Floor and wall renovation with porcelain stoneware: an elegant, durable solution

When it comes to home renovations, renewing flooring and wall coverings is a sophisticated art, able to radically transform residential and commercial environments. This is a process that goes well beyond the mere replacement of the surfaces, and offers a unique opportunity to redefine the very essence of a setting. In an age in which home design has an increasingly central role to play in the quality of our lives, flooring renovation becomes a fundamental element in the process, with a bearing not only on appearance, but on how comfortable and functional the renovated spaces will be.

Why choose porcelain stoneware for the renovation of your home or retail space?

Living room with marble-effect porcelain floor tiles — Elements Lux - Calacatta

Elements Lux calacatta — Elements Lux - Calacatta

Porcelain stoneware: An outstanding solution for flooring renovation

Porcelain stoneware is proving to be a valuable ally for flooring renovation, offering an unrivalled combination of sophisticated style and superior technical performance. Its compact structure, guaranteed by innovative manufacturing technologies, offers extremely low porosity, with a water absorption coefficient of less than 0.5%. This makes it ideal for humid environments, or for floors that require frequent washing, as well as guaranteeing exceptional resistance to chemical agents.

The versatility of porcelain stoneware is evident not only in its technical properties, but also in the wide range of laying options it offers, and the huge variety of aesthetic effects available.

How to use porcelain stoneware in renovation projects

Porcelain stoneware can be used for a variety of applications during a renovation project. Let’s take a look at the main ways it can be used.

Outdoor pool with stone-effect porcelain tiles — Limes Quartz Multicolor

Flooring

Porcelain stoneware is the ideal choice for flooring throughout the home or office, thanks to its durability and stylish appearance. It’s perfect for areas with high footfall, such as entrances, corridors and kitchens, as well as for sitting rooms or bedrooms in the home. The wood effect is especially popular, offering a low-maintenance alternative that mimics the warmth and elegance of natural wood.

Wall coverings

Porcelain stoneware wall tiles are often used in bathrooms and kitchens, where water-resistant, easy-to-clean solutions are essential. Marble or stone-effect tiles are perfect for creating a sophisticated look, while tiles with more modern textures can be used for a contemporary design touch.

Outdoors

Weather-resistant and with anti-slip surfaces, porcelain stoneware is also an excellent choice for outdoor paving. It can be used for terraces, balconies, gardens and swimming pools, for a smooth, seamless indoor-to-outdoor look.

The challenges and opportunities involved in renovating indoor flooring

The renovation of indoor flooring presents a number of unique challenges that require careful planning and innovative solutions. Tackling these challenges with the necessary expertise not only solves practical issues, but also paves the way for opportunities to significantly improve the entire home environment.

Bar/restaurant terrace with stone-effect porcelain tiles — Percorsi Frame Gneiss Grey

Percorsi Frame gneiss grey — Percorsi Frame Gneiss Grey

Analysis and evaluation of existing surfaces

The first, crucial step in any home renovation project is a careful analysis of the existing surfaces. This involves:

evaluating the state of repair of the current flooring
identifying any structural problems or humidity issues
analyzing any warpage and the level of the subfloor

An accurate evaluation will allow you to choose the most appropriate solutions, minimizing unexpected difficulties while carrying out the work.

Modern villa porch with concrete-effect porcelain tiles — Noord White

Selection of the right type of porcelain stoneware

Based on the analysis carried out and the specific requirements of the setting, it is important to select the most suitable technical characteristics:

Thicknesses: these can vary from slim tiles, with thicknesses such as 6mm or 9mm, ideal for renovations that do not require demolition work, to 20mm and 30mm, suitable for areas with heavy footfall.
Anti-slip finishes: different slip-resistance categories should be considered, depending on where the tiles are to be used. For example, the R11 surface is ideal for humid or outdoor areas, to guarantee maximum safety, while the versatile R10 surface is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.
Sizes: tiles range from small sizes, such as 30x30 cm, a versatile option for small spaces, to large 120x278 cm tiles for larger settings, as well as special trims such as 15x90 listel tiles, ideal for creating unique decorative effects.
Laying direction: a number of elements influence the appearance and perception of the space. For example, a herringbone laying pattern creates a dynamic, sophisticated look, while a staggered laying pattern is ideal for a more classic, versatile look.
Aesthetic aspects: porcelain stoneware tiles can be used to create a wide range of effects, such as the oak wood effect, for inviting living spaces, the lava stone effect, for a modern, designer look, or glossy porcelain stoneware, for classic elegance. Colors, shades and surface textures allow you to personalize the end result further, influencing spatial perception and tactile experience.

Modern restaurant interior with terrazzo-effect porcelain tiles — Dolmix Grey

Calculating the material required

This stage is crucial to avoid waste or running out of tiles during the laying process:

Measure the area to be tiled, adding a margin for cutting and future replacement.
Include accessory materials and complementary elements such as skirting tiles.
For complex patterns, allow for a greater margin for more frequent cutting.

It is advisable to consult a professional for a more accurate calculation, especially for complex layouts or particular tile shapes and sizes.

Mistakes to avoid in renovation projects using porcelain stoneware

Underestimating the preparation of the subfloor

The subfloor must be carefully levelled and even before laying the tiles. Any imperfections can have a negative impact on the duration and stability of the floor.

Not considering expansion

Especially for outdoor areas or very large rooms, it is important to have expansion joints, so that the material can expand and contract as temperatures vary.

Incorrect joint laying

A common mistake is to pay insufficient attention to the joints, which must be wide enough to allow for proper adhesion and adequate flexibility.

Tax incentives: renovation bonuses

It is important to note that flooring renovation can currently benefit from a series of tax incentives. Although it is always advisable to consult the current regulations, work of this kind may be covered by schemes such as the “Renovation Bonus”, or in some cases, energy efficiency incentives, considering the role flooring can play in heat insulation.

View your floor with Match App: try before you buy

Imagine being able to see how your new flooring will look in your setting before you make your decision to purchase. This is exactly the opportunity offered by Match App, an innovative tile laying simulator provided free of charge by Ceramiche Keope.

How it works, in a few simple steps:

Take a photo of your setting
Upload the image to Match App
Select the tiles you’re interested in from the wide range of Keope collections
See, in real time, how the new flooring can transform your setting

Match App allows you to experiment with different styles, colors and sizes of porcelain stoneware tiles, instantly visualizing the effect in your setting. This takes away the uncertainty factor in your flooring choices, allowing you to make informed, confidential decisions for your home renovation project.