Matte tiles: advantages and disadvantages
Ceramic tiles for many years in a row is one of the most popular finishing materials. It has several varieties. This article is devoted to matte tiles, which is in special demand, and all its pros and cons will be discussed here.
Special features
The tile opaque tile is used for finishing of walls and a ceiling in various rooms. Most often it is used when carrying out repair and decoration works in the bathroom or in the kitchen. This finishing material has many varieties, differing from each other in size, shape, pattern and manufacturer.
There are several ways to make ceramic tiles. The primary stage of production in all cases is the same - it is the mixing of all components. It is the choice of further processing that will affect the appearance and technical characteristics of the finished product.
Most of the manufacturers in the manufacture of matte tiles use dyes soothing shades. As a result, finishing material appears at the same time simple and refined.
The versatility of use, the possibility of laying both on the walls and on the floor, as well as the variety of shapes and colors made one of the most popular ceramic matte tiles.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of this finishing material:
- affordable cost;
- ease of laying;
- universality of use;
- wide range of;
- excellent water-repellent properties;
- operational safety;
- esthetic appearance;
- durability;
- high level of practicality and durability.
Among the shortcomings can be identified only a rough surface., which is a favorable breeding ground for pathogens, especially in humid conditions. You can also note that the tile absorbs dirt too well. These defects are easily eliminated if the wall cladding material is regularly and properly cleaned.
Varieties and colors
This finishing material is divided into several groups depending on the styling of its externalview:
- linen;
- various types of wood;
- imitation of various types of natural stones;
- imitation of a sandy surface;
- monochromatic brownish or grayish surface with imitation of clay.
If we talk about the color palette used in the manufacture of ceramic wall and floor tiles, it is quite extensive.
The most commonly used colors are:
- Sea shades are any tones of blue, blue, green and turquoise;
- Golden, silver and platinum;
- Red, burgundy, rich pink hue;
- Black, dark brown and gray.
Sometimes there is a matt violet or lilac tile for sale. They can be used as a finishing material of the same styling in a single color range, and to combine colors, creating a unique design of the room.
Popular sizes
Each manufacturer on the package indicates the size of the sold ceramic tiles. But according to the technical requirements, deviations up to 0.7 mm downwards or upwards are allowed. Therefore, before purchasing it is better to measure the dimensions of one tile yourself.
All ceramic facing materials for walls and ceilings are divided into three groups:
- Small size. They have sides of 5 * 5 cm;
- Midsize tiles with sides from 11 to 50 cm;
- Large size products with sides from 50 to 120 cm.
The greatest demand is facing material with sides of 10x10 cm, 10x15 cm, 20x20 cm, 20x30 cm, 30x30 cm. This tile is more convenient to use.
Where better to stack
The tile opaque tile thanks to the features is suitable for installation in any rooms. It is best to lay it in:
- Bathrooms. Non-slip surface, quiet colors, ease of care, protection from high humidity, increased level of strength - all these advantages, as well as the ability to visually adjust the proportions of the room due to the choice of tiles of the correct size, make it indispensable for a bathroom;
- Kitchen room. The use of matte tiles allows you to create a unique and unique design in the kitchen. It is rather simple to look after this material, and its durability and wear resistance allow to enjoy a beautiful interior long enough;
- Hallways rooms and toilets. All of the above qualities make this material the best facing option for walls and floors in such rooms.
But before doing repair work in such premises it is necessary to choose the right matte ceramic tiles.
How to choose?
If you plan to lay a matte tile on the floor, you should follow the following recommendations:
- The surface of the finishing material must be non-slip;
- For small rooms it is better to choose a tile of light shades and medium size;
- For larger rooms, tile of darker tones and larger size will do;
- It is necessary to choose material with a maximum level of wear resistance. It must be marked PEI 3, PEI 5 or PEI 4;
- If the tile will fit in the bathroom, it must be moisture resistant.
When choosing a matte tile for walls, you need to take into account the same parameters. Regardless of what kind of tile facing material is purchased, and in which room it will fit, You should definitely take into account the following points:
- Check the integrity of the packaging and each tile individually;
- Check the pattern match, if any;
- Assess the class of resistance to mechanical and chemical damage.
In order for this matte finishing material to last a long time, it is better to choose tiles marked AA or A. This means that the material is resistant to almost any kind of damage, and you can care for it with various chemical detergents.
How to care?
Proper and timely care for this finishing material will not only prolong its service life, but also maintain the original appearance and beautiful color for a long time.
Tile care is to regularly clean the surface of various types of dirt. It is better to use warm water and liquid detergents. Cleaning powders with a high concentration of abrasive can be used only in cases where the manufacturer indicated.
It is better to wash the tile on the walls and floor with a soft, clean cloth.
Regular cleaning of the joints between the tiles from various impurities should be done regularly. If the facing material began to burst, then all damage should be repaired with a special sealant.
Once every three months, thoroughly clean the porous surface with a soft cloth and a gel cleaner to remove lime and clogged dust.
Manufacturers Reviews
The greatest number of positive feedback from experts and ordinary customers is received by the tile of the following brands:
- Kerama Marazzi. Domestic manufacturer engaged in the manufacture of wall and floor ceramic finishing material. The assortment includes several unique collections of tiles of different sizes, both with and without a pattern. Reviews confirm the high quality and unique appearance of the product. An important point for many buyers is that the marriage is found extremely rarely, and in the course of the work the tile does not crack or break.
- Fap Ceramiche - This is an elite Italian brand. Matte tile has excellent quality, unique and stylish design. Differs in high wear resistance and durability. Reviews confirm all the positive characteristics declared by the manufacturer, but one minus stands out among them - a very high price.
- Keramin - this is a Minsk manufacturer of high quality matt ceramic tiles at an affordable price. For a long time, it pleases customers with a constantly replenishing range, flexible prices and durability of their goods. It is difficult to find a review that would not praise the products of this brand.
Matte ceramic tiles for walls and ceilings are a great opportunity to update the interior of almost any room as quickly and stylishly as possible.
How to choose a ceramic tile, see the following video.