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To recognise first-quality porcelain stoneware, it's important to pay attention to several factors when examining the tiles. Here are some tips to help you recognise first-quality porcelain stoneware:

Uniform colour: First-quality porcelain stoneware tiles should exhibit an even and consistent colour, except for products featuring extremely variable graphics, which is the hallmark of the collection.

Durability and resistance: High-quality porcelain stoneware should be extremely hard and resistant against impacts and abrasion. You can verify the hardness and resistance classification of Keope tiles by consulting the certifications and comprehensive quality tests conducted in the Control Department (link) 

Low porosity: First-quality porcelain stoneware boasts low porosity, which means it will absorb less water. Ceramiche Keope tiles have been classified with a water absorption rate of less than 0.1%, signifying a very low porosity (standard < 0.5%).

Precise Dimensions: First-quality porcelain tiles will have precise dimensions and right angles. Check whether the tiles are perfectly square or rectangular and whether the dimensions are precise. 

Certifications and seals: Check for reputable quality certifications or seals of guarantee on the tile. Ceramiche Keope holds numerous certifications affirming the eco-compatibility of the ceramic material and its adherence to the best ceramic processing systems. You can find these certifications here (link). 

Material origin: Keope porcelain stoneware is strictly made in Italy. Our philosophy in our daily work revolves around meticulous attention to detail, social responsibility, and respect for the environment and people - values that have consistently set us apart and enabled us to bring the unique essence of Made in Italy to the world. 

Remember that if you have any uncertainties or want to ascertain the quality of Keope's porcelain stoneware, you can contact our Technical Department for more details (link).

Surface finish refers to the techniques employed to achieve certain conditions of roughness on the surface, as well as shape and size tolerances.
A tile's surface can be distinguished by its appearance and texture:

• a natural finish can be smooth and matt or soft and sanitised, or may even have a slightly textured surface;
• a textured surface displays all the characteristics of natural stone, such as reliefs, sand-like effects and ripples;
• a lapped surface is glossy because it is polished by means of a mechanical process that does not remove any material;
• a polished surface is even glossier because it is mirror polished, involving the removal of up to 1 mm of material from the pressed surface.

In addition, a glazed surface is coated with a thin layer of vitreous material that determines its colour and shine. 

The Keope collections fulfill all requirements in terms of surface and offer a multitude of options catering to diverse applications and decor preferences.

Indoor and outdoor tiles can have some differences due to the different requirements and environmental conditions they are subjected to. Here are some of the main differences:

Resistance to weathering: Outdoor tiles must be able to withstand weathering, such as rain, snow, sun and temperature fluctuations. Hence, they usually comprise more durable materials, such as porcelain or natural stone, which have superior weather resistance compared to indoor tiles.

Slip resistance: Outdoor tiles must provide a non-slip surface to prevent accidents caused by wet or slippery pavements. As a result, they typically have a rougher or more textured finish than indoor tiles.

Water absorption: Outdoor tiles must have a low water absorption rate to prevent damage caused by freezing or mould development. Indoor tiles may have higher water absorption as they are not exposed to the same levels of outdoor humidity and moisture. 

Chemical resistance: Outdoor tiles could encounter higher levels of chemical exposure due to their contact with substances like outdoor detergents or cleaning agents. Therefore, these tiles are often designed to withstand such chemicals.

Design and finish: Indoor tiles often prioritise aesthetic design and finish, offering a wide range of colours, decorations and finishes. In contrast, outdoor tiles tend to be more functional and resistance-oriented while still offering aesthetically pleasing options to enhance outdoor spaces.

It is important to note that certain tiles may suit both indoor and outdoor applications, depending on their characteristics and the specific needs of the project. The Keope product range is known for its ability to create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The reference standards for tile anti-slip properties vary depending on the country and specific regulations adopted. However, one of the most widely used international standards for classifying tile slip resistance is EN 13845, also known as the "Slip Resistance Classification Method for Tiles."

EN 13845 establishes a system for classifying slip resistance of floor surfaces and tiles based on the coefficient of friction. This standard defines four slip-resistance classes:

Class R9: low slip resistance. This class is suitable for indoor areas such as private bathrooms or bedrooms where the risk of slipping is relatively low.

Class R10: standard slip resistance. This class is suitable for dry indoor areas with low foot traffic, such as domestic kitchens or residential areas.

Class R11: increased slip resistance. This class is suitable for damp indoor spaces such as public bathrooms or commercial kitchens, where there is an increased risk of slipping.

Class R12: high slip resistance. This class is suitable for very wet indoor and outdoor areas, such as public restrooms with showers or outdoor areas near swimming pools, where the risk of slipping is particularly high.

It's important to note that standards may vary from country to country and that there may also be other local regulations that outline slip resistance requirements. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the specific standards of your country or region for updated information on classifications and requirements for the slip resistance of tiles. Ceramiche Keope products have slip-resistance classes ranging from R9 for indoor tile collections to R11 for outdoor tile collections. Always consult the general Keope catalogue for technical specifications on the slip resistance of our collections.