What is porcelain stoneware?
Discover the world of porcelain stoneware:
Everything you need to know about its pros and cons
Porcelain stoneware is a type of ceramic tile made from a mixture of
- volume
- feldspar
- quartz
and other mineral substances.
Porcelain stoneware products are known for their high quality, strength and resistance to wear, stains or chemicals.
In this article we will take a closer look at the production, properties, areas of application, advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware.
1. Production of porcelain stoneware
The production of porcelain stoneware takes place in several steps:
1.1 Mixture of Materials
First, the raw materials such as clay, feldspar and quartz are mixed and crushed to obtain a homogeneous mass.
Water is then added to this mass to achieve a plastic consistency.
1.2 Pressing and Molding
The wet mass is then pressed under high pressure to obtain the desired shape of the tile.
This technique makes it possible to produce tiles and terrace slabs of different shapes, sizes and thicknesses.
1.3 Drying
After pressing, the tiles are dried to remove excess water and increase strength.
1.4 Burn
In the last step, the tiles are fired at high temperatures to achieve their final strength and density.
Firing at temperatures of 1200 to 1400°C results in an extremely dense and durable tile.
2. Characteristics of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is characterized by a number of remarkable properties.
- Incredible strength for a fair price
- Above-average slip resistance
- Very good water repellency
- Very easy to clean
2.1 Hardness and Strength
Porcelain stoneware is very hard and resistant to abrasion and scratches.
The high strength makes it an ideal choice for high traffic areas.
Our finding: Porcelain stoneware usually achieves a scratch hardness of between 6-9. Forprocessing you need high-quality diamond tools, which we provide at low cost.
2.2 Slip resistance
Thanks to their non-slip surface, porcelain stoneware tiles are ideal for wet or slippery areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor areas.
2.3 Water intake
Porcelain stoneware has very low water absorption, which means that it is resistant to moisture and stains. This makes it a good choice for rooms with high humidity or water exposure.
2.4 Resistance to stains and chemicals
Porcelain stoneware is resistant to stains and harsh chemicals, which makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
3. Applications of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is versatile and suitable for various applications:
3.1 Interiors
Porcelain stoneware is a popular choice for living spaces such as living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.
It is hard wearing, easy to care for and available in a variety of designs and colors to suit individual style and taste.
Our tip: Porcelain stoneware must be properly processed in order to be laid indoors. We offer you high-quality and inexpensive cutting discs for porcelain stoneware for the Flex.
3.2 Outside Areas
Thanks to their resistance to atmospheric agents and slip resistance, porcelain stoneware tiles are ideal for terraces, balconies and garden paths.
3.3 Public and Commercial Spaces
Porcelain stoneware tiles or slabs are often used in public and commercial spaces such as restaurants, hotels, shopping centers and office buildings because they can withstand heavy use and offer a long service life.
3.4 Helpful advice & tools for processing porcelain stoneware
- cutting porcelain stoneware
- drilling porcelain stoneware
- Cut 2 cm porcelain stoneware terrace slabs
- Diamond drill for porcelain stoneware
- Cutting disc for porcelain stoneware
4. Overview of advantages and disadvantages
Advantages of porcelain stoneware |
|---|
| longevity |
| Porcelain stoneware is extremely durable and resistant to abrasion, scratches and stains. This means it will retain its beauty and function for many years to come. |
| ease of care |
| Resistance to stains and chemicals makes porcelain stoneware easy to care for and clean. It requires minimal maintenance to keep it in an attractive and clean condition. |
| Diverse design options |
| Porcelain stoneware is available in a wide range of colours, patterns and textures, which means it can be easily adapted to different styles and decorations. |
Disadvantages of porcelain stoneware |
|---|
| Price |
| Porcelain stoneware can be more expensive than other tile materials, especially when it comes to premium or custom designs. |
| installation and relocation |
| Porcelain stoneware can be more difficult to lay than other tile materials because it is heavier and harder. This can result in the installation requiring more time and expertise. |
5. Our opinion on porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is a high-quality, hard-wearing and versatile tile material that is suitable for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications.
It offers a number of advantages, such as durability, ease of maintenance and a wide range of design options, which make it an attractive choice for residential and commercial spaces.
However, the price and difficulty in laying can be considered disadvantages. Overall, porcelain stoneware is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable and stylish tile material.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles?
Porcelain stoneware is a type of ceramic tile characterized by its extremely high density and low water absorption. They are generally harder, more resistant to abrasion and stains, and last longer than traditional ceramic tiles.
2. Can porcelain stoneware be used outdoors?
Yes, porcelain stoneware is ideal for outdoor use because it is weather-resistant and non-slip. It is ideal for patios, balconies and garden paths. Outside, an additional impregnation can offer additional protection against the weather .
3. How do I clean porcelain stoneware tiles?
Porcelain stoneware is easy to care for and can be cleaned with a damp cloth or mop and a mild detergent. Specific cleaning products for porcelain stoneware can be used for stubborn stains. You can find a complete guide to cleaning tiles here .