Porcelain stoneware: what it is, benefits and types

In this article we will take a closer look at what porcelain stoneware is, its main advantages over other materials and the different types available on the market. From its resistance to moisture and wear to its wide range of finishes and applications, we will discover why porcelain stoneware is a popular choice in the world of construction and interior design.

What is porcelain stoneware?  

Porcelain stoneware is a type of ceramic that is extremely tough and durable. It is made by mixing fine clays and other compounds, pressing under high pressure and firing at very high temperatures, higher than those used in the manufacture of traditional ceramics. This high temperature firing process results in a finished product with high density and low porosity, making it highly resistant to water, stains and wear. Its key characteristics include exceptional durability, impact and scratch resistance and a wide range of design options in terms of colour, finish and texture.

Its versatility makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications due to its weather resistance. In addition, its variety of sizes and thicknesses makes it suitable for a wide range of architectural and design projects.

The advantages of porcelain stoneware for floors and walls

Porcelain stoneware is emerging as a leading choice for both floor and wall coverings due to its distinctive advantages. On floors, the material offers a number of key advantages:

• Exceptional strength: Its composition and manufacturing process give it exceptional resistance to wear, impact and moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Versatility: Available in a wide range of styles, colours, textures and sizes, it adapts to different aesthetics and design preferences.
• Easy to maintain: Its low porosity makes it easy to clean and requires little maintenance, making it a practical and durable option.

These characteristics make porcelain stoneware an attractive and functional choice for flooring, offering an ideal combination of strength, adaptability and ease of maintenance.

Types of porcelain stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is a truly chameleon-like material, offering a wide range of varieties and styles. From finishes that mimic wood, natural stone or marble to more contemporary and minimalist designs, the variety of types available is impressive. This section explores the wealth of possibilities offered by porcelain stoneware, highlighting its ability to adapt to different styles, preferences and aesthetic requirements in building and design projects.

Depending on the space in which it is installed

The choice of the right porcelain stoneware is inextricably linked to the environment in which it will be used, since each space requires specific characteristics, such as resistance to traffic, humidity or simply the aesthetics that best suit the environment.

External porcelain stoneware

Outdoor porcelain stoneware is a robust and versatile option, specially designed to withstand inclement weather and the demands of the outdoor environment. At 2cm thick, this type of porcelain tile is ideal for outdoor areas such as terraces, patios or gardens, as it offers resistance to moisture and temperature changes and provides a durable, low-maintenance surface.

Porcelain tiles for interiors

Interior porcelain tiles are a popular choice due to their versatility and durability. Available in a wide range of styles, colours and finishes, these tiles are ideal for indoor floor and wall coverings. Their resistance to wear and tear, moisture and ease of cleaning make them a practical and aesthetic choice for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms and other domestic or commercial environments. They adapt perfectly to different decorative styles and offer a balanced combination of functionality and design in the home or workplace.

Variety of designs 

Porcelain stoneware offers a surprising variety of designs to suit a wide range of aesthetic tastes and interior design needs. Among the most popular are

• Hydraulic look: Offers the classic and vibrant aesthetic of hydraulic patterns, ideal for creating retro or contemporary environments with a traditional touch.
• Marble look: Reproduces the elegance and sophistication of natural marble in a range of colours and veins, bringing a luxurious feel to spaces.
• Terrazzo look: Inspired by traditional terrazzo, this design offers a versatile and contemporary look with blends of stone fragments in a variety of shades and sizes.
• Wood look: Simulates the texture and authentic look of wood, offering the warmth and rustic charm of natural wood in a more durable and resistant option.
• Cement Look: Presents a contemporary and urban style with finishes that mimic the industrial aesthetic of cement, perfect for modern and minimalist environments.

Each of these designs gives interior spaces a unique identity, allowing the creation of personalised environments to suit different decorative styles and aesthetic preferences.

Porcelain stoneware finishes 

Porcelain stoneware offers a wide range of finishes to meet a variety of aesthetic and functional requirements in different spaces. The most common finishes include

• Non-slip finishes: Designed specifically for areas where greater grip and slip resistance is required, these finishes are ideal for wet or outdoor environments such as terraces, areas around swimming pools or bathrooms, providing a safe, non-slip surface.
• Gloss finishes: Gloss finishes offer a glossy and elegant appearance that reflects light, creating a bright and sophisticated ambience. They are ideal for interiors where you want to add a touch of brightness and style.
• Relief finishes: These finishes add texture and depth to surfaces, creating interesting visual effects and adding a tactile aspect to porcelain tiles. They can be used to highlight certain patterns or decorative elements, providing a visual and sensory experience in interior design.

Each of these finishes adds an extra dimension to the design and functionality of porcelain tiles, allowing them to adapt to different decorative styles, safety requirements and aesthetic preferences in different environments and applications.

The most popular tile colours 

The versatility of porcelain stoneware is shown in a wide range of colours ranging from neutral shades to bolder, more vibrant options. Among the most popular colours are:

• Beige: This colour offers a warm and versatile palette that can be easily adapted to a variety of decorative styles. From lighter shades to more intense hues, beige is a timeless choice that brings warmth and elegance to spaces. You can explore more about beige at this link.
• White: The purity and luminosity of white make it a popular choice for spaces that are looking for spaciousness, cleanliness and brightness. This colour is a classic choice that can create modern or traditional environments depending on its application. To find out more about the colour white in porcelain tiles, you can visit this link.

• Grey: Grey tones offer an understated, contemporary elegance that works with a variety of decorating styles. From light to dark greys, this colour adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to rooms. To find out more about the colour grey in porcelain tiles, follow this link.
• Green: Shades of green in porcelain tiles can range from soft, natural tones to bolder, more vibrant options. This colour can bring freshness, serenity or even a touch of vitality and energy, depending on the shade chosen. If you would like to know more about the colour green in porcelain tiles, please follow this link.

These colours are just a sample of the wide range of shades available in porcelain tiles, allowing the creation of personalised atmospheres adapted to the design preferences of each room.

From small to large porcelain stoneware sizes 

The variety of formats in porcelain stoneware offers creative and functional opportunities in the design of spaces. From the most traditional designs to the latest trends, the formats available include:

• Large format: Large format porcelain tiles offer a sense of spaciousness and continuity in spaces, minimising joint lines and creating a more uniform appearance. These large formats can be used to cover large areas, giving a modern and elegant aesthetic.
• Hexagonal format: Porcelain tiles in hexagonal format offer a unique and distinctive alternative in surface design. Their geometric shape adds visual interest and allows for the creation of original patterns and designs on walls and floors. This format is ideal for those seeking a more modern and creative aesthetic.

These formats represent only a part of the wide variety available in the porcelain tile market, offering options to suit different styles, needs and design preferences in architectural and interior design projects.

Cleaning and care of porcelain tiles  

Porcelain tile is easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical and convenient choice for residential and commercial environments. Its low porosity and resistance to stains make it easy to clean with water and mild detergents. In addition, it does not require any special sealant treatment, making it even easier to maintain over time.

For more information on how to clean and maintain porcelain floor tiles to keep them spotless, we invite you to consult this detailed article on the Apavisa blog: How to clean porcelain floor tiles: care to keep them spotless. This resource offers specific and useful tips to ensure proper maintenance of porcelain floors and prolong their beauty and durability.