Concrete and ceramic, hybrid system or bonded?
Several products and systems are available in the decorative paving market. A popular choice is the combination of a ceramic top layer with a concrete underlay. This hybrid tile offers both practical and aesthetic advantages, such as scratch, chlorine, and stain resistance. In addition, processing a concrete tile is easy and cost-efficient, as it can be laid directly in a stabilised sand bed without any special underlayment.
Hybrid vs. bonded system
Combining concrete and ceramics in one product is technically challenging. Before 2016, a sustainable connection between these materials seemed impossible because of their different physical properties, such as shrinkage and expansion differences. Thanks to the unique GeoCeramica® concept, however, this has been made sustainably possible. This hybrid system durably connects concrete and ceramics and remains resistant to moisture, frost and heat.
Unlike hybrid systems, there are also systems where the ceramic top layer is glued to the concrete sub-layer. These bonded systems can experience problems under various conditions, such as moisture and frost, which can cause the layers to separate. A non-airtight joint can lead to air, moisture and dirt accumulation between the layers. In addition, a post-glued system is never completely flush with the subfloor, which can result in protruding parts and problems when cutting.
Hybrid
- Inseparable connection
- 100% Moisture and frost-resistant
- Proven concept, the original
- Widest choice of sizes, application possibilities and designs
Glued
- Weak joint
- Glue can come off in humidity and frost
- Less experience, shorter time on the market
- Choice of limited number of designs
How is a hybrid system (GeoCeramica®) made?
A special pressing technique compresses the Stabikorn® underlayer, the patented Aquaferm® bonding agent and the ceramic top layer into an inseparable, hybrid bond. The open structure of Stabikorn® ensures easy water run-off, making the tile 100% frost-resistant. Since the introduction of GeoCeramica® in 2016, more than 6 million square metres of this system have been processed, highlighting its proven quality.
GeoCeramica®: the perfect combination
GeoCeramica® offers the best of both worlds: the stylish look and high-quality properties of ceramic, combined with the water-permeable and cost-efficient advantages of a concrete tile. Already since 2016, this system has been the absolute best in our collection. That's why we don't say: the best for outdoors for nothing!
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