When Porcelain Stoneware Lets You Down: Key Mistakes in Selection and Installation

Porcelain stoneware is a durable and versatile material, but even it will not forgive a careless approach. Mistakes at the stage of selection or installation can ruin the result and lead to unnecessary expenses. Let’s look at which pitfalls to avoid so porcelain stoneware will serve you for decades.

Top 5 common mistakes when choosing porcelain stoneware

1. Ignoring tile format. Many don’t realize why it is important to consider tile format when installing porcelain stoneware. Oversized elements in a small room “eat up” the space, while very small tiles on a large area create a cluttered effect.
2. Wrong surface type. Why does porcelain stoneware become slippery and how to avoid this mistake? Most often the issue arises with glossy tiles on bathroom or kitchen floors. The solution is matte or textured models.
3. Using the wrong tile for the wrong purpose. How poorly chosen porcelain stoneware ruins the interior? A common example is outdoor tiles used in a bedroom, or indoor tiles placed at the entrance. As a result, the design looks mismatched, or the tile wears out quickly.
4. Mistakes in color choice. Dark shades in a small bathroom create a cramped effect, while overly bright ones may overload the interior.
5. Ignoring performance properties. Frost resistance, chemical resistance, slip resistance — all these factors directly affect the lifespan of the tile.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Installation errors to watch out for

Mistakes when installing porcelain stoneware often come from ignoring proper technology. One of the most common consequences is why porcelain stoneware cracks after installation. The reason is usually an uneven base or poor-quality adhesive. To prevent this, the surface must be perfectly leveled, and the adhesive selected according to conditions of use.
Mistakes when installing porcelain stoneware on underfloor heating are also common. If no expansion joints are left, the tile cannot withstand thermal expansion and begins to crack.

Cutting and grouting: small details that matter

What not to do when cutting porcelain stoneware? Using the wrong tools. An angle grinder without water cooling leaves chips and damages edges. For clean work, a professional tile cutter is essential.
Grout choice is equally important. Mistakes when choosing grout for porcelain stoneware often lead to cracking or discoloration. It is crucial to consider the joint width and match the color properly.

Lighting that reveals mistakes

Even perfectly chosen tiles can lose their appeal without the right lighting. And poorly selected lighting can make flaws even more visible. More about the role of light can be found in the article Porcelain stoneware and lighting.

An interior without mistakes

To make porcelain stoneware a true highlight of your interior, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls: select the right format, plan the layout, use quality materials, and pay attention to details.

And if you are looking for reliable solutions for your home, the website itum.ua offers a wide range of porcelain stoneware, and specialists will help you choose options that will protect you from common mistakes.