Do you know the difference between tile and tile? Can't decide what to put on the bathroom floor? From the article you will learn about the types of tiles, how to lay them correctly, see photos of various colors and combinations, and perhaps choose a style from those offered.
For example, appearance tiles in the bathroom in the photo can be seen below.
Beautiful texture, light neutral pattern, non-staining shade - perfect option for the floor.
Description
Let's see what is a tile? It is a ceramic tile, usually rectangular plates. Often this material is used for finishing floors and walls in the bathroom.
A good tile is made from This is a very popular finishing material that is used to finish the kitchen backsplash, floors throughout the house, bathroom walls and a fireplace. Floor tiles are very practical option, but if there are children in the house, it is recommended to immediately make a warm floor.
Differences between tiles and tiles
It is very easy for an ordinary buyer to be misled and think that tiles and ceramic tiles are different types lining. In fact, this is the same finishing option, just a tile is a kind ceramic tiles.
The tile itself can be made from different materials, and ceramic tiles - with various impurities of sand and stones. The main difference that affects reliability is that such a tile is made from clay without any additives.
Types of tiles
There are many types and tiles. Here are some of the most popular ones brief description positive and distinctive characteristics:
- Majolica is pressed clay covered with an opaque glaze; it is quite strong and durable, since it is fired twice.
- Terraglia is a tile made of special types of clay, its difference is that a pattern is applied first, and then a transparent glaze.
- Cotto is a very wear-resistant tile with a matte surface; no glaze is applied during its creation.
- Clinker - fired at a very high temperature, so this is the hardest tile, used for exterior and interior decoration.
- Gres - during production, clay is pressed with the addition of quartz, which makes it street option finishes.
The choice of a certain type, type and shape of tiles should be based on the wishes and dimensions of the room, the functionality that is required from the material.
tile properties
The main characteristics of the tile, which are its undeniable advantages over many other types of finishes:
- Thickness - determines the rigidity and reliability of the tiles.
- This material is very durable, as it is made without impurities, which in turn reduce this figure.
- The tile retains its color and saturation of colors under constant exposure to the sun (if you have the opposite happened, this is a different type of ceramic tile).
- A high level of heat capacity, which allows facing fireplaces and stoves in houses. Suitable for creating underfloor heating, due to its stability and thermal conductivity.
- Resistant to cleaning with chemicals and does not lose its properties.
- Tiles are very hygienic materials. correct styling and treated with an antibacterial layer.
- Beautiful and variety of options colors and patterns.
- Easy to clean - just wipe with a damp cloth.
It is worth paying attention to this list of characteristics when choosing the type of room decoration, even in relation to other materials. But you will return to this option!
masonry rules
What does a tile need to please you for as long as possible? Correct sequence stages and operations for organizing laying, regardless of the purpose and type of premises.
Laying tiles initially involves a preparation stage. What is needed for this?
Align, wash and dry the surface, which will be the basis for the masonry. This is necessary in order to have good adhesion of the tile to the floor, otherwise the material will crack and won't hold on.
If the concrete screed is fresh, then you will have to postpone the finish for about three months and before direct laying Be sure to prime the surface.
The drywall surface also needs to be primed to create a coating to protect against moisture and prevent swelling.
If you removed old tile to put a new one, it is necessary to level the surface and after that you can immediately start the laying process.
It is necessary to design how the tiles will be laid depending on the dimensions.
The next stage is the direct laying of tiles:
- Apply the mixture and attach the tile to the surface.
- Between the rows, fix the size of the seam with special crosses.
- After drying, remove the guide crosses and coat the seams with a special hermetic mixture.
After a day, the surface can be washed and dried.
Laying such material in the bathroom is the most ingenious solution of mankind. It is beautiful, neat, easy to keep clean, the material does not deteriorate from moisture. Ceramic finishes have been very relevant for quite some time, being used in many interior design options. A photo of the tiles in the bathroom is presented in the article.
How to choose a tile?
We figured out what a tile is and what happens, how to lay it correctly. And now, when we know what it should be, let's summarize how to choose the material and not miscalculate.
Tile is one of the most popular finishes. Therefore, when choosing it, it should be borne in mind that it is not worth saving, because the bathroom, which is almost always tiled, is a moisture accumulator and a place for active reproduction of bacteria. BUT expensive materials provide the highest level of room hygiene.
There are no limits in terms of design and style solutions, but it should be noted that most bathrooms and toilets are small rooms, therefore, in order to visually make them larger, you need to buy tiles square shape and a rather large size, it is worth laying as close to each other as possible, thin seams will increase the width of the room. Light color and fine pattern also contribute visual expansion the boundaries of space. An interesting observation: if you put large mirror height from ceiling to floor, the room will seem twice as large.
Monochromatic finishes of rooms - white, red, black - also look very stylish.
And for an apron in the kitchen, the generally accepted pattern is a stone, so that stains, fat, and cracks are not so noticeable. And besides, this texture looks very elegant and aristocratic, making even the most modest kitchen attractive.
When people needed high-quality and attractive material for the construction and decoration of the premises, ceramic tiles were invented. When builders needed a frost-resistant and wear-resistant material, durable ceramic granite was created. In this case, the question is relevant, what is the main difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles and how are these two materials similar?
With a fast pace of development modern technologies the process of manufacturing ceramic granite and tiles is significantly improved. kitchen room, finished with beautiful and durable granite or an antique-style bathroom decorated with patterned tiles, all this was made possible thanks to the invention of two quality materials. In order to understand what is the difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, it is necessary to consider each material separately with its pros and cons, after which it will become clear which of the options is preferable in a particular case.
Ceramic granite
What is ceramic granite and how is it produced? Durable porcelain stoneware is obtained by pressing clay, kaolin, sand and water under a certain pressure. In this case, semi-dry pressing technology is used. Then firing is carried out under the influence of high temperature (1200 degrees). The high heating temperature allows the component of the mixture to restructure (modify).
The material is similar to a vitrified monolith, which has high-quality performance parameters when compared with the natural original. Ceramic granite is produced under the supervision of specialists, as a result of which, a high quality material without cracks or voids. The surface of the artificial stone has a certain pattern, which is also present inside, you can see it in the cut.
Like any other material, ceramic granite has both a number of advantages and disadvantages, which are reflected in the table.
| pros | Minuses |
| Easy maintenance and minimum effort | High-quality preparation of the base for porcelain stoneware - maximum effort |
| A rich assortment of goods | Difficult and time-consuming replacement of the damaged part |
| Creating a dense internal structure with porcelain stoneware | Professional help needed for installation |
| High-quality thermal conductivity | Low noise isolation |
| Increased strength | After laying porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to insulate the floors - the material is cold, despite the thermal conductivity |
| Moisture obstruction | — |
Ceramic tile
It is called a product made of clay, which was fired at a high temperature, over 900 degrees. Ceramic dishes, plumbing, bricks, tiles and, of course, tiles. First, main factor– for the decor of the room there is no material better than tiles (various choice). The second reason is affordability, which is very important for many people. an important factor when choosing a particular material.
In addition, the material is durable with mechanical wear, its surface is not erased, it has frost resistance, fire resistance, and resistance to aggressive substances. Therefore, ceramic tiles are used as finishing material for bathrooms, kitchens, high-rise building, and in a country cottage.
The disadvantage of tile is fading - over time, the tile loses color due to exposure to sunlight or light. This factor is very important if the tile is planned for exterior finish where it will be constantly exposed to direct sunlight.
For the manufacture of ceramic products, clay with various impurities is used. Sizes range from small mosaics to large puzzles. The thickness of the products varies depending on the size. Ceramic tiles are fired muffle furnace under the influence of temperature from 900 to 1200 degrees. The temperature level depends on the thickness of the product. The technical characteristics of ceramic tiles directly depend on the composition and firing.
The quality of ceramic tiles depends on the temperature firing, due to which the clay particles stick together, resembling durable glass. Structure finished products porous. The surface is covered with glaze, decorated different colors. Tiles are presented in different form and invoice. External attractiveness is considered the main advantage of the product; it is better to choose a tile for interior decoration.
Like any other material, ceramic tiles have their positive and negative sides. What are they?
Distinctive features of the two materials
Of the two materials presented, ceramic tiles are considered more ancient. She appeared many years ago, was used to finish the floor. As for ceramic granite, it appeared much later than the first material.
So, the main distinguishing features of artificial granite from tiles are as follows:
- during production: two similar materials are produced different ways. Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware go through the process of temperature pressing and firing. But in the production of porcelain stoneware, higher temperatures are used due to the use of a powerful press. The tile is produced using gentle technology;
- in the materials used: in the manufacture of ceramic tiles, a mixture of clay and sand with natural fillers is taken as the basis. A semblance of plasticine is created from the mixture, which, after the firing procedure, takes the form of a tile. Porcelain stoneware also goes through the firing procedure, but is added to the mixture a large number of sand, granite chips. An additional filler is a foreign material, for example, marble chips;
- in properties: the abrasion of ceramic tiles differs from artificial granite, it is much worse for the first material. In this case, the stone is superior to the tile. If we compare porcelain stoneware and tiles with wear resistance natural stone, then the first material becomes the leader. Porcelain stoneware is difficult to break through and damage;
- in the field of application: porcelain stoneware is best used for finishing walls and floors in rooms with a high level of traffic: shopping centers, offices, sports facilities. This is due to its strength, resistance to external influences. Artificial stone is used for facing the facades of buildings, for the device pavement paths, curbs. Ceramic tiles are used as a finishing material when working inside a building: laying floors or walls. The main advantage of tiles is an attractive appearance - modern products are presented in a large decorative assortment, this is the main difference.
Ceramic tiles
Porcelain stoneware
When choosing a material for floor and wall decoration, people often experience difficulties: what better fit granite stone or tile? Choosing a ceramic tile, the buyer saves money, as the material is cheaper. The choice in favor of porcelain stoneware guarantees durability, wear resistance of the finish for many years, which means that, in terms of quality, it is better suited fake diamond.
Price ratio
The main indicator in the struggle for a buyer, between manufacturers, is the price of porcelain stoneware and tiles. To date, the price of tiles, as well as the price of porcelain stoneware, are almost equal. For example, statistics from 2004 says that porcelain stoneware cost more than tiles by almost 90%. After 6 years, this figure dropped to 13-15%. And there are many reasons for this.
Many people are engaged in the production of porcelain stoneware. construction companies, so the cost of the product is gradually reduced. One of the most important reasons for lowering the price is the popularity of the finishing material. Perhaps in 10 years the tile will cost the same as artificial stone.
Modern artificial stone and tiles are produced according to different technologies, which means that the price largely depends on the design, manufacturer, scope.
Despite the difference, these two materials are similar. They have good wear resistance, frost resistance, they are environmentally friendly, and also serve as a decoration for any room. In this case, the price and quality of products justify themselves. Therefore, it is difficult to say which one is better, and when choosing a material, it is worth focusing on the work to be carried out.
Let's figure out what is better to choose for wall and floor cladding in the kitchen - porcelain stoneware or tiles, where and how best to use them, and how exactly ceramic tiles differ from porcelain stoneware.
The variety of finishing materials for kitchen renovation today is so great that it is sometimes very difficult to decide and make the final choice in favor of one or another type of finish. This is especially true of porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, especially since these materials practically do not differ from each other in terms of their constituent components and technical characteristics. But to do right choice, it is necessary to understand all the differences and nuances of using these two materials.
High strength and large size are the two main advantages of porcelain stoneware over tiles
By the way, we recently published a detailed guide,. In it you will find pros' recommendations, what to look for before buying, an overview of popular manufacturers, tips on choosing skirting boards and grouts, styling nuances and much more.
Differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tiles, also known as tiles, are made by pressing and then firing a mixture of sand, clay and minerals. After the enamel is applied to the surface of the tile, it is fired again. This type of tile is used exclusively for wall cladding, as it is more porous and less durable.
Another type of ceramic tile is made under a more powerful press, which makes it less porous. It goes through only one stage of firing with enamel at more than high temperatures Oh. The result is a more dense, reliable and wear-resistant tile that can be used both for wall cladding and for flooring.
Of the advantages of ceramic tiles, the following properties can be listed:
- durability;
- strength;
- a wide selection of different colors, textures and patterns;
- rigidity;
- hygiene;
- fire resistance and fire resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- affordable price.
There is one drawback that somewhat spoils the reputation of tiles. This is her ability to burn out over time. Also, during operation, the pattern may be partially erased.
Porcelain stoneware
The constituent components of porcelain stoneware are no different from the composition of ceramic tiles, but the production process of this material is somewhat different.
What is the key difference between porcelain stoneware and tiles? The difference lies in the fact that a mixture of clay, quartz sand and minerals is tinted with coloring pigments. This allows you to achieve a uniform color throughout the entire thickness of porcelain stoneware, while the tile has a color coating only on the surface - in the enamel layer.
It is thanks to this technology that porcelain stoneware does not need additional enamel, because its color is initially laid in the composition of the mixture. The finished mixture is molded, dried and pressed. Then the products are re-pressed under a more powerful press. After that, porcelain stoneware is fired at 1200-1300 degrees.
The result is porcelain stoneware tiles with low porosity. For comparison, it should be noted that the water absorption of ceramic wall tiles is 10%, and porcelain stoneware has a water absorption of 0.05%.
Over time, technologies have appeared that allow the use of glazing and polishing of porcelain stoneware.
Polished porcelain tile has a very attractive appearance, but its surface is quite slippery, so it should be used with caution on the floor in the kitchen.
The advantages of porcelain stoneware include:
- constancy and uniformity of color throughout the thickness of the tile;
- high strength;
- material hardness;
- frost resistance;
- wear resistance;
- low water absorption;
- ecological purity of the material;
- durability.
Porcelain stoneware also has disadvantages. First of all, fragility during transportation (but this is also inherent in tiles), the complexity of processing and cutting the material, as well as its heavy weight. It is also worth noting that porcelain stoneware has a higher price and does not have a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Nuances of choice
As you can see, each of these two finishing materials has its own characteristics, which dictate the scope of its application.
So, porcelain stoneware, due to its frost resistance and strength, can be used in rooms overlooking the open air (terraces, verandas, balconies, loggias). Here, porcelain stoneware can easily withstand and low temperatures and weather disasters. But ceramic tiles in this case would be inappropriate.
In the bathroom or hallway, it is better not to use glazed tiles as a floor covering, as small particles of dirt or sand can damage the surface of the tile.
In addition, a smooth glazed surface will be too slippery. That is why it is better to use matte ceramic tiles as flooring in the hallway or bathroom. This does not mean at all that in such rooms it is better to use porcelain stoneware for the floor. In both cases, it is worth paying attention to the anti-slip index of the tile.
Separately, I want to say about the flooring in the kitchen. This is where porcelain stoneware comes in handy. Features of the processes in the kitchen require increased durability of the flooring. For example, the floor covering must withstand the fall of the pan and not crack. Also, frequent washing of floors can lead to erasing the pattern on inexpensive tiles, but this does not threaten porcelain stoneware.
But in most cases, you can get by with high-quality ceramic floor tiles. Under standard conditions, she will quite cope with her task.
When facing walls, it is worth considering the weight of the finishing material. Therefore, tiles are usually used for these purposes, because the weight of one porcelain stoneware tile is quite large.
If the original drawing is important to you or unique design, it is worth making a choice in favor of ceramics, because its range is distinguished by a wealth of colors and patterns, which cannot be said about porcelain stoneware.
How to use porcelain stoneware or tiles in the kitchen
Here, the scope of these two materials is divided as follows.
Floor
It is quite appropriate and justified to use porcelain stoneware as a floor covering. But for lining the apron in the kitchen, it is not suitable, because it has a lot of weight, and it is more difficult to work with it.
Apron
It comes in many sizes and is easy to cut and install. The coating has a large selection of colors, textures and patterns, which allows you to create an attractive and original interior kitchens.
tabletop
AT recent times has become quite common. And here you can not do without ceramic tiles. Such a countertop will have a relatively small weight, a strong and durable surface with an interesting pattern and color. However, it is quite acceptable to use porcelain stoneware of a small format, for example, 10x10 cm, for facing countertops.
When buying the right type of cladding, consumers are confused when choosing which is better: porcelain stoneware or tiles. In order for the scales to tilt more quickly in one direction or another, you need to know how ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles differ. The main thing is to find out the pros and cons of using each, and then only the difference between them will become apparent. But why is porcelain stoneware so popular?
What is this article about
Differences in materials
Rumors that the production of porcelain stoneware finishes involves the use of other components have long been groundless. The components of the materials are almost identical - all the same clay, kaolin, particles of quartz and feldspar. Then what is the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles? And the snag lies in the technology of creation - when firing porcelain stoneware, the temperature is brought to 1300 º, and the pressure of the press is stronger (about 450 kg per cm).
The technological features of manufacturing also determine the improved properties of porcelain stoneware - it is not just baked, but its components are subjected to almost melting and enormous pressure, which excludes the occurrence of porosity, which ceramics have. It is precisely the absence of pores that porcelain stoneware cladding owes to the fact that it is more often involved in facing work on the street. Moisture does not penetrate into its thickness, and therefore the material cannot be destroyed during defrosting. Finishing stairs, paths, facades of buildings with porcelain stoneware guarantees a durable and reliable result.
Advantages of interior cladding with porcelain stoneware
When conducting internal facing works the frost resistance parameter that porcelain tiles have is not so critical. After all, the material is required to finish an apartment, office, house or shop, where its resistance to high temperatures is not required. However, the advantages of porcelain stoneware for the floor are the following properties:
- wear resistance - despite the fact that they will regularly walk on the coating, its appearance can please the eye for many years. In this connection, it is also used for facing production areas;
- porcelain stoneware has high strength: loads up to several hundred kg per cm are subject to it;
- chips and cracks rarely form on the plates, which cannot be said about ceramics;
- resistance of the finish (moisture absorption less than 1%) to moisture and aggressive substances (a solvent that accidentally gets on the surface of porcelain stoneware will not leave stains or marks on it);
- not exacting finishing in care - just wiping with a damp cloth is enough to keep it clean.
The coverage has a wide colors and textures for the most demanding taste. In high-quality porcelain stoneware, evenness of the edges and clear proportions of the shape are observed, which, when laying, allows achieving perfect uniformity of the lining and minimizing seams.
Areas of coverage
When the differences between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles become clear, it is possible to summarize the above and decide on the purpose of the types of cladding. When it is required to create wall cladding, it is more profitable to make it with ceramic tiles. Here, external conditions have almost no effect, and therefore a medium-class tile will fit well.
When it becomes necessary to decorate the street surfaces of buildings and auxiliary outbuildings, then you don’t have to choose between tiles and porcelain stoneware - of course, porcelain stoneware. Worry about the condition of the finish and in very coldy won't have to. Due to its low-porosity structure, fire resistance and the ability to keep heat for a long time, porcelain stoneware finds its application in lining stoves and fireplaces. What is the difference between porcelain stoneware and tiles? Even the purchase of a heavy-duty tile will not allow you to compare with another coating, since the wear and cooling of the first one is noted faster.
It is very difficult to make an unambiguous choice when it is worth deciding whether tile or porcelain stoneware is more suitable. For the kitchen and bathroom, ceramics are still more appropriate. Since the load there is not very pronounced, and modern tiles have the property of anti-slip. In the hallway, hallway and entrance group outside it is better to stay on porcelain tiles. Since there are increased requirements for the floor surface in these areas of the house, and the floor here is subjected to aggressive influence. To avoid injury on the steps, special pads are used.
Porcelain stoneware will serve for decades. Especially its homogeneous variety, the pattern in which passes through all layers of the material and, therefore, it will be very problematic to erase it.
But, when more decorative qualities of the cladding are required, porcelain stoneware is not an assistant in this regard. Since the design embodiment of the tiles is acquired after glazing. Glazed porcelain stoneware is also produced, but it decorative coating wears off very quickly. As with other enameled ceramics.
Choice by consumer qualities
Several auxiliary factors will help to make a specific decision on the choice of material. In doing so, they focus on:
- type of room where the finishing material will be located;
- load factor;
- temperature mode;
- the risk of chips, scratches and other mechanical defects;
- general style direction.
The difference between porcelain stoneware lies not only in its high technical and consumer qualities, but in a more expensive price. It is worth paying tribute to ordinary ceramic cladding when there is no particular need to overpay for the entire set of distinctive options that porcelain stoneware has. In extreme cases, you can purchase material with increased quality criteria. But then the price of the issue will be almost the same as in the situation with the second type of cladding.
Selection of finishes for the kitchen
Regarding the tiling of the kitchen space, the following areas of use of these two related materials are distinguished here.
Flooring
As a floor covering, the use of porcelain tiles is more justified. Whereas for decorating an apron in working area it is not suitable for kitchens due to its characteristics - high weight, more complex processing.
If there is an intention to put porcelain stoneware on the walls of the kitchen, then you can finish them with some of the sections, the area near the fireplace or the column.
Apron
An excellent way to decorate a kitchen apron is the use of tiles. Small pieces are easier to cut and stack. In terms of design, there is a wider choice - ceramic products have many colors, patterns, textures. That will allow you to embody a unique and attractive interior in the kitchen.
tabletop
Modern kitchen design often provides for tiling countertops. Such a countertop is not very heavy, this surface is strong and durable, it can become the owner of an interesting pattern and color. However, no one forbids covering the countertop with small-format porcelain stoneware measuring 10 by 10 cm.
Material disadvantages
Are there any disadvantages of porcelain stoneware? Its surface will be as cold as that of a tile, in other words, the floor from it will be quite cold. Underfloor heating systems help solve this problem. In addition, the material has a number of disadvantages.
A significant drawback is the sliding surface of the coating itself. It becomes even more sliding when moisture gets on it. For this reason, the material is not recommended for use as flooring In bathroom.
worldwide famous companies, engaged in the production of porcelain tiles, a lot is known today. Take at least Italian manufacturers(producing the highest quality material according to experts), as well as brands of Greek, Baltic and Belarusian production, which differ in similar sizes and thickness.
The special properties of each of the materials make them popular in any of the areas. home renovation. And it is not possible to give the palm to any one of them, since each can be especially revered in his field of application, in which he is not equal.