Very often, when choosing a wear-resistant coating, the question arises of what to give preference to - porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles.
The main differences of facing materials
The main myth, perhaps, has already been debunked: the difference between porcelain 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.
The manufacture of granite involves the use of higher temperatures, about 1300 degrees. Pressing also occurs under high pressure, approximately 450 kg per 1 cm. The result is a material with the highest possible wear resistance, since all the ingredients are practically melted at high temperature. As a result, micropores are almost completely absent in the material.
Features of ceramic tiles
The production of ceramic tiles takes place according to the same technological principle as ceramic granite, but with the use of a more gentle temperature regime and easier pressing. Therefore, ceramic tiles are often used for interior cladding.
The composition of porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is the same, therefore, for the manufacture of tiles using the same clay, quartz sand and spar. At the final stage of production, glaze or enamel may be applied to the tile. The result is a fairly strong material, but porous, which is not always acceptable in certain operating conditions.
Although in recent years ceramic tiles with increased wear resistance have appeared on the market, which can compete in performance with porcelain stoneware.
Features of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain tile 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, such an indicator is not particularly important, but for facing a house it is fundamental.
- Wear resistance. Porcelain tile has the best indicators of 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 tiles and ceramic tiles in strength is enormous. Porcelain tile is able to withstand a load of several hundred kilograms per 1 square. see. The main thing is that the material is stacked by professionals.
- Chips and cracks - porcelain tile is completely not subject to such damages. On the surface of the material practically no spots are formed, even if an aggressive substance, for example, a solvent, gets on it.
- Care for porcelain stoneware is required to a minimum - only with a damp cloth are dust and dirt washed off.
In addition, the material is produced in a wide assortment, both in size and in structure, and in a variety of colors. Smooth faces of porcelain stoneware tiles make it possible to perfectly surface the surface.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Tile
So, which is better: porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles?
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 manufacture this facing material. Italy is considered the leader in the production of porcelain stoneware, but one cannot say with complete certainty that all the goods delivered to our country are of perfect quality.
It is quite difficult to understand how high-quality granite is until you start laying and operating 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 recesses. Such recesses should be neat, in the form of 2X2 centimeter squares. Squares should not be deep. If the recesses do not correspond to the described characteristics, then the production technology has been violated, and this confirms the low 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 smooth, without extraneous inclusions, concavities or, conversely, bulges. The check is simple - two tiles are applied to each other, in the absence of gaps, the goods can be purchased.
The edges of each tile should also be smooth, this will make it possible to perfectly lay out the material with minimal seams.
To check how slippery the tile is, you can simply drop it on with water and touch it with your fingers.
How to distinguish porcelain from ceramic tiles
Choosing between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, you should consider all the above advantages and disadvantages of materials, you do not need to be guided only by the appearance. It is very important what surface will be revetted. For example, porcelain tiles will not work for the walls in the bathroom, since it has a lot of weight. Even for exterior decoration, porcelain stoneware is not always suitable, since the foundation of the structure simply can not withstand the weight of porcelain stoneware.
Ceramic tiles are used for interior decoration, and granite is suitable for lining surfaces that come in contact with the environment and will be affected by atmospheric precipitation.
Material Applications
Having figured out the characteristics of ceramic tiles and realizing what porcelain tiles are, it is already possible to clearly distinguish the main purpose of each of the materials.
Porcelain stoneware is a material for use mainly in open areas where there is an environmental impact. Granite perfectly tolerates frosts, so it can be used for cladding 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 smooth and attractive surface.
Porcelain tile is suitable for decorating fireplaces and baths, as it has a minimum number of pores, retains heat well and is also fireproof.
Ceramic tiles are an ideal solution for residential premises. The tile is light in weight, tolerates high humidity well, but is not suitable for external decoration. The difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles (for furnaces, for example) is enormous. Even the most durable tile cannot be compared with porcelain stoneware, as it cools quickly and wears out.
If you choose between porcelain stoneware glossy and ceramic glossy tiles according to external characteristics, then these materials are almost indistinguishable, and are used when there is a desire to create an exquisite and elegant style in the interior.
Which is better - porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles, what to choose?
The answer to this question depends entirely on the specific conditions. When choosing, consider the following:
- temperature regime at which the material will be used;
- type of room or surface;
- the estimated surface load for the cladding;
- possible damage during operation;
- The general stylistic decision of the whole room or building.
You should always consider 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 it is the tiles that can be preferred.
Which is warmer - porcelain stoneware or ceramic tile? This is the question most buyers ask. If you look at the packaging of granite, you can 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 tile also has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and is often combined with a warm floor, however, this indicator is not so good for it.
Another very important difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is its high wear resistance. Porcelain tile perfectly tolerates not only temperature changes and high humidity, but also the fall of heavy objects. There are practically no traces left after pollution.
To fully understand what porcelain tiles are, it should also be understood that the material has practically no restrictions on its use. Porcelain tile is used for decoration of airports, sidewalks, restaurants and in private construction.