13
Aug

The difference between porcelain and granite tiles.

First, we examine the practical features of porcelain and granite tiles. Granite with a hardness of about 6 to 6.5 mos is one of the hardest natural stones in the world. On the other hand, porcelain is composed of kaolinite clay, which after baking has become a hard and strong material. The degree of hardness of porcelain is in the range of 7 to 8 mos; As a result, the degree of hardness of porcelain is higher than granite.

Both of these tiles are resistant to cracking, chipping, scratching and heat. Porcelain is also resistant to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. As we mentioned earlier, this material is completely non-porous. This feature gives you the assurance that porcelain will not fade or stain. In addition, it has a food-safe surface that does not harbor any bacteria, mold, or other pathogens.

For centuries, porcelain has attracted the attention of people all over the world because of its beautiful shine, flat texture, elegance and beautiful appearance. Today, the use of porcelain has increased so much that this material can be found in various items from dolls and decorative items to building tiles. Porcelain tiles have become one of the most popular materials in the flooring of homes and are used in the kitchen, bathroom or entrance hallway. In this article, we are going to explain about the characteristics of porcelain tiles and answer your common questions about porcelain tiles, including its differences with ceramics.

If granite is completely sealed, it can have the same properties as porcelain. Like any other natural stone, granite needs more maintenance and repair; For example, when cleaning, you should use special materials so that the seams do not disappear and the appearance of the granite is not dull.

In addition, granite should be sealed periodically. This will incur some additional costs for you. Porcelain, on the other hand, is a little easier to clean and maintain. Porcelain does not need to be resealed after installation in the future

How to Tell Ceramic from Porcelain

It can be difficult to tell ceramic from porcelain at first glance because of the similarities in appearance between the two materials. One way to tell ceramic from porcelain is to look at the surface of the tiles to see how rough or smooth they are. You can do this both visually and by running your hand over the surface of the tiles. Porcelain tiles have a smoother surface than ceramic because of the finer particles they contain; therefore, when you touch the tiles and find a rough or uneven surface, you can be sure that it is not porcelain.

Disadvantages of porcelain tiles

Although porcelain tile is very durable, it can sometimes warp, especially at the edges. This may not be noticeable after the tiling is finished.

Due to its different composition and manufacturing method, this product is usually more expensive than ceramic or other flooring. On the other hand, its installation cost is also higher. It is also more difficult to install than other flooring. In particular, cutting this tile requires specialized equipment and is not an easy task. We recommend using the expertise of experienced and professional people for this task. This tile also weighs more than regular ceramics.

Installing porcelain tile with grout

Grout is a type of construction mortar that is used to fill inaccessible spaces and also to seal and fill joints. Preparing the grout is one of the main and important steps in installing tiles. This mortar is made of cement, water, and additives. One thing to note about grout is that depending on the type of tile and its installation location, the type of grout ingredients, their percentage of composition, and the concentration of the grout vary. Another point is the grouting method, which varies depending on the concentration of the grout and the location of use (kitchen, bathroom, etc.). Cement grout is usually used to install porcelain tiles, which is a thick mixture of water and cement. This mixture is one of the most durable and strongest materials used in installing and sealing tiles.

Porcelain tiles have low water absorption; as a result, a strong bond and bond may not be established between the tile and the cement grout. To solve this problem, users use several methods, including: adding concrete adhesive to the grout mixture, adding a mixture of cement leachate and concrete adhesive to the grout (after grouting), gluing the back of the tile and then dragging a notched trowel over the grout (to increase the contact surface). Another method is to use a scoop. In this way, create small holes (half a centimeter) on the back of the tile and place the scoops with glue in these holes. This action increases the contact surface of the tile with the grout and establishes a stronger connection between them.

As a final point, we should mention that, as in all tasks, in addition to accuracy, patience is also very important, grouting is a task that must be done very carefully and slowly. In addition to preparing a grout with the right consistency, make sure to spread the grout evenly over the surface. Don’t try to speed up your work, as rushing the tile installation will result in poor quality.