Porcelain Stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is the most widespread paving material today thanks to its exceptional combination of technical performance and aesthetic versatility.

What is Porcelain Stoneware

Porcelain stoneware is a ceramic material obtained by firing selected raw materials — clays, feldspars, kaolins and quartz — at temperatures above 1200°C. The result is a dense, virtually non-porous tile (water absorption ≤ 0.5%) with mechanical and chemical resistance far superior to traditional ceramic.

Main Types

Glazed Porcelain Stoneware

The most common type: a porcelain stoneware base with a glazed surface that allows nearly infinite graphic decorations — wood effect, marble effect, cement, stone, fabric. Excellent value for money, suitable for residential indoor use.

Through-Body (Technical) Porcelain Stoneware

Colour and structure are uniform throughout the entire thickness of the tile. Even after wear, the look does not change. Perfect for high-traffic spaces, public buildings, industrial floors.

Polished Porcelain Stoneware

Mechanically polished surface for a glossy effect similar to marble. Modern and sophisticated, but requires careful installation and slightly more demanding maintenance.

Lapped (Semi-Polished) Porcelain Stoneware

Intermediate finish between matte and polished: slight surface gloss without sacrificing slip resistance.

Technical Properties

• Water absorption: ≤ 0.5% (according to UNI EN ISO 10545-3)
• Compressive strength: very high
• Frost resistance: excellent, suitable for outdoor use
• Stain resistance: excellent (class 5)
• Chemical resistance: resistant to acids and alkalis
• Wear resistance: classified PEI 1–5 according to intended use

Trends and Aesthetics

Modern porcelain stoneware achieves remarkable graphic realism: wood-effect tiles in long planks (15x120, 20x120) reproduce parquet appearance with the durability of ceramic; marble-effect series use digital printing to replicate the most prized stones; cement-effect and stone-effect series suit minimalist and industrial styles.

Indoor and Outdoor Uses

Porcelain stoneware is suitable for virtually every environment: residential (kitchens, bathrooms, living areas), commercial (shops, restaurants, offices), industrial (warehouses, workshops), outdoor (terraces, paths, swimming pool surrounds). For outdoor use, opt for non-slip finishes or specific 20mm-thick floor tiles for raised installation.

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