Both one and the other material are a type of facing ceramics. Despite their similar composition, their production technology and some components are different. Due to this, there is a significant difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, despite some similarities. What's the difference?

Production Features

It all starts with the production of ceramics. It is based on the process of firing raw materials after molding them. Porcelain tiles and ceramic tile done like this:

1. The starting components are crushed and dosed, and a batch is prepared.
2. The facing material itself is formed. There are 3 types of molding: casting, pressing, extrusion.
3. The products are dried so that all moisture is removed from them.
4. At the end, the workpieces are fired at high temperatures. It is different for each material.

Depending on the material, a glaze may be applied to it before firing. Sometimes it is applied after firing, so the product is fired again. It’s not for nothing that you can find single or double fired products on the shelves.

The first difference between materials is composition. Ceramics require red and white clay, and porcelain tiles are made from illite and kaolin clay. Conventional ceramics have vapor-forming additives. Thanks to them, the mass of materials is less. But porcelain stoneware for walls or floors is very dense and weighty, since it does not contain such additives. For him, surfactants are more important in the composition. Thanks to them, internal friction in the charge is reduced. This makes it easier to compact while the tiles are being formed.

Important! Despite the name, porcelain stoneware is in no way related to natural granite. The name was first used by the Mirage company, which represents this product on our market. And it took root due to the high strength of the products and the special grainy pattern that the first products had.

Product molding

Porcelain tiles can be formed by dry and semi-dry pressing. In this case, the working pressure reaches 500 kg/cm2. Other types of ceramics are produced at a pressure of 400 kg/cm2. Such high pressure not only compacts the mixture in the process, but the constituent particles are deformed, destroyed and pressed into the mass, preventing the appearance of voids.

After drying, the material is fired. And even here there are differences. Ceramics are processed at temperatures from 950 to 1180 degrees. Porcelain stoneware comes in ovens at temperatures from 1250 to 1300 degrees. The temperature is increased gradually.

Comparison by characteristics

Ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles? What to choose? This question can be answered after comparing the characteristics of the materials. Due to the fact that the second one is formed when high blood pressure and fired at a higher temperature, it is much stronger. There are no pores in it. As for weight, for porcelain stoneware it ranges from 2500 to 2600 kg/m3, and for tile varieties it ranges from 1600 to 2000 kg/m3.

Due to its high density, porcelain stoneware perfectly withstands the effects of moisture. The tiles are also not bad and are not afraid of water. Its water absorption rate ranges from 3 to 10%. But ceramic granite has a figure of 0.5%. There are manufacturers who have made the material practically waterproof, with water absorption rates of 0.1% and even 0.05%. This is why it is recommended to use porcelain tiles for walls and floors in the bathroom and other wet areas.

A smaller number of pores improved frost resistance by half. This property is able to withstand cycles of freezing and defrosting without loss of characteristics. According to research, tiles have an index of F25–F125. This means that it can withstand 25–125 cycles without losing its properties. Its dense counterpart has frost resistance of F100–F300. Porcelain stoneware cladding can be done on any surface, whether inside or outside the home.

According to the MOOC scale, materials have the following surface density: ceramic tiles 4–6, ceramic granite 7–8. The degree of wear resistance for the first material is II–IV, for the second it is V.

Advantages and disadvantages of tiles

To answer the question: which is better, porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles, a comparison of materials based on their pros and cons will help. Tile has proven itself well as a facing material. It is reliable, not afraid of moisture and very practical. That's why it is so popular. There are several other benefits that can be noted:

1. Relatively light weight.
2. Durability.
3. High levels of moisture resistance.
4. Beautiful appearance.
5. Easy to care for.
6. Has an affordable price.
7. Huge range of products.
8. Ecological cleanliness.
9. Easy to install.
10. Fire properties.

As for the shortcomings, we note the fragility of the product. In addition, they can change color by fading in the sun.

Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware

The appearance of the product is no worse. It imitates natural stone, which is why it got its name. Installation of porcelain tiles is simple and can be done both inside and outside. The main advantages of the products are:

1. Improved service life.
2. Increased strength, wear resistance, impact resistance.
3. Resistance to temperature fluctuations.
4. Excellent moisture resistance.
5. Increased frost resistance.
6. Easy to install.
7. Beautiful appearance, imitating natural stone.
8. Ecological cleanliness.
9. Uniformity of color throughout the entire structure of the material.

How to distinguish porcelain tiles from ceramic tiles by eye? Knowing this information, this will not be difficult to do. They differ in appearance and weight. The structure of the first is much denser.

Scope of materials use

It is common that tiles are used for interior decoration kitchens, hallways and bathrooms. It is laid both on walls and on the floor. Porcelain tiles are heavier, stronger and more durable. This has made it a versatile material that can be used both externally and internally. Porcelain tiles are placed on walls, however, due to their weight and strength, they prefer to make floors from porcelain tiles. And walls that are not subject to heavy loads are treated with tiles.

Note! The tile can be matte or glossy. Glossy products are chosen for walls. They are easier to care for and visually expand the room. But the floor requires a matte anti-slip coating for safety reasons.

If we talk about creating designer kitchens and bathtubs, porcelain tiles cannot boast the same variety of colors and patterns as ceramic tiles. But the coating is durable, strong and reliable. Since the material is not afraid of temperature changes, porcelain stoneware is used for balconies, loggias, terraces, porches, and gazebos. Ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles for the floor? Definitely the second option. It has higher impact resistance and wear resistance, which means it will last longer.

Price

Everyone is used to the fact that the better and better quality material, the higher its cost. And this is logical. Ceramic tiles have a lower price due to their worse characteristics. It is not so wear-resistant, impact-resistant, durable and frost-resistant. However, it is not always necessary to use porcelain stoneware for interior decoration.

There is an option for combining materials. After all, for walls that are not subject to special loads, there is no need high strength material. As practice shows, ceramic tiles do an excellent job. The floor and exterior cladding are another matter. In this case, it is better not to undercut the price, so that after some time you will have to spend money on the purchase of facing material again.

The adhesive for porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles is also different. To hold dense porcelain stoneware slabs you need a higher quality composition made for this purpose. Accordingly, its cost will be an order of magnitude higher. You will have to pay 2-3 times more.

Laying process

How to lay porcelain tiles on the wall? In fact, the differences between installing ceramic tiles are minimal. There is one caveat: due to its greater strength and density, trimming the material is much more difficult. For this purpose, a special electric tile cutter is used.

The rest of the work is done like this:

1. Surface preparation. It should be smooth, clean and primed.
2. Preparation and application of glue. The composition is applied both to the wall and to the tile itself. This is done using a notched trowel.
3. The tile is glued to the surface. To create an even seam between all elements, crosses are used. Remains of glue are removed immediately so that they do not dry out.
4. If necessary, the material is trimmed. Especially in places where pipes or other elements pass. As stated above, you will need a tile cutter for this purpose.
5. Once the surface has been treated, all you have to do is wait for it to dry. The deadlines are indicated on the glue packaging.
6. The final stage of installation is jointing or sealing of seams. A special grout is used for these purposes. This will make the coating aesthetically attractive and practical.

That's all the work. As you can see, the process is almost identical to the installation of tiles. This means that even a beginner can cope with this task.

Conclusion

Although the materials are similar to each other, they differ significantly, as evidenced by a comparison of their characteristics. Porcelain tiles are denser, which means they are more durable, stronger, moisture-resistant, wear-resistant and frost-resistant. You will have to pay extra for such characteristics, however, quality is above all. To save money, the floor can be made of porcelain stoneware, and the walls can be made of ordinary ceramic tiles.

Types of tiles. What is the difference between ceramic tiles and tiles?

What is the difference between tiles and ceramic tiles? What types of tiles are there? This is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions, which site employees have to answer when choosing cladding material for finishing works. As practice shows, an ordinary buyer often experiences difficulties, and then he needs the help of specialists in this matter.

In fact, tile and ceramic tiles are not various types tiles Tile is one of many types of ceramic tiles, united by a common name. Porcelain tiles, tiles, cotto, clinker - all these are types of ceramic tiles, clarifying names for a large group of finishing materials. The word "ceramics" comes from the ancient Greek "keramos", which means "made of baked clay". All ceramic tiles, including tiles, are made from clay with some additives, such as feldspar, quartz sand and water.

Ceramic tile

This is the collective name for a whole group of finishing materials that differ in the method of making tiles. This term often refers to its various varieties.

So, let's list the types of tiles.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tiles (tiles, tiles) are the most common type of tile. Ceramic tiles are a mixture of clay, sand and minerals, fired and glazed. Glaze allows you to obtain products of any color, texture and texture, with a wide variety of patterns and ornaments, glossy or matte.

Ceramic granite

Porcelain tiles (porcelain) is a common name for ceramic materials with ultra-low water absorption and, as a result, high frost resistance. The raw materials for the production of tiles are similar in composition to the raw materials for the production of porcelain, but in appearance the products resemble stone. Ceramic granite is made by dry pressing and subjected to single firing - such tiles are pressed under more high pressure and burn at more high temperatures ah, than ceramic tiles. The results are sintered, vitrified products with the highest technical characteristics. They are included in the last - highest - group in terms of resistance to abrasion and aggressive environments.

Classic unglazed porcelain tiles have a granular, granular structure throughout the entire depth of the tile, like natural stone, but unlike it, it is free from such disadvantages as a tendency to cracks, the presence of foreign inclusions or cavities. In terms of resistance to temperature changes (especially freezing), porcelain stoneware is also superior to most types of natural stone, due to its greater density and uniformity.

The surface of unglazed porcelain stoneware is made unpolished, semi-polished, polished and embossed. (A polished product costs at least 30% more than the same unpolished product.) It is indispensable for rooms with intense human traffic (offices, supermarkets, airports) and can be used for cladding buildings.

Glazed porcelain granite also has high specifications, but more varied in design (with the help of glaze you can get different surface patterns).

Clinker tiles

Clinker is an unglazed or glazed single-fired tile with a compacted base. These types of tiles are produced by extrusion (pressing through a certain mold) or, sometimes, by pressing. Clinker is fired at very high temperatures, as a result of which it acquires high technical characteristics: wear resistance and frost resistance. In addition, clinker is not susceptible to aggressive chemical substances, does not absorb water and is easy to clean.

Extrusion allows you to produce products of complex geometric shapes. A striking example is pool tiles. Such collections include a standard set various elements structures: gutters, steps, corners, connecting elements, etc.

Cotto tile

Cotto - tiles brick color from red clay - produced by extrusion. Most often it is not glazed and has a variety of natural colors within the terracotta range (yellow, pink, red, brown shades). European architects love it very much for these warm colors and natural color. We can say that cotto carries the charm of antiquity (cotto is one of the oldest methods of making tiles), which is why it is often used in the interiors of museums and churches.

These types of tiles are mainly used for indoor flooring. After laying, the surface must be covered with protective compounds (hydrophobic agents and wax mastics), otherwise stains may appear on the porous unglazed surface of the cotto. When using cotto outside, certain requirements must be observed.

Cotto tile collections usually include a set additional elements: background tiles of various sizes and shapes, steps, handrails, storm drains, curbs, etc. The share of this product in the total mass of Italian tiles is less than 2%.

Ceramic products have been used for floor finishing for several millennia. But porcelain stoneware appeared relatively recently - a little over 40 years ago in one of the factories in Italy. The new product quickly conquered the market as flooring material and is still in great demand today.

Floor tiles: production technology and characteristics

Ceramic tiles (Greek: plinthos) or tiles (German: kachel) for the floor are thin rectangular or square plates (sometimes of a more complex shape) made of fired charge mass, including up to 20 components. The main components are:

Recipe and quality of raw materials according to various indicators (stability chemical composition, mineralogical purity, degree of grinding, etc.) determine the class of the finished tile and directly affect the final technical characteristics of the product.

Floor tiles are produced in several stages:

1. The resulting raw materials are tested and, based on the results, a loading flow chart or, more simply put, a size formulation is drawn up.
2. All components are fed into continuous wet grinding mills. The result is a homogeneous mass - slip.
3. The porridge-like semi-finished product passes through a whole system of vibrating sieves and filters and enters a special atomizing drum, where it is dried with hot air heated to +500 °C. The result is a powder that is the basis of the tile - a biscuit.
4. The dried slip is loaded into molding presses, from which future tiles come out in sizes specified by the program - from 5x5 cm to 120x120 cm.
5. The biscuits are sent to the dryer, where the temperature is maintained at about +100 °C.
6. Dried tiles go through the stages of grinding, drawing, glazing and firing at temperatures from +900 to +1100°C.
7. The final step is sorting and packaging.

As a rule, single firing technology is used - monocottura. Such tiles are characterized by high strength and low water absorption coefficient - less than 3% of the total volume when completely immersed in water. Secondly, exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, temperature changes, and partial frost resistance. And finally, thirdly, the thickness is decent for a decorative finishing coating - from 8 mm, which guarantees the product’s resistance to serious loads, cracking, etc.

Very rarely in production floor tiles Bicottura technology is used, that is, double firing. This process is more often used to produce wall products. In this case, the biscuit goes through several stages: the first baking after pressing, glazing, coloring, and then repeated heat treatment. The enamel is glossy, but not as resistant to various damaging factors as mono-firing products.

But there is another type of floor tile - unglazed. In our country it is practically not produced due to impracticality and fragility. The fact is that the pores of such a product are not protected from water, dirt (which literally eats into the surface), and abrasion. Therefore, it requires additional processing of the coating after installation.

To calculate the quality of a product, a whole system of EN standards is used, which determines the basic characteristics of the product. Including:

• Bending resistance;
• Surface hardness;
• Resistance to temperature changes;
• Chemical resistance;
• Frost resistance;
• Resistance to abrasive abrasion;
• Anti-slip coefficient and many others.

Russian standards (GOST 6787-2001 “Ceramic tiles for floors”, GOST 27180-2001 “Ceramic tiles. Test methods”, etc.) largely repeat the EN standards, but differ in a smaller set of parameters and a greater degree of tolerance.

All of the above criteria allow us to divide finished ceramic tiles into categories of use:

Thus, from the assortment of manufacturing plants, you can choose ceramic tiles, the advantages of which are:

1. Versatility - all products can be used indoors, but there are frost-resistant series designed for installation outdoors or in unheated buildings.
2. Variety of decors, colors, sizes and applications.
3. Ease of use.
4. Relatively light weight.
5. High level of chemical, water and wear resistance.
6. Durability.
7. Fire safety and hygiene.
8. Easy installation. At the same time, any types of adhesive mixtures are suitable for installation.
9. Prices for every budget.

Disadvantages of floor tiles:

• Cold surface.
• Low level of frost resistance - no more than 25 cycles.
• When purchasing, you need to check the batch number to ensure the size and shade match.
• The need for hydro-, heat- and noise insulation during installation.
• A large amount of waste during installation.

Porcelain tiles: features and properties

Surprisingly, modern porcelain tiles are the result of an error in the size mixing recipe. A little over 40 years ago, at one of the Italian factories they received new material with excellent strength characteristics, which was given the name Gres Porcellanato - “artificial ceramic porcelain”.

The composition and production process of porcelain tiles largely repeats the manufacturing technology of classic floor monocottura. For greater clarity, we will analyze each stage separately:

Preparation of raw materials

Almost all the same components are used. However, the difference between tiles and porcelain stoneware is that for the first, white, less often red, types of clay are used, and for the second, only white ones with a high content of oxides of various metals are used.

Recipe development

Tiles or porcelain tiles are produced by each plant according to its own technological maps, which for the broad masses are a sealed secret. However, it is known that salts of various metals, minerals from the silicate class, etc. are introduced into the composition of ceramic granite. This allows you to significantly improve many characteristics of the finished product, including resistance to bending, wear, resistance to temperature changes, etc.

Grinding, if necessary, coloring in the mass

The process of obtaining press powder for molding porcelain stoneware.

The difference between porcelain stoneware and tiles is that during the grinding and homogenization process in a drum mill, synthetic pigments are added to the slip. As a rule, the future press powder is stored in separate bins and painted in different shades to get new interesting tones when mixed.

Atomization

As in the case of floor tiles, the porridge-like mass is dried with air heated to +550 °C and the so-called press powder is obtained with a humidity of no more than 6%, with a granule size modulus of 1 mm.

Mixing press powders

This stage does not exist in the production of ceramic tiles. To obtain the shade intended by the designer, semi-finished products colored in the mass are mixed in various proportions.

Pressing and drying

The mixture is sent into molds, then the finished tiles of given sizes (from 5x5 cm to 3x1 m) undergo a drying cycle, as a result of which the moisture level of the products drops to almost 0%.

Decorating and glazing

If necessary, decor is applied to the surface of the tiles with special dyes, then covered with glaze (if you plan to produce glazed products).

Burning

Baking is carried out at a temperature of +1200 °C. So high level guarantees a minimum level of water absorption (up to 0.05%) and good frost resistance.

By the way, floor tiles differ from porcelain tiles in this regard, because Maximum temperature for her - +1100 °C.

Post-processing as needed

Rectification (edge ​​processing) and polishing (mirror-smooth surface) are carried out.

Sorting and packaging

The division of finished products into grades is carried out in the same way as when working with ceramic tiles - into grades 1, 2 and 3.

The characteristics of finished porcelain tiles are determined according to the same EN standards as floor tiles. These are load class, resistance to wear, bending, slipping and much more. Therefore, let's look at the pros and cons of ceramic granite.

№	Advantages	Flaws
1.	Versatility - absolutely all products are frost-resistant, so they can be used indoors and outdoors	Unglazed elements must be treated with protective agents
2.	The widest variety of formats, decors, shades, surface textures (glazed, matte, polished, satin, lappated)	When purchasing, you need to keep track of the batch number and tone so that both the size and color of the tiles match
3.	Ease of use of polished and glazed products	The cost is much higher than the prices of ceramic tiles
4.	Excellent resistance to wear, staining, fading, water, chemicals	Installation requires special adhesive mixtures (for heavy products)
5.	High strength and other characteristics	A considerable amount of waste during installation work
6.	Hygiene and fire safety	Decent weight
7.	Wide price range	Cold surface
8.	Durability

What's better

To answer this question, we will conduct comparative characteristics products.

CERAMIC GRANITE	FLOOR TILES
Differences
1. Production technology:
Firing temperature – up to +1200 °C	Baking at t ≥ +1100 °C
Pressing intensity – more than 30 tons	Pressing with a load of 20-25 tons
2. Characteristics
Bending strength – 600 kg/cm2	The maximum level of bending strength is 350 kg/cm2
Frost resistance - up to 120 cycles	Frost resistance – 25 cycles, individual series – up to 50
The level of water absorption when completely immersed in water for 24 hours is less than 0.05%	Water absorption coefficient – ​​3%, economy series – up to 6% (according to GOST RF ≥ 4.5%)
Hardness on the MOHS scale – 6-9 units	Surface hardness level – up to 5 units.
Resistance to temperature fluctuations - high	Resistance to temperature changes – low or medium
3. Dimensions
Length – up to 3 m Width – up to 1 m Thickness – up to 30 mm Average weight 1 pc. – about 6 kg	Length – up to 1.2 m Width – up to 1.2 m Thickness – up to 18 mm Average weight – about 2 kg
4. Laying features
A special series of tile adhesives is required - for heavy products	Any adhesive compositions are suitable
5. Applications
Indoor and outdoor use Residential, commercial and urban construction	Indoor installation Residential, commercial, public and industrial buildings
Similarities
Basic composition
Resistant to wear, sunlight, chemicals and water

So which one better tiles choose for the floor?! Ceramics are suitable for budget renovation in a home, office or hotel; they are preferred by various educational, social welfare and healthcare institutions. Porcelain stoneware is a more expensive, but very wear-resistant and durable finishing material that can be laid both inside and outside the building.

Advice! If you need repairmen, there is a very convenient service for selecting them. Just submit in the form below detailed description work that needs to be done and you will receive offers with prices from construction teams and companies by email. You can see reviews about each of them and photographs with examples of work. It's FREE and there's no obligation.

We are going to lay tiles in the hallway and kitchen. Now there is laminate flooring in a terrible state. The question is, what are the main differences between tiles and porcelain stoneware? Sellers recommend putting granite in the hallway.

Mango C.

When choosing a finishing material for flooring, many are confused as to whether ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware is better. After all, both materials are very similar in their main components and performance characteristics. To make an informed choice, you need to understand the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Correctly assess traffic and resistance to abrasive (for an apartment this is not very important, as people move there mainly in house shoes).

Comparing manufacturing technologies

If ceramic tiles are rightfully considered “long-lived” among traditional types of finishing materials, then porcelain stoneware is a fairly young material that appeared on the construction market only about forty years ago.

Porcelain tiles on the kitchen floor

Ceramic tiles are created from clay different varieties(mostly white and red) with the addition of synthetic or natural binders. When producing the material, manufacturers use several methods:

• Monocottura – pressing in special molds followed by single firing at temperatures above 1000°C. The tiles obtained in this way are famous for their high wear resistance and are intended for wall decoration, as well as as flooring.

Monocottura

• Bicottura - pressing followed by double firing: the first - to form the base, the second - to fix the coating applied on top of the design. Ready-made tiles are great for tiling interior walls premises.

Bicottura

Comparing both methods of producing ceramic tiles, it is worth noting that monocotturas, due to the use of a more powerful press and baking at a high temperature at the outlet, acquire exceptional hardness. And the enamel fixed to the surface forms a solid and durable coating with the base.

Porcelain tiles or Gres are unenamelled ceramic tiles created from powdered light grades of clay, supplemented with fine-grained quartz sand and crushed feldspar. Manufacturers use metal oxides as coloring pigments, which give the baked mass a rich hue.

The technology for producing porcelain stoneware is somewhat complicated. The material is created through pressing, single firing and additional mechanical processing. Modern equipment allows you to create a pressing pressure that reaches 500 kg/cm2.

Porcelain tiles with wood grain pattern

The firing temperature is 1200-1300°C, at which restructuring and completion of chemical reactions occur. As a result, the resulting material is a non-porous monolith, which can be used for finishing any type of surface, both indoors closed type, and in open areas.

Analysis of qualitative characteristics

Production technology determines and quality characteristics both materials.
Double fired ceramic tiles have minimal thickness and low strength. Due to the porosity of the material, it is highly hygroscopic, which significantly limits the possibilities of its use when finishing walls in rooms with high humidity.

Monocottura tiles are distinguished by their large weight and thickness, which, in turn, contributes to increased impact resistance. The material is heat resistant and waterproof.

Production of ceramic tiles

But polished ceramic tiles are unacceptable as flooring in rooms where an anti-slip surface is required (floors in the bathroom or kitchen, porch steps). Even a small drop of water can create an “ice skating rink” effect, which can cause injury to the owners and residents of the house.

In the production of porcelain tiles, due to exposure to high temperatures, the components simply fuse. Due to this, the material acquires a number of properties, the main ones of which are:

• Resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress. Porcelain tiles can easily withstand loads of up to half a ton.
• Low moisture absorption. The dense structure of the material is capable of absorbing only 0.05% moisture, which makes it possible to use it for finishing rooms with high humidity.
• Resistant to temperature changes. Porcelain stoneware perfectly withstands temperature changes from -50°C to +50°C without losing its performance qualities.
• Resistant to chemicals. He's not afraid detergents based on acids and alkalis.

Attention! Porcelain tiles have a uniform shade throughout the entire thickness of the material, while tiles have a colored coating only in the enamel layer applied to the surface.

Thanks to this, even accidentally created chips and deep scratches on porcelain stoneware slabs will be barely noticeable to a casual passerby.

Production of porcelain stoneware

If we consider the aesthetic side of the issue, then porcelain tiles, outwardly resembling natural stone, looks no worse than ceramic tiles. It can be polished or matte, embossed and glazed.

At the same time, ceramic tiles are distinguished by a wide variety of patterns and colors, which its “opponent” cannot boast of.

How to choose the right porcelain tiles: video

Porcelain tiles: photo

Various facing materials have much in common. But meanwhile, each of them has its own area of ​​application.

Popular material

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of products intended for cladding buildings for various purposes. Porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles are especially popular.

Ceramic tiles are often called tiles. In construction stores today you can see this material in various shades and textures. Therefore, designers often use ceramic tiles to decorate buildings.

Porcelain tiles are also particularly popular. Some people believe that there is no difference between it and ceramic tiles, but this is not true. Although the technical characteristics and components of these materials are almost identical. But how to do it right choice? What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? It is necessary to know all the nuances of the use and properties of the finishing materials in question in order to make the right choice.

What is the difference?

Ceramic tiles are most often used for tiling surfaces in rooms with high humidity, for example, in the bathroom or kitchen. The tiles are not afraid of water and are quite easy to care for. The main components for making ceramic tiles: sand, clay, and other minerals. The fossils are pressed and fired in a special oven.

Porcelain tiles are made from the same components.

Red or white clay is the main material for making facing materials. It is subsequently fired in a kiln. Compared to tiles, porcelain stoneware contains more kaolin and fewer impurities.

Tile is often used for wall cladding, because it is a fairly fragile material. But for flooring, porcelain stoneware is preferable, because it is characterized by less porosity, and therefore a high strength index.

To understand the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each material.

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles have proven themselves to be excellent. This is a reliable material for cladding walls and floors in rooms with high traffic and high humidity. All dirt can be quickly and easily removed. Therefore, many people use this material when constructing a porch, kitchen apron and even public toilets. can be used to finish the floor in the hallway. Ceramic tiles are an ideal facing material that will help create a unique and attractive interior in any room.

Main advantages:

• Light weight.
• Long service life.
• High moisture resistance.
• Easy to care for.
• Reasonable price.
• A variety of colors and textures of the material.

The disadvantage of tile is its fragility. This material can also change its color over time; tiles are prone to fading.

Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is a facing tile made under high pressure and press. This material exactly imitates the surface of natural stone.

Clay, mineral pigments, spar, and quartz sand are used for production. They are thoroughly mixed in a certain proportion, then sent under a press with further firing of the ingredients.

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? The main difference is the low porosity of the surface. Thanks to this, the material becomes impact-resistant and highly durable. Sometimes manufacturers coat the surface with glaze and polish it.

The main advantages of porcelain stoneware include:

• Long service life.
• High strength, impact resistance.
• Resistant to temperature changes.
• Wear resistance.
• Color uniformity.
• Similarity to natural stone.

Where is the best place to use ceramic tiles?

Glazed and glossy does not have high strength. Over time, due to mechanical damage, tiles lose their attractive appearance. In addition, when abraded, the surface becomes slippery. Therefore, it is better not to use the material as flooring for the kitchen and bathroom. For these purposes, it is better to give preference to matte products. Such tiles are not afraid of impacts and do not lose their attractiveness over time.

How does porcelain stoneware differ from First of all, in that this material is most often used for wall cladding. It can be mounted both on regular walls and on drywall. Secondly, tiles are characterized by a wide variety of textures and colors. Pigment for coloring is often added to the enamel composition. Thanks to this, you can create a unique interior of your home.

The disadvantages of this material should also be taken into account. There are several of them. First of all - a lot of weight. This material is quite difficult to process; its cost is much higher than tiles. Designers often cannot realize all their fantasies, because the decorative solutions of the material are limited.

Where is porcelain tile used?

What is the first used for the floor? After all, it is ideal for finishing both interior and exterior spaces. It is actively used as a floor covering for terraces, gazebos, balconies, and loggias. The use of such material will help radically change the appearance of any room.

Thanks to its properties, porcelain stoneware flooring is very comfortable in summer period. After all, he is always cool. Its thermal conductivity characteristics are such that it is pleasant to walk on it barefoot in the heat.

Which tile is better - ceramic or porcelain stoneware as a floor covering? Of course, the second option. After all, porcelain stoneware is not afraid of mechanical damage and various impacts. Thanks to its wear resistance and impact resistance, it can be used in the kitchen and bathroom. After all, unforeseen situations most often occur in such rooms.

This material is resistant to high humidity, various contaminants are easily removed from its surface.

Many people, before making their first renovation in their life, ask the question: “Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles - what’s the difference”? The main difference is high strength. That is why porcelain stoneware is most often used as flooring, but tiles are used for wall cladding.

Comparison of facing materials by characteristics

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware? Of course, physical properties. Porcelain tiles are characterized by a low rate of water absorption due to minimal porosity. Therefore, it can often be seen on the market, and accordingly, lining external surfaces with this material is possible. But tiles are often sold only in construction stores, and can only be used indoors.

Porcelain tiles have a denser texture. Therefore, it can be used in areas of intense mechanical impact. By breaking off a small piece of tile, you can see the color of the original product under the glaze layer. But if you break off a piece of porcelain stoneware, you will not be able to see the same picture. After all, the top layer is identical to the internal contents. Thanks to this, porcelain tiles can be installed in places where people often walk. The material will remain as good as new for a long time, without changing its shape, color or texture.

Price issue

When entering a hardware store, every buyer will immediately notice the difference in cost. Tile is characterized by a lower price. And this is not surprising. After all, by choosing a more durable, high-quality and wear-resistant material, the buyer will pay the appropriate amount.

For example, installing ceramic tile flooring in public areas is not a profitable investment. After all, in a short time the surface will lose its original appearance. There will be a need to make repairs again and spend money.

Choosing flooring For country house, it is better to give preference to a more durable material. How to distinguish porcelain tiles from ceramic tiles externally? First of all - this minimum set color solutions, its restrained colors. It perfectly imitates the surface of natural stone.

Conclusion

As you can see, there is a difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. It would seem that they are identical building materials, which are made from almost the same components. But no. Remember that each type finishing material has its own purpose, which is determined by its advantages and disadvantages. Be careful and good luck with your repair!