There are many factors that we must take into account when choose the type of soil for our home. What use are we going to make of the space? What temperature and humidity conditions will it withstand? What budget do we have? What style are we looking for? These are just some of the questions we must ask ourselves.
However, even answering these questions, it will be difficult for us to make a decision without knowing the main characteristics of each of the materials. The key, without a doubt, to choose the flooring that best suits our needs. And in order to help you, we want to share with you today the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the porcelain floors, one of the most resistant and durable.
Porcelain stoneware characteristics
Porcelain floor or porcelain stoneware is manufactured from a ceramic paste enriched with feldspars. This allows the material to reach the liquid state when it is cooked. In this way, most of the pores initially present are clogged.
By reducing porosity, it reduces the penetration of water into the tile. Water absorption is, in fact, the big difference between stoneware and porcelain stoneware. This is characterized by offering a lower water absorption capacity (less than 0,5%) and therefore, a greater resistance to humidity.
The process to which it is subjected also improves its resistance to abrasion and its Breaking strength. For this reason, porcelain stoneware resists static and dynamic loads greater than non-porcelain stoneware. It is a very resistant material and therefore suitable for spaces with a lot of traffic.
The characteristics mentioned allow us to install these porcelain floors both indoors and outdoors, where they are able to adapt to sudden changes in temperature. They also adapt to different styles, since you can find porcelain floors with finishes that imitate other materials such as stone, marble, granite or wood.
Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain floors
Knowing the characteristics of porcelain stoneware has also allowed us to know many of the advantages of these floors. However, there are others related to installation or maintenance that we have not mentioned yet. Know them all:
- They are very strong and durable.
- present a great resistance to humidity and therefore they can be placed both indoors and outdoors.
- As they are not very porous materials, they catch little dirt.
- This pavement adheres well to cements and other types of materials, because its installation is relatively simple.
- Are able to mimic the look of other materials more expensive.
- They are ideal as radiant heating complement. Porcelain stoneware has a high thermal conductivity value which allows an excellent performance of the heating system.
- Very easy to maintain and clean.
Are they all advantages? No, not all are advantages in the use of porcelain floors, although we must say that the few downsides they are very bearable. The first has to do with its price, higher than that of other types of stoneware or tiles and the second with its installation, which we recommend that it always be done by professionals.
Porcelain stoneware finishes
As we have already mentioned, porcelain stoneware is capable of imitating the finishing of different materials. Materials such as marble or stone, which require a larger budget, are very successful as you can see in the Porcelanite catalog images.
Porcelain floors that imitate cement are also very interesting, a trend pavement to dress modern and current homes. In addition, compared to cement, they have a great advantage: cleanliness. As for the wood, the most popular material to dress our floors, porcelain stoneware manages to capture its aesthetics. However, we will never get your warmth.
What materials are you considering to use as flooring in your home? Have you contemplated the porcelain stoneware? What finish would you choose for your home? Porcelain floors have many advantages, however, they may not be the most appropriate for everyone.