Porcelain tile is a versatile material for finishing various surfaces. Porcelain stoneware appeared as a result of mistakes made in the production process of traditional ceramic tiles. According to technology, it is fired in a furnace heated to 900 degrees. If the temperature is literally increased by a third, then as a result of such firing, the components that make up the mixture are partially melted and sintered into a homogeneous mass. The material obtained in this way is in no way inferior to granite in terms of strength characteristics. Porcelain stoneware for the floor is used in both residential and technical premises. What are the features of this material, we will consider in our today's article.
What is this?
This is an ordinary ceramic tile that does not have an additional glazed coating. It is produced using the same technology as ceramic finishing materials.
The only difference is the firing temperature. It is approximately 1200-1300 degrees. Thermal exposure is performed by high pressure.
Performance
If the laying technology has not been violated, then porcelain stoneware tiles hide any imperfections of the floor very efficiently and effectively. This applies to rough coatings. Porcelain stoneware for the floor is practically not subject to abrasion. This property is one of the most important for this product. Tiles made of porcelain stoneware will retain their excellent appearance even if they are subjected to high loads, including mechanical ones.
The material has good hardness characteristics. According to the universal ten-point scale, the hardness level of porcelain stoneware is seven points. The material is resistant to chemical influences. The tile will not be damaged and will not lose its visual appeal, even if exposed to aggressive substances.
Material slightly absorbs moisture. Due to this, it is possible to use porcelain stoneware for the floor not only indoors, but also outside the houses. In winter, the tile will not crack due to the formation of ice on its surface. You can also highlight the high frost resistance. The material can withstand over 50 freeze/thaw cycles without any modification.
Sizes
Modern industry produces these products in various thicknesses and sizes. You can buy tiles with a thickness of 7 to 30 millimeters. But it all depends on the area of the material. Yes, the thicknessporcelain stoneware for a floor with a size of 30x30 mm will be 8 millimeters, 600x600 - 10, 450x450 - 9 millimeters.
Thickness is standard or increased. The thicker the material, the stronger it is. But the cost increases proportionally. However, this is fully justified if the floor experiences increased loads. Often porcelain tiles of increased thickness can be small in size. This reinforced version is designed for laying in technical rooms.
Side length can be 300mm or more. As for the choice of size, small tiles are much easier to work with. But the larger it is, the smaller as a result of the seams and the easier the amount of grouting work. In order to lay large format tiles, it is necessary to carefully prepare the subfloor. Small tiles are not so demanding. It can be safely laid even if the base has minor defects.
Products with a size of 300x300 mm, as well as porcelain stoneware for the floor 600x600 mm, are especially popular. Also on sale are products with dimensions of 120x30 and 30x60 mm. And this is not all sizes of products.
Mass
Material is heavy, this should be taken into account. If the tile will be laid in an apartment, then it should be remembered that the characteristics are almost the same as natural stone. The material has a lot of weight due to its high density. There are no pores in the structure of porcelain stoneware. It is better to lay this material on the floor. Not every partition between rooms can withstand such a mass.
Types of porcelain tiles
There is a masstypes of these materials for the floor. Each type has certain properties and features. Below are some popular types.
Matte porcelain tile
This tile is otherwise called unpolished. This is due to the fact that after firing the material is no longer processed. This product cannot boast of high aesthetic qualities, but in terms of strength it is the most reliable option. It is this tile that is most difficult to damage or scratch the surface.
This coating is well suited for garages, as well as other technical premises. Since the surface of the tile is matte, it has a certain roughness. Thus, it is not just a durable product, but also anti-slip. Porcelain stoneware for the floor is able to provide maximum safety when moving on the floor.
This is a simpler finish than the polished or glazed options. The material has pores and cavities inside. Because of this, stains and dirt can penetrate deeply into the surface. Due to these pores, the anti-slip porcelain floor tiles need to be taken care of more carefully.
Polished
This tile is treated with various abrasive materials after the firing procedure. The surface texture is smooth. The product has a sheen. These models look more elegant. Reviews say that the glossy surface adds a little elegance to the room. This type of product is widely used in public and administrative buildings. Laying such porcelain tiles for the floor600x600 mm will help to increase the saturation and color depth.
However, due to polishing, the surface of the tile is very slippery. You need to walk on it with the utmost care. If you walk in wet shoes, then the risk of injury is quite high. Polishing removes the top layer, and this negatively affects the resource. The density of the material decreases, and such tiles are more vulnerable to various kinds of mechanical damage.
This 600x600 mm floor porcelain stoneware is also laid on the walls. It looks great and noble on all kinds of surfaces. As for the risk of injury, it is dangerous only in winter and if laid on the street.
Great appearance completely covers all the disadvantages of the product. In addition, the surface is easier to care for. It removes dirt and stains faster. However, with improper care, stains remain on it.
Lapped
What is this? Lappated, or popupolated, porcelain stoneware was invented by Italian craftsmen. Tiles are only slightly polished. The surface is not completely smooth. Although some areas are completely polished. So get an elegant combination of rough and polished areas. As noted by the reviews, this tile looks very unusual. Some collections have models that imitate the texture of natural wood.
Unlike glossy porcelain floor tiles, this material is completely safe. It combines all the advantages of matte and polished tiles.
Glossy
The tile of this variety has an interesting texture. The product is satinized, which achieves the effect of a matte and semi-velvet surface. Mineral s alts are used in the production process. As for the characteristics and performance properties, they are slightly lower than the previous options. But the appearance and decorative qualities outweigh this shortcoming.
Tile is best suited for home use. It is recommended by manufacturers for laying in houses and apartments. The cost is quite high. But buyers get a decent look.
Structured
This type of floor porcelain stoneware has an interesting embossed texture. Due to special manufacturing techniques, this tile imitates any materials. The collections include models for natural wood, brick, marble, natural stone. Modern manufacturers even offer options that mimic leather and fabric texture.
According to the technical characteristics, this type of porcelain stoneware resembles a polished type. It is ideal for laying in apartments and houses. Particularly popular is porcelain stoneware for the floor in the kitchen in the form of a mosaic imitating natural stone. These coatings are distinguished by a relief structure and do not slip. This option is laid not only in kitchens, but also in other rooms.
Glazed
This coating has a surface that looks like ordinary ceramics. The similarity is due to the presence of glaze. In the production of these products, double technology is usedpressings. Enamel is pressed onto the finished porcelain tile, which makes the material brighter and more interesting.
These models are for residential use only. So, you can lay porcelain tiles for the floor in the kitchen or in the living room.
Mosaic
These are durable and reliable products. These characteristics are due to the minimum tile size.
The product cannot be broken or damaged in any way. The floor is practically not subject to any external influences. The appearance is rather unusual.
Rectified
The difference between this porcelain stoneware is in its structure. The texture may vary from one product to another. The tiles are flat and straight. The size is right, which makes it the best porcelain tile for flooring. Dimensional accuracy avoids trimming, and during installation there will be practically no visible seams.
Styling technology
The installation process is similar to laying ordinary tiles, but there are certain features. The subfloor must be carefully prepared. Building irregularities up to three millimeters are the maximum permitted for this flooring.
Porcelain stoneware is laid on the floor with glue. In this case, its layer should be no less than the thickness of one tile. However, it is not necessary to spread more than ten millimeters. Next, the glue is diluted with a spatula with teeth. The material is laid obliquely, using crosses. The laid tiles are tapped in the corners.
Now a very popular solution is to lay this tilewithout seams. At the same time, the cutting accuracy is such that the discrepancies between the tiles can reach two and a half millimeters. Manufacturers allow laying porcelain stoneware on the floor without seams, but you need to purchase rectified materials. In any other case, there must be a gap of at least two millimeters.
Glue
You need to lay this tile on special adhesives. Bad ones among those that are on sale are generally absent. Inexpensive options can be based on polyurethane and epoxy.
Both types are suitable for both outdoor and indoor use. Of the popular adhesives, experts advise choosing products from Litokol, Henkel, Ceresit. Microglues are also recommended.
Reviews
Let's see how buyers rate porcelain floor tiles. Reviews are positive. Porcelain stoneware is chosen when it is necessary to equip the floor inexpensively, but beautifully and reliably. It is better to purchase quality products from well-known brands. Reviews say that cheap models often differ in height. Glossy materials in apartments look simply amazing. The color range is quite wide - there are plenty to choose from.
