Estima porcelain tile: material features

The Estima Production Association was formed as a result of the merger of the Noginsk Combine of Building Materials and the Samara Ceramic Plant, and is the largest Russian producer of ceramic granite. The share of the company's products is more than 30% of the total amount of material produced in Russia, and reaches 14 million square meters. m per year. Plates are produced on high-tech modern Italian equipment, they are of high quality and good competitiveness in the European market of building and finishing materials.

Porcelain stoneware was invented at the end of the 20th century and made a splash. Before its appearance, ceramic tiles were used for interior decoration, which had a large number of disadvantages and had limitations for use in some aggressive environments. With the advent of porcelain stoneware, the problem of finishing rooms with high humidity and high temperature amplitude was solved. This was achieved thanks to the composition of the material, which includes quartz sand, clay, kaolin and various technological additives. The technology for the production of porcelain stoneware consists in pressing and subsequent firing of raw materials, as a result of which the finished product practically does not contain pores.

Porcelain stoneware has high frost-resistant properties and minimal water absorption, it is resistant to chemicals and abrasion. The matte surface has a high hardness index (7 on the Mohs scale) and has increased flexural strength. Thanks to the use of special dyes, porcelain stoneware perfectly imitates the texture and pattern of natural granite, but at the same time it does not radiate cold and can be used in residential premises.

Porcelain stoneware is a popular finishing material and is in high demand.

Its demand is due to the following advantages:

• high wear resistance, hardness, mechanical strength and long service life of porcelain stoneware are due to the peculiarities of the structure and manufacturing technology. The plates are impact-resistant and can be used in production facilities and workshops;
• the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, as well as resistance to sudden thermal changes, allows the material to be used in saunas and unheated rooms. Cracking and deformation of the plates is excluded;

• resistance to chemicals makes it possible to use the material in the decoration of residential and industrial premises without restriction;
• high moisture resistance of the material is due to the lack of a porous structure and the inability to absorb and retain moisture. This allows the use of porcelain stoneware in baths, swimming pools and bathrooms;

• an attractive appearance is achieved due to the complete visual similarity with natural granite, which makes the scope of its application very wide. Products do not fade and do not lose their original shape throughout their entire service life. The wear resistance of the patterns is due to the fact that the formation of texture and color occurs completely over the entire thickness of the slab, and not only along the front surface. The material perfectly imitates natural stone and wood, which allows it to be used in any interiors;

• competent pricing allows you to purchase material at a comfortable cost, which makes porcelain stoneware slabs even more popular and purchased. The cost per square meter of a slab measuring 30x30 cm starts at 300 rubles. The most expensive models cost about 2 thousand per square meter;
• a wide assortment with a wide variety of shades and textures makes it possible to purchase material for a room of any color, style and purpose.

Porcelain stoneware slabs are widespread and are used for external and internal work in all types of buildings and structures. As a floor covering, the material is used in shopping and entertainment centers with high pedestrian traffic, in medical institutions, industrial enterprises and public buildings. Due to its strength and durability, porcelain stoneware is used for finishing metro stations, large offices and train stations.

A wide variety of colors and textures make it possible to use the material for finishing the facades of buildings and walls inside the premises. Porcelain stoneware can be found in kitchens, living rooms, halls, dining rooms, balconies and verandas. Stylish design and a wide range of colors contribute to the implementation of the most daring design solutions. The material is environmentally friendly and can be used in child care facilities and public places. Porcelain stoneware is often used as a decorative underfloor heating system.

Porcelain stoneware tiles are available in sizes 300x300, 400x400, 600x600, 300x600 and 1200x600 mm. When choosing plates, it should be borne in mind that during the firing of raw materials during the manufacturing process, a slight deformation of the workpiece occurs, which leads to a decrease in the finished product. On average, the declared size may differ from the actual one by 5 mm. For example, a standard 600x600 mm slab actually has a side length of 592 to 606 mm.

This moment must be taken into account when calculating the required amount of material. To facilitate calculations and installation of the coating, products that are as close as possible to each other in size are packed in one package and calibrated. This is done in order to exclude the presence in one pack of slabs that vary greatly in size. The caliber is indicated on the packaging and varies from 0 to 7. The zero caliber is placed on packs with plates ranging in size from 592.5 to 594.1 mm, and the seventh - on products with side lengths from 604.4 to 606 mm. The thickness of the slabs is 12 mm. This allows them to withstand a load of 400 kg.

Estima porcelain stoneware is available in two versions, which are represented by a large number of collections.

First look - matt unpolished material, uniform throughout its thickness and produced in a huge variety of textures. Rough non-slip surface guarantees safe operation and excludes injuries when using slabs as flooring and finishing of steps.

A striking representative of this type is the popular collection Estima Standard... The slabs have an unpolished and semi-polished surface and are used for finishing floors with high pedestrian traffic and facades. The products are decorated with drawings, patterns and ornaments with multi-color and monochromatic design. Plates are used to decorate train stations, airports and shopping centers. The material has a low cost and is in great demand.

Very unusual models are presented in the collection Estima Antika... The tile successfully imitates natural stone. The surface is artificially aged and worn. The material is available in matte and glossy versions and is used for interior decoration. The color scheme is presented in yellow, peach and sand shades, as well as white.

The collection "Rainbow" is represented by polished models that are diamond ground and have a glossy shiny surface.The tile imitates mosaic, marble, onyx and parquet flooring and is excellent as a floor covering in public areas.

Thanks to a wide range of models, there is a choice of porcelain stoneware tiles of any style. Suitable for traditional interiors "Hard Rock Scuro", in country style - "Bugnot" and "Padova", models will fit well into retro "Monterrey Arancio" and "Montalcino Cotto", and for hi-tech, stylish "Tiburtone" and "Giaietto"... A line of models has been created for minimalism "Newport", and tiles with imitation of wood fibers will successfully flow into rustic and Scandinavian interiors "Natural".

Estima porcelain tile has many positive reviews. Especially valuable is the opinion of professional tilers, who highly appreciate the quality of the material. The advantages include high strength and wear resistance of products, as well as a long service life and resistance to aggressive environmental influences. A variety of textures and a wide range of colors are noted. Attention is drawn to the low cost and availability of the material.

Among the disadvantages are the discrepancy between the dimensions, as well as the difficulties arising from this during installation. But this point probably arises among consumers who have not taken into account the calibration of the plates and have bought products of different sizes.

For information on the advantages of Estima porcelain stoneware, see the next video.