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Porcelain tile questions
What is the definition of porcelain tile?
When asked to define porcelain tile, most ceramists would consider the following material-based definition: a tough white body containing any triaxial combination of quartz, clay, and feldspar that is fired at temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1400-degrees Celcius. Many porcelain tile products fit this description; however, the ceramic tile industry has a broader definition, one that generally describes porcelain as being any ceramic tile that is impervious, regardless of composition. Often, porcelain tiles are formed by pressing light-colored clay that contains minimal impurities and are rich in kaolinite. However, porcelain tile can also be extruded, and can even consist of red clay, so long as the water absorption of the fired product is less than 0.5%.
Porcelain Tile is a special composition of raw materials combined with a manufacturing technology making this material almost completely vitrified and thus completely unabsorbent with very high qualities of resistance to wear, remaining unaltered over time. It is resistant to wear, deep abrasion, chemical attack and frost. A non-absorbent material with great fluxural strength. Quality Porcelain will remain constant over time; it is ideal for interior and exterior floors and walls and facades of buildings. It is available in natural, smooth, polished and structured finishes.
New chromatic and decorative effects have been created by experimenting with innovative processes that embellish the expressive potential of Porcelain Stoneware. As a result the new Porcelain bears a striking resemblance to natural stones, marble, granite and porphyry.
Isn't porcelain delicate and easy to break?
My porcelain sink chipped. Won't porcelain stone chip too?
How does porcelain stone compare in cost to other countertop materials, like granite, laminates or solid surfacings?
Suppose I put porcelain stone on my kitchen counter. Will it absorb stains or form mildew along the grout lines?
I want a real bright white tile. The porcelain stone colors look creamy. Will they work with the white background in my wallpaper?
I'd like to buy porcelain stone for my great room, but won't it be cold?
Why does porcelain stone cost more than ordinary ceramic tile?
Why are certain colors of porcelain stone more expensive than others?
How do you install porcelain stone tile? Does it need a special adhesive or grout? Do you have to seal it?
What size grout joint should I use?
How do I keep the polished porcelain stone shining? It looks like a lot of work.
How can a hard material like porcelain stoneware be cut and/or drilled?
Isn't porcelain delicate and easy to break?
No. There are different types of porcelain, including dishes and dolls, that can be
very fragile. Porcelain stone, on the other hand, is tough and long
lasting because it is fired at extremely high temperatures (2000° F and above)
until it becomes vitrified (glass-like). This process makes porcelain stone 30
percent harder than natural stones such as granite and marble. Prove it to
yourself by trying to scratch a piece of porcelain stone with your house keys.
Or, put a pencil under a porcelain stone, step on both sides of the top, and
rock back and forth. Ordinary tile or stone would break - not porcelain stone!
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My porcelain sink chipped. Won't porcelain stone chip, too? Or, what if I drop a
big can of tomatoes on the kitchen floor?
Not to worry. Your sink is merely
glazed with porcelain, so the color doesn't go all the way through like it does
with porcelain stone. With porcelain stone, there's never a problem with wearing
through the color layer. If porcelain stone were to somehow chip, you probably
wouldn't even notice - it's the same color inside.
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How does porcelain stone compare in cost to other countertop materials, like granite,
laminates or solid surfacings?
Porcelain stone may cost more than
manmade laminates, but you have to compare value - not price. On the other hand,
porcelain stone costs less than most solid surfacing products and some natural
stones, like granite. Porcelain stone delivers great looks, an incredible range
of color options, easy installation and wipe-clean maintenance.
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Suppose I put porcelain stone on my kitchen counter. Will it absorb stains or form
mildew along the grout lines?
Porcelain stone is almost totally
non-absorbent, which means it is virtually impervious to stains and mildew. It's
the grout between the stones that you need to be savvy about. Many countertops
are now installed with 100 percent epoxy grouts that are easy to use, clean up
quickly following installation and refuse to stain or mildew. Otherwise, an
application of high performance grout sealer is recommended to retard the
staining of joints when using conventional sanded grout.
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I want a real bright white tile. The porcelain stone colors look creamy. Will they
work with the white background in my wallpaper?
Porcelain stone is made from raw materials found in the earth that simply
don't come in bright white. Ordinary tile can be made from any kind of clay
since the body color is hidden under the glaze, whereas white porcelain stone
shows its true color throughout.
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I'd like to buy porcelain stone for my great room, but won't it be cold?
Not necessarily. Porcelain stone is
no different in temperature than anything else in the room; it's just that we
tend to equate smooth with cold. (Of course, cool is good in warm weather
climates!) Still, it's easy to warm things up with an area rug or two. Or, if
you're installing a brand new floor, ask your contractor about under-floor
radiant heating. Low-voltage electrical floor warming systems are available,
affordable and easy on your heating budget.
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Why does porcelain stone cost more than ordinary ceramic tile?
Because you are getting a superior
product. Porcelain stone requires the finest natural ingredients and a rigidly
controlled manufacturing process that utilizes the most advanced processes and
technology.
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Why are certain colors of porcelain stone more expensive than others?
Simply because some colors cost more
to manufacture than others. The coloring agents are more expensive and more
difficult to control, requiring more technology, time and skill.
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How do you install porcelain stone tile? Does it need a special adhesive or grout?
Do you have to seal it?
Porcelain stone is installed as easily as ordinary ceramic tile, using the
same installation tools. A different adhesive is used with Porcelain tile than
with Ceramic tile. In most cases, your installer will know which setting
material is best, but if you're planning a do-it-yourself project, it's a good
idea to discuss your particular installation with your tile dealer.
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What size grout joint should I use?
The size of your grout joint is a personal decision that you need to make. Keep in mind, however,
that larger grout joints tend to crack and attract more dirt. Some people suggest a thinner
grout joint. As thin as 1/8" to 3/16" is best. If your design includes stones of
multiple sizes, consider using a 1/4" grout joint throughout, which adds
consistency to the overall appearance.
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How do I keep the polished porcelain stone shining? It looks like a lot of work.
The trick to keeping porcelain stone
shining is to thoroughly rinse off the dirty wash water when cleaning it.
Detergent residue can form a coating that's difficult to remove, even from
porcelain stone. Once you've cleaned your polished porcelain stone, dry the
floor thoroughly with a soft cloth or a buffing pad to enhance the shine and
prevent water spots.
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How can a hard material like porcelain stoneware be cut and/or drilled?
Cutting can be done with diamond cutters for porcelain stoneware both by hand and, for more precise
cutting, with electric cutters in a water bath. Any holes must be made with diamond cutters
(e.g. those used for cutting glass). Some models are equipped with a water bath which is
recommended due to the extreme compactness of the material.
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