Porcelain tile from China: features, types and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

In recent years, porcelain stoneware has become increasingly popular among finishers and property owners. China is one of the leaders in the production of this versatile building material. And if earlier everything that was produced in China was considered low-quality consumer goods, now the inscription “Made in China” no longer alarms buyers. Numerous sincere and positive feedback from builders and customers are proof of this.

What is porcelain stoneware?

The technological process of production of this building material cannot be called simple. To obtain it, various minerals (quartz, clay, feldspar and various dyes) are mixed in different proportions. This mixture should be semi-dry.

Regardless of the place of production (Czech Republic, Russia, Italy orChina), porcelain tile is subjected to very impressive pressure and temperature in specialized industrial kilns. To obtain optimal technological properties, the pressure value should not exceed 400-500 kilograms per square centimeter of surface area. Heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of approximately 1200 degrees Celsius.

Porcelain stoneware was developed as a finishing flooring material for use in industrial premises. However, later it began to be used as a decorative element during the reconstruction of iconic objects and dwellings.

What is driving the popularity of this material?

Porcelain stoneware appeared on the shelves of building hypermarkets only 30 years ago. Since then, its popularity has grown every year. And this is not surprising. After all, this material is universal and can be used for finishing a variety of rooms and elements.

Compared to traditional ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware has higher performance. It is much stronger than the same tile and better tolerated by the environment.

Today, there are enterprises for the production of this material in almost every country. And if earlier this kind of finishing materials were produced exclusively in Europe, now other countries are actively conquering the market. China has become the most significant player. Porcelain stoneware from the "Celestial Empire" is exported in large quantities tomany countries of the world, including the Russian Federation.

Types of porcelain tiles produced in China

All the variety of porcelain stoneware on the market can be divided into the following groups: glazed, technical, polished, structured, satin. The differences are usually purely external. The chemical composition remains constant. It may vary slightly due to the use of raw materials and materials from different exploration basins.

Glazed Porcelain Tiles

Actually, the name itself reveals the features of this material. The outer surface is covered with a layer of glaze, after which the tile is placed in a kiln for firing. This type of porcelain tile is somewhat better than traditional tiles, but with intensive use it relatively quickly loses its presentable appearance and becomes covered with scratches.

On the outer surface of such a material is difficult to distinguish from ordinary polished ceramic granite. To do this, you need to look at one of the ends. If the tile was glazed, then characteristic streaks can be seen there. Although in some cases it is impossible to visually determine the type of ceramic granite in this way. The fact is that at some enterprises the finished tile is processed around the entire perimeter with a special tool. Thus, all streams are eliminated.

Technical porcelain stoneware

This material imitates marble. Porcelain stoneware from China of this type enjoysin great demand due to its truly unique properties: strength, wear resistance, presentable appearance. It is advisable to use such material for flooring at railway stations, theaters and other similar places. Floor coverings in crowded places are under enormous stress.

Polished Porcelain Tiles

China is one of the largest producers of this material. In fact, this is the same technical porcelain stoneware. There are no differences in chemical composition. Almost identical and manufacturing technology. Except for the finishing operation - polishing the outer surface to a mirror finish. This circumstance, of course, slightly increases the cost of one tile.

Structured Porcelain Tiles

Such a tile outwardly copies the texture and color of any finishing materials. Most often, such ceramic granite imitates various types of wood. However, it can also be textile materials and various types of stone. This tile is especially popular in everyday life, as it allows you to independently design the design and decoration of the home. For places with high traffic, such material is not recommended, as it will begin to wear out very quickly.

It should be noted that wood imitation is sometimes so successful that many people do not believe that these are ceramic materials.

The relief is created even before the slab is sent to the kiln for firing to give it hardness. For this purpose, special molds are made.textured surface.

Satin Porcelain Stoneware

In specialized technical literature, you can also find the term "waxed". The technological process is in many respects similar to the production process of glazed porcelain stoneware. The difference lies only in the application of a layer of fine powder from various minerals before glazing. The purpose of this action is not entirely clear, because performance, judging by the reviews of many people, is falling sharply.

Advantages of Chinese porcelain stoneware

China covers 30 percent of the world's need for porcelain stoneware. This is very big money. The secret of such a grandiose success and demand for the products of Chinese companies lies not so much in the comparative cheapness of their products, but in rather good quality. The latter is ensured by attracting significant investments and using the most modern equipment and technologies. And, importantly, the state was able to successfully implement the import substitution program. All the necessary equipment is produced by China itself. Porcelain stoneware, according to industry experts, will become more and more popular in the future.

Are there any fundamental differences in materials depending on the country of origin? Definitely yes! According to the reviews of builders-finishers with extensive experience and sellers of building materials, Chinese-made porcelain stoneware practically does not absorb moisture. This allows you to use it not only in dry rooms,but also in the baths, and even on the street. Amazing feature. What secret are the manufacturers hiding?

Porcelain tile for flooring from China also wins in terms of its ability to absorb mechanical energy without breaking down. In other words, these materials combine optimal hardness and elasticity.