The difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles. Composition, properties of materials

Very often when choosing a wear-resistant coating, the question arises whether to give preference to - porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles.

The main differences between facing materials

The main myth, perhaps, is already 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 the technology of production.

The production of granite requires the use of higher temperatures, about 1300 degrees. Pressing also occurs under high pressure, about 450 kg per 1 cm. As a result, a material with the highest wear resistance is obtained, since all the ingredients are practically melted under high temperature. As a result, the material almost completely lacks micropores.

Features of ceramic tiles

The production of ceramic tiles occurs on the same technological principle as ceramic granite, but with a more gentle temperature regime and more "light" pressing. Therefore, ceramic tiles are more often used for interior cladding works.

The composition of porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles is the same, so for the production of tiles use the same clay, quartz sand and spar. At the final stage of production, the glaze or enamel can be applied to the tile. As a result, a fairly strong material is obtained, 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 its characteristics with ceramic granite.

Features ceramic granite

Ceramic granite 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 the house - is principled.

• Wear resistance. Ceramic granite has the best indicators of wear resistance, the attractiveness of the coating persists 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 is enormous in strength. Ceramic granite is able to withstand a load of several hundred kilograms per 1 sq. Km. See The main thing is that the material should be laid by professionals.
• Chipped and cracked - such damage to ceramic granite is completely unaffected. On the surface of the material, almost no stains are formed, even if an aggressive substance, for example, a solvent, gets onto it.
• Care of the porcelain is required minimal - only a damp rag washed away dust and dirt.

In addition, the material is produced in a wide range of both in size and structure, and in a variety of colors. The smooth edges of the porcelain stoneware tiles allow the surface to be perfectly polished.

Disadvantages of porcelain stoneware

So, what is better: porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles?

Of course, everyone will have to decide for themselves, but it's worth remembering that the material has certain drawbacks, although there are a few:

- slippery and cold surface;

- high cost and high weight.

How to determine the quality of ceramic granite

Practically in every country there are manufacturers who manufacture this facing material. The leader in the production of porcelain is Italy, but one can not say with complete certainty that all the goods delivered to our country are of the ideal quality.

To understand how high-quality granite is difficult enough until you begin to lay it down and operate it. But there are still several indicators that will help not be too disappointed in the purchase.

• The ideal weight of a square meter of material with a thickness of 8 or 5 mm is 18.5 kg.
• Technological deepening. Such seizures should be neat, in the form of squares of 2 x 2 centimeters. Squares should not be deep. If the indentations do not correspond to the described characteristics, then the production technology was violated, and this confirms the low quality of porcelain stoneware.
• Color is also of great importance. Calibration of one series should coincide as much as possible.

How to determine the quality of ceramic tiles

Tiles for quality can be determined by eye. Regardless of whether there is a glazed coating or not, the surface of the ceramic tile should be perfectly flat, without any foreign inclusions, concavities or, conversely, protuberances. The test is simple - two tiles are applied to each other, in the absence of lumens, the goods can be purchased.

The edges of each tile should also be flat, this will allow the material to be perfectly laid out with minimal seams.

To check how slippery the tile is, you can just drop it on it and touch it with your fingers.

How to distinguish ceramic granite from ceramic tiles

Choosing between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles, it is necessary to take into account all the above advantages and disadvantages of materials, it is not necessary to be guided only by appearance. It is very important which surface will be lined. For example, for walls in the bathroom, porcelain stoneware is not suitable, since it has a lot of weight. Even for exterior finishing, ceramic granite is not always suitable, since the foundation of the structure simply can not withstand the weight of the ceramic granite.

Ceramic tiles are used for interior decoration, and granite is suitable for facing surfaces that come into contact with the environment, will be affected by atmospheric precipitation.

Scope of materials

After understanding the characteristics of ceramic tiles and understanding what ceramic granite is, you can clearly distinguish the main purpose of each of the materials.

Ceramic granite is a material for use primarily in open areas where there is an environmental impact. Granite perfectly tolerates frosts, so it can be used for facing the outside walls of any room. Remember that the weight of porcelain is very large, so before building a house take this moment into account when laying the foundation. At the same time, glossy porcelain tiles are perfect for styling in the kitchen or in the bathroom. Additional processing makes it possible to obtain a perfectly flat and attractive surface.

Ceramic granite is suitable for finishing fireplaces and baths, since it has a minimum number of pores, it keeps the heat well and also refractory.

Ceramic tiles - the ideal solution for living quarters. The tile has a small weight, well tolerates high humidity, but not suitable for exterior decoration. The difference between ceramic granite and ceramic tiles (for finishing furnaces, for example) is colossal. Even the most durable tile can not be compared with porcelain stoneware, as it quickly cools and wears out.

If you choose between ceramic granite glossy and ceramic glossy tiles by external characteristics, then these materials are virtually indistinguishable, and are used when there is a desire to create a refined and elegant style in the interior.

What is better - porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles, what to choose?

The answer to this question depends entirely on the specific conditions. When selecting, consider the following:

- the temperature regime at which the material will be used;

- type of room or surface;

- the expected load on the surface for facing;

- possible damage during operation;

- the general stylistic decision of the whole room or building.

You should always take into account the financial possibilities, 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 possible to give the tile a preference.

What is warmer - porcelain tiles or ceramic tiles? This is the question that most buyers ask. If you look at the packaging of porcelain stoneware, 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 be long to lose heat. Ceramic tiles also have a low coefficient of thermal conductivity and are often combined with a warm floor, however, this indicator is not so good for it.

Another very important difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles is their high wear resistance. Ceramic granite perfectly tolerates not only temperature changes and high humidity, but also the drop of heavy objects. There are practically no traces left after contamination.

To fully understand what ceramic granite is, one should also understand that the material has practically no restrictions on the application. Ceramic granite is used for finishing airports, sidewalks, restaurants and in private construction.