Differences between stoneware and porcelain

When renovating or installing flooring, one of the most frequent doubts is the difference between normal or porcelain stoneware.

What is the difference and what are its properties? Is it better to put a stoneware or porcelain floor and what are the advantages of each one? In this article we are going to give you some of the keys so that you know better these two products.

What is normal stoneware and what characteristics does it have?

Normal stoneware, also sometimes called enamelled stoneware, is a type of flooring that is manufactured by single-firing.

Among its characteristics, it should be noted that they have a higher water and humidity absorption capacity than porcelain, that is, they have more porosity. For your benefit, it is much cheaper than porcelain and can be manufactured in multiple colors.

It is generally used to pave the interior of homes and its installation is easier, so it is usually the most common option. Have you already seen the different models of indoor stoneware tiles that you have in our store?

What is porcelain and what are its advantages?

Porcelain, for its part, is a type of flooring with extraordinary qualities. It is more resistant and has a greater durability than stoneware.

Since it is much less porous than stoneware (it absorbs less moisture), its maintenance is much easier. It is compact, stable, has better resistance to shock and abrasion.

You will see that there are also many different models and colors of porcelain, which can imitate other materials, such as stone, wood or cement. Discover the different porcelain floors for interiors that you can find in our online store.

Regarding its applications, it is much more common to use porcelain in high traffic areas, in custom built showers or also on terraces and patios. But it can also be used as a flooring for indoor floors, you can even have all the rooms in the house in porcelain to give it an incredible design touch.

Which is better, stoneware or porcelain?

The truth is that there is no simple answer to this question. It depends on many factors. Clearly porcelain has a greater durability and offers a great variety of styles and customizations, but it also has a higher price.

On many occasions, if your budget for the paving of your home is not very high, you can install stoneware flooring in the largest of the house, and porcelain flooring in the kitchen, bathroom or terrace.

Ideally, at least in the most humid environments you use porcelain floor, since the low porosity will allow it to be kept in better conditions.

It is also recommended that you use porcelain flooring in public spaces, shops and stores, since many people are going to step on that floor every day.

At Azulejos Solá we offer you a wide range of designs, colors and textures in both stoneware and porcelain so that you can choose the type of flooring that is most suitable for you. Write to us to answer any questions, or contact by phone at +34 96 132 09 73.