Metlakhsky tile: versions and application in an interior

The building materials market today offers buyers all kinds of housing design options: from unimaginable color shades to novelties of unusual structure. However, many are still admirers of proven building materials, so to speak, classic. Namely classics can be called metlahskaya tileswhich for more than one decade has been a worthy decoration of the floor and walls of various rooms. And if in the distant Soviet years, this ceramic tile could not boast of a rich color solution, then today the imagination of manufacturers has no limits.

A small ceramic tile of various shapes appeared on the construction market more than 100 years ago and at that time became an indispensable element of interior decor.Porcelain is part of the tile, so after dyeing during firing at a temperature of 1200 degrees it acquires a surprisingly durable structure comparable to porcelain stoneware. Pigment is added to the mixture from which the tile is obtained, as a result of which the color is almost natural, natural. Then the manufacturers put on the received decorative pattern - put the model in a container with paint or use a method resembling silk screen printing.

As a result, when the tile is laid completely, its pattern becomes like a carpet. Thanks to the possibilities of the metal tile, it can be used in any style, but the interior with an oriental motif is the ideal “environment” for this type of decoration. It will ideally fit into the design with a predominance of geometric patterns - zigzag, tree, diamonds or squares, and in different rooms - in the hallway, bathroom, kitchen and even the living room.

The small size of the ceramic tile appeared more than 100 years in Germany, in the city of Mettlach, having received the corresponding name. It was produced in the factory Villeroy & Boch. Appearing on the banks of the Rhine, it was actively used in the UK, and the most famous factory for its production is in France - Winckelmans.At one time, the style when high-quality tiles were used in rooms was called Victorian. Especially popular metlahskaya tile used in the era of Queen Victoria.

It differs from competitors - small size and high strength., which allows designers to achieve amazing patterns with rich color.

To this day, French manufacturers use the tradition of a hundred years ago in the production of brooms, apparently, therefore, the number of fans of such tiles does not decrease. There is a factory for the production of metal tiles and in Portugal, but in Russia, Portuguese tiles can be found very rarely.

Metlakhskaya tile came to Russia only in the XIX century and firmly gained popularity among lovers of beauty and durability. She decorated palaces, apartments, and government offices.

In the era of total scarcity, durable metal slab tile was perhaps the only decoration of state institutions: it was used in hospitals and schools. The only drawback of the decor was its dull color - it was believed that it would stand out spots and stains of dirt.

Today we can enjoy Russian-made tiles. The EvroKeramika plant, which produces it, was built in Pechora in the times of the USSR. In terms of quality, it is not inferior to its western counterparts, but at the price - Russian tile, which is 300x300x20 mm in size, is much cheaper - about 200 rubles per meter.

For comparison - the tile of western production reaches 20 euros per square meter. And a few of the import manufacturers can boast of a hundred years old technology.

Many floor coverings have excellent durability characteristics, but the slab is unmatched. According to experts, the main reason for this is the complete caking of the material. Therefore, such a coating is not afraid of moisture, you can put heavy things on it, as well as move large items on it. Metlah is absolutely resistant to chemicals, it does not show signs of corrosion. The tile is not afraid of temperature drops, it is frost resistant.

True, many people call “broomstick” any small tile, often even cement, sometimes large mosaic, however real ceramics made in the best traditions of a century ago have the following features:

• The composition includes clay and water.
• It is not glazed.
• Made from refractory clay at high firing temperatures.
• It has a very low water absorption coefficient — 0.1–0.5%, whereas in Europe these norms are about 0.6%.
• The color of the tile is uniform, usually it is painted in one color.

To this day, during archaeological research, church premises have been found, the walls of which were laid with this tile, and it retained a fairly decent quality. Such characteristics allow the use of tiles as a facing material of the floor and walls both inside the building and outside.

The following advantages of tile slabs can be distinguished:

• Amazing strength and durability staining. This statement is supported by the fact that a considerable number of hundred-year-old European buildings have been finished with metlah tiles to this day.
• Ideal frost resistance - after repeated experiments, it was proved that ceramic tiles can withstand about 300 freezing cycles at low temperatures and the reverse process - thawing.
• The moisture resistance of the broomstick allows it to finish not only buildings, but also rooms with high humidity - a bathroom, a pool and even baths.

• This facing material can be lined with both fireplaces and stoves, since synthetic materials are not part of the broomstick and when heated, the tile does not emit fumes harmful to human health.
• The tile is able to withstand a weight of 380 to 450 kg per cm².
• This material is not afraid of scratches, over time it does not abrade.
• The price of the tile is quite affordable and accessible to everyone.

Another point - the tile is quite inconvenient to cut with a tile cutter. Some ordinary people believe that such material as brooms is outdated, and it is being replaced by more refined counterparts.

The Russian plant "EuroCeramika" is practically the only one in our country that produces high-quality acid-resistant ceramic tiles. It is quite inexpensive and is used in almost all technical premises.

The material is resistant to all kinds of chemical solutions and in various auto repair shops, sanitary rooms, lobbies, toilets. Many facing materials on which technical oil or alkali gets, inevitably lose their presentable appearance, unlike brooms.

The tests of the tile were carried out in a solution in 70% sulfuric acid, where the samples of the tiles were kept for more than twenty days, after which the experts were able to make sure that none of its technical characteristics “passed” their positions: neither the color nor the shape changed.

Today, many manufacturers produce tiles that look very similar to Metlach, the so-called imitation. Not every plant can afford to use the technology of century-old German masters, so ceramics, having some qualities similar to real brooms, are quite often found on the shelves of hardware stores.

For example, Italian manufacturers are ready to offer customers the option of interior design that imitates metlachskuyu tiles - from plain to decorated with different geometric patterns.

There are several types of Metlakh lining. Thin - when on the kink line the cut surface is smooth and uniform. In the production of coarse tile surface consists of large, grainy inclusions.

Today, manufacturers create ceramics in various ways:

• Casting. The tile obtained in the process of pouring the alloy into special forms and its further drying and firing has a drawback - it turns out to be of different thickness,and the manufacturer has to reject a considerable amount of products.
• Pressing. Clay, water and special additives are pressed under strong pressure, then a tile of the required size is cut from the raw material obtained. As a result, it turns porous, it is often laid on the floor.
• Extrusion. The raw material in this production process is obtained using the so-called mouthpiece and has the shape of a tape. Then it is cut and sent for firing. Special equipment allows you to adjust the thickness and size of tiles.

Despite the usual small-format form of bunk, its size does not always repeat each other. Externally, the tile resembles a mosaic.

Today, manufacturers are ready to offer us ceramics in sizes from 3.5 to 15 cm. The sides of a rectangle, for example, can be 48 mm and 23 mm. As for the thickness, it can be 200, 300 and 350 mm. Width according to GOST varies from 200 to 300 mm.

The shape of the broomstick can be hexagons, triangles, squares and rectangles, as well as crosses.

True, some manufacturers do not always adhere to GOST and offer us tiles of different sizes - from 65x65 to 150x150 mm.The thickness of these tiles from 6 to 11 mm.

Choosing brooms, think not only about fashion trends of design, but also about the practical aspects of its use:

• Light colors visually expand the room. In addition to white, it can be blue and pink tones, beige and light yellow.
• Any spots will be less noticeable on a dark tile, which in addition has a granular structure.
• When choosing a color, keep in mind the lighting in the room and the harmonious combination of colors.
• If you lay the elements at a right angle, each of them will seem to you of a different shade.
• If your room is illuminated by several lamps, then different tones of the cladding can take on completely different tones.
• The burgundy and beige colors are well combined, as well as the classic ones - black and white.

Metlahskaya tile can surprise all lovers of elegance and style. Indescribable patterns on the walls and on the floor will create a unique atmosphere. If you wish to place the panels on the floor in your cozy kitchen, then the hexagons in the shape of bee honeycombs, covering part of the floor, will create a unique refined modern style. Such an arrangement would make it possible to zone open space in a very original way.

Black and white chess pattern in the living room - a classic of the genre.Decorative finishing of the floor with a metal tile is an opportunity to choose both a monochromatic high-quality coating and patterns of unique shape. Bright geometric shapes on the floor that meet you in the hallway or lobby will create a festive mood.

Perfect brooms and for the design of the so-called apron in the modern kitchen. Bright hexagons with intricate patterns applied on them will certainly decorate the interior of the room.

Due to its durability, this facing is also suitable for an open veranda, as a result of which it is possible to “revive” the space in front of the entrance.

Ceramic “carpet” of metlakh tile will be the perfect cover in your bathroom - thanks to its qualities and color stability, you absolutely do not need to worry about water getting to the floor. By the way, if you really like the floor tiles, and you need to revet the walls, you can safely use brooms: it is much stronger and will perfectly complement the interior of the rooms.

Caring for tile tiles is easier than ever. She is not afraid of moisture, but you can get rid of dust and dirt with the help of warm water and a mop.You can add any synthetic agent to the water. The only time when difficulties may arise is immediately after tile laying: it is necessary to wash off the remnants of cement or concrete dust or remnants of construction debris. Cement dust must be washed off by chemical means.

An amazing carpet can be the decoration of the spacious halls or living rooms with metal tiles. Geometrical pattern can be used as the decoration of a single-colored tile, in harmony with it in color.

Bright and beautiful terraces, pleasing the eye with rich color and intricate interweaving of the pattern on your suburban area or cottage will be a sign of your taste.

Facing the fireplace with colored tiles is the perfect solution. The apron-heat bump behind the fireplace in warm colors or the original platform in front of it can also be decorated with Metlakh tile.

Metlah perfectly combines with other building materials, which further reveals the possibilities of this wonderful facing material.Using stone, wood or even parquet you will get a unique design in a sophisticated style, combining these noble materials with the most durable tiles.

Choosing tiles for decorating your own home, you get great quality in tandem with amazing decor.

The process of laying tile tiles in the next video.