Porcelain stoneware has emerged as a leading choice for bathroom flooring and wall cladding, thanks to its remarkable blend of aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Its unparalleled durability, combined with a vast array of designs, makes it a versatile option for any bathroom style.
From sleek, modern aesthetics to the warmth of traditional designs, porcelain stoneware offers solutions that meet both the practical and stylistic needs of homeowners, setting a new standard for bathroom interiors.
Porcelain stoneware: a brief definition
Porcelain stoneware is an advanced type of ceramic tile, crafted from a sophisticated blend of natural clay, feldspar, and other mineral materials, meticulously ground to a fine powder. This mixture is then pressed under immense pressure and fired at extraordinarily high temperatures, often exceeding 1200°C.
The result is a tile of unparalleled density and low porosity, characteristics that imbue it with superior strength, durability, and resistance to moisture compared to traditional ceramic tiles. Its vitrified surface, a product of the high-temperature firing process, contributes to its glossy finish and its resistance to staining and water absorption.
This manufacturing method produces tiles that are not only aesthetically versatile but also exceptionally hardwearing, making porcelain stoneware a premier choice for both residential and commercial spaces, especially in areas demanding high performance and longevity, such as bathrooms.
Ease of maintenance
One of the most compelling advantages of porcelain stoneware is its ease of maintenance. Unlike natural stone or wood, which require regular sealing or treatment, porcelain tiles for bathroom can be easily cleaned with just water and mild detergent.
This low-maintenance nature is particularly beneficial in this area of the house, where humidity and frequent use can make cleaning a chore. The non-porous surface of porcelain stoneware prevents the absorption of moisture and dirt, ensuring that mould and bacteria do not find a foothold. For deeper cleans, there’s no need for harsh chemicals, preserving the tile’s finish and ensuring the bathroom remains a safe, hygienic space for everyone.
Resistance to stains and scratches
Thanks to its dense composition, porcelain stoneware boasts an exceptional resistance to stains and scratches. Spills can be wiped away without leaving a mark, and the surface remains unscathed from daily wear and tear.
This durability is particularly beneficial in bathrooms, where cosmetics, cleaning agents, and water are frequently in use. Unlike softer materials that may absorb liquids and become discoloured over time, porcelain stoneware’s impermeable surface ensures that even highly pigmented substances do not penetrate. Furthermore, it can withstand the rigours of high foot traffic, dropped items, and the dragging of objects across its surface, maintaining its pristine appearance for years to come.
Anti-slip properties and safety
Bathroom safety is paramount, especially in wet conditions where the risk of slipping is increased. Porcelain stoneware tiles are available with anti-slip finishes, providing a safer environment for all users.
They are engineered to offer enhanced traction, even when surfaces are wet or soapy, making them an ideal choice for family homes, elderly residents, or anyone seeking to minimise the risk of accidents. Naturally, the anti-slip properties are integrated without compromising the tile’s aesthetic appeal, ensuring that safety and style go hand in hand.
Sustainability and longevity
The production of porcelain stoneware incorporates sustainable practices, with many manufacturers prioritising energy efficiency and the use of recycled materials. Its durability further contributes to its eco-friendly profile, as the long-lasting nature of the tiles means less frequent replacements and, consequently, reduced waste.
Aesthetic and functional versatility of porcelain stoneware
In addition to offering a series of unique benefits and advantages, porcelain stoneware is also an elegant and aesthetically pleasing material that provides endless creative possibilities.
Its vast selection of finishes, colours, and patterns allows designers and homeowners alike to tailor their spaces to exact preferences, whether aiming for the rustic charm of natural stone or the warm, inviting feel of hardwood floors, without the associated maintenance.
The ability to replicate these textures with remarkable accuracy means porcelain stoneware can seamlessly integrate into any decor style, from ultra-modern to traditionally classic, enhancing the room’s overall aesthetic while ensuring durability and ease of care.
Furthermore, its compatibility with various installation patterns offers additional design flexibility, enabling the creation of unique, customised looks that can transform a bathroom into a bespoke sanctuary, marrying functionality with unparalleled style.
Ceramiche Refin creates refined Made in Italy porcelain stoneware collections
Thanks to an experience refined in the ceramic sector for over sixty years, Ceramiche Refin has established itself as a reference player in the world of porcelain stoneware surfaces globally. The Italian company indeed shapes elegant and modern collections, capable of enhancing the uniqueness of both indoor and outdoor settings.
Ceramiche Refin is founded on several crucial values. Made in Italy is understood as an authentic production model that combines culture, history, and work ethics. Special emphasis is also placed on eco-sustainability and on the commitment to preserving the environment, a heritage for future generations.
As for the options offered by the Italian company, they are designed to offer endless creative possibilities, thus precisely meeting every furnishing need. Let’s start with TAMASHI, a wood-effect porcelain stoneware collection inspired by the nature of the most essential woods. The surfaces, pure and simple, are characterised by dense grains, free of knots, while the colour palette is refined and full of natural nuances.
Entirely original and special, on the other hand, is CERA. The collection, which constitutes a true multi-sensory narrative, reinterprets the process of wax transformation and the unpredictable graphics in which the element crystallises after melting. It is by observing the line closely that an extraordinary richness of details and chromatic variations is revealed, such as cracks, cavities, and nuances that embellish the surface with movement and personality.
As for HALO, it is a collection of brick-effect coverings, in the 6×24 cm format. Characterised by intense colours and a glossy finish, it alternates light and dark halos and soft reliefs. It also presents irregularities along the edges. The result is a dynamic, contemporary, and eclectic proposal, with a strong decorative impact. It is indeed ideal for highlighting the volumes of architecture and furniture elements.
Particularly appreciated by the public is also NAMIB, a collection inspired by one of the world’s oldest deserts, also a UNESCO heritage site. The line, which explores enveloping gradations and warm natural tones, successfully manages to coexist essentiality and immensity, bringing the spectacle of pristine nature into the home. Suggestive and contemporary, it stands out for a surface that appears uniform but, if observed closely, reveals a richness of details and unique chromatic variations.
Another interesting novelty? It is the restyling of PRESTIGIO, conceived to expand the company’s range of marble-effect ceramic slabs, in line with the latest industry trends. It includes important natural marbles, coming from the most famous Italian and European quarries, proposed in five shades of white. Renewed graphics, new finishes, and maxi formats increase the design potential of the material.