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Porcelain stoneware is a remarkable material known for its high performance, especially in challenging environments such as terraces and garages. Its frost and fire resistance, combined with the ability to withstand thermal shock, makes it an ideal choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces. By selecting the appropriate thickness and installation method based on the specific demands of each application, porcelain stoneware ensures both safety and exceptional longevity.
While aesthetics, design, and functionality are crucial considerations to keep in mind when choosing the perfect flooring or cladding, it is equally important to select the right thickness for your ceramic tiles based on the intended use. In this article, we’re going to explore the benefits and uses of thicker tiles, especially for outdoor or special areas, like garages, balconies, and terraces. The primary focus in this context is in fact, the durability of the tiles, a characteristic that is closely related to their thickness, though that isn’t the only factor to consider.
Though thickness is certainly the primary factor in determining the durability of porcelain stoneware, it isn’t the only aspect to consider. It’s also important to carefully consider the specific demands of each context. The floor of a terrace will be subjected to different stresses than that of a living room or, for that matter, a garage. Likewise, the stress that a stoneware worktop experiences is undoubtedly different than that of bathroom cladding.
When it comes to the durability and longevity of ceramic, another factor to consider is the type of installation method. While adhesive installation on well-cured cement screed is ideal for flooring, it isn’t always possible or necessary. Thicker tiles allow for dry installation, for example on self-levelling supports. In low-stress environments, even very thin tiles can offer adequate strength, even when installed without adhesives, making this option particularly advantageous for quick and cost-effective floor renovations.
As detailed in our guide to choosing terrace flooring, porcelain stoneware is highly frost-resistant, thus making it the perfect material for terraces, balconies, porticos, and patios, even when temperatures drop drastically. This is true regardless of thickness. But what role does thickness play in choosing porcelain stoneware for an outdoor surface?
As mentioned, one of the first things to consider are the characteristics of the context, or rather how many and what kinds of stresses the ceramic floor will be subjected to. If it will need to support large planters, very heavy furniture, or even vehicles (which we’ll discuss in more detail shortly), it’s best to go with 20 mm thick outdoor stoneware.
When it comes to installation there are essentially two possible methods. Given that each one impacts the final result, also in terms of the floor’s overall durability, these must be matched with the proper thickness.
In this type of installation, tiles are bonded to the substrate using specialised adhesives. This method gives the porcelain stoneware floor greater stability and durability, making it suitable (with a tile thickness of 20 mm) for vehicular traffic as well. Adhesive installation is a solution that requires a perfectly level substrate, regardless of the thickness of the tiles. For outdoor flooring, it's advisable to select tiles of standard thickness or greater, also because these come with slip-resistant finishes.
This installation method is essential for any thickness under 20 mm, with the sole exception of the Kerlite Easy® installation system, which has been patented by Cotto d’Este for tiles of reduced thickness.
This installation method eliminates the need for adhesives or grout to fill the joints. In this method, tiles are laid directly on the substrate, with specific precautions based on the terrain type (sand, grass, or gravel), or on rigid, fixed, or adjustable supports. The latter, known as elevated installation, is often used for terraces and patios. The use of supports creates a gap beneath the flooring, which facilitates water drainage and provides space for utility systems. Dry installation is quick and allows tiles to be removed and reused. Since the tiles aren’t attached to the substrate, they need to be durable enough on their own to ensure strength that is proportionate to the demands of the context. Aside from the Easy system mentioned above, 20 mm thick outdoor porcelain stoneware is the only thickness suitable for this type of installation.
Dry installation can be handled by experienced DIY enthusiasts, while installation with adhesive always requires an experienced professional.
In our article on outdoor flooring, we talked extensively about 20 mm thick tiles designed for external use. One specific type of application for this thickness is adhesive installation on stabilised cement screed. In fact, in addition to various dry installation options made possible by an increased thickness, nothing prevents outdoor porcelain stoneware from being installed with adhesive. This method further enhances the tile’s load-bearing capacity and makes it suitable for vehicular traffic.
In its maximum thickness of 20 mm, porcelain stoneware is, therefore, an ideal flooring material for garages and outdoor areas used for manoeuvring vehicles. In cases where the strong anti-slip properties that characterise this market segment aren’t essential, then a standard thickness, or even a below-standard thickness, if installed with adhesive on a suitable substrate, can easily handle the weight of a vehicle. This is the case, for example, in the showrooms of car dealerships.
When it comes to ceramic kitchen worktops, we’ve already seen that porcelain stoneware is highly valued for the many technical characteristics which allow it to withstand the various stresses of this environment, such as its resistance to scratches, impacts, stains, cleaning products, and acidic foods. However, another very important feature deserves to be mentioned: porcelain stoneware is heat-resistant. In fact, it’s possible to rest pots straight from the stove and trays straight from the oven directly on it, without damaging it at all.
A material’s reaction to fire refers to whether, upon contact, it will fuel a fire or not. This is especially important for construction materials and furniture. Ceramic materials are intrinsically non-combustible, meaning that their fire safety is not dependent on specific limitations imposed by the conditions of installation. Ceramic materials do not fuel fires and remain inert even after a fire has occurred. Therefore, porcelain stoneware flooring, wall coverings, or worktops offer the highest level of fire resistance possible.
The special relationship that Cotto d'Este has always maintained with the world of architecture can be explained not only by the beauty of the collections it offers but also by the focus on performance, in terms of resistance and durability, of its porcelain stoneware. This approach aligns with the choice to strengthen the thinner layers of Kerlite laminated porcelain stoneware by adding a fiberglass mesh.
Also, with regard to durability, Cotto d’Este has taken a bold step that sets it apart from the rest of the ceramic market. While the standard is around 10 mm thick, Cotto D’Este has opted for a 14 mm thick tile, positioning itself with the higher end of this segment. This increase in thickness brings with it both aesthetic and technical benefits. Let’s focus on the technical ones.
First of all, an increased thickness can withstand a special manufacturing process that enhances the performance of the final product. For example, thicker tiles can endure a firing cycle that lasts at least twice as long as that of standard thickness tiles This extended process ensures total vitrification of the raw materials, something which significantly increases durability. In fact, 14 mm thick stoneware isn’t only more resistant to scratches, abrasions, acids, and frost, but its breaking load and impact resistance is also three times greater than that of traditional 10 mm thick stoneware. As a result, it’s suitable for paving driveways.
The additional 4 mm with respect to the standard, greatly expands the range of applications for this thickness. That’s why Cotto D’Este’s catalogue offers such a wealth of surface finishes, including finishes that are specific to the outdoors even for 14 mm thick products: for example, the Rolled finish from the Pura series or the Sabbiata finish found in the Blend Stone and Lithos collections.
The Rolled finish adds subtle, mineral-like scratches to the texture which recall the “rolling” process. The use of Safetouch technology makes this surface extraordinarily versatile, perfect for achieving seamless aesthetic continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. In fact, the Rolled finish is not only soft and easy to clean, but also provides exceptional slip resistance (R11C).
The Sabbiata surface also provides outstanding slip-resistance. The application of a special aggregate gives it a fine, matte texture with a strong, tactile quality, perfect for adding strength and elegance to outdoor spaces in both residential and commercial contexts.
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