Porcelain stoneware for the facade: what to consider when choosing?

Porcelain stoneware is one of the most demanded finishing materials, which is very popular today. This cladding can be considered universal, since it is used both for interior and exterior decoration of dwellings. Today we will grieve about what should be borne in mind when choosing porcelain stoneware for facade decoration.

Many of us have heard the name of this facing material at least once in our lives, but not every user knows what porcelain stoneware is. Let's answer this question. Porcelain stoneware is clay that has been diluted with special additives and has undergone a pressing process. Outwardly, this material is difficult to distinguish from real hard granite, but its cost is significantly lower.

Porcelain stoneware is made from quartz sand and clay. In addition, these ingredients are complemented by ingredients such as kaolins, feldspars, and mineral dyes. All these components are pressed under high pressure, and then fired at a temperature exceeding 1000 degrees.

Nowadays, the range of finishing materials is so rich that among such a huge selection, you can simply get lost in search of a suitable product. Most consumers are looking for the most reliable and durable coatings that have an attractive appearance for decorating their homes. These requirements are met by such a popular material as porcelain stoneware.

Porcelain stoneware appeared on store shelves relatively recently, but in a short time many buyers literally fell in love with this material. And everything is explained by the reliability and durability of ceramic granite. It is stronger than classic tiles, which makes it an indispensable solution in the design of facade bases.

The assortment of porcelain stoneware today pleases many buyers, as it is represented by many different variations. You can choose the best solution for the landscape and facade, made in any style and color.

Do not think that porcelain stoneware is presented only in single colors. Today in stores you can find more non-trivial options that combine several bright and bold colors at once, overheating with each other. Such coatings look especially juicy and bold when they are on the facades of large shopping or entertainment centers.

Similar cladding materials are available with different textures and dimensional parameters. You can choose suitable coatings for buildings of any size and layout.

Porcelain stoneware is ideal for cladding the facade of a building or a small private house. It looks organic not only on the walls, but also on the floor, giving the building a special chic and shine.

The relevance of such material is easily explained by the many positive qualities that are inherent in it.

• Solid appearance. Such details can bring even the most boring and monotonous façade to life, painted in neutral and gray tones.
• Such material boasts a large selection of decorative accessories. Porcelain stoneware can have beautiful prints, original images, bright patterns and even combinations of contrasting colors.
• Porcelain stoneware tiles can be replaced. The process of its installation is quite simple and accessible, therefore, when changing style or craving for change, such material can be easily dismantled and completely replaced with something new.

• Ceramic granite tiles are not afraid of negative environmental factors, which makes them an ideal material for placement on the facade of a building.
• With such a material, you can achieve good soundproofing characteristics of the premises.
• Porcelain stoneware is safe from a fire point of view.
• This cladding is distinguished by environmental safety. In the composition of porcelain stoneware there are no aggressive chemical components that are harmful to human health. Currently, not every finishing material can boast of such quality.
• High-quality granite tiles are not afraid of either dynamic or static loads. It is not so easy to break or damage such a material, which once again confirms its durability and wear resistance.
• Caring for porcelain stoneware does not require special knowledge from homeowners. In addition, you do not have to purchase expensive cleaning products, which are often difficult to find in regular stores.

• Such material does not cause allergic reactions.
• Porcelain stoneware is distinguished by its maintainability.
• Such cladding will serve for many years and will not cause any problems during its operation.
• Such material can be laid on facade bases at any time of the year. You do not have to wait long for the right moment to start installation work.
• You can install facade porcelain stoneware with your own hands, without involving a team of specialists.
• This material has a relatively low cost. So, today the price for ceramic granite is less than for fiber cement or composite raw materials.

This coating has a lot of advantages, which is why today it occupies a leading position in the market of finishing materials.

But do not think that porcelain stoneware is an ideal material that does not have a single flaw.

Of course, like any other cladding, ceramic granite has its drawbacks.

• Porcelain stoneware has an impressive weight. That is why it must be installed only on a reliable and sturdy frame.
• Due to the large weight, it is difficult to work with such material, and the methods of its transportation lead to considerable expenses.
• Unfortunately, today not all manufacturers adhere to the correct technology for the manufacture of porcelain stoneware. For this reason, there are quite a few defective parts on store shelves, the quality of which is far from the norm.

Porcelain stoneware is a reliable and strong material with excellent performance characteristics.

• It is distinguished by remarkable indicators of moisture resistance. Its water absorption is only 0.05. This is a real record for this indicator.
• Ceramic granite is characterized by high frost resistance. It can withstand up to 100 complete freeze and thaw cycles. These indicators are explained by the fact that there are very few pores in porcelain stoneware and they are very small in size.
• This cladding is characterized by high strength. On the Moss scale, porcelain stoneware has a hardness of 7-8, which is close to a record. According to this characteristic, such material "overtakes" only sapphire, ruby ​​and diamond.It is very difficult to scratch or damage porcelain stoneware. Even abrasive particles do not leave any marks on it.

• Porcelain stoneware is also characterized by excellent wear resistance characteristics.

Today there are several classes of this facing material, each of which is designed for certain conditions.

• Class 2 material can be installed in any space where people move around in different shoes.
• Grade 3 is best laid in rooms such as a kitchen or hallway, where the load level is slightly higher.
• Class 4 is used for laying on floors in public areas with medium traffic. It can be not only a small office, but also a cafe or shop.
• High-strength porcelain stoneware belongs to the 5th class, which has no special restrictions. It can be installed even in open spaces with maximum traffic.

• The distinctive characteristic of facade porcelain stoneware can be attributed to the level of its slipperiness, ranging from R10 and more.
• In terms of hygiene level, facade porcelain stoneware does not know any competitors. Bacteria do not grow on it, mold does not form, dirt does not accumulate.
• Porcelain stoneware is a material that does not conduct current, since all its components are dielectrics.
• The thermal conductivity coefficient of porcelain stoneware is less than that of natural granite.
• Porcelain stoneware has a beautiful shine that lasts for many years. But as for the texture, it can be anything.

Today, the range of porcelain stoneware tiles is more rich than ever. Let's take a closer look at the most popular and effective options for such a cladding that are in great demand.

Mosaic porcelain stoneware tiles are produced by a special water-jet treatment. The cutting itself is carried out with a carbide saw.

Mosaic details consist of small tesserae, assembled into a single beautiful composition. After that, these parts are attached to a special grid-base, with the help of which they are installed on the facades much easier.

Buildings made in pompous and pretentious directions should have appropriate facades. Porcelain stoneware with a unique shine of gilding fits this description. As a rule, such veneers have a perfect polish, brought to a perfect shine.

Metallized porcelain stoneware is the ideal material for all sorts of design experiments. For example, today tiles with imitation of rust, abrasions, and noble platinum are considered very fashionable and original. Such materials look interesting not only in public buildings, but also in garages.

Currently, porcelain stoneware made under natural wood or masonry is recognized as a real design trend. Such facade materials look unusual and stylish. At first glance, it can be very difficult to distinguish them from real wood or stone. But it is enough to touch this material, and the "illusion" disappears.

Today in stores you can find beautiful and high-quality porcelain stoneware with various dimensional parameters.

The length and width of porcelain stoneware tiles can be:

• 300x300;
• 600x300;
• 600x600;
• 1200x295;
• 1200x600.

Facade porcelain stoneware is available in different colors - the choice of buyers is not limited by anything. Classic black tiles look very expensive and solid, and this applies to both matte and polished materials. These coverings are a real boon for contemporary style. Gray and brown colors of facade porcelain stoneware are no less impressive.

Pastel colors on porcelain stoneware look delicate and pleasant. These palettes are recommended for lovers of calm and neutral colors.

Bright and variegated colors are more suitable for the design of shopping and entertainment centers. In the case of residential private houses, such cladding should be treated with caution so as not to make your home ridiculous. It is possible to combine 2 or more different colors on one facade.

Let's get acquainted with some well-known manufacturers producing high-quality and beautiful porcelain stoneware for facade decoration:

• Estima. This is the name of the factory in Noginsk, which was the first in Russia to produce porcelain stoneware. Estima products are inexpensive, but of excellent quality. The tiles of this company are represented by the collections "Marmi", "Rainbow", "Standart", "Trend", "You Color".
• Fiorano - a well-known manufacturer from China, producing high-strength porcelain stoneware that is not afraid of dust, dirt and mechanical damage. The Fiorano assortment includes many tiles with different colors and textures.

• Kerlite. This Italian brand produces high quality porcelain stoneware with a thickness of only 3.5 mm. At the same time, other parameters of products can reach 3x1 m. Materials of classic shades prevail in the Kerlite assortment.
• "Ural Granite". This manufacturer offers a choice of buyers neutral color façade granite with polished and matte surfaces.

When choosing a facing material for outdoor use, you should pay attention to the following parameters:

• Porcelain stoneware tiles should be in perfect condition - no chips, cracks or discolored areas. Examine slabs carefully for hidden defects.
• Look to well-known brands as there are too many low-grade, unknown brands in stores that won't last long.
• It is necessary to correctly choose the color of porcelain stoneware. The main thing to avoid is oversaturation of variegated and daring colors. Such ensembles will only be annoying.
• Choose materials of the right size.
• Choose the appropriate material class wisely (they are all listed above).
• Don't look for too cheap facade porcelain tiles. Too low a price may indicate poor quality material.

Before you go shopping for facade porcelain stoneware, you should draw up the correct estimate in order to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Installation of a porcelain stoneware facade is not difficult. Everyone can master the technology of its installation. First you need to make supporting systems, which include mounting brackets, as well as guides. They are made of galvanized steel. You need to leave special holes to adjust the position of such a base.

When installing the brackets, you must maintain a gap of at least 10 cm from the corner of the building, as well as window and door openings.

Next, thermal insulation is installed. After that, they proceed to the installation of the plates themselves for decorating the walls of the house. All components must be secured firmly and securely.

To carry out such work, you will need:

• electric drill;
• puncher;
• fasteners;
• rivet setting device;
• building level.

Porcelain stoneware imitating wood or rusty metal looks spectacular in tandem with wooden surfaces. This cladding should be applied to angular private houses made in high-tech or industrial style. It is advisable to supplement such a structure with large panoramic windows.

Light porcelain stoneware looks harmonious in combination with black edging of window openings. Such facades look inconspicuous, but solid and aesthetically pleasing.

Facade porcelain stoneware can be made in several shades of the same color. For example, these can be green, blue or red palettes. Of course, such materials look bold and bright, but they are more often chosen for shopping centers, water parks and other buildings, and they can have non-standard, for example, rounded shapes.

Facades of buildings look harmonious, in which there are beige or cream tiles and ceramic granite in a soft brown / brick shade. Such buildings look especially fresh and solid if they have a gray roof and are surrounded by gray street lamps.

In the next video, you will see the installation of a ventilated facade on the Newton subsystem with cladding with porcelain stoneware slabs.