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Tiles and porcelain stoneware are popular materials in decoration. They are based on sand, clay, minerals and pigment (dye). Aif.ru I figured out what the difference is, and what is better to choose for repair.
What is the difference between the production of tiles and porcelain stoneware?
The essence of creating both types is in forming, pressing and firing. There are two technologies to make tiles: monocotture and bicotture. In the first case, the tile mixture is fired once, immediately coated with glaze, and pressed under high pressure — the resulting tile is less porous and durable, suitable for external work. Secondly, the plate is fired twice: the first time after pressing, the second after glazing. Bicolor type of tile is lighter and less durable — it is used mainly for wall cladding indoors.
In fact, porcelain stoneware is the same tile, only thicker and more durable. It is also made from a ceramic mixture, but pre—pressed and fired at high temperatures – above a thousand degrees. The material got its name due to the fact that in similar conditions the earth’s rock is formed in the bowels, and porcelain stoneware is similar to natural stone.
What is the difference between tiles and porcelain stoneware?
Firstly, wear resistance and durability. Due to different production methods, in particular the number of kilns and their temperature, the tile turns out to be more porous and brittle (bicoture is less durable than monocotture, but both types are inferior to porcelain stoneware) — because of this, the tile is not used in exterior decoration. Porcelain stoneware withstands impacts and increased cross-country ability, therefore it is suitable for facing facades and steps from the street side. This can also include a bad tile reaction to temperature changes — severe frost and heat will quickly destroy it.
Secondly, the weight and ease of installation. Porcelain stoneware is several times denser and heavier than tiles, so it is mainly laid on the floor. This material is more difficult to cut — it often cracks and chips, so it is sold in large plates.
Thirdly, the design options. The tile is glazed (coated only on top), so it can be of any color and with any ornament that you can imagine. For the manufacture of porcelain stoneware, the dye is added directly to the material — the plates are painted in thickness.
Which is better to choose for repair: tile or porcelain stoneware?
It depends on where the material will be laid, whether there are color preferences and what budget is allocated for repairs. If the exterior is supposed to be finished, then only porcelain stoneware, if we are talking about interior decoration and you need to get, for example, into the color of kitchen facades, then tiles. Plasterboard partitions as porcelain stoneware walls, most likely, will not stand, and tiles will last for many years. The optimal solution should be chosen based on an individual repair request — both materials are quite competitive when it comes to interior decoration.
Sources:
https://36.rospotrebnadzor.ru/
https://www.ivd.ru/
https://kafel-online.ru/
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