Porcellanato

Porcellanato, also known as porcelain tile, is a high-density ceramic tile produced from refined clays and mineral blends that are fired at very high temperatures until the tile vitrifies. The resulting material has very low porosity and high mechanical strength, making it durable for a wide range of applications. Porcellanato tiles are typically made to have water absorption of 0.5% or less, which contributes to their resistance to moisture, staining, and wear.

Two broad families exist: glazed porcelain and unglazed porcelain. Glazed porcelain tiles have a thin layer of glaze on the surface, which can carry color, patterns, or textures. Unglazed porcelain tiles, also known as through-body or full-body porcelain, have the color and pattern extending throughout the tile. Within these categories, finishes such as polished, honed, matte, or textured are applied to achieve different appearances and slip resistance. Edges may be rectified to allow very tight joints during installation.

Production involves precise raw materials selection (often including kaolin, quartz, feldspar, and other clays), forming by pressing (wet or dry), and high-temperature firing typically between 1200 and 1400°C. This process vitrifies the tile, yielding high density, low porosity, and excellent durability. Porcellanato tiles are often manufactured in large formats and can be used for floors, walls, countertops, and exterior surfaces, provided the chosen grade offers suitable performance (e.g., frost resistance for outdoor use).

Applications and care: due to their hardness and low porosity, porcellanato tiles are common in residential and commercial flooring, bathrooms, kitchens, and public spaces. They require standard ceramic tile maintenance with pH-neutral cleaners and should consider slip-resistance ratings for wet areas, especially for polished or smooth textures.