Porcelain stoneware: types and properties

The modern building materials market has recently been replenished with a new type of tile - porcelain stoneware. Initially, it was supposed to be used only for technical purposes as a floor covering with heavy loads. However, thanks to the development of technology, today porcelain stoneware has firmly taken its place among the facing materials between natural stone and ceramics.

Porcelain stoneware is of artificial origin, which does not prevent it from surpassing natural stone such as granite or marble in some technical characteristics.

The difference with ceramic tiles is also obvious. Tile is fired clay covered with a layer of enamel, while porcelain stoneware is the product of the most powerful high-temperature pressing of a mixture of koaline clay, feldspar, quartz sand and other components. The production of porcelain stoneware is carried out at temperatures up to 1300 degrees. The powder mixture melts, and then is pressed to such an extent that ultimately the material acquires a monolithic structure without microcracks and pores. In addition, color is immediately added to the mixture, which makes it possible to obtain a uniform color throughout the structure of the material.

Porcelain stoneware also differs from clinker. Clinker tiles are produced by extrusion or wet molding from refractory clays.

The popularity of porcelain stoneware provides a number of its positive qualities. It is durable, strong, not subject to abrasion and mechanical damage in the form of scratches and dents. In addition, porcelain stoneware products have a high degree of moisture resistance, are not subject to destruction at temperature extremes.

The weight of porcelain stoneware is an indicator used to calculate construction costs. The weight depends on the purpose of the facing material. So, wall tiles will be lighter than floor tiles, so you need to take this into account when buying glue.

The specific gravity is 2400 kg per 1 m3. When determining the values ​​for 1 m2, they are based on the size of the tile and its thickness. For example, with a thickness of 12 mm and a size of 300x300, the weight will be about 24kg.

Most often, the density of porcelain stoneware reaches 1400 kg / m3. Tiles of different sizes differ slightly from each other. The high density provides excellent performance, but the weight is heavy.

This indicator determines the service life of the product.According to the European standard EN 154 and GOST, porcelain stoneware products are required to undergo strength tests using special roller equipment before being sold. There are 5 main classes from PEI 1 to PEI 5.

This property of porcelain stoneware tiles depends on several factors: porosity, composition and degree of crystallization. Due to its low thermal conductivity, the material is used for cladding facades and interior walls of residential buildings. This high-tech flooring has proven itself well as a floor covering, especially when installing underfloor heating systems.

Nominal dimensions are: length from 200 to 1200 mm, width from 300 to 1200 mm, thickness not less than 7 mm (according to GOST). Popular sizes of porcelain stoneware among consumers are 30x30, 40x40 and 60x60 cm. The thickness of this finishing material varies from 7 to 30 mm. The degree of abrasion of the coating depends on it.

Today, manufacturers offer a wide range of products in various formats. The size of porcelain stoneware slabs depends on the purpose and parameters of the room. So, large-format porcelain stoneware with dimensions of 90x90 and 120x120 cm and more is used for large areas, is convenient for laying, and allows to reduce the number of joint seams.

Thanks to the latest innovative solutions, a thin porcelain stoneware sheet material - curlite - has been developed, which, in large sizes, has a small thickness of 3 to 5 mm. Due to its flexibility and strength, the range of applications for this material is very wide. Walls, doors, bar counters, columns, furniture and any other surfaces of various shapes are faced with it.

The production of porcelain stoneware products is based on obtaining a special mushy mass - this is slip, which of the following components:

• koaline clay imparts refractory properties and bonding ability;
• illite clays are necessary for flexibility and bending strength;
• quartz sand adds hardness;
• feldspar imparts high resistance to chemicals.

Subsequently, a powder mixture is obtained from the slip, into which mineral additives and dyes are introduced.

This is an index characterizing the degree of moisture resistance of materials. Since the structure of porcelain stoneware is monolithic, it has the lowest rate from 0.01 to 0.05%. For comparison: ceramic tiles have 1% and marble 0.11%.

The advantages of porcelain stoneware include:

• resistance to drugs based on acids and alkalis;
• high impact and bending strength;
• frost resistance;
• resistance to sudden temperature changes;
• durability;
• fire safety;
• environmental friendliness;
• light resistance, does not fade or fade;
• uniformity of color and pattern throughout the depth;
• the possibility of obtaining products with an anti-slip surface.

Disadvantages:

• fragility during transportation;
• difficulties arising in the processing, cutting and drilling of porcelain stoneware;
• significant weight;
• high cost, especially compared to ceramics.

Porcelain stoneware can be classified according to several criteria.

According to the production method, the following types of porcelain stoneware differ:

• Technical Is a simple and cheap option. It is characterized by high strength and low abrasion, but unsightly design. It is used for finishing technical and utility rooms that do not require sophisticated design.
• Homogeneous the material is dyed evenly throughout the volume and is the standard for production using conventional technology.
• Glazed or smoked porcelain stoneware is a material obtained using a standard technology, followed by firing the glaze applied on top.

When smulting, double pressing is used, when vitreous enamel is pressed onto a previously obtained base. In all cases, such a top layer has a low abrasion resistance, therefore, with intensive use, it loses its decorative effect. However, the service life is longer than that of ceramic tiles. Experts do not recommend laying such products in public places.

Double backfill is a method that fundamentally differs from glazed in that in this case the top layer with a thickness of 3 mm and more has the same characteristics as the tile itself.

In the production of porcelain stoneware, double pressing is also used, in which the required dye is added to the second layer. Both layers have all the technical properties of porcelain stoneware (including the coefficient of wear resistance), therefore, such slabs are used in rooms with high traffic. The use of this method is also advisable for obtaining richly bright and rare colors.

To give the products frost resistance at the production stage, special additives are added to the mixture, due to which the plates have increased strength and wear resistance.

Matte tiles are not subjected to additional processing after pressing. This material is highly durable. Unpolished porcelain stoneware is difficult to spoil, scratch, hit.

Due to the rough surface, such coatings are liked to be used in garages and auto repair shops, car washes, warehouses and other technical premises. The only drawback noted by consumers is the formation of stains on such porcelain stoneware due to the absence of an upper protective layer.

Polished porcelain stoneware is obtained by abrasive treatment of the surface of a matte product. The glossy finish looks great as a finish in high-profile institutions. Remember that polishing makes the floor slippery. Over time, the specularity wears off, and the product becomes dull again. Since microcracks can form during the polishing process, after removing the top layer, the moisture resistance and strength of the material decrease. Experts recommend rubbing such plates with special wax.

Polished or satin the material belongs to decorative, since it has an unusual velvet-matte surface. To obtain it during production, mineral salts are added to the top layer. The decorative coating will not withstand heavy loads and intensive use, so it is better to use it for finishing residential premises.

Structured porcelain stoneware has a relief structure, therefore it is a non-slip material. Such slabs are able to imitate wood, brick, marble, leather, fabric. The production methods differ only in the processing of the top decorative layer. Having a clear originality of aesthetic merits, these products have good technological characteristics inherent in porcelain stoneware.

There is also a high-tech lappated porcelain stoneware. The Italians developed a lapped surface treatment technology. The canvas is sanded in such a way that it acquires a combined texture: half matte, half polished. The process takes less time than polishing and ends at the moment when the tile takes on the appearance of unfinished grinding. Since a small amount of material is cut off during processing, lapped porcelain stoneware loses slightly wear resistance.It can be used to design common areas.

Rectified porcelain stoneware looks no less interesting. As a rule, when leaving the oven, the slabs have geometric micro-imperfections. Rectification is trimming the edges using laser cutting machines or a thin jet of water and abrasive. The result is porcelain stoneware that can be laid with virtually no seams. Of course, this increases the aesthetic perception of the coating.

Experts do not recommend using seamless material in rooms with sharp temperature changes and in places with underfloor heating, since the absence of seams causes damage to the plates.

Anti slip porcelain stoneware can be made in any of the above ways. As a rule, non-slip coatings include products with a matte, structured or lapped surface.

Porcelain stoneware is used for finishing the following surfaces:

• For the floor. Floor slabs are popular in public spaces. These include schools, hospitals, hotels, libraries, museums, shopping, entertainment centers and offices.
• For walls. The latest technologies allow you to decorate walls of any design using porcelain stoneware.
• Facade slabs - the most demanded materials. They are perfect for ventilated facades.

Wall and floor decoration is usually selected for a specific interior. Modern finishing materials allow you to implement any design ideas.

• Panel from porcelain stoneware on the floor can replace the carpet. This coating not only looks amazing, but is also comfortable, practical and durable. The panel will give the interior a unique style and originality
• Mosaic characterized by high strength due to the small size of the tiles. In addition, the diminutiveness gives scope for creativity. With the help of such elements, you can create drawings, ornaments and interesting patterns.
• Corner, multifaceted, dividing friezes and bricks also look impressive in many interior styles.

Porcelain stoneware is in great demand and is used in many areas related to renovation and finishing work.

Most often, porcelain stoneware products are used for outdoor decoration. The main quality of this material in this case is frost resistance, moisture resistance and resistance to temperature extremes.

Porcelain stoneware can be used for:

• Cladding of houses and facades;
• finishing of open terraces, paths and stairs;
• outdoor pool cladding.

For interior decoration of private houses, porcelain stoneware is often used as a floor or wall covering. Due to its technical characteristics, this material is practically indispensable for flooring in public places with maximum traffic. Subways, hotels, train stations, airports, hotels and trade halls, as a rule, are finished with ceramic granite slabs.

Wall panels have become widespread thanks to the advent of large-format porcelain stoneware. Designers use it to design high-profile institutions: banks, reception rooms, exhibition halls.

Porcelain stoneware is perfect for restoration finishing work. Due to its resistance to water and chemicals, it is used in car washes and workshops, chemical laboratories and garages. For this, a regular matte material is often used without additional decorative finishing.

In the apartment, porcelain stoneware also finds a place for itself:

• The floor in the hallway, finished with artificial stone, transforms the corridor and makes it presentable. For rooms that are entered in street shoes, the best option would be tiles with a high abrasion coefficient (4 and 5 classes).An important factor is the corrugated surface, as it will prevent visitors from slipping in wet or snowy weather.
• Any size living room flooring will look sophisticated. The main thing is to correctly choose the color scheme, pattern and texture.
• Even in the bedroom, you can use porcelain stoneware, for example, satin. Its velvety, soft and warm texture allows you to walk barefoot on the floor.

• For walls and floors in a bathroom or shower, structured or lapped porcelain stoneware slabs are perfect. It is important here that the surface is non-slip and maximally moisture resistant.
• The sink and bathtub can also be finished with artificial stone. It should be remembered that in this case, it will constantly be in contact with shampoos, creams, washing powder, bleach and other household chemicals, so it is better to opt for plates with a high degree of resistance to chemicals with a structure with a small number of pores. At the junction of walls and floors, it is better to install porcelain stoneware or ceramic skirting boards.
• A balcony, a loggia or a window sill in an apartment can be wonderfully decorated with the help of porcelain stoneware products.
• For the kitchen floor, porcelain stoneware is the best choice, since it is not exposed to mechanical stress, for example, scratches from table legs or chairs. Bending resistance allows it to withstand heavy cabinets. Impact resistance will protect the floor from the fall of any heavy objects (from a saucepan to a heavy chair). Frequent cleaning and washing will not erase the pattern.
• Recently, cases of artificial stone decoration of countertops have become more frequent, which increases its durability. The kitchen is characterized by tiling the area near the hobs. In this way, fire safety and thermal protection of the space is ensured.

Porcelain stoneware products are diverse not only in texture and shape, but also in color, which allows you to create original compositions when decorating floors, walls and facades. According to the pattern and color, the following types are distinguished.

This option is a uniform color with black and white blotches evenly distributed throughout the structure. This is the cheapest option for staining porcelain stoneware, since it is simple to perform. The colors can be light beige or gray, which is in demand for public spaces: cafes, canteens and offices, as it looks aesthetically pleasing and unpretentious. Choosing a dark shade, polishing the surface, and adding a patterned border can create a more elegant option for halls and living rooms.

It is a solid color with minimal graininess. When dyeing at the production stage, dyes with metal salts, for example, cobalt or zirconium, are added to the mixture. Monocolor is obtained by the homogeneous, glazed or double-fill method. It is divided into two types.

• Achromatic colors presented in shades of white, gray and black. Also included in this category are silver, graphite and milky shades.
• Chromatic shades - all other colors. Rare bright shades such as green, blue, red, yellow or orange are obtained using the double-bed method. Since this method involves double pressing, the technical characteristics of porcelain stoneware are not affected.

This is the most complex color imitating the color of natural stones:

• Marble look is a classic solution. Porcelain stoneware accurately reproduces the richness of colors, overflows, veins and inclusions of natural stone. To add depth and color saturation, the surface is lapped or polished.
• Under the granite.
• Under the shell rock.

Such porcelain stoneware differs from other types in complex patterns and various textures from imitation of leather and fabric to wood.In this case, the focus is on tactile and visual sensations, therefore, the color is usually monotonous, dim, muted pastel colors: blue, pink, beige, coffee.

When choosing a color, it is necessary to take into account the tone, gloss and its uniformity.

Experts warn: dazzling white tiles are tiring. For a comfortable perception, the whiteness index should not exceed 72%. It is worth noting that porcelain stoneware is never perfectly white, since no dye is able to completely rid the mixture of the shade of the raw material - koaline clay. The lightest are ivory or baked milk.

Designers use such slabs as flooring.to visually enlarge the room. At the same time, it is advised not to combine it with patterned walls in dark tones, since spatial perception will be distorted. White can combine and separate other shades. It is versatile. The white color scheme is especially popular when decorating interiors in the techno and loft style.

The gray color of porcelain stoneware belongs to the white and black range. This is a neutral color that does not add emotional saturation, does not create individual images, but it is irreplaceable as a background. It is used for any interiors.

This is an aggressive color, which, when in excess, can suppress psychologically. It looks in combination with any shades. Combines most advantageously with white, gray and bright colors. Pastel and calm tones in the frame of the black color scheme look faded.

Since the charcoal color visually reduces the space, this should be taken into account when creating an interior. The blackness highlights and brings out any dirt, dust, stains and fingerprints, so using it in the kitchen entails frequent cleaning. Polished black kermogranite looks more chic than matte, which is why the latter option is often used to decorate reception rooms and ceremonial halls.

This color has a lot of shades. Each manufacturer has its own range of brown. As a rule, it coincides with the shades of wood, since wood-like porcelain stoneware is one of the most popular options.

Recently, the color of wenge has come into fashion. However, designers advise not to overload the room with dark tones, as they visually narrow the room. It is better to use them for zoning an area or highlighting interior details.

The chocolate shade goes well with neutral and warm tones: cream, golden, pink, blue.

These colors are inherently included in the shade range of the previous color. But due to their extraordinary popularity, they stand out from the general palette. They are neutral and appropriate in any combination. Such paints are especially in demand for the decoration of office premises and other public spaces.

This is a rare color obtained by adding an expensive inorganic dye to the mixture, which increases its cost. All shades of blue are cool, allowing you to visually expand the boundaries.

Blue does not attract attention, and this quality allows it to be used in work areas. More saturated tones: turquoise or sapphire are independent, therefore they are able to accentuate the areas they have decorated.

It is a warm, sunny and cheerful color. It illuminates the interior and is used quite often.

Designers divide it into 3 categories:

• Light yellow - comfortable, pacifying.
• Bright yellow (like lemon). Tires a lot, so it is recommended to combine it with other shades.
• Sunny, golden and orange are joyful tones that also require a combined approach.

This color is very active and aggressive.However, its effect depends on the shade. The exquisite burgundy color looks chic and self-sufficient.

A bright red should definitely be combined with a less aggressive shade. The bright and bold red color scheme is suitable for art deco or avant-garde interiors. It is practical as it hides stains and dust.

A wide range of porcelain stoneware products allows designers to develop truly unique interiors.

• So, floor decor in the form of a mosaic or oriental ornament will become a real work of art, emphasize the sophistication of the interior and become an original design element.
• Carpet-like patterns on the floor (with modern and antique patterns) will make the room look beautiful, picturesque and solemn.
• Embossed porcelain stoneware with imitation of brick, concrete or stone will give naturalness to the interior, bring natural motives.
• Satin matte material will create a feeling of softness and velvety, comfort and warmth. Tactile sensitivity is an important factor in interior design.
• Porcelain stoneware with the texture of polished marble can add shine and luxury to the room. A hall or living room with such a flooring will benefit significantly.

When choosing porcelain stoneware tiles, one should pay attention not only to its technical properties, but also to the general concept of interior style.

The ultra-modern high-tech style is at its core minimalism and solidity. It is characterized by the laws of geometry and pragmatism. The style is suitable for those who do not accept the oversaturation of the interior with unnecessary items, being a supporter of brevity and mobility. Since the design involves the use of high-tech materials and structures, the cost price characterizes it as one of the expensive styles that are not available to everyone.

The hi-tech color scheme is monochrome, there is no riot of shades in it. As a rule, strict and classic colors (black, white and gray) are used. As an accent, designers use various neon shades: green, blue or purple.

It is better to choose porcelain stoneware for interior decoration "under the metal" or "under the stone". The most suitable option is floor and wall panels without relief. For example, for the floor, designers advise using slabs with a matte surface. Firstly, they are anti-slip, and secondly, they are more resistant to mechanical damage, so they can be laid in the entrance areas, as well as in rooms with high traffic: in the kitchen, corridor, office.

Large monolithic surfaces are relevant for this style., therefore, on large areas, you can use sheet porcelain stoneware. This method allows you to reduce the cost of repairs, because the grout for the joints will be needed in a smaller volume.

The design includes transparent or chrome-plated furniture elements, various illumination, including the use of spot and linear lamps. In this regard, do not be afraid of the dull gray scale. Well-chosen metal parts, lamps and glass will create a subtle geometric play of light and shadow.

Designers warn that nothing should distract the eye from the material and shape, therefore, in this case, porcelain stoneware without patterns and patterns is used. The best solution for walls would be rectangular or square slabs, polished to a mirror finish. As a rule, they are monochromatic, but as an alternative they offer a two-tone version or mosaic masonry with a metallic tint.

This is a modern trend in interior design, implying an imitation of industrial spaces.

The following materials are usually used as a background:

• brick, which is the basis of the loft style and its invariable attribute;
• concrete is a wonderful neutral background for any decision;
• metal in the form of steel sheets, aged copper, bronze or brass elements;
• plaster also allows the background to "not interfere" with the embodiment of other design ideas;
• stone is also suitable (the most popular are quartzite, sandstone or chaotic natural stone masonry).

Structured porcelain stoneware will successfully replace all of these options.

The wood surfaces are designed to soften the austere character of the loft style. However, it is not always possible to use wood due to the nature of the premises, for example, in rooms with high humidity. In this case, wooden slabs can be replaced with porcelain stoneware products with a finely worked out texture of old wood.

Porcelain stoneware will allow the room to preserve its original appearance for many years, and a wide range of offered colors, textures and sizes make it possible to achieve excellent results in interior design, giving it at the same time brutality, cleanliness and comfort. The color scheme is usually gray-white-black. Also characteristic are the colors of old bricks, light beige tonoas.

Since the main criterion for style is the presence of a large open space, designers often use large-format porcelain stoneware slabs. Matte, slightly worn surfaces are often used.

Creating a rustic French interior requires the use of muted pastel colors. It is characterized by natural shades and natural materials.

In this case, designers recommend the following colors for finishing porcelain stoneware:

• Ivory;
• pearl white;
• silver;
• beige or cream;
• olive;
• lactic;
• pale pink or blue;
• jade;
• pale lilac;
• lavender;
• terracotta;
• dark sandy.

This range creates a pacifying mood and a comfortable atmosphere.

The style is characterized by the absence of bright flashy shades. An exquisite ornament, for example, a floral one, can serve as an accent. For decoration, stripes, cages or waves are often used.

Decorators do not recommend using glossy porcelain stoneware slabs for laying on floors or walls. It is better to give preference to rough matte surfaces that imitate natural materials. The shape of the floor slabs, as a rule, is square or rectangular, less often it is a polyhedron.

Provence style porcelain stoneware can be found in any room, but more often in the kitchen, bathroom or on the terrace.

Porcelain stoneware looks great in any interior style. In addition, its strength and durability are an added bonus. The modern market offers the widest choice not only in terms of color, but also in terms of texture solutions.

Porcelain stoneware slabs can look like Metlach tiles or Italian mosaics. They can replace oriental carpets in their design or become the main decoration of the classical hall in the English manner.

The modern market of finishing materials offers a large selection of porcelain stoneware slabs, which differ in size and shape. This is due to the variety of styling options.

• The standard method is seam to seam. Most beneficial when using square and rectangular slabs.
• Tossingly. The joints of the slabs are shifted by half in relation to each other, which allows you to hide minor defects. The method is suitable for laying porcelain stoneware in the kitchen or in the corridor.
• The diagonal layout visually expands the room, but is more complex in execution. Experts recommend using small plates.
• Herringbone installation resembles the installation of parquet. For its implementation, it is better to choose rectangular elements.
• A checkerboard layout is obtained by using contrasting tiles. At the same time, they can be laid using the standard method, with a diamond or diagonally.
• Carpet (mosaic) - consists of small elements of various colors. So, an ornamental composition resembling a carpet is laid out.
• Kaleidoscope - similar to a mosaic layout, but uses no more than 2-3 shades. The pattern can be horizontal, diagonal or chaotic.

Various combinations of porcelain stoneware slabs of different sizes or textures look interesting. It is important to take into account that light shades visually expand the space, but if large elements are used in a small area, then the room will visually decrease.

• Basic - seam to seam.
• Stripes are a versatile method where leftover trimmings and small details are used to decorate borders and divide spaces.
• Mosaic or ornament, when a panel or a repeating motif is laid out from small details.
• Brick mimics brickwork.
• Chaotic repeats the pattern of a stone wall.

The modern market of finishing materials offers a wide range of porcelain stoneware products. Among them there are both well-known brands with a high rating and little-known small-scale firms. The highest quality products are considered the products of Italian masters who are the creators of porcelain stoneware. However, Spanish, Chinese and Russian brands are not far behind them.

The most popular Italian brands:

• Italgraniti. The Italian brand produces interior and exterior materials for living spaces.
• Mariner. The product has an unusual texture that imitates natural materials. A wide variety of textures, patterns and decor pleases fans of both classics and ultramodern styles. The most popular facing of stairs, floors and facades.
• Refin - a brand that produces elegant and sophisticated collections with various patterns and ornaments to embody any design ideas.
• Laminam Is one of the few brands that produces unique large-format porcelain stoneware with dimensions of 1x3 meters and a thickness of 3 mm. The material has elasticity, so it can be laid on wavy surfaces.

Venice, located on the water, is a city of canals and embankments, a characteristic feature of which is their cover. Therefore, many Italian collections tend to imitate the natural stone of the Venetian embankment.

Spanish manufacturers, like Italian ones, are the leaders in porcelain stoneware sales. The Alaplana Fresno factory was founded in the Spanish province of Castilla in 1957. Highly artistic design, perfect quality, a wide assortment from country to classics and the use of technological innovations have made the company a successful competitor among the leading Spanish manufacturers. The most famous collection is called AlaplanaFresno, a ceramic granite floor.

Several other Spanish porcelain stoneware factories are worth mentioning: A. C. A Ceramicas, Absolut Keramika, Aparici, Aranda, Azulev.

Lasselsberger is a European holding for the production of ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware, whose factories are located in more than 10 countries, for example, in Russia, the Czech Republic, Romania and Hungary. Each company is focused on a particular region and takes into account the demand of specific consumers. As a rule, the style of porcelain stoneware products is discreet, intended for public spaces decorated with exquisite taste.

Turkey produces ceramic granite in traditional white and blue colors, with a lack of natural and animalistic patterns. The most famous brands are VitrAArkitekt, SeranitSeramikSanatiyi A, Kaleseramik.

Chinese firms successfully compete with European products in the market. The most famous ones can be distinguished: SuperGlass uTangCeramics.

Porcelain stoneware products have recently been produced in some CIS countries. Thus, the Kiev factory Atem began production from ceramic tiles, but its products gained the greatest popularity when a line for the production of porcelain stoneware was launched. The size range includes slabs 300x300, 400x400, 600x600 and 600x1200 mm. All collections are the embodiment of the latest trends in the world of interior design, since Italian and Spanish designers are involved in the development of the style of each of them. In addition, the company's products have good performance characteristics.

Belarusian brand "Keramin" - the largest enterprise in Europe, which produces the material on Italian equipment from Sacmi. The plant annually renews its product range in cooperation with the Center for Contemporary Design. The collections feature porcelain stoneware with various textures: stone, wood, fabric. Also, this manufacturer produces borders, skirting boards, decorative inserts, mosaics, floor panels. Natural and artificial raw materials are used as a basis. The technology makes it possible to obtain glazed and unglazed porcelain stoneware.

Russian raw materials for artificial stone make products more affordable than their European counterparts. The production process is possible only at large enterprises, which helps to reduce prices due to volumes, expand the range and quality control at all stages.

Estima, known on the market of finishing materials since 2001, produces about 10 million square meters of floor coverings, characterized by a variety of textures and colors. Feldspar from the Urals, Ukrainian white clay and dyes from Italy are used as raw materials for the base.

Kerranova products are manufactured at the SamarskyStroyfarfor plant since 2004. The brand manufactures high-quality porcelain stoneware using digital printing for drawing. The most expensive options are imitations of marble, onyx, slate and some types of wood. Digital technologies not only made it possible to reduce the percentage of defective products, but also made it possible to create new designs in a short time.

Despite the fact that porcelain stoneware products can withstand any negative influences, their appearance needs care. It should be noted that the material itself is not afraid of dirt, but inter-tile joints are sensitive to dirt and are destroyed with intense exposure.

Care instructions for styling:

• To maintain polish, it is recommended to cover the slabs with a protective coating during installation.
• Before using painted grouts, it is better to treat the polished surface with a stain-resistant preparation that will protect the top layer from staining during the processing of joints.
• For the first time, the porcelain stoneware flooring is cleaned immediately after installation. It should be remembered that foreign compounds should not get into the joints. Wash off the primer, putty and lime, cement will help products based on hydrochloric acid.

• For porcelain stoneware, it is best to use a mild and liquid detergent.
• Cleaning agents should not contain acid, as this will corrode the joint.
• To protect against scratches and other damage, experts advise you to rub the porcelain stoneware with wax-based preparations.
• When caring for polished surfaces, dirt and sand, which are strong abrasives, should be promptly removed from the floor.
• To protect floors from stains, treat them with water repellent once a year (minimum). First of all, this concerns polished porcelain stoneware, since the top layer is removed during grinding and micropores are exposed. If dirt gets into them, it is very difficult to remove it.

• In rooms with an increased likelihood of various contamination, such as a kitchen or hallway, it is better to install matte porcelain stoneware. Such material can be easily cleaned, and dirty marks and scratches are less visible on it.
• Structured porcelain stoneware is non-staining, easy to clean, and generally anti-slip. That is why it is appropriate in bathrooms, toilets, changing rooms and next to swimming pools.
• Stains from tea, coffee, fruit juice, blood, wine and ice cream can be removed with a mild baking soda solution or an alkali-based detergent such as chlorine. The last option is best used only for dried out stains.
• Traces of tile glue, wax, resin, paint, industrial oil, rubber or nail polish can be removed with acetone or gasoline.
• Acidic preparations will help remove rusty or ink stains.

Artificial stone is easy to integrate into any interiors.

• For example, gray porcelain stoneware under a whitish wood will make the room more aesthetically pleasing.
• Imitation of natural stone will add elegance.

• The matte satin finish or unpolished surface is pleasant to the touch, which is why this ceramic granite is appropriate in bedrooms and bathrooms.
• In kitchens and dining rooms, artificial stone is also often used for decoration.

Tips for choosing porcelain stoneware - in the next video.