Terracotta tiles: the pros and cons

Terracotta tiles have many advantages - it is beautiful, reliable, has a long service life. They make terracotta tiles from environmentally friendly materials that do not harm people at all.

They make terracotta tiles from pure white kaolin clay, which is burned in a furnace at a very high temperature. Under the influence of ultraviolet, sun, frost, wind and rain, the product does not change its shape and appearance, it is advisable to use it for finishing stone walls, chimneys, fireplaces, floor design, you can also use it for a sauna, bathroom, kitchen, toilet.

The composition of the material - only natural ingredients. By production it is possible to receive a product of different colors - from light brown, red-brown to fiery or even black.This achieves a semblance of natural material. Products are obtained with a different surface: smooth, coarse-grained or polished.

Usually, terracotta tiles are used to finish the stoves, and they are used in saunas. The material of this lightweight, convenient and practical. They are often veneered with fireplaces, stoves or barbecues because of its increased heat resistance. Imitating stone, brick, wood, you can make the design of the room much more interesting. Use it and not enough good finish. After laying terracotta tiles, the flaws of an inexperienced craftsman are not at all visible.

When heated, this material does not smell, does not evaporate, which is very important., especially if it is used for saunas and steam rooms. Often the material is used for flooring, it has a high resistance, does not lose its appearance with constant interaction with shoes.

The material is made in two ways: using manual molding and industrially. When hand stamping, the finished product may not have the correct shape, different colors due to the fact that different rocks of clay are mixed here.A hand-made product is valued much higher, since all the irregularities and roughness that come with this add to the product refinement and refinement.

In industrial production, the tile is a smooth, smooth surface, the color is almost always uniform. Often in the production of industrial use glazing, so the material is more decorative and more similar to the products made by hand. The glazed tile becomes more resistant to moisture and pollution.

Due to the fact that the material can be used to give the interior originality, comfort, it can be used in different versions. To create an unusual design, you can use terracotta tiles of different sizes, quality, texture:

• square flooring is usually used;
• when facing walls, fences, floors use tiles that have the shape of bricks, that is, rectangular shapes;
• to create original ideas in the design of the room using a product of chaotic form;
• To imitate marble colors, variable tile is used.

To create a unique interior used terracotta of different colors and textures. You can imitate the old brickwork, create the texture of coarse crushed stones, one-color or multi-colored stone, small placers.

If you purchase material for yourself and its volume is not very large, make sure that you choose a product from the same batch. So you get the material of one tone and texture.

When choosing a tile, keep in mind that it comes in three types:

• tile, which is almost perfect, having no difference in size, shade, without irregularities along the edges;
• material with rare defects can be attributed to the second type;
• it is better not to acquire the third type, since it is poor-quality material, marriage

When choosing, do not forget to make sure that the back side of it is grooved, this will provide better grip.

Such material certainly has great advantages:

• tile has great strength, durable;
• has high heat resistance.If you revet a terracotta stove and fireplaces, you can increase the thermal effect several times;
• high frost resistance;
• high resistance to ultraviolet rays, sunlight;

• made from environmentally friendly materials;
• no odor, hazardous ingredients in the composition;
• the material does not require special care;
• has a small weight. Because of this, you can apply it on large surfaces, while you do not need special glue or additional reinforcement.

Of the minuses, you can only name the fact that the tile is rather fragile, so try to protect it from impacts, and besides, it is exposed to mechanical stress.

At the initial stage, the surface should be prepared - remove stains, dirt, wash off dirt. The adhesion of materials depends on how clean the surface is. When facing saunas or baths, make sure that the surface is completely dry, without fungus. To remove mold, use a special primer, it will not allow its further appearance.

Terracotta tiles are laid as well as ceramic. The surface is immediately leveled, then the installation process takes place.If the tiles are industrial, then they have smooth edges, therefore they only apply glue to the base. If the tile is made by hand, it is better to apply it on the wrong side of the tile.

Lay the tile on the surface according to the pattern, so you will avoid errors and discrepancies. Lay tile starting from the center of the room. Make sure that it is laid out evenly, if necessary, tighten the elements that protrude. If there is a need to cut the tile, you can use the grinder and a special diamond disc.

After all the installation work, you must wait a certain time and begin to grout. You can use the trowel mixture or special mastic, which is used for fireplaces, stoves, saunas, that is, for rooms with high temperatures.

For grout it is better to use a gun. The mixture is made according to the instructions. Using a pistol, fill the slots with the trowel, let it stand for two hours and remove the leftovers. Put on gloves and fingers finally align the seam.

Terracotta tiles are often used on all surfaces, not only indoors, but also outside. The material is not expensive, has good properties, easy to use. Natural textures allow you to create interesting images, to give the interior originality and originality.

This is a natural and high-quality material that allows you to veneer surfaces with high heat resistance. It is used for the decoration of floors, walls, fence. By choosing this tile, you choose reliability, availability and durability.

For information on how to make a heat-resistant screen for bath stoves with terracotta tiles, see the following video.