The author's tale is different from the folk tale. What is the difference between a folk tale and a literary one? Similarities and differences

Both one and the other material is a type of facing ceramics. Despite the similar composition, the production technology and some components are different. Due to this, there is a significant difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, despite some similarities. What is the difference?

Production features

It all starts with the production of ceramics. It is based on the process of firing raw materials after their molding. Porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles are made as follows:

1. The initial components are crushed and dosed, the charge is prepared.
2. The facing material itself is formed. There are 3 types of molding: casting, pressing, extrusion.
3. Products are dried so that all moisture comes out of them.
4. At the end, the blanks are fired at a high temperature. It is different for every material.

Depending on the material, a glaze may be applied to it before firing. Sometimes it is applied after firing, so the products are fired again. No wonder you can find products of single or double firing on the shelves.

The first difference in materials is composition. For ceramics, red and white clay is needed, and porcelain stoneware is made from illite and kaolin clay. Conventional ceramics have vapor-forming additives. Thanks to them, the mass of materials is less. But porcelain stoneware for walls or floors is very dense and weighty, since there are no such additives in it. For him, surfactants are more important in the composition. Thanks to them, internal friction in the charge is reduced. This makes it easier to compact it during tile formation.

Important! Despite the name, porcelain stoneware has nothing to do with natural granite. For the first time the name was used by the Mirage company representing this product in our market. And it took root due to the high strength of the products and the special granular pattern that the first products had.

Product molding

Porcelain stoneware can be formed by dry and semi-dry pressing. In this case, the working pressure reaches 500 kg/cm2. Other types of ceramics are produced at a pressure of 400 kg / cm2. Such a high pressure not only densifies the charge in the process, but constituent particles are deformed, destroyed and pressed into the mass, preventing the appearance of voids.

After drying, the material is fired. And even here there are differences. Ceramics are processed at a temperature of 950 to 1180 degrees. Porcelain stoneware comes in kilns with a temperature of 1250 to 1300 degrees. The temperature is raised gradually.

Feature Comparison

Ceramic tile or porcelain tile? What to choose? This question can be answered after comparing the characteristics of materials. Due to the fact that the second is formed at high blood pressure and fired at a higher temperature, it is much stronger. There are no pores in it. As for weight, for porcelain stoneware it ranges from 2500 to 2600 kg / m3, and for varieties of tiles - from 1600 to 2000 kg / m3.

Due to the high density, porcelain stoneware perfectly tolerates the influence of moisture. The tile is also not bad and is not afraid of water. Its water absorption rate is from 3 to 10%. But ceramic granite has a figure of 0.5%. There are manufacturers who have made the material practically waterproof, with water absorption rates of 0.1% and even 0.05%. That is why it is recommended to use porcelain stoneware for walls and floors in bathrooms and other wet areas.

A smaller number of pores improved frost resistance by half. It is the ability to withstand freeze and thaw cycles without loss of performance. According to research, the tile has an indicator of F25-F125. This means that it can withstand 25-125 cycles without losing its properties. In a dense fellow, frost resistance is F100–F300. Porcelain stoneware cladding can be done on any surface, whether inside or outside the home.

According to the MEP scale, materials have the following surface density: ceramic tiles 4–6, ceramic granite 7–8. The degree of wear resistance for the first material is II–IV, for the second V.

Advantages and disadvantages of tiles

To answer the question: porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles, which is better, a comparison of materials according to their pros and cons will help. The tile has proven itself as a facing material. It is reliable, not afraid of moisture and very practical. That's why he is so popular. There are a few other benefits to note:

1. Relatively low weight.
2. Durability.
3. High levels of moisture resistance.
4. Beautiful appearance.
5. Easy care.
6. Has an affordable price.
7. Huge range of products.
8. Ecological purity.
9. Ease of installation.
10. fire-fighting properties.

As for the shortcomings, we note the fragility of the product. In addition, they can change color, fading in the sun.

Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware

The appearance of the product is no worse. It imitates natural stone, for which it received its name. Porcelain stoneware installation is simple and can be done both inside and outside. The main advantages of the products are:

1. Improved service life.
2. Increased strength, wear resistance, impact resistance.
3. Resistance to temperature fluctuations.
4. Excellent indicators of moisture resistance.
5. Increased frost resistance.
6. Ease of installation.
7. Beautiful appearance, imitating natural stone.
8. Ecological purity.
9. Uniformity of color throughout the structure of the material.

How to distinguish porcelain stoneware from ceramic tiles by eye? Knowing this information, it will not be difficult to do this. They differ in appearance and weight. The structure of the first is much denser.

Scope of use of materials

It is customary that tiles are used for interior decoration kitchens, hallways and bathrooms. It is laid both on the walls and on the floor. Porcelain stoneware, on the other hand, has more weight, is stronger and more durable. This made it a versatile material that can be used both outside and inside. Porcelain stoneware is placed on the walls, however, due to its mass and strength, they prefer to make porcelain stoneware floors. And walls that are not subjected to heavy loads are tiled.

Note! The tile can be matte and glossy. For walls choose glossy products. They are easier to care for, and they visually expand the room. But the floor requires a matte anti-slip coating for safety.

When it comes to creating designer kitchens and baths, porcelain tile cannot boast the same variety of colors and patterns as ceramic tiles. But the coating is durable, strong and reliable. Since the material is not afraid of temperature changes, porcelain stoneware is used for balconies, loggias, terraces, porches, gazebos. Ceramic tile or porcelain stoneware flooring? Definitely the second option. It has higher impact resistance and wear resistance, which means it will last longer.

Price

Everyone is used to the fact that the better and better the material, the higher its cost. And this is logical. Ceramic tiles have a lower price, due to the worst performance. It is not so wear-resistant, impact-resistant, durable and frost-resistant. Nevertheless, it is not always necessary to use porcelain stoneware for interior decoration.

There is an option to combine materials. Indeed, for walls that are not subjected to special loads, there is no need for high-strength material. As practice shows, ceramic tiles perfectly cope with their task. Another thing is the floor and exterior cladding. In this case, it is better not to sell too cheap, so that after a while, it is again spent on the purchase of facing material.

Glue for porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles is also different. To hold dense slabs of porcelain stoneware, you need a better composition made for this purpose. Accordingly, its cost will be much higher. You will have to pay 2-3 times more.

Laying process

How to put porcelain stoneware on the wall? In fact, the differences between the installation of ceramic tiles are minimal. There is one caveat: due to the greater strength and density, trimming the material is much more difficult. For this purpose, a special electric tile cutter is used.

The rest of the work is done like this:

1. Surface preparation. It must be smooth, clean and primed.
2. Glue preparation and application. The composition is applied both to the wall and to the tile itself. This is done with a notched trowel.
3. The tile is glued to the surface. To get an even seam between all the elements, crosses are used. Residues of glue are removed immediately so that they do not dry out.
4. If necessary, the material is trimmed. Especially in places where pipes or other elements pass. As stated above, a tile cutter is required for this purpose.
5. When the surface is treated, it remains to wait for it to dry. The terms are indicated on the packaging from the glue.
6. The final stage of installation is jointing or sealing seams. A special grout is used for these purposes. This will make the coating aesthetically attractive and practical.

That's all the work. As you can see, the process is almost identical with the installation of tiles. And this means that even a beginner can cope with this task.

Conclusion

Although the materials are similar to each other, they differ significantly, as evidenced by a comparison of their characteristics. Porcelain stoneware is denser, which means it is more durable, stronger, more moisture resistant, more wear-resistant and frost-resistant. You will have to pay extra for such characteristics, however, quality is above all. In order to save money, the floor can be made of porcelain stoneware, and the walls of ordinary ceramic tiles.

Types of tiles. What is the difference between ceramic tiles and tiles?

What is the difference between tile and ceramic tiles? What types of tiles are there? This is perhaps one of the most FAQ, which site employees have to answer when choosing a facing material for finishing works. As practice shows, an ordinary buyer often experiences difficulties, and then he needs the help of specialists in this matter.

In fact, tiles and ceramic tiles are not various types tiles. The tile is one of many types of a ceramic tile united by the general name. Porcelain stoneware, tiles, cotto, clinker - all these are types of ceramic tiles, clarifying the names for a large group of individual materials. The word "ceramics" comes from the ancient Greek "keramos", which means "of fired clay". All ceramic tiles, including tiles, are made from clay with some additives such as feldspar, quartz sand and water.

Ceramic tile

So, let's list the types of tiles.

Ceramic tile

Ceramic tile (tile, tile) is the most common type of tile. Ceramic tile is a mixture of clay, sand and minerals, fired and glazed. Glaze allows you to get products of any color, texture and texture, with a wide variety of patterns and ornaments, glossy or matte.

Ceramic granite

Stoneware (porcelain) - common name for ceramic materials with ultra-low water absorption and, as a result, high frost resistance. Raw materials for the manufacture of tiles are similar in composition to raw materials for the production of porcelain, but in appearance the products resemble stone. Ceramic granite is made by dry pressing and is subjected to single firing - such tiles are pressed under higher pressure and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. Sintered, vitrified products with the highest technical characteristics are obtained. They are included in the last - the highest - group in terms of resistance to abrasion and aggressive environments.

Classic unglazed porcelain stoneware has a granular, granular structure throughout the depth of the tile, like natural stone, but unlike it, it is devoid of such shortcomings as a tendency to cracking, the presence of foreign inclusions or cavities. In terms of resistance to temperature extremes (especially freezing), porcelain stoneware also surpasses most varieties of natural stone, due to its greater density and uniformity.

The surface of unglazed porcelain stoneware is made unpolished, semi-polished, polished and embossed. (A polished product costs at least 30% more than the same unpolished one.) It is indispensable for areas with heavy human traffic (offices, supermarkets, airports) and can be used for building cladding.

Glazed porcelain stoneware also has high technical characteristics, but is more diverse in design (various surface patterns can be obtained with the help of glaze).

Clinker tiles

Clinker - unglazed or glazed single-fired tiles with a compacted base. These types of tiles are produced by extrusion (pushing through a certain shape) or, sometimes, by pressing. Clinker is fired at very high temperatures, as a result of which it acquires high technical characteristics: wear resistance and frost resistance. In addition, the clinker is not subject to aggressive chemical substances, does not absorb water and is easy to clean.

Extrusion allows you to get products of complex geometric shape. A striking example- tiles for the pool. Such collections include a typical set of various structural elements: drains, steps, corners, connecting elements, etc.

cotto tile

Cotto - a brick-colored tile made of red clay - is obtained by extrusion. Most often it is not glazed and has a variety of natural coloring within the terracotta range (yellow, pink, red, brown shades). For these warm colors and natural color, European architects love it very much. We can say that cotto carries the charm of antiquity (cotto is one of the oldest ways to make tiles), so it is often used in the interiors of museums and churches.

Basically, these types of tiles are used for indoor flooring. After laying, the surface must be covered with protective compounds (hydrophobic agents and wax mastics), otherwise stains may appear on the porous unglazed surface of the cotto. When using cotto outside, certain requirements must be met.

The collection of cotto tiles usually includes a set of additional elements: background tiles of various sizes and shapes, steps, handrails, storm drains, curbs, etc. The share of this product in the total mass of Italian tiles is less than 2%.

It is sometimes difficult for an ordinary consumer to understand a huge number of finishing materials. For example, for many, the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bhow the tile differs from the tile is rather vague. Is not it we are talking O different materials, or is it the same product with two variants of the name? We will try to find the answer to these questions.

Definition

Tile- widely used facing material. It is a relatively small ceramic plates, mostly square or rectangular. The tile is often used in the construction industry for interior decoration. They are lined with surfaces not only of residential premises, but also public places such as clinics.

Tile

Tile– plates freeform for surface finishing. Made from various materials. Fragments of tiles, located close to each other, form a single canvas.

Comparison

To understand what is the difference between a tile and a tile, let's get acquainted with the classification of facing materials. So, "tile" is a generalizing concept. Such products can be made in any form and have a variety of designs. Tiled fragments are made from clay, stone, concrete mix and other materials.

Of all the varieties of such products, ceramic tiles are the most common. The main component of its composition is clay, which is processed by firing. As an additional raw material, for example, sand or feldspar is used here.

Ceramic tiles are also different. One of its types is porcelain stoneware, characterized by density, exceptional strength and frost resistance. Another variety is metlakh tiles. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that even during kneading, the desired dye is introduced into the clay mass. Thanks to this, chips and abrasions on the finished plates remain invisible, in contrast to products painted only on top.

Tiles of the types "clinker" and "cotto" are also ceramic. In the production of facing materials of this type, extrusion is used. This technological method consists in forcing a viscous mass through a mold. Cotto is made from red clay and is usually unglazed to preserve its natural color.

And finally, tiles. It is to him that the common name is often applied - ceramic tiles, while its other varieties, as a rule, are named according to their individual names: clinker, porcelain stoneware, cotto ... In all likelihood, this is due to the fact that the tile of all ceramic tile options is the most popular.

What is the difference between tiles and tiles of other varieties? First of all, the tile squares are covered with glaze on top. Other tiles do not always have such a decorative layer. Glaze allows you to get fragments of different colors, plain or with a pattern, having any texture. Therefore, one more distinctive feature tile is a variety of design. In addition, these plates are relatively light, which cannot be said about many other types of tiles.

Ceramics and porcelain are materials that have been successfully used for many years as raw materials for the manufacture of tableware and decorative items. Many people know that porcelain is a type of ceramics, but also many do not know how these two materials can differ. To understand how porcelain differs from ceramics, one should understand the composition of these two materials and the features of their application.

Ceramics and porcelain: what is it?

It is common to call ceramics products made of clay or similar substances into which mineral additives are introduced. Ceramics can be shaped and exposed to high temperatures (firing). For the manufacture of ceramics use:

• Clay - it is a polymer rock, consisting of silicon, soda, iron, feldspar, etc.
• Kaolin is a myomineral rock composed of kaolinite.
• Thinning materials that reduce shrinkage during firing of products (these are quartz sand, alumina, etc.).
• Flutes that lower the sintering temperature.

Ceramic vessels and pots

Ceramics can also be glazed for a more attractive look. There are such types of ceramics:

1. Thin: it has a fine-grained structure, and the shard of such ceramics is almost transparent due to its small thickness. An example of such ceramics is porcelain and faience.
2. Coarse: the structure of such ceramics is coarse-grained. Rough ceramics are used in pottery.

A ceramic object has a list of undeniable advantages. First of all, ceramics is environmentally friendly, as it does not contain any chemicals. In addition, ceramics are resistant to high temperatures. Durability is also considered an advantage of such products. Ceramics is used not only in the manufacture of dishes. The properties of the material make it an ideal raw material for industries such as instrument and mechanical engineering, science, medicine, etc.

As already mentioned, porcelain is a type of ceramic, characterized by impermeability to air and water, despite the fact that it is a thin material. The porcelain object has a perfect white color and a uniform structure. This provides the material with incredible strength, although the porcelain itself visually seems very fragile.

Porcelain exists in the following forms:

1. Solid: it is obtained by double firing under the influence of a temperature of 1350-1450 degrees. This explains the strength of this type of porcelain. Based on the scope of application, hard porcelain is divided into economic, electrical, chemical and artistic. As for the groups, porcelain is European (the main part of the composition is clay) and oriental (it is exposed to moderate temperatures, and the material itself contains less kaolin).
2. Soft: this porcelain is obtained by firing at a temperature of less than 1350 degrees. Visually, soft porcelain cannot be distinguished from hard porcelain, although it is considered a more fragile material. All soft porcelain, depending on the characteristics of the manufacturing technology, is divided into European, French and English.

porcelain service

Differences

Many are interested in the question of not only how ceramics differ from porcelain, but also how to distinguish one material from another. In fact, it is incorrect to compare these two materials and distinguish them from each other, since porcelain is the same ceramics. However, this material is often confused with a cheaper analogue - faience. In order not to confuse these types of raw materials for the production of dishes, you should be aware of the features of porcelain:

1. Porcelain products are never covered with glaze or paint in an industrial way, as they deprive the product of its unique beauty. But hand-painted porcelain is a common phenomenon, because it allows you to emphasize the beauty of the material and make the porcelain object extraordinarily beautiful.
2. Since porcelain is a kind of fine ceramics, products made from it are partially translucent.
3. If you take a piece of porcelain and lightly hit it with a metal object, you will hear a clean and ringing sound. For faience, when compared with porcelain, a muffled sound is characteristic.
4. Porcelain products throughout for long years remain attractive.
5. You can pay attention to the mass of the product and its compliance with the dimensions. So, porcelain dishes and other items made of this material are quite light.

Porcelain is considered the most expensive type of ceramics, so products made from it have a corresponding price and are sold in specialized outlets.

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. A kitchen area 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 comes out of the conveyor, which does not have 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.

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 a finishing material for the bathroom, kitchen, as in 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 decoration, 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 in a muffle furnace under the influence of a temperature of 900 to 1200 degrees. The temperature level depends on the thickness of the product. Specifications ceramic tiles are directly dependent 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 with 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 significantly later than the first material.

So the main distinctive features artificial granite 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 the wear resistance of 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 increased level patency: 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 installation of sidewalk 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 construction companies are engaged in the production of porcelain stoneware, so the cost of the product is gradually decreasing. 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 using different technologies, which means that the price largely depends on the design, manufacturer, and application.

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.