Porcelain stoneware

What is porcelain stoneware?

Porcelain stoneware is a high-quality ceramic, the result of a sophisticated production process that begins with the selection of excellent raw materials such as clays, feldspars, quartz and other elements. These components are then finely ground, mixed and fired at temperatures up to 1235°C, turning them into an extremely compact and durable material.

The etymology of the term reflects its quality and production process. «Stoneware» indicates the compactness resulting from the sanding (or vitrification) of the sands during cooking while «Cerame» refers to the white and pure clays used.

This composition gives the porcelain stoneware unique properties of durability and strength, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.

Browse the colour palette of Keope porcelain stoneware

The range of colored porcelain stoneware offers a rich color palette to express its creativity in all types of design project. These colors allow to create environments with different atmospheres: neutral and calm tones of beige porcelain stoneware and white porcelain stoneware, perfect for relaxing and bright spaces, gray porcelain stoneware and black porcelain stoneware, that can give a more modern and sophisticated look. The chromatic variety allows to adapt to all styles of decoration, satisfying current trends and personal tastes.

Explore the thicknesses of Keope porcelain stoneware

The choice of thickness of porcelain stoneware is crucial and must be adapted to the environment in which it will be used. Fine porcelain stoneware, such as 6 mm and 9 mm thick, is perfect for renovations as it can be superimposed on existing floors, thus facilitating installation without the need to remove the existing coating.

9 mm thick porcelain stoneware is the most used for indoor floors because it combines its technical performance with ease of installation. For wall cladding, 6 mm porcelain stoneware is particularly recommended, in the form of large slabs, while the 9 mm is perfect for all other formats.

For outdoor spaces, it is advisable to use larger thicknesses such as 2 cm or 3 cm porcelain stoneware, to ensure greater resistance to stress and atmospheric agents. These thicknesses offer robustness and durability, and are suitable for outdoor public spaces, gardens or floors with heavy loads.

ous the available formats

The choice of the format of porcelain stoneware is essential in the architecture of interiors and exteriors to create the right visual impact. Large format slabs, such as the imposing 120 278 stoneware slabs, broaden the visual perspectives of the spaces, while the porcelain stoneware listels bring more refinement to the details. These dimensions allow creations that make an impression such as trendy kitchen tops, elegant backsplash or wall coverings that embellish and reinforce the uniqueness of each project. Large formats, combined with the intrinsic qualities of porcelain stoneware, invite to explore innovative assortments for environments that express a sense of exclusivity and advanced design.

Non-slip

The safety of the surfaces we walk on is fundamental in all contexts, whether residential, commercial or public. Porcelain stoneware offers excellent non-slip performance, thanks to specific tests that guarantee maximum safety.

Ceramiche Keope conducts periodic checks on the anti-slip performance of its products using the ramp method (EN 16165) and evaluating the dynamic friction coefficient (ANSI A326.6 – DCOF).

Ease of cleaning

Another significant advantage of porcelain stoneware is its extraordinary ease of cleaning, making it a preferable choice for many environments, ensuring reduced hygiene and maintenance. This feature is especially useful in areas where cleanliness is a priority, such as hospitals, kitchens, bathrooms and public spaces. Determining stain resistance is a fundamental aspect that attests to the ease with which porcelain stoneware surfaces can be kept clean and hygienic over time.

Compatibility and efficiency with underfloor/radiant floor heating

Porcelain stoneware is the ideal solution for underfloor heating systems because of its excellent thermal conductivity and reduced thickness, qualities that promote efficient and fast heat transfer from the heating system to the room. This material is characterized by high impact resistance and considerable stability to temperature variations, thus avoiding damage due to thermal variations. In the field of radiant floor heating systems, the principle of thermal conduction plays a key role: heat is transmitted from the hottest body to the coldest body through the different layers of the floor, the transmission speed being influenced by the type of support and the thermal resistance of the material.

Materials with reduced thickness and high thermal conductivity, such as porcelain stoneware, ensure better heat transfer than those with higher thickness or lower conductivity, such as marble, granite or wood. Therefore, porcelain stoneware, thanks to its reduced thickness and good λ, is more efficient in heat transmission compared to more solid or insulating materials.

Characteristics

Low porosity

Porcelain stoneware is characterized by a very low porosity, with a water absorption coefficient of less than 0.5%.

Chromatic stability

The colors are absolutely stable and are not altered by sun exposure, atmospheric agents and pollution.

Does not react to fire

The material does not burn or produce toxic and harmful gases or fumes in case of fire or exposure to flames.

Abrasion-resistant

Higher abrasion and wear resistance than any other natural material. Thanks to its surface resistance due to the firing and pressing of the material, the porcelain stoneware resists shocks and does not crack after the passage of objects, even heavy, on its surface.

Stress-resistant

The high breaking strength allows the material to withstand the bending generated by even particularly heavy loads. By following the specific installation instructions, it is possible to install floor coverings that can also withstand the weight of cars.

Acid-resistant

Porcelain stoneware has the ability to resist contact with chemicals intended for domestic use (staining agents, acids, bases) at room temperature without undergoing alterations.

Resistant to frost and thermal shock

Porcelain stoneware is frost resistant and is not degraded by stresses associated with increasing water volume due to frost at temperatures below 0°C.

Hygienic

Its non-porous vitrified surface prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.

Atoxic

Porcelain stoneware is chemically inert at atmospheric temperature and pressure and emits no organic substances (VOCs).