Porcelain stoneware is a modern artificial finishing material for decorating floors or walls with high parameters of strength, hardness, and wear resistance. It is harmonious in interiors of different stylistic orientations. Skillful imitation of natural finishing materials such as granite, marble, natural stone, wood of various species, etc. harmoniously supports the design of the space, allowing you to create cozy spaces.
Features of using porcelain stoneware in the interior
The use of porcelain tiles in residential, industrial, commercial and other premises with high traffic intensity is preferable in comparison with its cheaper analogue - ceramic tiles. This premium material is available in a variety of textures, shades and designs. It is intended for floor or wall decoration of all categories of premises, as it is characterized by:
- High resistance to fire and exposure to open flames;
- Resistance to prolonged exposure to high humidity and thermal changes;
- Easy to maintain, clean with chemicals;
- High hygiene, which allows the use of porcelain stoneware in medical or educational institutions;
- The surface is resistant to abrasion, maintaining its original appearance for a long time;
- Long service life, regardless of environmental conditions;
- Affordable prices for all clients.
Manufacturers
When choosing a collection, it is better to prefer European-made products. Europe is home to leading factories that use time-tested technologies and innovative equipment. Among the producing countries, the leaders are Spain, Italy, Germany and Portugal. Hundreds of series of porcelain tiles are produced here, each of which presents samples with a unique design solution and ideal geometry.
On a note! Among the most famous brands are the Italian KERAMA MARAZZI, CASA DOLCE, the German MEI, the Spanish OSET, the Portuguese GRES TEJO, as well as the Russian KERRANOVA and Uralkeramika.
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Types of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain tiles are made from a combination of different ingredients. The mixture is made from different types of first-class clay (white, illite, koalin, etc.), ground rocks such as quartz or spar, sand, and mineral additives. The plastic mass is pressed, covered with glaze, and fired in a special oven at high temperature. The result is a highly durable finishing material.
There are several types of porcelain stoneware, namely:
- Technical
– an economical product with an imitation of natural unfinished granite, since it is not subject to additional processing after the firing procedure;
- Glazed
– decorative material with a glazed surface. Designed for covering surfaces with minor mechanical impact;
- Matte
– the surface is not polished, has a matte texture;
- Polished
– perfectly glossy porcelain tiles to a mirror shine, intended for decorative wall cladding. Differs in higher cost;
- Structured
– the tiles have a relief surface that imitates the structure and texture of natural stone of different types. It can take different design decisions, as it can have a surface with a pattern of wood, leather, fabric, etc.;
- Satin
– before firing the mass, a thin layer of mineral salts is applied to the surface. The result is a surface with a slight shine.
The size range of tiles is varied, which makes it easy to create different decorative combinations.
Porcelain tiles in the interior have a standard pitch from 75X75mm to 1200X1800 mm. The thickness of the slabs can be 7-30 mm. Thinner types are intended for covering the surface of walls, and those that are thicker are intended as a reliable and beautiful floor covering. For example, porcelain stoneware with a thickness of 12-20 mm is suitable for the floors of a corridor, living room, kitchen, bathroom, sauna or other rooms, and 25-30 mm for finishing steps.
Glazed
This type is closest to regular tiles: both varieties are covered with a layer of glaze on top. Smaltgranite is produced using double pressing technology, clay is pressed with dyes and glassy enamel, the result is a stunning color palette.
Glazed porcelain tiles are not suitable for public places; they have a strong backing and high-quality enamel, but the two-component material is not as durable as monolithic types.
Advantages of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is a new generation facing material. The advantages include:
- Wear resistance and abrasion resistance guarantee the preservation of the original appearance for a long time;
- Due to its high hardness, porcelain stoneware is less susceptible to the formation of defects from mechanical influences and does not form cracks, chips, abrasions, or scratches on the surface;
- A special technology for applying the pattern evenly distributes the pigment over the entire area;
- High compaction of the mass determines a low level of porosity with a minimum coefficient of water absorption;
- The material is resistant to sudden changes and serious thermal shocks, the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Porcelain tiles in marble, wood, stone, monochrome and other varieties are suitable for finishing the floor. In addition to its strength characteristics, the material has anti-slip properties. Therefore, it is installed in hallways, bathrooms or toilet rooms, swimming pools, saunas, and other rooms with high humidity. The material is also hygienic, easy to clean with chemicals, preventing the formation of pathogenic or fungal lesions.
Criteria for choosing porcelain stoneware
In order for the decorative coating of porcelain stoneware to last for a long time and without problems, you need to choose the right material.
The selection criteria are based primarily on the nature and purpose of the rooms in which it will be installed. Porcelain tiles in gray, white or other neutral shades with a matte or structured texture are recommended for use in rooms with high humidity. It forms a non-slip, safe surface, even when wet.
It is also best not to choose porcelain tiles for the kitchen and hallway with a high gloss coefficient. Despite the fact that the humidity here is several times lower than that of bathrooms, the polished surface can make it difficult to work in the functional area. But in the kitchen, the abrasion resistance class is important, since the housewife, as a rule, moves along the same routes, which leads to rapid abrasion.
There are porcelain tiles with an imitation of natural stone, designed for installation outdoors. They are used to decorate indoor and outdoor terraces, verandas, and swimming pools. In this case, the level of frost resistance of the material is important.
Living room design: tiles for different interior styles
Tiles are a popular product and are therefore available in various sizes, colors and shades. It is covered with all kinds of patterns. The tiles can imitate wood, white marble, natural stone or raw concrete. The final choice will affect the character of the living room:
- elegant;
- minimalistic;
- rustic.
When looking for an idea for a decorative, colorful floor with eye-catching patterns, you should turn to ceramic tiles - a wide selection allows you to lay out a ceramic rug in the interior, or give the space a palace or even oriental style.
Basic tips for selecting porcelain tiles
- When purchasing, you need to calculate the exact amount of material and buy the entire volume at once. This will help to avoid deviations of the slabs in color or shade, which is typical for products from different batches;
- You need to check the caliber of the tiles to make a beautiful and even surface;
- Since the material is popular, it is often counterfeited. You can verify the authenticity of the tiles by checking the weight. Porcelain tiles are heavier than regular ceramic tiles;
- On the back side of the tile there is a special convex mesh with 2x2 cm cells. If these technical notches are larger or deeper, this indicates poor quality of the product.
In addition, do not forget to buy finishing material with a margin of 5-10% (depending on the installation method). This will minimize the risk that the material will run out and you will need to look for the required number of tiles at other commercial outlets. Also, tiles from different batches may differ significantly in shade.
Rules for installation and care
The process of laying porcelain stoneware products with an anti-slip effect is not particularly difficult. During the installation process, you can focus on the general instructions for installing tiles, that is, for all its types.
First you need to prepare the base. It should be perfectly smooth and dry. First you need to remove debris and dust from the surface.
At the next stage, you should select an adhesive composition for fixing and grout for the seams between the tiles. In this case, you should focus on the operating conditions of the material. Most often, for interior work, conventional options are used, characterized by increased adhesion.
As for the process, first apply glue to the base with a notched trowel. Then you need to attach the tile and press tightly. If such a need arises, the porcelain stoneware product can be adjusted using a rubber mallet.
Next, you need to let the glue dry for about two days. After this time, you can begin grouting the joints. Upon completion of all work, the floor covering is thoroughly washed. Using gentle movements, you need to remove any remaining building mixtures.
After installing porcelain tiles, special attention should be paid to their care. Problems rarely arise with this process, since the material is not fussy
Periodically, use a damp cloth to clean the surface from dirt and dust.
If stubborn stains appear over time, it is recommended to use special cleaners to remove them. A good option would be water diluted with powder or soap.
Features of the design solution
Porcelain tiles in a modern interior are not a simple tribute to fashion. It is reliable, durable, wear-resistant and will last a long time without losing its attractiveness or color intensity. Designers love this material and are happy to use it in various rooms.
White porcelain tiles are harmonious in any interior, combining with all shades. It is preferred in small rooms, as they visually expand the space. Also, light colors in combination with a competent lighting system can make the space lighter and airier. As decorative accents, you can use contrasting black porcelain tiles with opposite textures and textures. This technique is inexpensive, but effectively ennobles the space. For residential premises, beige porcelain tiles in different shades of intensity are often used.
If laminate flooring is installed in living rooms, or it is necessary to divide the space into functional zones, wood-look porcelain tiles are most often used. Manufacturers have developed products with imitation of different types of wood, which are no different from natural ones. Therefore, the tiles fit harmoniously and aesthetically into the interior design.
For terraces, verandas, loggias, balconies, and other open areas, brown porcelain stoneware, terracotta, gray with a structured surface are suitable. Regardless of the room and the specifics of its use, there is always a suitable porcelain stoneware.
