Porcelain stoneware tiles offer an exquisite blend of beauty, durability, and versatility, making them an ideal choice for any home. With an extensive range of designs, sizes, and finishes to choose from, selecting the perfect tile can be a daunting task.
However, this guide is here to assist you in navigating the vast world of porcelain stoneware tiles, enabling you to discover the ideal match that perfectly complements your house.
What are porcelain stoneware tiles? The main benefits
Porcelain stoneware is a particular kind of ceramic tile, known for its exceptional density and remarkable resistance to water. This combination of qualities makes it highly durable, rendering it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas in the home that undergo significant wear and tear, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor spaces.
Porcelain stoneware tiles are produced through a process that involves several stages. The production begins with the preparation of raw materials, like clay, feldspar, sand, and other minerals. Then, they are mixed with water in appropriate proportions to create a homogeneous mixture.
The mixture is then shaped into tiles that undergo a drying process to remove excess moisture. The dried tiles are then fired in kilns at high temperatures. This firing process is essential for the transformation of the raw materials into dense, durable porcelain stoneware.
Once the tiles are fired and cooled, they undergo finishing processes such as cutting to precise dimensions, rectifying the edges, and surface polishing or honing to achieve the desired texture and appearance.
In addition to their durability, porcelain stoneware tiles offer an extensive range of design options, encompassing diverse colours, textures, and patterns.
Whether you desire the timeless elegance of natural stone, the warmth of wood, or the modern appeal of concrete, porcelain tiles provide unparalleled versatility to suit your aesthetic preferences.
Furthermore, these tiles require minimal maintenance, as regular sweeping and mopping are typically sufficient to keep them looking their best.
Choosing the right porcelain stoneware tiles
Once you have determined that porcelain stoneware is the ideal choice for your home, it is essential to consider aesthetics, technical specifications, and your lifestyle requirements. What are the steps to follow?
- Consider your home’s style. The first step in choosing tiles is to consider your home’s style. Do you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more rustic, traditional design? Do you want your tiles to stand out with a bold pattern or blend seamlessly with your decor? The wide variety of porcelain stoneware designs can cater to any aesthetic.
- Size and shape matter. Tile size and shape can drastically impact the look of a room. Larger tiles can make a small space appear bigger, while smaller tiles add interest and detail. Shapes also vary, from traditional squares and rectangles to hexagons and intricate patterns.
- Opt for slip-resistance tiles. For tiles in wet areas like bathrooms or outdoor spaces, consider their slip resistance. This is often indicated by the Coefficient of Friction (COF). Tiles designed for these areas often have a textured surface for added grip.
Practical tips for choosing porcelain stoneware tiles
In addition, there are some concrete tips to follow that will enable you to make the perfect choice:
- Get samples. Just like paint, tiles can look very diverse under different lighting conditions and alongside your furniture. Always get a few samples and place them in the room where they’ll be installed to get an accurate idea of how they’ll look.
- Consider professional installation. Even if DIY can look like a money-saving option, it is better to be wary of it. Porcelain stoneware tiles are a dense, hard material that can be difficult to cut and lay without right tools and experience. Consider hiring a professional for a flawless finish.
- Don’t forget the grout. The colour of grout can greatly impact the overall look of your tile work. Light grout can offer a seamless look, while a darker one provides a striking contrast.
Porcelain tiles by Ceramiche Refin: the perfect fusion of technological innovation and elegance
Established in 1962, Ceramiche Refin is an esteemed Italian company guided by a set of fundamental principles that encompass a deep dedication to technological advancement and artistic exploration, complemented by an eco-friendly philosophy and a 100% made in Italy production.
Thanks to avant-garde machinery for the creation of surface graphics and post-manufacturing processes, Refin produces more than 8 million m² of high-quality Italian tiles.
The catalogue of the company includes various options. It offers elegant Italian floor tiles available in many sizes, finishes, textures, and colours. Perfect for both homes (kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms) and large design projects, are highly hygienic, easy to clean, resistant, and durable.
As regards the collections, one of the most interesting options is Canal Grande. It is inspired by the most charming soul of Venice and the famous city’s nautical culture.
It is a tribute to the atmosphere of the lagoon with a clear prominence of mahogany, the material traditionally used to build the local boats, luxury motorboats and the famous Venetian taxis.
The collection is the result of wide-ranging research exploring the excellence of craftsmanship in the nautical sector by Refin’s tile designers. It is available in two finishes: Glossy and Soft.
Instead, Sublime is a collection that draws inspiration from the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, in France. It recalls a rare type of local stone of limestone origin that is no longer available due to depleted quarries.
The surface, while covered with haloes and minute details remains balanced. On the other hand, the compact and uniform background is furrowed with delicately contrasting veins.