Very often, when choosing a wear-resistant coating, the question arises of what to give preference to - porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles.
Main differences between facing materials
The main myth, perhaps, has already been debunked: the difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is not in their composition. Both materials are made from kaolin, clay, feldspar and quartz sand. The difference is only in production technology.
Production of porcelain stoneware involves the use of higher temperatures, about 1300 degrees. Pressing also takes place under high pressure, approximately 450 kg per 1 cm. As a result, a material with the highest possible wear resistance is obtained, since all ingredients are practically melted under high temperature. As a result, the material is almost completely free of micropores.
Features of ceramic tiles
The production of ceramic tiles is carried out according to the same technological principle as ceramic granite, but using a more gentle temperaturemode and more "light" pressing. Therefore, ceramic tiles are more often used for interior cladding.
The composition of porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is the same, so the same clay, quartz sand and spar are used to make tiles. At the final stage of production, glaze or enamel can be applied to the tile. The result is a fairly strong material, but porous, which is not always acceptable in certain operating conditions.
Although recently, ceramic tiles with increased wear resistance have appeared on the market, which can compete in their characteristics with porcelain stoneware.
Porcelain stoneware features
Porcelain stoneware is a material that has a huge number of advantages over other finishing materials:
Frost resistance. Naturally, for laying granite in an office or apartment, this indicator is not particularly important, but for facing a house it is fundamental
- Wear resistance. Porcelain stoneware has the best wear resistance, the attractiveness of the coating remains for several years even with intensive use, which allows it to be used in industrial facilities.
- Strength. The difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles in terms of strength is huge. Porcelain tile is able to withstand a load of several hundred kilograms per 1 sq. see The main thing is that the material is laid by professionals.
- Chips and cracks - such damage to porcelain stoneware is absolutely notsusceptible. The surface of the material practically does not stain, even if an aggressive substance, such as a solvent, gets on it.
- Porcelain stoneware requires minimal care - only a damp cloth can remove dust and dirt.
In addition, the material is produced in a wide range of sizes and textures, and in a variety of colors. The smooth edges of the porcelain stoneware slabs make it possible to perfectly clad the surface.
Disadvantages of porcelain stoneware
So, which is better: porcelain tile or ceramic tile?
Of course, each person will have to decide on their own, but it is worth remembering that the material has certain disadvantages, although there are few of them:
- slippery and cold surface;
- high cost and heavy weight.
How to identify quality porcelain stoneware
In almost every country there are manufacturers that produce this facing material. Italy is considered the leader in the production of porcelain stoneware, but it cannot be said with complete certainty that all goods supplied to our country are of perfect quality.
Understanding how high-quality granite is is quite difficult until you start laying and exploiting it. But there are still a few indicators that will help not to be too disappointed in the purchase.
- The ideal weight per square meter of material with a thickness of 8 or 5 mm is 18.5 kg.
- Technological deepening. Such recesses should be neat, in the formsquares 2x2 centimeters. The squares don't have to be deep. If the recesses do not correspond to the described characteristics, then the production technology was violated, and this confirms the poor quality of porcelain stoneware.
- Color is also of great importance. Calibration of one series should match as much as possible.
How to determine the quality of ceramic tiles
Tile quality can be determined by eye. Regardless of whether there is a glazed coating or not, the surface of the ceramic tile must be perfectly even, without extraneous inclusions, concavities or, conversely, bulges. The check is simple - two tiles are applied to each other, in the absence of gaps, the product can be purchased.
The edges of each tile should also be even, this will allow you to perfectly lay out the material with minimal seams.
To check how slippery a tile is, you can simply drop water on it and feel it with your fingers.
How to distinguish porcelain stoneware from ceramic tiles
When choosing between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, you should take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of the materials described above, you should not be guided only by the appearance. It is very important which surface will be faced. For example, porcelain stoneware is not suitable for walls in the bathroom, as it has a lot of weight. Even for exterior decoration, porcelain stoneware is not always suitable, since the foundation of the building simply cannot withstand the weightstoneware.
Ceramic tiles are used for interior decoration, and granite is suitable for cladding surfaces that are in contact with the environment, will be affected by precipitation.
Scope of materials
Having de alt with the characteristics of ceramic tiles and understanding what porcelain stoneware is, it is already possible to clearly identify the main purpose of each of the materials.
Porcelain stoneware is a material for use mainly in open areas where there is an impact of the external environment. Granite perfectly tolerates frost, so it can be used for facing the external walls of any room. Remember that the weight of porcelain stoneware is very large, so before building a house, consider this moment when laying the foundation. At the same time, glossy porcelain stoneware is perfect for laying in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Additional processing allows you to get a perfectly flat and attractive surface.
Porcelain stoneware is suitable for finishing fireplaces and baths, as it has a minimum number of pores, retains heat well and is also fireproof.
Ceramic tiles are the perfect solution for living spaces. The tile is lightweight, tolerates high humidity well, but is not suitable for exterior decoration. The difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles (for finishing stoves, for example) is colossal. Even the most durable tiles cannot be compared with porcelain stoneware, as they quickly cool down and wear out.
If you choose between glossy porcelain stoneware andceramic glossy tiles in terms of external characteristics, these materials are almost indistinguishable, and are used when there is a desire to create a refined and elegant style in the interior.
Which is better - porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles, what to choose?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the specific conditions. When choosing, consider the following:
- temperature regime in which the material will be used;
- type of room or surface;
- estimated surface load for cladding;
- possible damage during operation;
- the general stylistic decision of the entire room or building.
You should always take into account financial opportunities, because the cost of materials is different. Ceramic tiles are much cheaper, so if there are no special requirements for technical characteristics, then tiles can be preferred.
Which is warmer - porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles? This is the question most buyers ask. If you look at the packaging of porcelain stoneware, you might be surprised: it turns out that it has a very low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Therefore, if it heats up, it will not lose heat for a long time. Ceramic tiles also have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and are often combined with underfloor heating, however, this indicator is not so good.
Another very important difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is high wear resistance. Porcelain stoneware finetolerates not only temperature changes and high humidity, but also the fall of heavy objects. It practically does not leave traces after contamination.
To fully understand what porcelain stoneware is, it should also be understood that the material has practically no restrictions on its use. Porcelain stoneware is used for finishing airports, sidewalks, restaurants and in private construction.
