Porcelain stoneware: properties, advantages and uses
Interior trends show that natural materials are returning to the home and garden. This also applies to Natural stone, which besides warmth and cosiness offers many other advantages. This line includes porcelain stoneware, also known as porcelain tile.
What is porcelain stoneware and how is it made?
Porcelain stoneware is a type of tile made of pressed clay with natural minerals.
It is made by pressing compact, low-porosity clay and firing it for long enough at a very high temperature, around 1,200 °C.
During firing, the molecules of the quartz sand begin to vitrify. They fill the cavities in the clay and make it even tougher, denser and highly water-resistant.
A tile counts as porcelain stoneware if its water absorption is below 0.5%.
Porcelain stoneware differs from a classic tile at the surface, while the cross-section is exactly the same. You can choose between textured, polished, rough or grainy surfaces in a wide variety of looks.
Benefits of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware came onto the market in the 1980s and, thanks to its excellent properties, is still one of the most popular floor and wall coverings today.
Its popularity is no accident: it combines longevity, resistance and good looks and is excellent for indoors and outdoors.
A key advantage is its exceptional durability. As it withstands mechanical stress and weather, the tiles keep their look and function for years.
Because it is moisture-resistant and copes with temperature changes, it is ideal for heavily used rooms such as hallways, bathrooms and kitchens, and also for terraces, balconies and courtyards.
Then there are countless design options. Porcelain stoneware comes in many colours, finishes and formats, creating elegant, functional and pleasant spaces.
In recent years the trend has been mainly towards stone and wood looks, giving you a refined effect with all the advantages of ceramics.
Its practicality also makes porcelain stoneware so popular.
Because of its low water absorption, it is ideal for wet rooms such as bathrooms and kitchens. It is also resistant to chemicals and cleaning products, so it is easy to care for.
The tiles come in various finishes with very good slip resistance, for greater safety even in wet areas.
Imitations of natural materials are also becoming ever more popular. After all, a real wooden floor or wall in a bathroom is unsuitable, because the wood would be in constant contact with water and moisture.
Today the imitation can hardly be told apart from the natural material. Its advantages: greater durability and a lower price.
Uses of porcelain stoneware
Thanks to its advantages, porcelain stoneware is suitable for Floor and wall coverings, terraces, balconies, Stairs, washbasin and Kitchen worktops.
It is often used in busy public areas such as hotels, shopping centres and offices. It is also found in laboratories and hospitals, because it is completely hygienic and resistant to chemicals. Because of its hardness and wear resistance, it is also suitable for warehouses, workshops and production halls.
Porcelain stoneware is also very popular on facades. Its variety allows many architectural ideas and gives the facade a modern, refined look.
In the past, the main focus with porcelain stoneware was resilience. Today many people choose it because of the wide choice.
Porcelain stoneware comes in many colours, formats and finishes. If you are looking for a material that combines beauty and function, porcelain stoneware is the right choice for your home. Marnit stonemasons is the right place for it.