Porcelain tile is a universal material for finishing various surfaces. Porcelain tile appeared as a result of mistakes made in the production of traditional ceramic tiles. It is fired in technology in a furnace heated to 900 degrees. If you increase the temperature by literally 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 not inferior to granite in terms of strength characteristics. Porcelain tiles for floors are used in both residential and technical rooms. What are the features of this material, we will consider in our today's article.
What it is?
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 difference is only in the firing temperature. It is approximately 1200-1300 degrees. Thermal exposure is performed when exposed to high pressure.
Performance characteristics
If the laying technology has not been violated, then the porcelain tile is very high quality and effectively hides any floor imperfections. 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 steadily withstands 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, porcelain stoneware can be used for floors not only indoors, but also outside houses. In winter, the tile will not crack due to the formation of ice on its surface. High frost resistance can also be distinguished. The material without any changes is able to withstand more than 50 cycles of freezing and thawing.
Dimensions
Modern industry produces these products of various thicknesses and sizes. You can buy tiles from 7 to 30 millimeters thick. But it all depends on the area of the material. So, the thickness of porcelain 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 will experience increased loads. Often, stoneware of increased thickness can have a small size. This reinforced version is designed for installation in technical rooms.
Side lengths can range from 300 millimeters and above. As for the choice of size, it is much easier to work with fine tiles. But the larger it is, the smaller the 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 rough floor. Fine tiles are not so demanding. It can be safely laid even if the base has minor defects.
Particularly popular are products with a size of 300x300 mm, as well as porcelain tiles for a floor of 600x600 mm. Also on sale are products with dimensions of 120x30 and 30x60 mm. And this is far from all product sizes.
Weight
The material is heavy, this must be borne in mind. If the tile will be laid in the apartment, then it should be remembered that the characteristics are almost similar to natural stone. High material weight due to high density. In the structure of porcelain stoneware pores are completely absent. It is better to lay this material on the floor. Not every partition between rooms is able to withstand such a mass.
Types of Porcelain Tile
There are many types of data materials for the floor. Each species has certain properties and features. Below we consider the 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 can not boast of high aesthetic qualities, but in terms of strength it is the most reliable option. It is such a tile that is most difficult to damage or scratch on the surface.
This coating is well suited for garages, as well as other premises for technical purposes. 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 flooring is able to provide maximum safety when moving around the floor.
This is a simpler coating than polished or glazed options. The material has pores and cavities inside. Because of this, stains and dirt can deeply penetrate the surface. For the reason of these pores, it is necessary to take care of anti-slip porcelain tiles for the floor more carefully.
Polished
This tile is processed with various abrasive materials after the firing procedure. The surface structure is smooth. The product has a gloss. These models look more elegant. Reviews say the glossy surface adds a touch of elegance to the room. This type of product is widely used in public and administrative buildings. Laying such porcelain stoneware for a floor of 600x600 mm will help increase the saturation and depth of color.
However, due to polishing, the surface of the tile is very slippery. You need to walk on it as carefully as possible. If you move 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 this tile is more vulnerable to various kinds of mechanical damage.
This porcelain tile for a floor of 600x600 mm 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.
The magnificent 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.
Lappated
What it is? Lappated, or populated, porcelain tiles were invented by Italian masters. Tiles are polished only very little. The surface is not absolutely smooth. Although some areas are polished completely. So get an elegant combination of rough and polished areas. According to reviews, this tile looks very unusual. Some collections have models that imitate the texture of natural wood.
Unlike glossy porcelain stoneware for the floor, this material is completely safe. It combines all the advantages of matte and polished tiles.
Polished
The tile of this variety has an interesting texture. The product is satin-finished, thereby achieving the effect of a matte and semi-velvet surface. In the manufacturing process, mineral salts are used. As for the characteristics and operational properties, they are slightly lower than the previous options. But the appearance and decorative qualities outweigh this drawback.
Tiles are best for home use. It is recommended by manufacturers for laying in houses and apartments. The cost is quite high. But then buyers get a decent look.
Structured
This type of porcelain stoneware for the floor is distinguished by an interesting relief texture. Due to special manufacturing techniques, this tile imitates any materials. In the collections there are models for natural wood, brick, marble, natural stone. Modern manufacturers even offer options that mimic the skin and texture of the fabric.
By technical characteristics, this type of porcelain tile resembles a polished type. It is ideal for laying in apartments and houses. Especially popular is porcelain tile for the kitchen floor in the form of mosaics with imitation of natural stone. These coatings are distinguished by a relief structure and do not slip. They put this option not only in the kitchens, but also in other rooms.
Glazed
This coating has a surface that resembles conventional ceramics. The similarity is due to the presence of glaze. In the production of these products, double pressing technology is used. Enamel is pressed onto the finished porcelain tile, which makes the material more vibrant and interesting.
These models are intended for residential use only. So, you can lay porcelain tiles for the floor in the kitchen or in the living room.
Mosaic
These are strong 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. Appearance is quite unusual.
Rectified
The difference between this porcelain tile is in its structure. The texture may vary from one product to another. The tiles are straight and straight. The size is right, which makes it the best porcelain tile for the floor. Dimensional accuracy avoids trimming, and during installation there will be practically no noticeable seams.
Styling technology
The installation process is similar to laying an ordinary tile, but there are certain features. The subfloor must be carefully prepared. Roughnesses up to three millimeters high for this flooring are the most acceptable.
Laying porcelain tiles on the floor is done on glue. Moreover, its layer should be no less than the thickness of one tile. However, it is not necessary to smear more than ten millimeters. Next, the glue is bred with a spatula with cloves. The material is laid obliquely, using crosses. Tiled tiles are tapped in the corners.
Now a very popular solution is to lay this tile seamlessly. Moreover, the accuracy of cutting is such that the differences between the tiles can reach two and a half millimeters. Manufacturers allow laying granite on the floor without seams, but you need to purchase rectified materials. In any other case, there should be a gap of at least two millimeters.
Glue
It is necessary to lay this tile on special adhesives. The bad ones 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 the Litokol, Henkel, and Cerezit firms. Microglues are also recommended.
Reviews
Let's see how customers value porcelain stoneware for the floor. The reviews are positive. Porcelain stoneware is chosen when it is necessary to inexpensively, but nicely and reliably equip the floor. It is better to purchase quality products from well-known brands. Reviews say cheap models often vary in height. The glossy materials in the apartments look simply amazing. The color scheme is wide enough - there are plenty to choose from.