Should I choose porcelain for the porch?

Porcelain tile is a stone-porcelain tile, which 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 high quality indicators and a favorable price.

Porcelain is invented as an alternative to natural stone, however, modern models mimic 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. By wear resistance 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 at production sites,factories and industrial areas.

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

Differs from the rest of the characteristic mirror shine. It is used for cladding exterior facades, buildings. But not suitable for stairs or floors due to abrasion polishing. Without polishing just become dull.

A special composition is applied to this type of porcelain stoneware - glaze, which gives smoothness and incomparable brilliance. Often has a variety of bright colors and patterns. It is used as lining only vertical surfaces that are not exposed to high loads.

Decorative granite. Mineral salt is applied on it in a thin layer. The surface of this type has a velvety structure, which is achieved after firing. Used as a decor.

Also a decorative look. Often imitates wood, tile, 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. By 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 stairs. Resistance to weather conditions, high humidity and temperature make porcelain stoneware a leader in facing materials.

The material has several advantages.

• Resistance to low temperatures - the main advantage. It will withstand even frosts of up to -50 C. In addition, it copes with sudden temperature changes. Suitable for use in open space.
• High wear resistance. Often the surface of the floor or staircase steps are hit by mechanical scratches when dragging furniture or household appliances. Porcelain tiles are “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 prone to various kinds of loads.

• Resistance to high humidity. This material does not absorb moisture. This advantage makes it possible to use it on the street and in areas of high humidity: swimming pools, saunas, as well as in the tropical climate zone, where heavy rains are possible.
• Increased resistance to impact. Choosing porcelain for the porch, you need to look for an option with greater thickness. The greater the level of thickness, the stronger the material. And even if a heavy object falls to the surface, the ceramic granite will not suffer. Appearance will remain unchanged: no chips and scratches.

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

• The first group (class PEI I) - it is used in rooms where go barefoot, in soft shoes (like slippers).

• The second group (class PEI II) - a little stronger than the first group, is used in rooms (more often in public places), where people have a high permeability.

• The third group (class PEI III) - this porcelain tile is chosen for houses, offices of the small companies.

• The fourth group (class PEI IV) - it can be used in rooms with average or high passability of people.For example, halls, banquet halls.

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

The above advantages make it a suitable material for lining street surfaces. A porch or stair steps made with the use of porcelain stoneware tiles will last for a long time, retain a presentable appearance without scratches and chips, without striking a blow on the wallet of its owner.

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

• The manufacturer is important. There is a lot of choice on the building materials market, there are also many manufacturers. But the Italian manufacturers have proven themselves on the positive side. The pricing policy is more expensive than domestic options, but the performance of such ceramic granite is higher.
• The second point is the surface. Choosing materials for outdoor decoration, first of all,need to pay attention to anti-slip surfaces. If the surface is smooth - it threatens to cause injury, bruises. Especially in our climate at low temperatures. The ideal surface for the porch should be non-slip and slightly rough. It will not slip even when wet, and in icy conditions it does not need treatment with anti-slip abrasives as much as a smooth surface. But do not choose too grooved surface.

• When buying porcelain stoneware for street cladding, for example, for the steps, you need to keep in mind that 1 square. m quality material should weigh 19-20 kg. If the weight is less than the specified, most likely there were production violations and the quality is not up to standard.
• You can also note the optimal size. The most convenient for installation is a ceramic granite tile with a size of 30x30 or 30x60 cm. This is not a mandatory requirement for implementation, rather, it is a piece of advice that will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.

• For installation work on the installation of porcelain stoneware, conventional tools are required. Any experienced team of installers has an arsenal of all the necessary material for high-quality masonry.
• If you plan to do everything yourself, you need to decide on the choice of quality glue.After that, 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, sawing, cuts, chipping during cutting, etc.

Porcelain tiles are perfect for facing the porch. This material is almost perfect for street work, which is what facing is.

It possesses the necessary qualities and characteristics, such as: high strength and wear resistance, anti-skid, 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 right material., based on the place of installation, the conditions of the climatic zone. Stylistic decisions abound in diversity. This factor is important in the design and decoration. Different colors, textures, surfaces make it possible to implement design ideas with a claim to uniqueness and originality.

Choosing the right stoneware for their needs, the owner relies on reliability, durability, durability and beauty.

You can see a master class on laying porcelain stoneware on a ladder in this video.