Sizes of porcelain stoneware: choices

Porcelain stoneware is a fashionable and stylish material that never ceases to amaze designers with the possibilities of interior decoration. The sizes of tiles and sheets vary from several tens of centimeters to a meter or more; for modern interiors, both the most dense and standard samples of this material, and ultrathin sheets used for total cladding are offered.

Porcelain stoneware is called a reliable finishing material, the plates of which are outwardly similar to tiles, but have an increased coefficient of strength.

The elite material for interior decoration received this name because the basis in the manufacturing process is based on nothing other than natural granite chips. Then the crumb is mixed in a wet state and carefully pressed, covering the plates with a special composition. In this case, craftsmen use a complex technology known since the time of obtaining porcelain - firing after two or more processing to the flattest state.

Initially, chemists, manufacturers of tiles from a small town in Italy, called their brainchild - "gres porcelanatto", emphasizing in the second word that the porcelain stoneware composition reminds them of solid "porcelanatto" - porcelain.

The experiments of Italian craftsmen were caused by the need to create a unique material with extraordinary characteristics and rare reliability, in order to further improve the art of decoration and decoration.

Porcelain stoneware has been developed to withstand harsh environments such as chemicals and natural physical irritants. This composition is resistant to pressure drops and temperature fluctuations, moreover, it can be repeatedly frozen and thawed.

The first samples of porcelain stoneware tiles were produced in small - with sides of 5x10 cm, but gradually the assortment has expanded significantly. Today on the market such sizes of tiles as 30x30 and 40x40, 30x60 are constantly present and in demand. They are mainly used to decorate walls and work areas in bathrooms, corridors and kitchens.

Recently, floor coverings are often made from elongated slabs - 15 x 60 and 20 x 60 cm, imitating parquet from various types of wood. The greater the load on the floor, the smaller the tiles are used for finishing.

Large-format samples that came to the interior from industrial systems - 1200 x 300 and 1200 x 600 mm are also offered to the attention of buyers. Initially, they were used to decorate facades with ventilation gaps during the construction of houses.

For small kitchens and bathrooms, an increase in the linear dimensions of the plates means a visual expansion of the space. This factor is taken into account by designers in modern projects for small-sized housing.

The most modern sheet finishing material is produced in especially large sizes - up to 3000 x 1000 mm... This allows you to completely cover the bar rack with one sheet, the shower area in the bathroom, and in the dining room and kitchen a sink, an apron and any furniture or countertop. Facing with such a laminate has revolutionized the field of renovation and decoration.

Obvious can be considered the fact that the thickest porcelain stoneware is the most durable. However, not all thick tiles are suitable for living spaces. It is necessary to correct the sufficient strength and density of the material when facing. Moreover, the cost often depends on the thickness of the sheet.

Standard industrial varieties show excellent long-term performance in homes and apartments.

The thickness of sheets or slabs of porcelain stoneware can be different - from 3-5 mm to the densest, reaching 30 mm in section. Usually, material from 10-11 mm is placed on the floor.

If the thickness of the porcelain stoneware slabs is at least 18-20 mm, the use of the material gives excellent results, including in the external environment, for roofing and terraces, while porcelain stoneware can be laid on the ground and grass, stones and other surfaces.

Initially, dense porcelain stoneware was produced by manufacturers for use in industrial facilities - they were used to cover floors in technical rooms. Despite the presence of many excellent properties, the material was slightly aesthetically inferior to beautiful tiles.

Then the situation quickly began to change with the advent of quality equipment and new technologies. The European construction market has offered to use curlite - the thinnest facing material based on porcelain stoneware.

Not so long ago, a granite cladding developed about 8 years ago in European countries, consisting of a material with a thickness of 3 to 6 mm, became available to consumers in Russia. It was presented to consumers by the Russian company "Vinkon"... It is an official manufacturer of sheets up to 20 mm thick.

Granite tiles are produced in the form of linear and complex geometric shapes, with varying degrees of surface roughness. Drawings are applied to it and textures are used, the dimensions of the sheet are changed upward and the thickness is reduced.

The work of decorating rooms with stone and similar finishing compounds requires a serious investment of time and effort.

Therefore, in order to save money, thin porcelain stoneware is often used, which can be put on top of the old layer without removing it.

In order to obtain a compact composition, a new technology was invented, similar to that used in metal rolling. A dry mixture in the form of a powder from crumbs is pressed into sheets under a huge pressure of 15-20 thousand tons, then fired in a furnace. The pressure removes all air from the powder. The finished sheets are absolutely flat, ideally cover any surface, bend and cut right on the spot with an ordinary glass cutter... The steps can be finished in a comfortable, seamless manner.

The weight of a square meter of thin porcelain stoneware does not exceed 14 kg, and the standard sheet sizes are 333x300, as well as 150x100 or 150x50 cm. The weight of a sheet with dimensions of 3 by 1 m, respectively, will be 21 kg. Ultra-thin porcelain stoneware can be supplemented with fiberglass to enhance the interaction with the adhesive and perfect adhesion to the surface.

As for the operational characteristics of the composition, they are no different from those inherent in denser porcelain stoneware. Thin material is capable of providing reliable protection against moisture in the interior, does not crack or burn, retains an attractive appearance for a long time... For facing window sills, doors and partitions in houses, a plastic sheet of reduced thickness is perfect.

Unexpectedly for builders, he replaced such porcelain stoneware and other materials, for example, when decorating walls, plaster unstable to moisture and spectacular plastic prone to rapid fading. Therefore, the production of thin porcelain stoneware sheets has been established in many countries of Europe and the world, the scope of application of modern samples is expanding.

In Moscow, several metro stations are decorated with porcelain stoneware sheets. Stylish material covers columns and walls as well as ceilings in tunnels.

The cladding requires vacuum equipment, quick adhesion to the surface and special skills in work, since the material bends easily.

The assortment of offered tiles is so wide that it is easy for a buyer to get confused when choosing a suitable variety. The market abounds in all types of decorative tiles and trendy porcelain stoneware. To understand what material is needed in a particular case, it is important to take into account its characteristic properties.

The difference between porcelain stoneware and ordinary tiles is, first of all, in strength and ability to withstand truly enormous loads. The hardness of porcelain stoneware is compared to quartz and other crystal structures.

For this reason, builders are advised to purchase plates from porcelain stoneware to cover the floor.

In addition, matte material with any relief does not wear out or crack, even after prolonged use. Standard thickness porcelain stoneware lasts for decades without needing to be replaced.

Both materials - both tiles and porcelain stoneware, appeared as finishing coatings more than a hundred years ago, having established themselves as durable materials that do not absorb moisture. But external facades and walls, on which snow falls in large quantities and on which streams of water flow down, must be protected from destruction... Therefore, the conclusion is obvious - again, porcelain stoneware will be used.

Ordinary tiles with a granite composition cannot be compared in terms of their ability to withstand temperature extremes, frost and extreme heat.

The only advantage of decorative tiles is the variety of applied patterns and a wide color palette. Gloss, relief and complexity of texture, intricate patterns and unusual colors are among the strengths taken into account when choosing colorful tiles. If we talk about the comparative cost, then it depends on the quality of a particular type of product.

In addition, the tile weighs significantly less, which reduces the load on the floors. For comparison, thick porcelain stoneware has a specific gravity of over 2,400 kg / m3. The specific gravity of a specific sample is calculated as the product of density and volume. Volume, in turn, is the product of three parameters - thickness, length and width of the plate.

Porcelain stoneware is divided into the following types:

• Technical... A material with a rough surface at a low cost. It receives minimal processing, almost no sanding, but it is absolutely resistant to any aggressive media. It serves well in workshops and warehouses, in places where the work process is constantly taking place and people are actively moving.
• Matt... The composition is processed with a coarse-grain grinding wheel. Such material also does not have a high price, while meeting the requirements of a solid residential building or apartment. The decorated room can be shown to guests, such a coating looks great.

• Having a certain structure... This type of porcelain stoneware should not be less than 10 mm in density, otherwise the relief recesses will lead to a thinning of the tile layer. Often the structured look is painted in complex colors for wood and leather, fabric and metal, adorned with gold leaf and etched patterns.It is in high demand among consumers due to its not too high price with an impressive variety of samples.

• Polished and glazed... These are the most elite types, which outwardly immediately give the impression of luxury and chic. The only drawback of polishing is that it cannot be used on open surfaces of pools and terraces, or subject to constant exposure to moisture, although the material is the most expensive in terms of cost. Glazed porcelain stoneware is the brightest and most colorful of all. During firing, additional coloring chemicals are introduced, which give the plates different shades and an aesthetic pattern.

The overall dimensions are determined with the help of instruments, and how even the surface of the tile can be checked by folding one plate from two different packages with the front surface to each other. There should be no gaps and wobbles, and the perimeter should completely match... In this case, you can purchase material to decorate your home. The main thing is to choose quality material. If all conditions are met, a difference of 5 mm in thickness will not be an obstacle.

Experts believe that porcelain stoneware is a material that clearly demonstrates that there is an optimal ratio of price and quality, and its durability is another additional plus. Therefore, from all points of view, it is advisable to choose this material for the decoration of walls and facades, floors and other surfaces in interiors.

Finishing the floor in the living room with brown porcelain stoneware under parquet. Large-format slabs, completely imitate wood. The sofa, walls and curtains are designed in soft pink tones, harmoniously combined with the color of the floor.

Cladding of walls and floors of large format with slabs of thin porcelain stoneware. The square long table is covered with the same material. The sheets are light, polished, with a characteristic marbled pattern.

Kitchen in black and white, finished with granite tiles and mosaics. Mirrored floor made of square slabs in asphalt colors with white lines, working area made of ceramic fine mosaic in the same tone. The furniture is black and white, made of durable plastic, with silver metal legs. The design is complemented by a chandelier with a semicircular red lampshade, red appliances on the table and a picture on the wall in white-orange-red tones.

Staircase cladding with brown and red porcelain stoneware. The walls and floor are covered with large sheets of light, thicker material.

Modern bathroom with large format porcelain stoneware. The drawing on the sheets is gray-white, marbled. Slanting lines-strokes on the surface of the material serve as a visual dominant and complement the rectangular proportions of the bath, table and mirror. The matte surface is unusually combined with transparent glass that separates the shower stall from the rest of the room.

For information on how to choose porcelain stoneware tiles, see the next video.