What Does Gres Mean and How Does It Differ from Ceramic Tiles? - Mexen Ireland

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What Does Gres Mean and How Does It Differ from Ceramic Tiles?

What Does Gres Mean and How Does It Differ from Ceramic Tiles?
Category: Guides
Author: Mexen

One of the most versatile finishing materials is gres. What does this mean for you? You can use it in arranging bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and even outdoor areas in front of the building. It primarily competes with ceramic tiles. Consider absorbability, resistance to mechanical damage, and material hardness when making a final decision.

What Will You Learn from This Article?

When building a house or planning renovations, the main dilemma is choosing appropriate finishing materials. The decision is mainly between gres and ceramic tiles. This article answers questions such as:

  • Which material is more popular: glazed gres or ceramic tiles?
  • What properties does gres have?
  • What fits better with modern interior designs: gres or ceramic tiles?

What Is Gres?

Gres is a material made from noble stoneware, a blend of clay, kaolin, quartz sand, feldspar, and chamotte. It is distinguished by a uniform structure obtained through strong pressing under pressure. Gres tiles are fired at high temperatures ranging from 1200 to 1300 degrees Celsius.

 

Characteristics of gres include:

  • low absorbability,
  • frost resistance,
  • resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage,
  • availability in many colors and textures.

 

Gres is an excellent choice both for interiors and exteriors. It is resistant to changing weather conditions, especially temperature changes and water action. Gres tiles handle intensive indoor use well, making them suitable for frequently used rooms.

 

You can match gres to almost any interior arrangement due to its wide color palette and designs. It perfectly imitates almost any material, particularly marble, concrete, wood, and stone, making it a favorite among interior designers.

What Are the Types of Gres?

Various components are used in gres production. You can choose between two variants.

Technical Gres

These tiles are not given final treatment. They are used where aesthetics are not a priority. Technical gres features low water absorbability, making it suitable for exteriors and areas where floor durability is crucial. It is resistant to moisture and frost.

 

This type of gres is divided into:

  • natural gres,
  • polished gres,
  • anti-slip gres.

Porcelain Gres

Its structure is highly compressed. Gres tiles in this version have low absorbability and porosity. The best quality clay is used in their production.

 

Porcelain gres is divided into:

  • glazed gres,
  • polished gres,
  • mass-colored gres.

How Do Gres Tiles Differ from Ceramic Tiles?

The main difference lies in the composition and firing process. While classic ceramics rely on red or white clay, gres is made from noble stoneware. The result? Much greater density and hardness, leading to years of trouble-free use.

Absorbability of Gres Tiles vs Ceramic Tiles

Absorbability, or the parameter defining material porosity, significantly distinguishes gres tiles from ceramic tiles. Gres has low water absorbability, making it less prone to staining. It is easy to keep clean, making it an ideal solution for bathrooms, kitchens, and exteriors of buildings.

 

For comparison, the absorbability of gres tiles is about 0.5%, while ceramic tiles can reach 10%. Gres components are tightly pressed together, resulting in low porosity.

What Is the Weather Resistance of Gres Tiles vs Ceramic Tiles?

Gres offers excellent resistance to harsh weather conditions due to its low water absorbability. It is great for outside the building. This cannot be said for ceramic tiles. Homeowners can choose them for bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, and living rooms. Gres is also a popular material in these spaces.

glazed gres

What Is the Resistance to Damage of Gres Tiles vs Ceramic Tiles?

Gres has excellent properties, making it resistant to mechanical damage and abrasion. Its extreme hardness is evident as it requires specialized diamond drills for processing. Standard drills for concrete or ceramics cannot handle it.

 

Ceramic tiles are much more prone to scratches. They are not suited for high-traffic areas and are best used only on walls.

 

Check the abrasion classes of tiles for further insight.

Hardness of Glazed Gres vs Ceramic Tiles

Gres is highly durable, making it scratch-resistant. This feature allows manufacturers to produce large-format gres tiles. Popular sizes include 30×60, 60×60, or 98.5×65.5 cm. These dimensions visually enlarge spaces, making them a practical solution for many interiors.

 

Ceramic tiles are primarily available in smaller formats, such as 30×30 cm, 33×33 cm, 40×40 cm, 45×45 cm. In larger sizes, they tend to crumble.

 

The Best Solution for the Home? Glazed Gres!

Before choosing a finishing material for a room, check its technical parameters. Its surface should be adapted to the intensity of use and prevailing conditions.

Ceramic tiles are not suitable for flooring in high-traffic rooms or outdoors.

  1. Gres is recommended for public utility buildings due to its high resistance to scratches and mechanical damage. It also has high resistance to changing weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor use.
  2. Gres tiles have low absorbability, making them perfect for bathrooms.
  3. The wide range of gres colors allows you to achieve the desired floor finish effect in any decor style.




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