Ceramic – technical perfection for indoors & outdoors

Ceramic slabs combine the look of natural stone with the benefits of industrial production: an even appearance, high stain resistance and XXL formats up to 330 cm. Fired at over 1,200 °C, they are extremely hard, scratch-proof and UV-stable.

229 materials

Our Ceramics brands

The leading ceramic manufacturers in the ROSSITTIS range — each brand with its own design profile and range of formats.

Laminam

Large-format ceramic

Laminam is the Italian pioneer of large-format ceramic slabs, founded in 2001 in Fiorano Modenese. Formats up to 324 × 162 cm in thicknesses from 3 to 20 mm make seamless surfaces possible in the kitchen, in the bathroom and on the façade. Over 100 decors – from the true-to-nature marble reproduction (I Naturali) through cement and metal looks to vivid solid colours.

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CTX-BasicKeramik / ABK Stone

simply ROSSITTIS

CTX-BasicKeramik is the own brand of ROSSITTIS, manufactured by ABK Stone in Emilia-Romagna – Italy's ceramic heartland. High-grade ceramic with natural-looking surfaces and particular depth of colour, from an authentic marble look to a modern concrete look. Uncompromising quality at an attractive price-performance ratio.

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Caesarstone Ceramics

A new perspective

Caesarstone is extending its portfolio with a ceramic line that combines the brand's design expertise with the technical advantages of sintered ceramic. UV-resistant, heat-resistant and available in large formats – a new perspective on surfaces for the kitchen, the bathroom and architecture.

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Optimum Surfaces

330 × 184 cm large format

Optimum Surfaces supplies technical ceramic in XXL large format up to 330 × 184 cm. Extreme load capacity, UV resistance and frost resistance make Optimum the first choice for façades, outdoor areas and demanding interior projects. The format is conceived as a waste-optimised cut for kitchen worktops – a single slab yields the work surface, the splashback and the sides with minimal offcut.

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Advantages of Ceramics

Heat-resistant
Food-safe
Resistant to stains and cleaning agents
Scratch- and abrasion-resistant
Usable indoors and outdoors
Good flexural strength
Recyclable

Ceramics compared

Ceramic positions itself as the technically most superior surface material: harder than granite (Mohs 8–9 vs. 6–7), UV-resistant (unlike engineered quartz), heat-resistant and acid-proof. Compared with granite, ceramic offers zero care effort and larger formats. Compared with engineered quartz, ceramic offers heat resistance and outdoor suitability. The disadvantage: ceramic is more brittle than both competitors and does not offer the feel and the uniqueness of natural stone.

Ceramic

Hardness (Mohs) 8–9
Acid resistance Yes
UV resistance Yes
Frost resistance Yes
Heat resistance Unlimited
Water absorption < 0.1 %
Impregnation needed No
Impact resistance Low (brittle)
Outdoor use Yes
Maximum format 330 × 184 cm
Price segment Medium to high

Granite

Hardness (Mohs) 6–7
Acid resistance Yes
UV resistance Yes
Frost resistance Yes
Heat resistance Unlimited
Water absorption 0.1–0.5 %
Impregnation needed Yes
Impact resistance High
Outdoor use Yes
Maximum format Depends on the slab
Price segment Medium to high

Engineered quartz

Hardness (Mohs) 6–7
Acid resistance Yes
UV resistance No
Frost resistance No
Heat resistance Up to 150 °C
Water absorption < 0.02 %
Impregnation needed No
Impact resistance High
Outdoor use No
Maximum format 345 × 200 cm
Price segment Medium to high

Applications

Kitchen worktops – the main area of use. Ceramic combines heat resistance, acid resistance and hygiene with seamless large formats. The splashback can be cut from the same slab. Note: with extreme differences in temperature (a hot pot straight from the oven onto a cold slab) we recommend trivets, in order to avoid thermal shock.

Façades (!) – UV-resistant, frost-proof and weather-resistant. Ceramic is the material of choice for rear-ventilated façades in modern architecture. Self-cleaning surfaces reduce the maintenance effort.

Bathrooms – washstands, shower walls and floor areas. The non-porous surface prevents mould from forming and is resistant to all common cleaning agents.

Furniture and interior architecture – tables, reception counters, shelves and doors. Thin formats (3–6 mm) make ceramic the lightweight alternative to natural stone.

Rear-ventilated façades – large formats up to 330 cm allow impressive façade images with minimal joints.

Floor coverings – abrasion-resistant, slip-resistant (depending on the finish) and, in thin formats, able to be laid directly over an existing covering.

Ceramics in use

Projects featuring Ceramics

Projects in which Ceramics has been used to great effect.

Laminam Calce Nero Küchen

Laminam Calce Nero

Marmor Freitag in Olfen

Laminam Pietra di Savoia Grigia Anderes

Laminam Pietra di Savoia Grigia

Scholz Naturstein

About Ceramics

Ceramic for surfaces – also referred to as large-format ceramic, porcelain stoneware or sintered ceramic – is an industrially produced high-performance material made from natural raw materials. Clay minerals, feldspar, quartz sand and pigments are pressed under extreme pressure of over 400 bar and then fired (sintered) at over 1,200 °C.

The result is a virtually pore-free material with a water absorption of practically zero. Through the sintering process the raw materials fuse into a homogeneous mass that is harder than granite, UV-resistant, frost-proof and fully acid-resistant.

Ceramics slab

Technical properties

Typical value ranges for ceramic slabs. Individual brands may differ.

Hardness (Mohs) 8–9
Bulk density 2,300–2,500 kg/m³
Compressive strength 200–450 MPa
Water absorption < 0.1 %
Frost-resistant Frost-resistant
Acid-resistant Acid-resistant
UV resistance UV-resistant

Ceramic offers a profile of technical properties that no other surface material achieves in this combination. With a hardness of Mohs 8–9, ceramic is more scratch- and abrasion-resistant than granite and engineered quartz. Water absorption is practically zero (< 0.1 %), and the surface is fully resistant to acids and chemicals.

UV resistance makes ceramic the only industrial surface material that can be used outdoors without hesitation – without fading or discolouration. Frost-resistant, fire-resistant (class A1) and with a flexural strength that permits large overhangs. Limitation: as with all ceramic materials, the risk of fracture under a strong point impact is higher than with natural stone.

Ceramics colours

The design variety of modern ceramic surpasses every other surface material.

Marble reproductions form the premium segment: Calacatta, Statuario, Carrara and Arabescato in a deceptively real look – with the acid resistance that genuine marble lacks.

Cement and concrete looks serve the industrial trend: matt, tactile surfaces with an authentic patina for lofts and modern kitchens.

Metal effects – rust, patina and copper looks create surfaces that no other material can reproduce.

Wood looks – warm wood grains on a material that neither swells nor shrinks.

Solid colours – from the purest white to deep black, in matt, silk and gloss. Minimalism in perfection.

Care & cleaning

Ceramic is the lowest-maintenance surface material there is.

No impregnation needed: the completely closed surface absorbs no liquids – neither water nor oil nor acid.

Daily cleaning: warm water with any cleaning agent is enough. Ceramic tolerates even aggressive cleaners, scouring agents and disinfectants without damage.

Heat: ceramic is heat-resistant and does not discolour from hot pots. Sudden differences in temperature (a very hot pot on a very cold slab) can, however, lead to thermal shock cracks – we recommend trivets with extreme sources of heat.

Caution: avoid strong point impacts on edges and corners. Particular care is called for during transport and installation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between ceramic and natural stone?

Ceramic is an industrially produced material made from natural raw materials (clay, feldspar, quartz sand) that are sintered at over 1,200 °C. Natural stone is quarried and cut, but not industrially formed. Ceramic offers a uniform appearance, zero care effort and UV resistance; natural stone offers a unique feel and natural character.

How thick are ceramic slabs?

Depending on the application, ceramic slabs are available in thicknesses from 3 to 20 mm. 3–6 mm for wall claddings and furniture, 12 mm for kitchen worktops and 20 mm for façades and floor coverings. The thin formats are particularly light and can be bonded directly onto existing surfaces.

Can ceramic be used outdoors?

Yes, ceramic is UV-resistant, frost-proof and weather-resistant. It is outstandingly suited to façades, terraces, outdoor kitchens and pool surrounds. Unlike engineered quartz, ceramic does not fade from exposure to sunlight.

How are ceramic slabs cut and worked?

Ceramic slabs are worked with diamond tools (wet cutting machines, CNC routers). Cut-outs for sinks, hobs and taps are possible, but they require experience and special tooling. Fabrication should be carried out exclusively by a qualified stonemason.

Which formats are available?

The formats vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Laminam supplies up to 324 × 162 cm, Optimum Surfaces even up to 330 × 184 cm. These large formats make seamless kitchen worktops, shower walls and façade elements with minimal joints possible.

Is ceramic food-safe?

Yes. Ceramic is fully food-safe and hygienic. The non-porous, closed surface absorbs no liquids or bacteria. Ceramic is therefore also approved for professional catering and for healthcare.

Which brands does ROSSITTIS carry?

We carry Laminam (Italy, large formats up to 324 × 162 cm), CTX-BasicKeramik / ABK Stone (Italy), Caesarstone Ceramics and Optimum Surfaces (large format up to 330 × 184 cm). Each brand has its own design profile and range of formats.

Similar materials

Quarzkomposit natural stone

Quarzkomposit

Agglomerat natural stone

Agglomerat

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