Porcelain tiles for stylish design of your interior

Features

Porcelain stoneware has been used in interiors relatively recently: since the 1950s, several European factories began to produce and use the material in finishing.

Since the production technology was new and not yet refined, the quality was low, and the choice of colors and textures remained quite meager. At the same time, ceramic tiles had been produced for almost half a century and their range was surprisingly wide.

Porcelain stoneware production began by mistake – a technologist incorrectly mixed the mixture for the tiles and received a completely new material.

However, the new finishing material had undeniable advantages over conventional ceramics, and therefore – huge potential. Having improved the technology, the craftsmen received a durable, long-lasting, practical product, which today is a serious competitor to the usual ceramics.

In the photo, 60 * 60 cm slabs on the floor

Porcelain tiles are produced in 4 stages:

1. Mixing. The mixture for future porcelain tiles, oddly enough, does not contain granite chips. The slabs are based on clay, kaolin, feldspars, quartz sand and minerals.
2. Press. Carefully mixed raw materials are sent under the press, which compacts the mass under a pressure of 400-600 kg / cm2. After pressing, there are no pores or voids left inside – this stage makes porcelain stoneware stronger.
3. Firing. At a temperature of 1200-1300 degrees Celsius, minerals and quartz melt, combining all the particles in the composition into a solid monolith.
4. Grinding, polishing. The texture of the future porcelain stoneware depends on what abrasive and how thoroughly the slabs are ground, and whether they are polished or not. Unpolished porcelain stoneware is also glazed to make it more resistant to dirt.

What is the difference between porcelain stoneware tiles and their simple ceramic counterparts?

• Full-thickness painting. Most types of porcelain stoneware are painted not during processing, but when mixing the composition. On the contrary, the color of the tile is given by the coating. Although, in fairness, it is worth noting that glazed porcelain stoneware is similar to ceramics in this regard.
• High resistance to mechanical stress. Bicottura is not particularly durable – it is used only for walls. Monocottura is stronger and is suitable for floors. And porcelain tiles are even stronger: they are used in high-traffic areas (shopping malls, offices, museums, galleries).
• Thickness. Porcelain tiles are denser, thicker and heavier: they reach 2 centimeters in height. Ceramics are thinner and lighter: 8-10 mm including glaze.

As for the size of the slabs themselves, porcelain stoneware is usually larger than tiles: 60*60 cm, 60*120 cm, 100*100 cm. But there are also decorative options with dimensions of 30*30, 20*60, etc.

Pros and cons

Porcelain stoneware is used increasingly often for finishing residential premises, due to its undeniable advantages over analogues:

• Environmentally friendly. Contains only natural components that are held together by pressing and baking. No glue or resins that are dangerous to humans.
• Universal. Used for finishing floors and walls inside the house (bathroom, hallway, living room, kitchen), as well as outside.
• Resistant to external influences. Not afraid of ultraviolet radiation, high humidity, temperature changes, wet cleaning, low temperatures.
• Durable. The service life of porcelain stoneware tiles is up to 50 years. Unglazed tiles, thanks to painting over the entire thickness, wear evenly.
• Decorative. The material is diverse, thanks to a large selection of sizes, textures, colors, imitations.
• Easy to care for. The surface is not suitable for the growth of fungus and mold, easy to clean. Not afraid of chemical treatment.

Porcelain stoneware has surpassed natural stone in hardness: 8 versus 6 on the Mohs scale!

This type of wall or floor covering also has its share of disadvantages:

• Low surface temperature. A fundamental issue when decorating a floor: walking barefoot on a cold porcelain stoneware covering is at least uncomfortable. Therefore, when choosing floor tiles for an apartment, complement them with a heated floor system.
• Glossy tiles become slippery when wet. Which is unsafe in terms of floor finishing. For a kitchen or bathroom, experts recommend matte or lappato options.
• The presence of seams between elements. Like any slab material, porcelain stoneware requires technical gaps when laid: in some floor design options, seams may not be allowed. To avoid this, pay attention to rectified (seamless) porcelain tiles: they are more expensive, but they are laid as a single piece.
• High hardness. Again, a problem for the flooring: dropping dishes or your favorite gadget on such a surface will definitely break the glass, which cannot be said about laminate.
• Complex installation. The quality of installation generally determines the service life of porcelain tiles: poor glue, voids under the tiles, and an uneven surface will lead to the flooring coming off. As a result, the tiles will begin to “bubble” and creak.
• High cost. The average cost is higher than tiles, laminate, and linoleum. Therefore, when using porcelain tiles in the interior, you should budget correctly.

Types of porcelain tiles

Tiles for the kitchen floor and the bathroom walls, although they have the same base, can look completely different. The main visual differences are determined by the method of processing after baking.

Matte

To get matte porcelain stoneware, nothing is done to the slabs after firing. They are taken out, cooled and packed. The rough surface looks natural and has its pros and cons. For example, the appearance cannot be called spectacular. But when in contact with water, the floor made of matte porcelain stoneware will not become slippery.

Another advantage lies in the composition: due to a lower percentage of feldspar in the mixture and a higher firing temperature, matte slabs are more wear-resistant and durable. They are chosen for technical rooms, facade decoration of buildings.

We cannot fail to mention the price: it is lower than that of other types, because the manufacturer saves on processing.

The design of floors made of porcelain stoneware with a matte texture of dark shades (black, graphite) looks exquisite. However, do not forget: dirt and dust will be clearly visible on it.

The photo shows a black matte texture

Lappato

Also called semi-polished or underpolished. Something in between a matte and glossy texture – contains both polished (gloss) and natural (matte) inclusions.

Thanks to this unusual technology, porcelain stoneware pleasantly shimmers in the light, but does not slip. For designer residential interiors, it is more often chosen than the usual matte one for the floor in the bathroom or hallway.

The invention of Italian masters has the same advantages and disadvantages as other types of porcelain stoneware. Except for one important advantage: lappato tiles are incredibly versatile! Suitable for floors and walls in any room.

The photo shows lappato gray wall tiles

Satin

As strange as it may sound, but to obtain a satin decorative surface, porcelain stoneware is not polished in any way! The material gets its characteristic silkiness and velvetiness during firing.

The technology is simple: transparent mineral salt is sprinkled on a pressed tile with a normal composition. During the baking process, the salts melt, partially penetrate inside, but mostly remain outside: thanks to them, such a soft, pleasant shimmer is obtained.

Adding minerals does not make the satin material worse: on the contrary, in its characteristics it is not inferior to the most durable matte. It is just as durable, easy to maintain and non-slip!

The only caveat is that in order to preserve the velvet layer, you should not lay this type in high-traffic areas.

Glazed

While ceramic tiles are coated with enamel more to achieve visual appeal and expand the range, in the case of porcelain stoneware, smalting primarily extends the service life and simplifies cleaning.

In matte or satin, open pores remain, which in places of constant use (for example, on stairs) become clogged with dust and quickly lose their attractive appearance (especially when it comes to light shades). The glaze is not porous, due to which the floor covering retains its original appearance longer.

However, the weak point here is the presence of the glaze itself: although it does not get clogged with dirt, it wears out much faster than unglazed porcelain stoneware.

The texture of the smalt surface can be:

• glossy – looks impressive, especially as marble floors or walls;
• semi-matte – somewhat reminiscent of satin;
• matte – unlike natural matte, it has a small, almost imperceptible sheen;
• wax – a special smalt is used, giving a soft, diffused shine.

Application options

Due to its extreme strength, porcelain stoneware is suitable for finishing:

• building facades;
• walls and floors in commercial premises (offices, shopping, cultural centers);
• walls and floors in residential spaces.

Porcelain stoneware has no equal in facade cladding: it looks stylish, is easy to install, is not afraid of heat and frost, does not burn in fire, does not swell in the rain, and is easy to wash. Porcelain stoneware slabs are attached to external walls with glue or special guides. It is often used in the design of ventilated facades: an empty space is left between the wall and the decor or insulation is laid.

Public spaces put forward clear requirements for wall and floor coverings: surfaces must withstand serious mechanical loads, be easy to clean, look aesthetically pleasing, and last a long time. Porcelain stoneware has no equal here either: it meets all the described characteristics and performs well in office buildings, stores, beauty salons, art galleries, and even hospitals.

Due to its durability and reliability, the material is often chosen for the design of living spaces. Most often, porcelain stoneware is laid on the floor in the living room, hallway, bathroom, kitchen, and even bedroom.

To make it comfortable to move around the floor, do not forget to put water or electric heating under the slabs. In wet areas (bathroom, kitchen) the floor covering should be non-slip – matte, lappato, satin.

A little less often, but also often, porcelain stoneware is used for wall finishing. The main advantage over tiles is that the same material is suitable for walls and floors, so you can decorate the room “all around”.

Walls made of porcelain stoneware are usually found in bathrooms: in this case, materials in the finishing can be combined. Which duets look best, read in the last section “Beautiful design examples”.

The photo shows finishing the floor and walls in the bathroom with rectified slabs

Small details, such as window slopes, window sills, and fireplace trim, look no less impressive. 100% resistance to fire, water, high and low temperatures, allows you to use it in any of the options for home use.

In the kitchen interior, in addition to the design of floors made of porcelain stoneware, slabs are often used to decorate the apron above the work area. The standard size of the elements (60*60, 60*120) allows you to accurately place the sheets between the lower and upper levels of the cabinets. In a kitchen without shelves, tiles are used to finish the entire space up to the ceiling.

The photo shows a marble-look porcelain tile apron

Care features

The cleaning process depends on the type of surface used in the floor and wall design.

• Glossy ceramics are scratched by the use of abrasives: there should be no cleaning powders, melamine sponges, or brushes in the list of products.
• The coating does not tolerate acid-containing products – this applies more to the inter-tile joints than to the porcelain tile itself.
• Complex stains (coffee, ink, wine) are removed using acidic compounds (cannot be used on glaze!), but rub carefully, avoiding the seams.

You can find special products on sale, such as wax for porcelain tiles (protects seams from water, gives a soft shine), stain removers (made on the basis of silicone, do not allow dirt to penetrate the texture of the tiles).

How does it look in the interior?

Like ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are most often used in bathrooms and kitchens. Due to its absolute moisture protection and hygiene, it is ideal even in the wettest areas, such as the space above the bathtub or in the shower.

A wide range of colors and textures (marble, concrete, granite, wood, mosaic) allow you to make the walls and floor as close to each other as possible and fit them into the desired interior style. For example, marble looks better in a classic style. In a modern style, geometric patterns or tiles in an oriental style. A loft-style bathroom will be complemented by a concrete-effect floor and walls design.

The second most common place where you can find porcelain tiles is the kitchen. The floor here should also withstand serious loads and not be afraid of moisture. The walls above the work area are easy to clean.

The design of the floor and apron can repeat each other or represent completely different surfaces in color and texture.

A large margin of safety allows you to lay tiles in the hallway. Porcelain tiles can occupy the entire floor or just an area of a couple of square meters near the front door, and then move on to the laminate. The design of porcelain stoneware floors in the hallway can be completely different, but choosing this finishing material, you can be sure – it will last much longer than laminate, linoleum and even tiles.

The fourth place in popularity is for the balcony. The main advantage of porcelain stoneware tiles is that they can be laid both on an insulated or glazed loggia, and an open one – rain, snow, frost are not scary for them. What other material can boast of this?

Less often, porcelain stoneware is found in living room and bedroom interiors: first of all, its use is limited by the low temperature of the coating. But if there are more suitable materials for a modern living room, then in a classic one the best solution would be a tiled floor.

And to make the room pleasant to be in, complement it with a heating system and a cozy carpet – as a rule, this compensates for the coldness of ceramics.

The photo shows tiled floors in the living room

Beautiful design examples

The design of the floor and walls made of porcelain stoneware is good in itself: large-format slabs look reliable, even majestic. But in addition to standard use, you can play with shape, pattern, combinations.

Walls

Since porcelain stoneware walls resemble stone, why not combine it with decorative stone panels? Volumetric stone and smooth porcelain stoneware of a similar shade create an unusual duet. The combination adds dynamics to porcelain stoneware in the interior.

The second most popular option is wood. In this case, porcelain stoneware tiles can be made to look like wood themselves or imitate another texture, combining with natural clapboard.

Although ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware are similar in properties, their appearance can differ dramatically. For example, the project in the photo uses a gray lappato option and bright glazed blue tiles – a combination that is both close and contrasting.

In modern design, the combination does not look so bright – marble-like porcelain stoneware tiles are shaded by dark blue with a three-dimensional relief.

An equally effective, relevant combination with brickwork: red fired brick, “concrete” slabs and wooden facades look harmonious next to each other.

Floor

As for horizontal surfaces, the options also vary: for example, if you decide to make the floor entirely of porcelain tiles, why not put together a panel of its different shades? To design the pattern you will need a program, and to cut the tiles you will need special equipment: but the result will be 100% unique.

The photo shows a mosaic of porcelain tile elements

Enough has already been said about combining porcelain tile with other materials, we will only add that this technique is suitable not only for hallways – zoning is also relevant in kitchens or studio apartments.

The last piece of advice is to use small decorative details mixed with large-format tiles. White inserts, for example, will make a dark floor lighter. And black will help to place accents on too light.

Porcelain tiles are durable, beautiful and reliable material. You can lay it anywhere – the main thing is to find the right texture and choose the right design.