Porcelain stoneware: the complete guide (what it is, types and where to use it)

Porcelain stoneware has become the go-to material for floors and walls, both in new builds and renovations. But not all porcelain is the same, and understanding its characteristics will help you choose the right collection for each room. In this guide we go over, without unnecessary jargon, what it is, how it differs from traditional ceramic and how to get it right.

What is porcelain stoneware?

It's a ceramic material with a very compact body, fired at over 1,200 °C. That high-temperature firing vitrifies the clay and leaves an extremely dense tile, with water absorption below 0.5%. That low porosity is the key to almost all of its virtues: as it doesn't absorb water, it resists frost, doesn't stain easily and withstands wear over time.

Porcelain vs. glazed ceramic (wall tile)

Glazed ceramic, or traditional wall tile, has a more porous body and absorbs more water, so it's used mainly for interior wall cladding. Porcelain, by contrast, is harder and more durable:

• Wear and abrasion resistance: ideal for high-traffic floors (shops, kitchens, entrances).
• Suitable for outdoors: as it doesn't absorb water, it resists frost and temperature changes.
• Hygienic and easy to clean: it doesn't hold stains or need treatments like natural stone.

What does it mean for porcelain to be "rectified"?

Rectified means that, after firing, the edges of each tile are mechanically cut so they all have exactly the same size and the edges are straight. This allows installation with a minimal joint (1.5–2 mm) for a continuous, elegant finish, especially recommended for large formats and "jointless"-style floors.

Anti-slip: classes C1, C2 and C3 (and the R scale)

In wet areas or outdoors an anti-slip finish is advisable. In Spain it's classified by slip resistance into Class 1, 2 and 3; on the German scale, from R9 to R13. As a quick reference:

• Dry interior (living room, bedroom): polished or matt finish, no special requirement.
• Bathrooms and kitchens: Class 2 (R10) for greater safety.
• Shower trays, terraces and outdoors: Class 3 (R11 or higher).

Formats: from wall tile to large format

Porcelain is made in a multitude of sizes, from wall formats (30×60, 30×90) to large floor formats: 60×60, 90×90, 60×120 and 120×120 cm. Large format reduces the number of joints and brings a sense of space and continuity, much sought-after in today's projects. In our ceramic catalogue you can filter directly by format.

Where can it be used?

Thanks to its versatility, a single collection usually works for both floor and wall, and even outdoors in the anti-slip finishes. This lets you keep a consistent look between the interior and the terrace, or between the floor and the bathroom wall. The most in-demand effects —marble, wood, cement and natural stone— recreate noble materials with all the technical advantages of porcelain.

Maintenance

It's one of the easiest materials to maintain: regular sweeping or vacuuming and mopping with water and a neutral detergent. It needs no waxes or sealers, and resists most household cleaning products. For more common questions, see our FAQ page.

In short

Porcelain stoneware offers the look of noble materials with durability and maintenance that are hard to match. The key is choosing the right format, the anti-slip finish and the effect for each room. If you like, we'll help you choose and prepare a custom quote based on the m² of your project.