Category Archives: architectural finishes

Architectural finishes in a holistic sense can refer to a variety of textures, , colours and materials and refers to hard and soft permanently fixed finishes such as plaster or render and other surface coatings, such as paint. Architectural finishes can be in form of  Vitrified tiles for flooring, ceramic tiles, False ceiling, textured paints, dry walls, facades, aluminium doors and windows, UPVC doors and windows, Epoxy painting, plastic emulsion, Plaster of Paries, natural stones like marble, granite etc

architectural finishes, WPC boards

WPC Board vs Plywood – Which is best?

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WPC Board vs Plywood– Which is best ? When you decide to do the interiors of your home or office a lot of materials come to your mind. But choosing the right material is the primary concern and need. Of all the interior materials available in the market Plywood and WPC or Wood plastic composite are the most preferred and commonly used. Which one do you choose?

Both are excellent building materials in terms of durability, strength, and workability and are available in different grades to cater to any requirement, budget, and application areas.

wpc boards used as kitchen cabinets
WPC BOARD – KITCHEN INTERIOR

What is WPC boards?

WPC boards are made from grounded sawdust thoroughly mixed and heated with thermoplastic resins mixed with additives for imparting superior qualities. Sawdust from fibre fillers like pulp, peanut hulls, byproducts of the textile industry, bamboo, etc. are mixed with virgin or waste/recycled plastic derived from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, etc. Nowadays polyethylene-based plastics are commonly used. The proportion of sawdust is around 15%, virgin/recycled plastic constitutes 75%, and the remaining will be different additives. WPC board is a hybrid product that got the qualities of wood and easiness and water-resistant properties of plastic. These ingredients are mixed to a thick consistency and are moulded or extruded to form WPC boards.

WPC BOARD - SWIMMING POOL DECK
WPC BOARD – SWIMMING POOL DECK

Must Read : WPC Boards – Advantages, Disadvantages and Uses.

What is plywood?

Plywood is a manufactured wood panel/ engineered wood made from thin sliced natural wood called veneers in the core as well as the face. These core veneers are glued in layers one on top of the other with adjacent layers having their wood grains rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. The cross layering of adjacent layers imparts structural strength and stability to plywood. These veneers are bonded together with glue and pressed under high pressure and heated to form plywood. Plywood is a versatile, flexible, and highly workable building material widely used in manufacturing furniture, cabinets, shelves, and wardrobes, etc. They are also used for woodwork for ships and boats and for shuttering works in the construction sector. These are the commonly used categories of plywood based on application sectors.

WPC BOARD VS PLYWOOD - LAMINATE OVER PLYWOOD INTERIORS
LAMINATE OVER PLYWOOD

Also read : Plywood Types – MR resistant, BWR and BWP/Marine ply

WPC board vs Plywood – A comparison

Plywood is available in three different grades. They are MR grade/ commercial ply as per IS 303, Exterior grade /BWR grade as per IS 303 and Marine ply/BWP grade as per IS 710 grade. Marine ply is the most superior grade of plywood. For comparison, we are taking marine ply and Wood plastic composite (WPC).
Marine plywood and WPC boards got similar characteristics – They are moisture-resistant, termite-resistant, suitable for outdoor applications, and extensively used for external and works exposed to water and moisture such as kitchens and bathrooms and external furniture, facades, etc.

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WPC board vs Plywood – Ingredients and manufacturing

PlywoodWPC Board
Plywood is made of sliced wood layers (veneers) and is placed in a cross-layered pattern. The veneer layers are glued together using synthetic resins like Urea Formaldehyde or Phenol formaldehyde, pressed with high pressure, and heated
to form plywood.		Manufactured from a mixture of sawdust/wood fibre and waste/ recycled plastics. The materials are mixed with pigments and additives and moulded our extruded to for WPC boards.

Moisture resistant and termite resistant qualities

PlywoodWPC board
Marine-grade ply wood surface is
very hard and delivers superior
water-resistant qualities.
They are made from tropical
hardwood veneers and jointed using
water-resistant adhesive. Marine ply
is further treated with preservatives
and protective finishes to enhance
water and termite resistant qualities.		WPC is a Mixture of sawdust
and plastics. They are a hundred
percent water-resistant
and
termite-proof material.

Because of these qualities, both these materials can be used for wet areas, external furniture, facades, kitchen cabinets, bathroom interiors, etc. But plywood of grades other than Marine got less water and moisture resistant than WPC boards.

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Fire resistant and heat resistance

PlywoodWPC board
Plywood burns with flame and is
more suspectable to heat.		WPC does not burn with flames due to the presence of plastic material and special additives. WPC is a polymer-based material and does not catch fire.

Plywood can be made fire resistant by protecting with fire-retardant additives. Fire and heat resistant qualities are much better in the case of WPC boards.

Screw holding capacity

Due to the cross-layered arrangement of veneers, plywood possesses extremely good screw holding capacities. It may not come out from hinges easily.

Screw holding capacity of WPC depends on the density of the materials. For a competitive screw holding capacity, WPC boards should possess a density of 600kg/cm3.

Screw holding capacity of plywood is comparatively better than WPC boards.

PLYWOOD MANUFACTURING
PLYWOOD MANUFACTURING

Durability

The durability of plywood depends on the grade which is being used and the area of application. Plywood is durable but has to be maintained properly. Some plywood grades may split or splinter in course of time.

WPC is an extremely durable material and is long-lasting.

WPC always comes with a lifetime guarantee from major manufactures whereas plywood quality determines durability and life. Because of the presence of a lot of plywood manufacturers, the qualities may be compromised. BWR grade- IS 303 GRADE plywood is sold to the customer in place of Marine ply in most of the cases. Ensure that the materials to be purchased from the reputed manufacturer with proper test certificates.

WPC is extruded or moulded to form sheets and hence are a homogeneous material whereas plywood is made by layers that are glued and may fail.

Workability

Plywood can be easily bent without affecting its strength. But planning and molding are not possible like Wood and WPC due to cross-layered arrangement.

WPC got the combined properties of plastic and wood and hence are more flexible than plywood and can be thermoformed to any shape. They can also be moulded, planned, and grooved, exactly like wood.

Plywood cannot be used in the raw form. Plywood has to be covered with laminate or veneer to match the colour scheme. Plywood got a good surface enabling the gluing of veneers and laminates. They can also be painted with PU and textures. Laminated plywood are also available for various uses.
The veneers and laminates may peel off on continuous exposure to sunlight and water.

In the case of WPC boards, the colours are generated through the addition of pigments in the manufacturing process and do not fade easily on exposure to sunlight. WPC does not need any laminate, veneer, paints, and polish.

Veneers and laminates are fixed on WPC with proper roughening of the surface and treatment with special adhesives and double side adhesive tapes. They can even be painted with PU paint and texture paint after the application of plastic primer. The bonding properties of WPC with laminates, veneers, and paint are not strong when compared with plywood.

Eco friendly qualities

Plywood veneers are from cutting trees and are not environmentally friendly. The manufacturing of plywood will result in deforestation.

WPC is made from wood waste, sawdust, recycled plastics, etc and consumes industrial wastes and converts it into usable materials. WPC manufacturing does not generate any wastage nor any trees are cut in this process and is an environmental friendly material.

WPC board vs plywood – Cost

Good quality WPC boards are costlier than marine plywood. But the additional costs incurred for veneer, laminates etc can be eliminated.

Conclusion

WPC is a long-lasting, eco-friendly, durable, and extremely high water and moisture resistant product than plywood. But the looks cannot match exactly as wood and they do not have the choice of application of beautiful laminates and veneers. Still, WPC stands out as a better option than plywood in wet areas even though it costs high. Plywood on the other hand is durable and can match wood finishes and colours through veneers and laminates which is not possible in WPC.

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architectural finishes, Plywood

Plywood vs Natural wood – A comparison

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Plywood vs natural wood – Which one you prefer. The vast  Engineered wood category includes mass timber, composite wood, man-made wood, or manufactured board, which can be a wood derivative or manufactured by binding or fixing the strands, particles, fibres, or veneers together with adhesives or other fixation methods. The most widely accepted engineered wood available in the market is Natural wood and its alternatives like Plywood, MDF, HDF, etc. But plywood is always considered as the most preferred wood alternative. Why plywood is preferred? This article is about a comparison of properties of Natural wood and plywood.

Also read : Plywood Types – MR resistant, BWR and BWP/Marine ply

Plywood vs Natural wood

Plywood and natural wood are the most commonly used materials for interior works, furniture, kitchen cabinets, decks, facades, ceilings, etc. Both these products possess excellent strength and are flexible, affordable, and workable. Plywood is the most extensively used wood substitute because of its flexibility, strength, and excellent screw holding capacities.

Natural wood

Solid wood is the natural wood and is obtained from trees. The trees are felled and cut in sawmills as per the required size and fabricated as per requirements. Amongst the most popular solid woods are teak wood, oak wood, cherry, maple, mahogany, and Indian rosewood, etc.

Plywood

Plywood is a manufactured wood panel made from thin natural wood called veneers sliced from hardwood or softwood. These core veneers are glued in layers one on top of the other with adjacent layers having their wood grains rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. The cross layering of adjacent layers imparts structural strength and stability to plywood. These veneers are bonded together with glue and pressed under high pressure and heated to form plywood.

plywood interiors
Plywood interiors

Plywood vs natural wood – Strength

PlywoodNatural wood
Cross veneer layers are responsible
or the strength and stiffness both long and across grains. Plywood bends on loads when placed horizontally.		Solid wood is 20 times stronger along the grains. They are much stiffer than plywood. Wood do not
bend on loads.
Veneer layers are glued together and hence ply layers may debond due to low glue shear strength.Solid wood is a homogeneous and dense material and much stronger than plywood.
The quality depends on the type of wood used and the number of ply layers. Plywood made of gurjan wood is extremely strong.Some solid wood like teak etc posses high density and with proper maintenance can last hundreds of years.

Solid wood is much stronger than any other engineered wood and no alternative can match it.

Shrinkage

PlywoodNatural wood
Plywood does not shrink due to the
cross-layered arrangement of veneers.		Timber shrinks across the grains

Appearance and aesthetic looks

PlywoodNatural wood
Plywood is not a decorative
material. For wooden looks, they
have to be faced with decorative veneers.		Designers always prefer
the beauty of wood over any
other material.
The natural grains gives a classy
and elegant look that never can
be matched with any other material.
Plywood finishes are
provided through coatings,
PU paints laminates and veneers.		Wood finishes are through planing
and polishing Some wood varieties
like teak wood got unique grains
and maintain classy looks for years.

Durability

PlywoodNatural wood
The plywood grades determine
the durability. MR resistant grade
is good for interior works, BWR
grade is good for external
works,kitchen cabinets,
bathrooms interiors, etc
whereas marine ply is durable
and highly water-resistant.		Natural wood is everlasting if
protected and maintained properly. The durability depends on the type
of wood. Hardwood like teak
wood is extremely strong
and dense and requires minimal maintenance,
whereas softwood like pine needs
frequent maintenance
Plywood can last for years if maintained
properly and protected using laminate
veneers or paints		Plywood cannot match the durability of wood.

Plywood vs Natural wood – Costs

Good quality solid wood is very costly when compared to plywood. The usage of wood is getting restricted due to acts against deforestation and
environmental issues. The scarcity of wood and high costs sidelined natural wood as a non-affordable option. On the other hand, plywood is cheap and got plenty of varieties to manage your budget and requirements and is easily available.

Kitchen cabinet

Sheet material applications

Plywood has an extra hand over wood in the case of sheet material applications like wardrobes, partitions, and cabinets.
The maximum size of wood panels depends on the size of the tree. Wood has to be joined for sheet material applications whereas plywood is available in large sheet sizes and can be easily cut and used. Plywood can reduce the joints and give a seamless look. Wood has to be jointed and tends to crack along the joints.

Flexibility and workability

Ply wood can be bend easily where as it is very difficult to bend solid wood.It is very strong and the thinner cuts are easy to work with.Plywood never splits on edges while nailing and posses good screw holding capacity whereas timber used to split on edges on nailing. Ply wood can be easily cut into any shapes and sizes. Plywood are easy to paint or polish. The plywood surface is smooth and any kind of veneer or laminate can be pasted with the help of adhesives. This flexibility makes plywood one of the most versatile material.

Wood, on the other hand, can be planed whereas plywood cannot be planed The edges of the plywood looks rough and has to be covered or coated to look good. Wood possesses excellent screw holding capacity.

Maximum usage of materials

The plywood manufacturing process achieves complete utilisation of the log than timber which is available in logs and the utilisation is only 50-70%. No sawdust results from either rotary cutting or slicing (the two most popular methods of cutting veneer).

Environmental concerns

Natural wood is obtained by felling trees. This leads to deforestation and degradation of environment.

Uses of Natural wood and plywood

Solid wood is commonly used to make the wooden framed structures as well as in flooring. It is also used in the manufacturing of highly durable furniture items for indoor and outdoor use. In the homes and buildings, it is also used for the doors, and window frames. It is also used in ships, aircraft, millwork, ladders, boxes, crates and much more.

Conclusion

Wood is the best material in terms of strength and durability. But high costs, less design options, high labour charges etc is the main disadvantage. Plywood is readily available,can match any customer requirement, cheap and affordable. Plywood is better in terms of flexibility, workability and costs.

architectural finishes, Plywood

Plywood Types – MR resistant, BWR and BWP/Marine ply

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Plywood types : Plywood is one of the most versatile, cheap, and commonly used wood alternative for interior works, furniture, kitchen cabinets, shuttering works, etc. Earlier plywood manufactures are limited. They manufacture excellent quality plywood that is durable and long-lasting. Nowadays hundreds of companies have started manufacturing plywood. The densities, qualities, sizes, and standards are compromised and the customers are duped most of the time.

How to select a plywood? Which one is the best?

Also read : WPC boards – Advantages, Disadvantages and uses

Plywood types – What is plywood?

Plywood manufacturing
Plywood manufacturing

Plywood is a manufactured wood panel/ engineered wood made from thin sliced natural wood called veneers in the core as well as the face. These core veneers are glued in layers one on top of the other with adjacent layers having their wood grains rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. The cross layering of adjacent layers imparts structural strength and stability to plywood. These veneers are bonded together with glue and pressed under high pressure and heated to form plywood. Plywood is a versatile, flexible, and highly workable building material widely used in manufacturing furniture, cabinets, shelves, and wardrobes, etc. They are also used for woodwork for ships and boats and for shuttering works in the construction sector. These are the commonly used categories of plywood based on application sectors.

  • Softwood plywood
  • Hardwood plywood
  • Tropical plywood
  • Aircraft plywood
  • Decorative plywood
  • Flexible plywood
  • Marine plywood

Properties and dimensions of plywood.

Usually, hardwood and softwood are used for making plywood. The core will be of an inexpensive wood veneer based on geographical availability whereas the face will be of a quality wood veneer. Plywood is resistant to cracking, splitting, shrinkage, twisting, etc, and got excellent strength and durability. Plywood’s are available in a size of 2449 x 1219 mm (8’x4’) and the thickness ranges between 3 mm to 25 mm based on the manufacturer. The cost and strength of plywood depend on the thickness, grade, type, and the number of veneer layers.

Plywood types, layers & strength

The strength and cost of ply depend on the number of ply layers as they influence production costs and plywood quality. If the number of plies/layers is more, the plywood will be stronger but the production costs will be higher. For example, 18mm plywood of 15 plies is stronger than 18mm plywood of 13 plies. The minimum number of plies in plywood is 3 plies. An odd number of plies in plywood can reduce warping and deformation. Usually plywood of more plies are of premium quality .

Plywood types and grades

Plywood is classified into three types based on the area of applications and water resistant properties.

  • MR (Moisture resistant )grade or Commercial ply (IS 303 )
  • BWR (Boiling water resistant ply – (IS 303 )
  • BWP (Boiling water proof or Marine ply – ( IS 710 )

Moisture resistant (MR grade ) or Commercial ply- IS 303

MR resistance OR Moisture resistance plywood is known as Commercial ply. Moisture resistant or MR resistant ply is an interior grade ply that can withstand some amount of moisture, humidity, and dampness, etc. Commercial ply is not waterproof and is not preferred for areas exposed to direct water contacts. Commercial ply is manufactured using wood veneers from locally available tree species. This change in tree species will not affect the basic properties which will be as per IS 303.

Plywood interior

The adhesive used for joining the veneers is Urea-formaldehyde. MR grade plywood is an interior grade of plywood and is suitable for indoor use, not for the exterior and areas in direct contact with water. Moisture resistant grade of plywood has the highest internal density among all the available grades of plywood. MR grade ply is used for almost all interior works like furniture, cabinets, office interiors, partitions, ceiling works, etc.

BWR (Boiling water resistant ply) -IS 303

BWR grade plywood is Boiling Water Resistant Plywood confirming to IS 303. Boiling water resistant plywood is an exterior grade of plywood that can resist water better than MR grade commercial ply but is not 100% waterproof. The veneers are glued by Phenol formaldehyde which is a synthetic plastic resin whereas MR resistant ply uses urea-formaldehyde. These synthetic resins impart water-resisting qualities in BWR grade plywood. Moreover, the core layer is treated with various toxicant chemicals that make BWR termite-proof and borer proof.
Boiling water-resistant plywood is the exterior grade plywood and is used for furniture that likely to get wet, kitchen cabinet, lawn chairs, garden tables, etc. BWR plywood is warp free and has excellent bonding, and with zero core gaps.

External Furniture
External Furniture

BWP (Boiling water proof or marine ply)

BWP plywood means Boiling Water Proof Plywood and is popularly known as Marine Grade Plywood. Marine plywood is manufactured out of single species tropical hardwood and jointed using waterproof glue. No voids are left in the core, hence making it a very dense and water-resistant material. Each layer of wood is laid with the grain running at right angles to the next layer and bonded with boiling waterproof synthetic undiluted phenol-formaldehyde adhesive. Marine plywood is also treated with preservatives and a protective finish for external applications. It is a superior grade of plywood which is higher in quality and strength as compared to both MR and BWR plywood. They can be bent and curved without compromising the strength. BWP is the best ply, with the highest resistance to boiling water, and termites, and moisture. But the cost of BWP is also much above the other variants.

Marine plywood is extremely durable and preferred for applications where the plywood has prolonged exposure to water. It is the best choice for marine applications such as woodwork for building ships and boat ad also for manufacturing external garden furniture, kitchen, and bathroom cabinets, etc

Marine ply can be a preferred choice for your kitchen and bathrooms which are more exposed to water and moisture even though they can also be managed by MR or BWR if protected properly.

Conclusion

While selecting a ply wood please be sure about the variety and standard of ply you are going to use.

MR resistant ply is a strong and durable and interior grade ply that can be used for almost every internal application. Avoids using MR resistant ply in areas vulnerable to water and moisture.

BWR ply is boiling water-resistant and exterior grade ply which got very good water-resistant qualities, termite resistant and borer resistant qualities than MR resistant ply. They are preferred for and can be used for external applications, kitchen cabinets, etc with requisite surface finishes.

BWP is the best grade of ply and is a marine grade ply. They are a hundred percent boiling waterproof ply is extensively used for marine applications and kitchen and bathroom cabinets. The cost is comparatively high with respect to MR resistance and BWR ply due to their superior qualities.

Commercial plywood is re-coloured and sold as marine plywood in the local market. Always purchase from a very good brand and obtain Manufacture test certificate.

architectural finishes, Tiles

Double charge vitrified tiles – A combination of elegance and strength.

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Double charge vitrified tiles are manufactured by feeding a double layer of pigments through a press that prints the patterns. The design possibilities of these tiles are limited but got excellent qualities in terms of strength and durability.

Classification of Vitrified tiles

Vitrified tiles are available in a wide range of variations to cater to any functional requirements and costs. They can cater to high traffic areas like airports, metro stations, railway stations, industrial uses to small residential applications. The category and types of vitrified tiles are tailor-made for adapting to any application.

  • Soluble salt vitrified tiles
  • Glazed vitrified tiles,
  • Double charge vitrified tiles
  • Full body vitrified tiles

The classification is based on the method of manufacturing, method of vitrification, material qualities, density, type of traffic, colour choices and functions.

Must read : Types of vitrified tiles – Advantages and uses

CLASSIFICATION OF TILES
CLASSIFICATION OF TILES

This article is exclusively about Double charge vitrified tiles and their difference from Glazed Vitrified tiles (GVT) that includes Digitally glazed vitrified tiles (DGVT) and polished glazed vitrified tiles (PGVT) as shown in the figure.

Digitally glazed vitrified tiles (DGVT) are simply Glazed vitrified tiles (GVT) digitally printed whereas Polished Glazed Vitrified tiles (PGVT) are the extra polished version of Glazed Vitrified tiles/ Digital Glazed Vitrified tiles.

Double charge vitrified tiles
Double charge vitrified tiles ( Credits -Kajaria)

Manufacturing method of vitrified tiles

Vitrified tile is made by hydraulic pressing a mixture of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica. The hydraulic pressed tiles are heated in kilns at a temperature of around 1000-1400 degrees centigrade. The ingredients like Quartz, silica, and feldspar melts and transforms into a glass-like hard layer. This process of manufacturing is called the vitrification process which means making like glass. At high temperatures, the molten silica fills the gaps and air bubbles thereby making the surface extremely strong and non-porous. The manufacturing process is the one that makes vitrified tiles a much superior option to ceramic tiles. The vitrification process makes vitrified tiles dense, non-porous, abrasion-resistant, and durable than ceramic tiles.

Double charge Vitrified tiles

Double charge vitrified tiles are fed through a press that prints the pattern with a double layer of pigment, 3 to 4 mm thicker than other types of tile. 

These types of tiles are also called double-loaded tiles and are made from a mixture of clay, quartz, feldspar, and silica. They do not have a glazed layer and hence digital printing is not possible in these tiles. For Double charged vitrified tiles the designs are formed with a double layer of a pigment having a thickness of 3-4 mm thick. That means the upper layer of the design mix is 3-4 mm thick and contributes almost 30% of the total tile thickness. Tiles are passed through a press where they are fed with the design mix and pressed into the tile body. On firing at high temperature the thick pigment layer melts and fuses to become a part of the tile body and not a layer as in Glazed Vitrified tiles. The tile surface is further nano-polished for making it non-porous, extremely durable, and abrasion-resistant with superior qualities.

DOUBLE CHARGE VITRIFIED TILES
Double charge vitrified tiles ( Credits Kajaria)

Why double charge tiles are superior to Glazed Vitrified tiles.

When you are thinking of floor tiles a plethora of options will come. One is the cheapest and colourful option and another one is durability and strength. A digital tile is always a good option in terms of colour choice, durability, and economy.
But what makes Double charge tiles superior to Glazed Vitrified tile?

Double charge vitrified tilesGlazed Vitrified tiles(GVT)/Digital Glazed Vitrified tiles(DGVT)/ Polished Glazed Vitrified tiles (PGVT)
Double charge tiles are available in
matt and glossy finishes. The tiles are nano polished for extra glossiness and are know as Double charge polished vitrified tiles.		Glazed vitrified tile is known as a digital and polished glazed vitrified tile. They are available in Matt
and Glossy finishes.
Durability
The upper pigment/design layer of Double charge tiles is very thick
and constitutes around 30-40%
of the total tile thickness.		The upper design layer of Glazed Vitrified tiles is only 1-2 mm thick vitrified layer and constitutes around 1/10th
of a tile body.
The manufacturing process (Vitrification process) melts and
fuses the 3-4 mm thick pigment /design layer into the tile body and transforms it as part of the tile.		The top layer is digitally printed and vitrified to a glass-like layer through the vitrification process. The
thickness is around 1-2 mm normally.
The vitrification process produces an extremely durable,
and wear-resistant and highly impervious surface and constitutes more than 1/3 rd of the tile body.		The vitrified layer is only 1-2 mm thick against 3-4 mm
of Double charge tiles and are not so strong and wear-resistant like Double Charge tiles.
Double charge vitrified tiles got in a long-wearing tile surface, suitable for heavy traffic and vast commercial projects.Glazed vitrified tiles got a reasonable wearing surface capable of medium to low traffic and used mostly for residential applications.
Hardness
Hardness value in Mohs scale is ranges between 6-8Hardness value in Mohs scale is 4 – 6
Scratches are less noticeable due to the high design thickness/pigment layer of 3-4 mmScratches formed are visible in GVT tiles due to low glazing thickness.
The design will not fade and the original sheen is maintained.Designs fade in high traffic areas and loose its charm.
Designs and colour choice
The colour layer is formed by merging pigment layers spread through the press. Due to technological limitations, design possibilities are limited.Design possibilities are unlimited. Uses digital printing techniques and can print any type of texture and colours.
Stain resistance & Maintenance
Double charge tiles have extremely good stain resistant qualities and are very easy to clean and maintain.Stain resistant properties are low compared to Double charge vitrified tiles.
Areas of applications
Even with the design limitations, the
tiles look classy and elegant. Double charge tiles are a combination of beauty and strength. Mostly used in high traffic interiors and also for residential uses where strength and durability are the primary criteria.		GVT tiles are highly aesthetic and can match any designs and colour schemes. Mostly used in residential and low traffic interiors
Cost comparison
Even though cost is high the Double charge tiles are premium quality tiles and got excellent performance in terms of durability,strength, hardness, stain resistant,water resistant properties.They are comparatively affordable tiles, got a huge variety of designs and textures, and are the best choice for residential buildings with medium to low traffic areas.

VIDEO – Difference between glazed Vitrified and Double charge Vitrified tiles

Difference between Double charge tiles and Glazed tiles

Conclusion

Double charge vitrified tiles are where beauty meets strength. An increase in costs is compensated by its long-lasting and durable surface and its capability to cater to heavy traffic. Digital Glaze and Polished Glaze Vitrified tiles are cheap, strong, got a huge variety of designs, and can be a part of residential uses with low to medium traffic.

architectural finishes, WPC boards

WPC Boards – Advantages, Disadvantages and Uses.

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WPC boards or Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is a hybrid product manufactured by mixing sawdust and plastic materials. WPC boards are used in a wide range of structural and non-structural applications due to their superior qualities and strength when compared with any other materials used for the same purpose. They are one of the best alternatives for natural wood and plywood as they come with add-on features like water-resistant, no decay, design flexibility, ease of working, colour choice, etc. They are extensively used for facades, swimming pool decks, doors, windows, interiors, furniture, etc. Let us go through its unique properties and applications.

Materials used for interior works

For making a room usable and the interiors to be set up in the right direction. Interior materials for modular kitchen, wardrobes, cabinets, etc has to be made with durable materials that have to look elegant and long-lasting. Here we are listing a few commonly used materials.

  • Particle board
  • MDF
  • HDF
  • PVC or Multiwood
  • Plywood
  • WPC or Wood plastic composite

All these materials can be used as an alternative for wood. But why WPC boards are best and preferred choice. Let us go through the facts..

Modular kitchen cabinets
Modular kitchen cabinets

WPC boards – Ingredients

WPC is made from grounded sawdust thoroughly mixed and heated with thermoplastic resins mixed with additives for imparting superior qualities. Sawdust from fibre fillers like pulp, peanut hulls, byproducts of the textile industry, bamboo, etc. are mixed with virgin or waste/recycled plastic derived from polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, etc. Nowadays polyethylene-based plastics are commonly used. The proportion of sawdust is around 15%, virgin/recycled plastic constitutes 75%, and the remaining will be different additives. WPC board is a hybrid product that got the qualities of wood and easiness and water-resistant properties of plastic. These ingredients are mixed to a thick consistency and are moulded or extruded to form WPC boards.

WPC boards – Manufacturing process

The ingredients are mixed to achieve a relatively thick consistency and are extruded or moulded. Additives, such as pigments, binding agents, and lubricants are added for extra strength and other superior properties. WPC products got high cellulose content and hence can be moulded to any shape and size. They can be treated as wood which can withstand moisture and rot-resistant.

WPC boards – Properties

WPC boards are available in 4 ft x 8 ft (1220 x 2440 mm) sizes. and available in thickness of 5 mm, 6 mm, 8mm/7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm. They are available in low density, medium density, and High density. With these variations in densities, we can choose them based on areas of usage. The density of around 600 kg /cum is idle for good screw holding capacity.

WPC board - Modular kitchen
WPC board Modular kitchen

Advantages of WPC boards

WPC boards got superior qualities which stand out from other conventional materials and wood substitutes.

Green and environmental friendly product

Biodegradable materials and 100 % recyclable materials like wood waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, plastic waste, etc are used in the production of WPC boards. No trees are cut in the making process of WPC boards.

The extrusion process consumes almost 100 % raw material without generating wastage. The process does not emit any hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde or any VOCs. WPC boards can be an integral part of green buildings.

WPC boards are reusable products and almost all manufacturers sell with buyback guarantee if returned as plain material.

Water resistant and Heat resistant properties

WPC boards are moisture and heat resistant than any other conventional building materials. They are preferred over marine plywood, wood, and other similar products for modular kitchen cabinets, partition, wardrobes, etc.

WPC board got excellent water-resistant properties, they do not wear and tear, and will not fade on exposure to the external atmosphere. Because of these properties, WPC boards are used for external applications like facades, decking for swimming pools, landscape items, garden furniture, garden fencing, flower pots, etc. due to its low maintenance.

WPC Board - Swimming pool deck
WPC – SWIMMING POOL DECK

Durability

WPC boards are highly durable and are not affected by any of the climatic changes like rain, snow, humidity, and chemicals, etc. Hence they are used for external applications. 

Because of its high density, all types of screws and nails can be easily fixed with the help of a conventional tool. WPC boards have better screw and nail holding capacity than plywood and can even screw and unscrew multiple times in a single spot without failure.

They do not need any coatings and maintenance like that of wood and do not fade on exposure to sunlight.

Colour and coatings

WPC boards are available in a variety of colours and do not require any protective coatings. They can also be painted using textured and PU paints but care should be taken to apply plastic primers. WPC boards can also be laminated and veneered after applying required surface preparations. 

Ease of fixing

WPC can be moulded into different shapes and sizes. They can be cut, grooved and moulded easily with conventional tools and gives an elegant and classy look.

WPC Board - Moulded and grooved
WPC board- Moulded and grooved

Termite resistant

WPC do not corrode and are highly resistance to rot, decay and marine borer attack. They do not absorb any moisture like plywood and conventional wood.

Fire resistant

WPC material is highly fire resistant and fire retardant material. Plywood burns with flame whereas WPC do not burns with flame. That is why it is preferred for kitchen interiors.

Disadvantages of WPC boards

The short coming of wood and plastic is evident in WPC boards

The initial cost is comparatively high compared to other alternative materials used for the same purpose.

The wooden finishes gives and artificial looks when used in interiors, doors and windows.

They are not resistant to high temperatures. Hot utensils when placed over WPC board gives a melting impression if the temperature is more than 90-100 degree.

Laser cutters may burn the product.

WPC requires minor maintenance. If used for horizontal surface scratches will be formed.

Applications of WPC boards

Due to its superior qualities like water resistant, termite resistant, and other properties they are used for a lot of applications both internal and external.

External applications

They are used for facades, decking of swimming pools, garden furniture, landscape components, park benches , planter boxes, outdoor panelling,doors , windows etc.

WPC boards can be used in signboards, display boards, direct digital printing, exhibitions stands & graphics.

External Facade
WPC facade

Interior applications

They are used for interior ceiling, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, interior partitions, modular furnishing, household furniture, doors, windows , railing, wall panellings etc.

Conclusion

WPC is an innovative material which has proven its ability as one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly option with add on like moisture resistance and fire resistant qualities. They can act as a perfect alternative if used in a systematic way.

architectural finishes, Tiles

Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tile – How to select a tile ?

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Vitrified tiles vs ceramic tiles – The real difference between ceramic and vitrified tile is still out of reach to a consumer. For an average consumer Ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles/ porcelain tiles, etc are simply tiles used for flooring or cladding works because all are installed in the same way, got almost identical looks, got similar merits and demerits as a flooring material. On enquiring, you may get a lot of merit claims which confuses more than clarifying.
What exactly is the difference between these tiles or is it simply a marketing technique for selling out the more costly option?

Must read : Ceramic tiles – A remarkable flooring choice.

Must read : Vitrified tiles – Types, Advantages and uses

Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles and vitrified tile both are excellent flooring materials. They are the preferred flooring choice based on the area of application, hardness required, purpose of application etc. Both these tiles have excellent qualities to be considered as an excellent flooring material.

Ceramic tile cladding
Ceramic tile cladding

Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tiles -Manufacturing process

Ceramic tileVitrified tile
Manufactured using natural clay Mixed with water, extruded/pressed and fired in kilns at a temperature of around 1000-1200 degree Celsius.Manufactured by mixing clay
with quartz, silica and feldspar,
pressed in hydraulic press and
fired in kilns at a temperature
of 1400-1700 degree Celsius
The designs and textures are digitally printed on the surface.Designs are digitally printed in
case of Digital Glazed vitrified tiles.
(1-2 mm)
Ingredients with colour design mix
used in Double charge vitrified tiles.
(3-4 mm)
Total tile body is made of colour
design mix for Full body vitrified tiles.
(9-10 mm)
The surface is glazed for protection and glossiness.On heating Quartz, silica, feldspar
melts and fuse together to form a vitreous layer or glass like layer. This process is called vitrification process and tiles are called vitrified tiles. The vitreous layer is hard and glossy.
Glazing is around 1 mm thick and forms the protective and impervious layer over the ceramic tileThe vitrification process generates a vitreous or glass like layer which becomes a part of the tile body.
Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tiles
Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tiles

Vitrified tiles vs Ceramic tiles

Durability
The glazing layer imparts the required durability for ceramic tiles.Vitrified tiles gains the durability
from the Vitrification process
making it more dense, harder
and durable than ceramic tiles.
Strength
Breaking strength =700 N-1000 N
Water absorption = 3% – 6%
Modulus of rupture = 22 N/mm2
Scratch hardness = Min 4
Ceramic tiles got less breaking strength, less modulus of rupture and less abrasion resistance.		Breaking strength = > 1100 N
Water absorption = < 0.5%
Modulus of rupture = > 30 N/mm2
Scratch hardness = 5-8 in Moh scale
All value pertaining to strength,
breakage, abrasion resistance etc are high in Vitrified tiles.
Water absorption
Main factor that differentiate vitrified and ceramic tile is water absorption.
Water absorption of Ceramic tiles is 4-6%. Ceramic tiles are porous and absorbs water.
Not preferred for external and wet applications because they may absorb water and cracks.		Water absorption of vitrified tiles
is less than 0.5% . Vitrified tiles are dense and impervious and water absorption is marginal.
Hence vitrified tiles can be used
in external and wet applications.
Looks, colour choice and size
Ceramic tiles have a wide range of colour choices and got a very natural and fair looks.
Ceramic tiles are available in medium sizes and this increase the number of joints.
The grout joints are vulnerable to moisture and stain and has to be replaced frequently.		Vitrified tiles are available in a
lot of varieties and sizes. They
are available in wood, marble and
granite finishes and gives a natural stone look when laid in big tiles.
Vitrified tiles are even available in a size of 2000 x 1000 mm and reduces the number of joints and looks seamless and elegant.
Vitrified tile joints are less visible
and do not need any re grouting.
Texture
Ceramic tile got a Rough texture and has to be glazed to look smoothVery smooth texture and glossy
finish
Abrasion resistance
The protective glazing is only
1 mm thick and the abrasion resistant qualities of ceramic tiles are less compared to vitrified tiles.
When used in high traffic areas the colour and texture may fade and scratches developed are visible.		Vitrified tiles are high abrasion resistant due to the vitreous glass
like layer on the surface. The layer
is hard and is capable of
withstanding high traffic. Vitrified
tiles are available in a lot of varieties suitable to be used for any type of traffic. The colour and texture does not fade easily in Vitrified tiles . They are scratch resistant and any scratches developed are not visible in case of vitrified tiles.
Slip resistance
Ceramic tiles can be made slip resistant by providing abrasive grits during glazing process. This makes the tiles less slippery and can be used for toilet floors. Ceramic tiles are available in anti-skid variety also.Vitrified tiles does not absorb water and are very slippery when wet. They are not preferred for toilet floors. Vitrified tiles posses anti skid properties than ceramic tiles.
Stain resistant
Ceramic tiles because of its glaze layer is stain resistant and can be cleaned and maintained very easily using mild detergents and mops. But they are less stain resistant due to the high water absorption properties and high
porosity compared with
Vitrified tiles.		Vitrified tiles are stain resistant, because they are dense, and non porous. They are very easy to maintain and is preferred for hospital floors, commercial areas, residential complexes etc. where there are heavy traffic and chances of stains getting to the floor.
Sunlight and frost resistant
Ceramic tile fades on exposed to sunlight and cracks on exposed to frost due to its porous nature.Vitrified tiles have any effect of sunlight and frost because of its high density and non porous surface.
Sizes
Ceramic tiles are available in maximum size of 2 ft x 2ft and this increase the no of joints which in coarse of time absorbs stains and become dark and needs re grouting to maintain the qualitiesVitrified tiles are available in a lot of sizes. Even 2 mtr x 1 mtr size tiles are also available with most of the manufactures. This give the surface a natural stone and decrease the number of joints.
Cost
Ceramic tile are cheaper compared to vitrified tiles.Vitrified tiles are costlier compared to ceramic tiles due to their superior qualities.
Ease of fixing
Ceramic tiles are easy to fix and repair comparing to vitrified tiles due to the presence of grout lines. Even a single tile can be replaced.Vitrified tiles needs professional tools and skilled labour for fixing the tiles and removing and re-fixing a tile is very difficult.
Maintenance
Ceramic tiles due to the higher no of joints are difficult to maintain when compared with vitrified tiles. The surface has a tendency to absorb stains.Highly impervious and glossy surface. Very easy to maintain. Vitrified tiles have less joints and do not absorb stains.
Wastage
Due to low breaking strength ceramic tiles generates more wastage. (Around 5%-8%)Vitrified tiles have high breaking strength and generated less wastage (around 3%)
Anti skid properties
Very low in ceramic tilesVery high in vitrified tiles
Anti bacterial properties
Ceramic tiles got less antibacterial properties comparing to vitrified tiles.
Ceramic tiles does not attract dust, pollen, mites etc and hence is anti allergic.		Got excellent anti bacterial proprieties.
Vitrified tiles also does not attract any dust, pollen , mites etc which can cause asthmatic allergies.

VIDEO : Difference between Vitrified tiles and Ceramic tiles

Conclusion

Vitrified tiles are a much superior material compared to ceramic tiles in Strength, abrasion resistant, stain resistant, scratch resistant. They are costlier than ceramic tiles.

Ceramic tiles are best for residential uses, bathroom floors, kitchen and bath room cladding etc due to there anti skid properties. They are cheap and affordable and is everlasting if maintained properly. They are vulnerable to water, stains, sunlight, frost etc due to its porous nature and very thin glazing over the surface.

Vitrified tiles are preferred in high traffic areas, commercial buildings, malls, shopping centres, Industrial buildings, airports, metros etc and residential uses.

The area of application is the main factor that decides a tiles choice….