Should you choose porcelain stoneware for your porch?

Porcelain stoneware is a stone-porcelain tile that has high performance characteristics and is actively used in construction. This material has appeared not so long ago, but it is already quite popular due to its high quality indicators and a favorable price.

Porcelain stoneware was invented as an alternative to natural stone, however, modern models imitate a variety of surfaces. In order to choose it correctly, you need to know the main types and characteristics.

The most reliable and durable look. In terms of wear resistance, it is not inferior to any other type. But at the same time it has one drawback - an unsightly appearance. For this reason, it is used for cladding in production areas, factories and industrial areas.

Very durable look, therefore suitable for outdoor stairs. Resistant to temperature extremes. However, it requires increased care of the surface, as it is prone to the formation of spots and marks.

It differs from the rest in its characteristic mirror shine. It is used for facing external facades and buildings. But not suitable for stairs or floors due to the abrasion of the polish. Without polishing, it will simply turn dull.

A special composition is applied to this type of porcelain stoneware - glaze, which gives smoothness and incomparable shine. It often has a variety of bright colors and patterns. It is used as a cladding of exclusively vertical surfaces that are not subject to high stress.

Decorative porcelain stoneware. Mineral salt is applied on it in a thin layer. This type of surface has a velvety texture, which is achieved after firing. Used as a decoration.

Also decorative. Often imitates wood, tiles, stone. It is used for stylistic solutions in the interior, has a decorative function.

Porcelain stoneware has one important advantage over other facing materials - increased strength and durability. Choosing it, you can be sure that the surface will last a long time without cracks or scratches. Especially if it is a street finish designed for steps. Resistance to weather conditions, high humidity and temperature make porcelain stoneware the leader in facing materials.

The material has a number of advantages.

• Resistance to low temperatures Is the main advantage. It can withstand even frosts down to -50 C. In addition, it copes well with sudden temperature changes. Suitable for outdoor use.
• High wear resistance. Often, the surface of the floor or stairs is subject to impacts, mechanical scratches when dragging furniture or household appliances. Porcelain stoneware is "not afraid" of this type of damage. Perfect for facing street stairs, porch, sidewalk. Manufacturers give about 7 years of serviceable service to outdoor porcelain stoneware, which is more susceptible to all sorts of loads than others.

• Resistant to high humidity. This material does not absorb moisture.This advantage makes it possible to use it outdoors and in areas of high humidity: swimming pools, saunas, as well as in a tropical climate zone where heavy rains are possible.
• Increased shock resistance. When choosing porcelain stoneware for a porch, you need to look for an option with a greater thickness. The higher the thickness level, the stronger the material. And even if a heavy object falls on the surface, porcelain stoneware will not be damaged. The appearance will remain unchanged: no chips or scratches.

You also need to remember that there are several degrees of wear resistance, the manufacturer indicates it.

• First group (class PEI I) - used in rooms where people go barefoot, wearing soft shoes (like slippers).

• Second group (class PEI II) - slightly stronger than the first group, it is used indoors (more often in public places), where there is a lot of traffic.

• Third group (class PEI III) - this porcelain stoneware is chosen for residential buildings, office premises of small companies.

• Fourth group (class PEI IV) - can be used in rooms with medium or high traffic of people. For example, halls, banquet rooms.

• Fifth group (class PEI V) - can be used everywhere, it is usually chosen for public places with very high traffic: train stations, airports, cafes.

The above advantages make it a suitable material for cladding outdoor surfaces. A porch or staircase made using porcelain stoneware tiles will last a long time, retain a presentable appearance without scratches and chips, without hitting the wallet of its owner.

When choosing this product as a finishing material, you need to take into account some of the nuances.

• The manufacturer is important. On the building materials market, the choice is very large, there are also many manufacturers. But Italian manufacturers have proven themselves on the positive side. In the pricing policy, it turns out to be more expensive than domestic options, but the performance of such porcelain stoneware is higher.
• The second point is the surface. When choosing materials for outdoor decoration, first of all, you need to pay attention to anti-slip surfaces. If the surface is smooth, it threatens to get injured, bruises. Especially in our climate at low temperatures. An ideal porch surface should be non-slip and slightly rough. It will not slip even when wet, and in icy conditions it does not need to be treated with anti-slip abrasives as much as a smooth surface. But you should not choose too corrugated surface.

• When buying porcelain stoneware for outdoor cladding, for example, for steps, you need to keep in mind that 1 sq. m of quality material should weigh 19-20 kg. If the weight is less than the specified one, most likely, there were production violations and the quality was not up to the mark.
• You can also take note of the optimal sizes. The most convenient for installation is porcelain stoneware tiles with a size of 30x30 or 30x60 cm. This is not a mandatory requirement for implementation, but rather a tip that will help you complete the work quickly and efficiently.

• For installation work on laying porcelain stoneware, ordinary tools are required. Any experienced team of installers has an arsenal of everything necessary for high-quality masonry material.
• If you plan to do everything yourself, you need to decide on the choice of high-quality glue. Then correctly calculate the surface area that you need to veneer. It is better to buy material with a margin. In practice, it is always spent 1/3 more than the calculated amount. This is caused by the relief of the area, cuts, cuts, chips when cutting, etc.

Porcelain stoneware is perfect for facing the porch... This material is almost ideal for outdoor work, which is what cladding works are.

It possesses the necessary qualities and characteristics, such as: high strength and durability, anti-slip, tolerance to low temperatures and sudden changes, resistance to high humidity and impact resistance.

A variety of types and surfaces allows you to choose the desired material, based on the place of installation, the conditions of the climatic zone. Stylistic solutions abound in variety. This factor is important in design and decoration. Different colors, textures, surfaces make it possible to embody design ideas with a claim to uniqueness and originality.

Choosing the right porcelain stoneware for his needs, the owner relies on reliability, strength, durability and beauty.

You can watch a master class on laying porcelain stoneware on the stairs in this video.