't have to be deep. If their depth and shape are suspiciously large, you do not have a quality canvas in your hands.
3. All tiles in one series will match to the maximum in color and tone. A conscientious manufacturer always correctly calibrates his products. If this parameter matches, then other parameters will also be on top.

Output

Summing up our review with confidence to say which is better, porcelain stoneware or tiles for laying on the floor, and the following conclusions can be drawn:
For exterior finish for the floor in the kitchen with the installation of the Warm floor system, best solution will become porcelain stoneware. BUT interior decoration it will also be good when using tiles, as it is more budgetary in price, and its variety will help to realize any of your design desires.

Video instruction

Porcelain tile or ceramic tile: which material is ideal?

The result of the repair depends not only on how much skilled craftsman you invite, but also on what material you choose. After all, even if the construction team has golden hands, they will not succeed in laying perfectly low-quality tiles. And if she'll beat some more out general style interior, then all the money and efforts spent on repairs will be in vain.

Today on the market building materials a huge variety of options. Therefore, if you have to tile the surface with tiles, you should find out in advance how porcelain stoneware differs from ceramic tiles.

Main differences

In order to understand what better fit- porcelain stoneware or tiles, you should first determine the future operating conditions. Due to the fact that porcelain stoneware has increased strength, it is preferable to choose it for loggias and open areas. But for bathrooms and kitchens it is better to choose ceramic tiles. Only you should also consider where you will put it - on the floor or walls, because having figured out what ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware are and what is the difference between them, you can choose perfect material. The fact is that ceramic tiles have more aesthetic appeal, and the range of this material on the market is much larger. Therefore, in order to make interior repairs with a “zest”, you need to draw up in advance not only a design project, but also think about what qualities the material should have.

Considering how tiles differ from porcelain stoneware, it should be noted right away that they are almost the same in terms of wear resistance. But in favor of the tile, a huge number of its variations should still be attributed. At the same time, both materials are resistant to fire and temperature extremes, they are easy to clean even when heavy pollution, and they have an impressive term of operation. At the same time, due to the higher resistance to severe frosts and precipitation, porcelain stoneware is considered a modified type of ceramic tile.

Porcelain stoneware received a more advanced structure due to the production method. That is why the difference between tiles and porcelain stoneware, in which the size of the pores lies, also have their own characteristics. Porcelain stoneware is more fragile, therefore it requires more careful transportation conditions, unlike ceramic tiles. In addition, porcelain stoneware costs a little more than tiles, due to its durability.

To understand how tiles differ from porcelain stoneware, you need to consider their production methods. For the manufacture of ceramic tiles, initially the mass is pressed, so I burn it, and cover it with a top decorative layer. Tiles are made from clay, sand and minerals. Porcelain stoneware is made under pressure and high pressure, because the pore size in it is minimal, which means that when water gets on it, it will not penetrate into the inside of the material, and when it freezes, it will not destroy it from the inside. The peculiarity of porcelain stoneware makes this material ideal for laying the “warm floor” system.

When buying the right type of cladding, consumers are confused when choosing which is better: porcelain stoneware or tiles. In order for the scales to tilt more quickly in one direction or another, you need to know how ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles differ. The main thing is to find out the pros and cons of using each, and then only the difference between them will become apparent. But why is porcelain stoneware so popular?

What is this article about

Differences in materials

Rumors that the production of porcelain stoneware finishes involves the use of other components have long been groundless. The components of the materials are almost identical - all the same clay, kaolin, particles of quartz and feldspar. Then what is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? And the snag lies in the technology of creation - when firing porcelain stoneware, the temperature is brought to 1300 º, and the pressure of the press is stronger (about 450 kg per cm).

The technological features of manufacturing also determine the improved properties of porcelain stoneware - it is not just baked, but its components are subjected to almost melting and enormous pressure, which excludes the occurrence of porosity, which ceramics have. It is precisely the absence of pores that porcelain stoneware cladding owes to the fact that it is more often involved in facing work on the street. Moisture does not penetrate into its thickness, and therefore the material cannot be destroyed during defrosting. Finishing stairs, paths, facades of buildings with porcelain stoneware guarantees a durable and reliable result.

Advantages of interior cladding with porcelain stoneware

When carrying out internal facing work, the frost resistance parameter that porcelain tiles have is not so critical. After all, the material is required to finish an apartment, office, house or shop, where its resistance to high temperatures is not required. However, the advantages of porcelain stoneware for the floor are the following properties:

• wear resistance - despite the fact that they will regularly walk on the coating, its appearance can please the eye for many years. In this connection, it is also used for facing production areas;
• porcelain stoneware has high strength: loads up to several hundred kg per cm are subject to it;
• chips and cracks rarely form on the plates, which cannot be said about ceramics;
• resistance of the finish (moisture absorption less than 1%) to moisture and aggressive substances (a solvent that accidentally gets on the surface of porcelain stoneware will not leave stains or marks on it);
• not exacting finishing in care - just wiping with a damp cloth is enough to keep it clean.

The coverage has a wide colors and textures for the most demanding taste. In high-quality porcelain stoneware, evenness of the edges and clear proportions of the shape are observed, which, when laying, allows achieving perfect uniformity of the lining and minimizing seams.

Areas of coverage

When the differences between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles become clear, it is possible to summarize the above and decide on the purpose of the types of cladding. When it is required to create wall cladding, it is more profitable to make it with ceramic tiles. Here external conditions almost no effect, and therefore a medium-class tile will fit well.

When it becomes necessary to decorate the street surfaces of buildings and auxiliary outbuildings, then you don’t have to choose between tiles and porcelain stoneware - of course, porcelain stoneware. You won’t have to worry about the condition of the finish even in severe frosts. Due to its low-porosity structure, fire resistance and the ability to keep heat for a long time, porcelain stoneware finds its application in facing stoves and fireplaces. What is the difference between porcelain stoneware and tiles? Even the purchase of a heavy-duty tile will not allow you to compare with another coating, since the wear and cooling of the first one is noted faster.

It is very difficult to make an unambiguous choice when it is worth deciding whether tile or porcelain stoneware is more suitable. For the kitchen and bathroom, ceramics are still more appropriate. Since the load there is not very pronounced, but modern tile has the property of anti-slip. In the hallway, hallway and entrance group outside it is better to stay on porcelain tiles. Since there are increased requirements for the floor surface in these areas of the house, and the floor here is subjected to aggressive influence. To avoid injury on the steps, special pads are used.

Porcelain stoneware will serve for decades. Especially its homogeneous variety, the pattern in which passes through all layers of the material and therefore it will be very problematic to erase it.

But, when more decorative qualities of the cladding are required, porcelain stoneware is not an assistant in this regard. Since the design embodiment of the tiles is acquired after glazing. Glazed porcelain stoneware is also produced, but it decorative coating wears off very quickly. As with other enameled ceramics.

Choice by consumer qualities

acceptance specific solution Several auxiliary factors will help in choosing the material. In doing so, they focus on:

• type of room where the finishing material will be located;
• load factor;
• temperature mode;
• the risk of chips, scratches and other mechanical defects;
• general style direction.

The difference between porcelain stoneware lies not only in its high technical and consumer qualities, but in a more expensive price. Pay tribute to the ordinary ceramic cladding worth it in the case when there is no particular need to overpay for the entire set of distinctive options that porcelain stoneware has. In extreme cases, you can purchase material with increased quality criteria. But then the price of the issue will be almost the same as in the situation with the second type of cladding.

Selection of finishes for the kitchen

Regarding tiling kitchen space, then the following areas of use of these two related materials are distinguished here.

Flooring

As a floor covering, the use of porcelain tiles is more justified. Whereas it is not suitable for decorating an apron in the working area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen due to its features - a lot of weight, more complex processing.

If there is an intention to put porcelain stoneware on the walls of the kitchen, then you can finish them with some of the sections, the area near the fireplace or the column.

Apron

Great way to finish kitchen apron advocated application tiles. Small pieces are easier to cut and stack. In terms of design, there is a wider choice - ceramic products have many colors, patterns, textures. That will allow you to embody a unique and attractive interior in the kitchen.

table top

Modern kitchen design often provides for tiling countertops. Such a countertop is not very heavy, this surface is strong and durable, it can become the owner interesting drawing and colors. However, no one forbids covering the countertop with small-format porcelain stoneware measuring 10 by 10 cm.

Material disadvantages

Are there any disadvantages of porcelain stoneware? Its surface will be as cold as that of a tile, in other words, the floor from it will be quite cold. Underfloor heating systems help solve this problem. In addition, the material has a number of disadvantages.

A significant drawback is the sliding surface of the coating itself. It becomes even more sliding when moisture gets on it. For this reason, the material is not recommended for use as flooring in the bathroom.

There are a lot of world-famous companies involved in the production of porcelain tiles today. Take at least Italian manufacturers(producing the most quality material according to experts), as well as brands of Greek, Baltic and Belarusian production, which differ in similar sizes and thickness.

The special properties of each of the materials make them popular in any of the areas of home repair. And it is not possible to give the palm to any one of them, since each can be especially revered in his field of application, in which he is not equal.