Porcelain stoneware for walls: pros and cons

Porcelain stoneware is a multifunctional material that is currently used for interior and exterior wall decoration. It is firmly entrenched in our construction market due to its advantages over conventional ceramic tiles..

Peculiarities

Today, porcelain stoneware is quite often found on the walls of buildings and in the interior decoration of premises. In its appearance, porcelain stoneware is similar to ordinary tiles, but differs in a clearly marked structure of the stone. This material can be granite with various colors and shades or marble with characteristic veins..

Surfaces finished with marble look rich and solid, and in the natural environment this stone is brittle: traces of the impact of other, harder objects remain on it. The very process of mining and processing such a stone is very time consuming and complicated. For this purpose, a special method of making porcelain stoneware was created. Thanks to this, the material has acquired excellent quality and excellent performance..

The process of granitization itself is practically no different from the method of making ordinary ceramic tiles. When making the material, a certain amount of granite chips is added to the red clay, which gives the product a structure similar to natural stone.

The proportion of added granite and clay can be different, which actually leads to an increase or decrease in the price of the finished product. After the first firing, a solid monolithic slab is obtained, similar to stone, but with the strength of ceramics. This ratio is the main link in the process of obtaining quality material..

Ceramics are fired at a temperature of 900 degrees, while granite is only a binding and decorative component. With a large amount of added granite, the finished material turns out to be much more beautiful, but its technical characteristics are reduced.

After the first firing, glaze is applied to the ceramic granite tiles and again subjected to heat treatment. At 1100-1400 degrees, the top surface melts and then turns into glass. In the process of this technology, a smooth tile is obtained, which in appearance resembles natural granite..

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This cladding material has many exceptional qualities and can be used for exterior wall decoration and inside buildings. It is porcelain stoneware that is a priority for many builders and customers when carrying out finishing work. You can easily get confused in its variety, and the appearance of the tiles when choosing is determined not only by the size and color scheme..

Depending on different methods of heat treatment and various forms, it is divided into the following types:

Matt – This is the most common and relatively inexpensive type of porcelain stoneware. Used for facade decoration. During the manufacturing process, it is not subject to special processing, and after firing its appearance does not change. Porcelain stoneware does not contain any auxiliary ingredients, and its surface, unlike others, does not shine and does not have smoothness. Thanks to these factors, it has the most affordable cost. But at the same time, it has a number of advantages: high wear resistance and frost resistance, does not undergo deformation at different air temperatures and all kinds of mechanical damage..

It has found wide application in the construction industry, perfect for decorating train stations, car dealerships, garages, warehouses, shopping centers. It harmonizes well with any wall material, which gives great opportunities for design design.

Polished finish. After firing, this material is specially treated with abrasive agents, from which a shiny surface appears. But such a tile is contraindicated for use in flooring due to the high coefficient of sliding. At the same time, it has a lower hardness, and scratches appear on it much faster than on ordinary porcelain stoneware. Suitable for wall decoration, because such a tile is a flawless modification that enhances the eye-catching appearance and imitates the structure of marble or natural granite.

Semi-polished porcelain stoneware. It is cut and polished from finished matt porcelain stoneware. After such processing, the tile acquires a kind of embossed surface. Combines perfectly with other types of surfaces. This variety has found its application exclusively for wall decoration and looks peculiar and pretty, although its price is an order of magnitude higher than matte.

Satin or glazed porcelain stoneware a matte surface with a slight soft gloss is inherent. It is obtained by grinding finished porcelain stoneware with mineral salts. This process takes place before firing. A distinctive feature of this option is high resistance to dirt and a slightly aged look, which gives it a special charm..

Glazed or smoked porcelain stoneware. The process of making such a tile consists in the fact that the surface is covered with a special smalt glaze and only then is it subjected to heat treatment. Glaze improves technical characteristics, increases resistance to abrasion and dirt. Has a relatively small percentage of moisture absorption and can be used inside and outside buildings.

The tile is frost-resistant and can withstand atmospheric temperature differences. It is used exclusively as a wall covering, as it quickly loses its attractiveness on the floor. Has a magnificent aesthetic appearance, which gives endless possibilities when creating designer interiors.

Production of structured or textured type of porcelain stoneware possible with special molds. With the help of them it is possible to imitate natural stone, granite, wood and many other textured surfaces. The main advantage of this tile is its anti-slip properties. Also, the facing material has high strength, frost resistance and a long service life, has a much harder surface and a pronounced texture. These factors predetermine the high prices for this type of porcelain stoneware..

The mosaic version of porcelain stoneware is of two types: with a glossy sheen and a matte finish. Mosaic is the most expensive and difficult material to install. Installation of such a tile is very laborious, but its decorative appearance must be given its due..

Advantages and disadvantages

Large-format porcelain stoneware or porcelain stoneware slip tiles are a heavy and unique material, but, despite this, it is widely used for cladding walls and facades. Having a high density and natural appearance, such porcelain stoneware combines the analogy with other building materials of ecological class. The demand for this material is due to its striking similarity with natural elements: marble and polished sandstone. Strong color fastness gives the tiles an aesthetic and attractive appearance.

Many professionals have come to the conclusion that porcelain stoneware is a noble and worthy material that can and should be worked with, although it requires great skill when laying it. With a significant weight of tiles, wall decoration needs a careful approach when selecting and using the intended types of glue, preparing the base, securely fixing the tile until the glue dries and choosing tools for cutting and burr.

But considering all these nuances for wall cladding, porcelain stoneware suits much better than other materials, because it has a number of positive advantages:

Has great strength, so it is difficult to damage or break after installing on the wall.
After finishing the facade with this material, you get auxiliary sound and heat insulation..
The tile is perfectly adapted to various environmental influences: it is not afraid of water, heat, or temperature differences.
Resistant to all known acid and alkaline solvents.
Possesses high fire safety: does not burn and prevents the rampant fire element, as it has high fire-resistant characteristics.
Environmentally friendly product. All materials included in the structure of porcelain stoneware are of natural origin, because the technological process does not use chemical additives.
When wall cladding does not need additional cleaning and protection – the material is immediately usable.
The material does not need constant and special care: the tiles can simply be washed with water or detergent.

For all its positive qualities, porcelain stoneware also has negative sides:

with the existing high strength and withstanding high pressure on the surface individually, slip tiles are brittle: they easily break, prick and crack when dropped or hit hard;
fixing tiles to the wall is performed in three options, and each of them requires professionalism in this area of work;
porcelain stoneware is one of the most expensive finishing materials, and working with it requires great care and skill;
in case of damage, the material cannot be restored, only the replacement of cracked or broken tiles is required.

This material is suitable for both the hallway and living room, as well as for other rooms in the house. It can be laid out in the form of a panel or you can choose a seamless option..

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