What are Porcelain Tiles? Everything You Need to Know Before Choosing Them

During the finishing stage, the choice of tiling materials not only determines the aesthetics but also directly affects the durability and long-term cost of the construction. Among the many materials on the market, Gusset tiles It stands out as a comprehensive solution thanks to its high rigidity, superior waterproofing capabilities, and sophisticated aesthetics. However, not everyone fully understands its benefits. Gusset tiles What is it and why is it the preferred choice of professionals? This article will answer that question. XHOME Saigon This will help you understand everything from A to Z so you can make the right decision.

Learn about Porcelain – High-end tiles

To be able to properly assess the value of a type materialThe first and most important step is to understand its nature. In the building materials industry, porcelain is not simply a trade name; it represents a product segment that meets extremely stringent technical standards and is considered the highest-end tile on the market today.

What are porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles, also known in the Vietnamese market as semi-porcelain tiles or bone china tiles, are a type of high-end artificial tiling material. The term "porcelain" in English originally refers to high-quality porcelain (such as bone china tableware), implying purity, hardness, and excellent water resistance. When applied to the tile industry, porcelain tiles are defined as tiles produced from highly refined raw materials, undergoing a process of compression under immense pressure and firing at extremely high temperatures to create a solid, almost porous block.

Thanks to this dense structure, porcelain tiles possess superior physical and chemical properties that ordinary tiles cannot match. It is considered the highest-end tile type because it perfectly meets all criteria: from surface hardness, load-bearing capacity, and water resistance, to the diversity in surface design (it can perfectly mimic various textures). natural stone patterns(wood grain, cement grain, etc.).

The difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles

One of the most common questions consumers have is how to distinguish between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles (traditional glazed tiles). Although they may look quite similar on the outside, their fundamental structure and performance differ significantly. Below are the core differences compiled by experts:

• Regarding the ingredients: Porcelain tiles are primarily composed of natural stone powder (approximately 70-80%), with the remainder being refined clay and additives. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, have the opposite composition, mainly clay (approximately 70%) and only about 30% stone powder and sand.
• Regarding firing temperature: Porcelain tiles are fired at very high temperatures, typically between 1200°C and 1220°C, which allows the components to melt and bond tightly together (vitrification). Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, are fired at lower temperatures, around 1000°C to 1100°C.
• Regarding water absorption: This is the most important international standard for differentiation. Porcelain tiles have extremely low water absorption, below 0.5% (according to ANSI/ISO standards). Ceramic tiles have much higher water absorption, usually from 3% to over 10%.
• Regarding stiffness and load-bearing capacity: Thanks to its high proportion of stone powder and dense structure, porcelain tiles are harder, heavier, feel more solid in the hand, and are significantly more impact-resistant than ceramic tiles. The body of porcelain tiles is usually white or light gray from the stone powder, while the body of ceramic tiles is usually red or brown from the fired clay.
• About price: Due to the stringent requirements for raw materials and complex manufacturing technology, porcelain tiles always have a higher price than ceramic tiles. However, considering their long-term value, they are a very worthwhile investment.

Raw materials for producing porcelain tiles

The quality of any product stems from its raw materials, and porcelain tiles are no exception. The superior hardness, durability, and aesthetics of this type of tile are directly determined by a special raw material blending formula, requiring absolute precision and high-quality materials.

The core component that creates durability

Unlike traditional fired tiles that rely on clay for shaping, porcelain tiles use a completely different formula, focusing on increasing hardness and minimizing porosity. Specifically, the composition of the tile includes three main groups:

• Natural stone powder (70-80%): This is the most important component, acting as the "skeleton" of the tile. Stone powder (usually feldspar and quartz) provides the mechanical strength, compressive strength, and abrasion resistance of the product. The overwhelming proportion of stone powder is the reason why porcelain tiles are much heavier and harder than ceramic tiles.
• Refined clay (approximately 20-25%): The clay used in porcelain tiles is not ordinary clay but kaolin – a pure, white clay containing very few organic impurities and iron. Kaolin acts as a binder, helping to shape the tile during the pressing process without reducing the whiteness and brightness of the tile body after firing.
• Color and hardness additives (in small proportions): To create aesthetic effects and enhance certain mechanical properties, manufacturers add metal oxides for coloring, fluxes to lower the melting temperature of the mixture, and other special additives. These additives ensure the color of the tiles is uniform and durable over time.

Raw material selection process

To produce porcelain tiles that meet international standards, the raw material selection process is extremely rigorous. Stone powder and clay, after being extracted from nature, are not immediately used in production. They must undergo many complex refining stages to completely remove impurities, especially iron-containing minerals that can cause yellowing or black spots on the tile surface after firing.

After refining, the raw materials are tested for moisture content, particle size, and chemical composition in modern laboratories. Only batches of raw materials that meet absolute purity standards are allowed to enter the mixing line. This meticulous attention to detail from the very first stage is the solid foundation that ensures the consistent quality of millions of bricks produced each year.

Porcelain tile manufacturing process:

While raw materials are a necessary condition, manufacturing technology is the sufficient condition to transform piles of lifeless stone powder and clay into luxurious and ultra-durable porcelain tiles. The porcelain tile manufacturing process is a series of high-tech, automated steps that are tightly controlled by a modern computer system.

Modern hydraulic pressing technology

The process of making a brick begins with fine grinding and mixing. A mixture of stone powder, clay, and additives is fed into giant ball mills along with water to be ground into an ultra-fine paste. This paste is then passed through an atomization tower to rapidly evaporate the water, creating uniformly sized, dry powder particles with precise moisture content (approximately 5-6%). This is the ideal state for preparing the brick for pressing.

Next is the molding process – one of the most important steps determining the density and firmness of porcelain tiles. The raw material powder is fed into a mold and pressed using a high-intensity hydraulic press. The pressing force applied to porcelain tiles is much greater than that of ordinary tiles, usually ranging from 2500 to over 4000 tons. Under this enormous pressure, the powder particles are tightly compressed together, pushing out all the air and almost completely eliminating the microscopic pores within the structure. Thanks to this high-intensity hydraulic pressing technology, the raw (unfired) tile possesses remarkable hardness and a sharp, square shape.

High-temperature firing process

After being pressed and dried to remove any remaining moisture, the raw tiles are transferred to the glazing stage, patterned (if it's glazed porcelain), and finally fired in a kiln. Porcelain tile kilns are typically long roller kilns, hundreds of meters in length, operating continuously 24/24.

The key to this process is that the tiles are fired at temperatures above 1200°C (usually ranging from 1200°C to 1250°C), with a firing cycle lasting 45 to 60 minutes. At this extreme temperature, a crucial physical phenomenon occurs called "vitrification." The mineral components in the stone powder and clay begin to melt, blend together, and fill any remaining microscopic voids after pressing. Upon cooling, the entire mass solidifies into a homogeneous, solid mass, as strong as natural stone and as smooth and glossy as glass. This high-temperature firing process is what gives porcelain tiles their absolute water resistance and unparalleled mechanical strength.

Superior load-bearing capacity

One of the primary reasons developers and architects choose porcelain tiles is their exceptionally impressive mechanical strength. In construction projects, especially in high-traffic areas, tiling materials face immense daily stress. Porcelain tiles were created to solve this challenging problem.

Why are porcelain tiles more durable?

As analyzed in the production process section, the combination of a high proportion of natural stone powder (up to 80%), hydraulic pressure of thousands of tons, and vitrification at temperatures above 1200 degrees Celsius creates a dense, non-porous material structure. This gives porcelain tiles an extremely high surface hardness, typically ranging from 6 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale (a scale measuring the hardness of minerals, where diamond is 10).

Thanks to its excellent surface hardness and robust tile structure, porcelain tiles can withstand heavy loads and resist bending, fracture, and static and dynamic compressive forces. When heavy objects fall on them or when bearing the weight of moving vehicles or bulky furniture, porcelain tiles are less likely to crack or chip than ceramic tiles or some other porous natural stones.

Practical applications in load-bearing areas.

With their superior load-bearing capacity, porcelain tiles are widely used in public spaces and homes, especially in areas requiring the highest level of durability.

• Commercial and public spaces: Shopping mall lobbies, airports, hospitals, schools, train stations… These are places with thousands of people passing through every day, along with the movement of luggage carts and industrial cleaning equipment. Porcelain tiles ensure that the floor surface remains intact, without sagging, cracking, or wear and tear.
• Exterior area and garage: Gardens, driveways, and garages in villas require materials that can withstand the weight of cars and harsh weather conditions. Porcelain tiles with standard thickness (usually 10mm to 20mm for outdoor areas) are the safest and most durable choice.
• House interior space: The living room, hallway, and kitchen are common areas where furniture is frequently moved. Using porcelain tiles gives homeowners complete peace of mind regarding the durability of the floor for generations to come.

Eternal durability

When investing in building materials, "lifespan" is a key concern. No one wants to have to tear down floors and walls to re-tile after only a few years because the tiles are scratched, discolored, or peeling. Porcelain tiles offer a commitment to lasting durability, helping the building maintain its original beauty.

Colorfastness over time

A common drawback of low-quality tiling materials is fading and yellowing after prolonged exposure to sunlight, cleaning chemicals, or environmental conditions. However, porcelain tiles completely solve this problem. The colors of porcelain tiles (especially full-body porcelain) are mixed directly into the raw material before firing, or printed using 3D digital technology with specialized high-temperature resistant inks.

Because they are melted at temperatures above 1200 degrees Celsius, the color is locked tightly within the vitrified structure of the tile. As a result, the tiles have the ability to retain their color absolutely over time. Whether you tile the facade of your house, which is directly exposed to harsh UV rays, or lay the tiles on the floor in an area frequently cleaned with chemicals, porcelain tiles will not fade, tarnish, or deform.

Optimal scratch resistance

Besides colorfastness, scratch resistance is a clear testament to the enduring durability of porcelain tiles. The surface layer of the tile (whether glossy, matte, or textured) has very high hardness. Common physical impacts in daily life such as dragging furniture, high heels, pet claws, or even dust rubbing against the floor are unlikely to leave scratches on the tile surface.

The combination of scratch resistance and colorfastness not only helps maintain the perfect aesthetics of the living space but also saves homeowners on maintenance, repair, or replacement costs throughout the lifespan of the project. Investing in porcelain tiles is a smart economic decision that yields long-term benefits.

Completely waterproof

Vietnam's tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall, is a major enemy of construction projects. Leaks, mold, and moss growth not only detract from aesthetics but also harm human health and weaken the structural integrity of buildings. In this context, porcelain tiles emerge as a perfect protective "shield" thanks to their almost absolute water resistance.

Low water absorption index – The key to waterproofing.

As mentioned in the distinction section, the most important standard for identifying a tile as porcelain is its water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. In fact, many high-end porcelain tiles today achieve ultra-low water absorption rates, ranging from only 0.1% to 0.05%. To put this into perspective, if you soak a porcelain tile in water for 24 hours, the amount of water it absorbs is negligible.

The secret to this low water absorption index lies in its dense, porous structure, created by the hydraulic pressing and vitrification processes. Water and moisture have no way to penetrate the tile body. Thanks to this advantage in humid environments, porcelain tiles do not expand, warp, or crack due to changes in humidity and temperature.

The perfect choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

With its superior water resistance, porcelain tiles are material It is not a substitute for areas in the home that are frequently exposed to water.

• Bathroom and toilet area: This is the area with the highest humidity in the house. Using porcelain tiles for bathroom walls and floors completely prevents water from seeping into the wall structure, protecting the waterproofing layer underneath. At the same time, the non-absorbent surface of the tiles prevents mold and bacteria from growing, ensuring the space remains clean, dry, and safe for health.
• Kitchen: Kitchen areas are frequently exposed to water, grease, and colored spices. Porcelain tiles are not only waterproof but also extremely stain-resistant. Grease, soy sauce, and coffee spills cannot penetrate deep into the tiles, making cleaning and maintenance incredibly easy and quick.
• Exterior area: Pools, balconies, and terraces tiled with porcelain will never experience problems like green algae growth or cracking due to prolonged rainwater seepage.

Checklist for selecting and installing porcelain tiles.

Having a good material isn't enough; to maximize the beauty and durability of porcelain tiles, the product selection process and installation techniques are crucial. Below is a practical checklist to help you confidently control the quality of your project.

3 criteria for choosing the right porcelain tiles

The current building materials market is very diverse and complex. Knowing how to check the quality of bricks when buying them will help you avoid purchasing counterfeit or low-quality products.

1. Check water absorption with the naked eye: You can perform a simple test by dropping a few drops of water onto the back (the body of the tile) of the tile. If it's a standard porcelain tile, the water will form round droplets and evaporate very slowly, almost not penetrating the tile at all. If the water absorbs quickly, it's definitely a low-quality ceramic or semi-porcelain tile.
2. Sound and hardness test: Tap the surface of the tile gently with your hand. Solid porcelain tiles will produce a clear, resonant, and sharp sound, like tapping on metal. Conversely, porous tiles will produce a dull, muffled sound. Additionally, you can observe the tile's core in cross-section; porcelain tiles have a very smooth core, no pinholes, and are very difficult to scratch when lightly rubbed with a key.
3. Check for flatness and uniformity of dimensions: Place the two sides of the tiles together to check for warping. High-quality tiles must be perfectly flat, with sharply beveled edges, and the dimensions of tiles within the same batch must be uniform, with an error margin of no more than 0.5mm.

Important notes when installing tiles

The installation techniques for porcelain tiles are much more stringent than those for traditional ceramic tiles. If the wrong method is applied, the tiles are very susceptible to chipping and blistering after a short period of use.

• Things to note when choosing specialized tile adhesive: This is a crucial principle. Because porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, traditional cement-based mortar (cement mixed with water) will not be able to create a mechanical bond with the tile body. It is mandatory to use a specialized polymer-based tile adhesive. The polymer components in the adhesive will create an extremely strong chemical bond to the dense surface of the tile.
• Standard construction procedures: During installation, construction workers must use a notched trowel to apply the adhesive, ensuring an even layer and preventing air pockets at the bottom of the tiles. For large tiles (60x60cm or larger), it is mandatory to apply adhesive to both sides (applying a layer to the floor and a thin layer to the back of the tile).
• Use leveling spacers and leave proper gasket clearance: Porcelain tiles are highly durable and have low thermal expansion, but they still need space to breathe. Absolutely avoid laying tiles too tightly together. Leave a minimum grout line of 1.5mm to 2mm. Use tile spacers and wedges to ensure a perfectly flat surface and straight grout lines, maximizing the aesthetic appeal of the project.

Expert advice: Porcelain tiles are a long-term investment for your living space. To ensure you purchase genuine products that meet technical standards and benefit from a transparent warranty policy, you should seek out reputable distributors and building material showrooms with established brands in the market. Don't try to save a little on initial costs by choosing counterfeit or unbranded products, only to face quality risks and expensive repair costs later on.

Conclude

Porcelain tiles Tiles are not just finishing materials, but also the "key" to enhancing the aesthetics and durability of any living space. With superior advantages in waterproofing, load-bearing capacity, and versatility in application, they are a worthy choice for modern constructions. However, to maximize the value of this material, choosing the right type of tile and applying the correct installation techniques are crucial. In practice... interior construction Porcelain architecture is always preferred due to its perfect balance between functionality and timeless beauty.

Don't let the wrong materials ruin the entire project. Contact XHOME Saigon today for detailed advice and the most suitable interior design plan!

XHOME Saigon Part of XHOME Group – a leading interior design and construction brand in Vietnam. Full-service, turnkey solutions. Consultation on permit application procedures for all types of construction projects.

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