It might seem counterintuitive to talk about tile in the context of stone surfaces. However, there are a number of applications in which both stone tiles and Porcelanosa porcelain tiles are the material of choice. So it stands to reason then that some of the same professionals would be installing both materials. In this brief article, we are going to talk a little bit about what kinds of applications large format porcelain tiles are generally used in. As we do, we will talk a little bit about some of the necessary tools for working with large format porcelain tile like Porcelanosa Porcelain and products with which to care for it. So let's get into the article.
Introduction to Large Format Tile
What are large format porcelain tiles? As a general rule most people are familiar with porcelain tile. And many know that there are several sizes of porcelain tile. Large format porcelain tile is tile that is made in large sizes. There are a number of sizes of large format tile, so we won't go into a full, exhaustive list of each available size. But providers of this durable and versatile material such as Porcelanosa Porcelain will have a selection of sizes from which to choose.
Applications for Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is used for a number of applications. For many years this material has been used for floor covering in several sizes. However, larger sizes are available for use indoor and outdoor. These "large format" tiles (also called panels) allow more ground to be covered with fewer tiles. Porcelain is a material that is easily cleaned with proper cleaners. The material also is scratch resistant and holds up well when used as a floor covering. Because of its durability, products like Porcelanosa Porcelain large format porcelain tiles are used for wall covering, floor covering, building facades and even countertops.
Isn't Porcelain the Same as Ceramic?
It is not uncommon for people to conclude or even be told that porcelain tile is the same thing as ceramic tile. However, they are actually two different materials and they are distinct form one another. Note what the Tile America website says about this topic:
The major difference between porcelain tile and ceramic tile is how its made. Both tiles are made from a clay mixture thats fired in a kiln, but porcelain tile is made from more refined clay and its fired at higher temperatures. This makes it denser and more durable than ceramic tile
Yes, porcelain tile is a different material than ceramic. In fact, additional requirements are necessary for a ceramic tile to qualify as porcelain.
The Look of Large Format Porcelain Tiles
It may be surprising for some to learn that there are many occasions where large format tile does not even appear to be a man-made material at all. That is because porcelain tile has advanced to the point where it can be made to look like any number of materials; including natural stone. Several brands of large format tile offer collections that are engineered to resemble natural stone surfaces.
Colors of Porcelanosa Porcelain Tile
As is the case with any popular product, there are a variety of colors in which Porcelanosa Porcelain is available. And although not all tile brands dealing in porcelain tile offer large format tiles, a number of brands do, including Porcelanosa. Since there so many options available, it is good to look through the colors available for the brand of large format porcelain tile you are considering.
In fact, here is a list of colors for the brand of tile we are currently discussing as they are shown on this website:
LIEM DARK POLISHED
VIOLA BLUE POLISHED
GLEM WHITE POLISHED
LIEM GREY POLISHED
PORTO GREY NATURE
EMERALD GREEN POLISHED
MOON WHITE POLISHED
FIORI DI BOSCO POLISHED
ASTANA GREY POL(S/R)MLL
MACAUBA BLUE POLISHED
LIEM GREY NATURE
VIOLA BLUE SILK
CALACATTA GOLD POLISHED
ARS BEIGE POLISHED
TIVOLI BEIGE NATURE
MARQUINA BLACK POLISHED
PORTO GREY POLISHED
CALACATTA GREEN SILK
TAJ MAHAL POLISHED
INVISIBLE WHITE POLISHED
INVISIBLE WHITE NATURE
OROBICO GRIGIOPOL(S/R)MLL
TIVOLI BEIGE POLISHED
NYLO NOIR POLISHED
FIORI DI BOSCO NATURE
CARRARA WHITE POLISHED
TAJ MAHAL SILK
ASTANA GREY POLISHED
FIORI DI BOSCO SILK
BOTTEGA ANTRACITA NATURE
VIOLA ROSSE POLISHED
CALACATTA GOLD SILK
OROBICO GRIGIONAT(S/R)MLL
VIOLA ROSSE SILK
ARIA WHITE POLISHED
INVISIBLE WHITE POLISHED (S/R)MLL
OROBICO GRIGIO NATURE
INVISIBLE WHITE NATURE (S/R)MLL
EWOOD HONEY NATURE
ALPI VERDE POLISHED
ASTANA GREY NATURE
PAONAZZO BIONDO SILK
OROBICO DARK POLISHED
CALACATTA GREEN POLISHED
AGED CLAY NATURE
EWOOD CAMEL NATURE
GLEM WHITE NATURE
CARRARA WHITE NATURE
CARRARA WHITE SILK
MOON WHITE NATURE
ARS BEIGE NATURE
AGED DARK NATURE
LIEM BLACK NATURE
MARQUINA BLACK NATURE (S/R)MLL
PAONAZZO BIONDO POLISHED
ARIA WHITE NATURE
LIEM BLACK POLISHED
CALACATTA GOLD NATURE
BOTTEGA CALIZA NATURE
MARQUINA BLACK NATURE
LIEM DARK NATURE
MARQUINA BLACK P(S/R)MLL
Porcelanosa Porcelain Large Format Porcelain Tile Tools
One of the questions that might be asked is, "How does working with large format porcelain tile differ from working with stone?" Porcelain is like stone in some ways and in other ways it differs. For example, like some natural stone, porcelain, including Porcelanosa Porcelain is very hard and requires diamond blades for cutting it. On the other hand though, it is so hard that using diamond blades for cutting porcelain is better than opting for a diamond blade for cutting hard natural stone materials. Blades designed for cutting porcelain have features that give a chip-free cut.
Another variation in the way large format porcelain tile is installed has to do with the surface areas covered with this relatively lightweight material. Large spans of floors, walls, and interior or exterior surfaces are covered with materials like Porcelanosa Porcelain. Additionally, the use of multiple tiles for a surface combined with the size of the tiles being used necessitates a tile leveling system for the most accurate installation. A tool that is being popularized because of its efficiency is the vibrating suction cup tile leveling tool like the Tile Quake from Weha. This tool makes the work of leveling tile very efficient which improves profitability because the speed of work is increased while maintaining accurate leveling.
Porcelain Tile Care
One of the selling points for large format porcelain tile such as Porcelanosa Porcelain is that it's relatively easy to maintain. Being a non-porous material, porcelain does not require sealing. When cleaned with the proper cleaner, and cared for according to the guidelines from the material's manufacturer, porcelain offers many years of service. Using a cleaner designed for use on porcelain such as Porcelanosa will offer the greatest benefits.
As we have briefly considered in this article, Porcelanosa Porcelain large format porcelain tile is an interesting material choice that offers a range of applications and is fashioned to look like other materials in some cases. And we took a brief look at some of the tooling and care products used for porcelain. Choosing it as a material for a project offers diversity and many possibilities. It also offers benefits, but it will take a little specific attention to work with it and care for it.
