What are the differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware?

Many buyers do not know at all what is the best choice for interior and exterior cladding of the floor and walls in their home. The most common question arises regarding the choice between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Since both materials have their own characteristics, differences, as well as advantages and disadvantages, it is very important to know about them before making a future purchase.

Ceramic tiles never go out of fashion, they appeared quite a long time ago, but at the same time they are becoming more and more in demand every year, regardless of the brand. The tile can be safely called one of the most relevant facing materials for all kinds of premises. It is bought both for private properties and for public institutions.

Basically, tiles are made from natural materials and components, which include: clay, sand, kaolin and some other substances. To create high-quality tiles, a mixture of natural raw materials is baked at a certain temperature, taking into account certain conditions. Additionally, ceramic tiles can be decorated with various patterns and designs. It can also be coated with enamel and special glaze.

Today, many domestic and foreign brands offer a lot of tile options for every taste, color and wallet of the buyer. Among the widest assortment, you can find glossy and matte options, as well as models in a variety of colors and with a variety of patterns.

Ceramic tiles in all their properties are designed for the gentle conditions of private houses and apartments, unlike, for example, porcelain stoneware. Nevertheless, many experts are sure that high quality tiles can compete with more stable and wear-resistant porcelain stoneware. This is ideal for home decoration, as the material is moisture resistant and durable.

When comparing tiles with porcelain stoneware, it should be understood that the latter is made from the same materials as ordinary tiles. However, in the composition of porcelain stoneware, you can find special granite chips, which partly makes this facing material more wear-resistant and resistant to external influences. But nevertheless, porcelain stoneware is considered denser due to a special baking technology. In order to obtain this building material, a higher baking temperature is required compared to ordinary tiles.

In this case, porcelain stoneware tiles are not simply fired, but baked under a very high temperature., as a result of which the components of its composition are practically soldered together. In addition, when creating the material, a lot of pressure is applied, as a result of which it turns out to be more moisture-proof at the outlet.

The main differences between porcelain stoneware and ordinary tiles, in addition to some of the nuances in their manufacture, include the following:

• Increased resistance to external factors, wear resistance and strength. Porcelain stoneware can withstand the most severe loads, it is suitable even for industrial areas.Various chips and damage with a very strong impact on this material will be minimal. Scratches on it do not appear at all for many years. With proper care, floors or walls made of this material can last for decades.
• Particular attention should be paid to water permeability. In this case, ordinary tiles do not have such a strong resistance to water. Although, in general, its characteristics are quite suitable for home use.

• As for the thermal properties, they mostly relate to porcelain stoneware. This material can easily be called frost-resistant and fire-resistant by all criteria. In the event of an accidental fire, this material will be able to keep the flame from spreading. And the fact that he is not afraid of sudden temperature changes is a big bonus.
• Over time, low-quality tiles or tiles can change their appearance, while porcelain stoneware looks like new. In addition, the material does not require specialized care, the main thing is that it is regular.

• Porcelain stoneware is not afraid of the effects of chemical and any aggressive cleaning agents and substances. He has great resistance. Even if acid or alkali gets on the material, it will remain intact and unharmed.
• Even if the porcelain stoneware is installed in a place where the sun is constantly shining, it will not fade or lose its properties. Many buyers purchase it for installation in their summer gazebos, because it is not at all afraid of various weather conditions.

In general, we can say that both tiles and porcelain stoneware have similar properties and characteristics. However, there are significant differences between them, as a result of which the tile is considered a weaker material, but quite suitable for choosing a private house, apartment or summer cottage. Any materials always differ from each other, the most important thing is to choose them correctly in a particular case.

According to many professionals in their field, the main difference between these materials lies not only in their technical characteristics, but also in the field of application, since each of them has its own pros, cons and unique properties. For standard wall cladding in the bathroom at home or in the kitchen, ordinary tiles are ideal, which will last for many years. The middle strength class of this type of material is exactly what you need, because the influence of climatic, temperature and other factors from the outside inside the house will be minimal.

Porcelain stoneware tiles are perfect for industrial areas and public institutions, and they are often chosen for saunas and baths. In addition, porcelain stoneware is suitable even for cladding the facades of buildings, because it is not afraid of even the most severe frosts. However, if you are going to purchase this type of material for outdoor installation, it is best to choose a reliable company that sells quality products.

Often, designers and decorators choose porcelain stoneware for cladding modern fireplaces, since this material is considered fireproof. Now, at high temperatures, you can no longer be afraid of cracks and chips. Even tiles of maximum strength and high class can hardly be compared with porcelain stoneware.

Many people wonder which of the materials is best to choose for the floor, since everything is clear with wall cladding. Ordinary tiles and tiles are perfect for a home one hundred percent, in addition, modern varieties of tiles are not susceptible to slipping and under many of them you can install a warm floor system. For the hallway, as well as for the corridor and those rooms where most often people wear shoes, it is best to choose porcelain stoneware or tiles of the highest quality as the flooring. If you want to lay out the steps of a private house with porcelain stoneware, it is better to use special overlays on top of them, which will save you from excessive slipping.

To create a backsplash or countertop, classic kitchen tiles are suitable.

A more profitable purchase, of course, will be ordinary tiles, since porcelain stoneware can cost many times more. Nevertheless, it is irrational to purchase tiles, for example, for the street, otherwise it will simply deteriorate and you will have to make a purchase again.

If you want to buy porcelain stoneware for your home, but the price is too high, then boldly look for tiles of the highest class of stability and durability. She, of course, will not replace porcelain stoneware for certain properties, but for home use it is just right.

You cannot name a specific period that this or that material will serve you.

Everything will depend on certain factors, which include:

• The room where the wall cladding or floor covering will be located.
• The conditions in which the material will be used.

• Frequency, intensity and nature of external influences.
• Frequency and quality of care.

If we compare the technical characteristics, then according to them, porcelain stoneware will be more durable. However, it is designed for additional loads and various harsh conditions, which, for example, cannot be said about tiles, which are time-tested, but ideal exclusively for the home. With regular processing and high-quality cleaning, even ordinary tiles can last the prescribed period and even several times more.

To be sure to make the right choice in favor of this or that material, a number of important factors should be taken into account, which include:

• The functional purpose of the room.
• Future load on the surface (often we are talking about floors, not walls).
• Temperature mode and possible drops.

• The possibility of receiving damage from the outside.
• It is also important to take into account the style of the room. Porcelain stoneware or tiles should match the design of a particular room as much as possible.

It is best to purchase tiles and tiles for a particular room of a medium or high class of resistance, especially if you want the material to serve you for many years. Preference in choosing should be given to trusted stores that have been selling floor and wall coverings for several years.

You should not replace porcelain stoneware with tiles when you need more serious characteristics from the material.otherwise you run the risk that the coverage will not last as long as you need it. In order to use the material as efficiently as possible, when choosing, it is important to take into account all the characteristics of the future room where the coating will be located and only then choose between several options.

What is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, experts tell in the following video.