16 June 2021 | Updated: September 2, 2021

Trends

Ceramic tiles vs. porcelain stoneware

Thanks to their versatility and technical features, both of these materials can be used to create more spacious, safer spaces.

Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware can be used as wall or floor tiles, or simply for decoration. But although the two materials share certain characteristics in terms of look and wear (resistance, durability and design), they are quite different when it comes to composition and treatments, as we'll see next.

Origin and evolution

It's true that ceramic and porcelain share the same origins, starting from a mixture of clays, feldspars and sand. But the materials differ in their respective treatments and finishes. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware is non-porous and absorbs very little water, making it the perfect choice for outdoor or wet areas.

What are the differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware?

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Butan Acero 45 cm x 120 cm + Butan Acero 120 cm x 120 cm

Ceramic tiles are characterised by a highly absorbent base, and enamelled (or glazed) and decorated surface. In contrast, they're mainly used for indoor walls. Unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware paving has a base with very low absorption. In production, the material is submitted to high-pressure compaction, giving it improved mechanical resistance against static and dynamic loads; as well as improved performance in the event of frost or thermal shock.

Porcelain that sets the trend

Flooring

Bottega Caliza 120 cm x 120 cm
Minnesota Ash 25 cm x 150 cm

 

IN GENERAL,

all glazed or enamelled ceramic tiles perform well in terms of hygiene (easy cleaning, resistance to chemical agents and unchanged by solar radiation).

These specifications make the material the ideal choice for indoor or outdoor use (residential or public), swimming pools, kitchens or façades.

Recommendations for effective installation

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Cubik Urban Caliza Nature 33.3 cm x 59.2 cm + Urban Caliza Nature 33.3 cm x 59.2 cm + Urban Caliza Nature 59.6 cm x 59.6 cm

  • To make sure you get the right product, you should think about the type of space you have and the tile format you'd like to use.
  • Thanks to their improved durability and resistance, porcelain stoneware collections make excellent flooring. On the other hand, ceramic tiles make an excellent solution for indoor wall coverings thanks to their strong hygienic performance and infinite design potential.

High performance ceramics

Ceramic wall tiles

Dover Antique 31.6 cm x 90 cm
Fontana 25 cm x 44.3 cm

 

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