Specific weight of porcelain stoneware and its functional characteristics

The name “porcelain stoneware” itself suggests a combination of two materials — ceramics and granite. This building material combines the advantages of two types of finishes: strength, durability, reliability and functionality. Porcelain stoneware contains:

• Feldspar.
• Kaolin clay.
• Quartz impurities.

The final product has characteristics similar to natural stone. Thus, porcelain stoneware has become a strong artificial stone that is resistant to cracks and chips. It withstands mechanical loads, is environmentally friendly and is water-resistant. The quality characteristics of porcelain stoneware are:

• Stable during use
• Resistant to abrasion
• Frost-resistant: withstands about 50 freeze-thaw cycles
• Moisture-resistant: water absorption is 0.05–0.5%
• Resistant to dynamic loads, scratches and breaking
• Has a stable color
• Does not slip when used as flooring
• Conducts heat quite well

Specific weight and sizes of porcelain stoneware tiles.

Manufacturers produce porcelain stoneware in a wide size range — from 200×200 mm to 1200×1800 mm. The most popular sizes among private buyers and construction companies are 600×600 mm, and for small rooms — 300×300 mm.

Tile weight is an important indicator when calculating material costs for a particular construction operation. On average, the specific weight of porcelain stoneware is 2400 kg/m³, which is the same density as glass. Tiles of different sizes may differ slightly in density. The calculation for 400×400 mm tiles of different thicknesses is shown in the table below.

To make the necessary calculations for the required tile size and thickness, you need to:

1. Multiply all dimensions, and they must be calculated in meters. For example, for a tile measuring 300×300×3 mm, the calculation will look like this: 0.3×0.3×0.003 = 0.00027. This gives the volume occupied by one tile.
2. Then multiply the specific weight of the tile, which is 2400 kg/m³, by the resulting value: 2400×0.00027 = 0.648 kg. This will be the weight of the porcelain stoneware tile.

The mass of a tile depends on its purpose: wall tiles will be significantly lighter than floor tiles. It can be said with confidence that the weight of 1 m² of 600×600 mm porcelain stoneware, as well as 300×300 mm tiles, normally amounts to about 15–25 kg. A tile 8–8.5 mm thick will weigh about 19 kg per 1 m². This type of tile is heavier than other commonly used facing materials: porcelain stoneware weighs 20–40 kg/m², and sometimes reaches very high values — up to 70 kg/m².

Types and sizes of porcelain stoneware and their use in construction.

Porcelain stoneware is distinguished by the material of its outer coating. The following types of tiles exist:

• Polished.
• Semi-polished (textured effect).
• Satin-finished (with crystals of natural minerals).
• Glazed (with a solid enamel top layer).
• Rectified (tiles with precise dimensions).
• Structured (externally resembling wood or stone masonry).

The unique wear resistance of porcelain stoneware tiles has made them very popular. They are often used for laying flooring in places with large crowds of people — bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. In addition, porcelain stoneware has become popular for cladding the exterior facades of buildings. This material is universal and in many respects has surpassed even natural stone tiles.