Types of tiles and nuances of choice

Ceramic tiles are made from clay and quartz sand by firing. Currently, depending on the production technology, there are many types of tile coatings. In this article we will look at the popular varieties of tiles and the nuances of its choice.

As well as any facing covering, the floor tile has a number of positive and negative qualities. They need to be familiar with before making a decision on the acquisition of material.

Among the advantages emit chemical resistance. Under the influence of chemical reagents, such as salts, acids and household substances, the appearance of the tile does not change. When facing the walls of a bathroom or kitchen it is necessary to remember about this characteristic of the coating.The tile is also immune to the effects of chemicals for swimming pools, so builders are advised to cover the bowl with this material.

Durability and ability to withstand mechanical loads are distinguished by tile coating. The surface without enamel resists abrasion well, and enamel for a long time retains its appearance. It is important to take into account the tensile strength, compression, and especially bending. Mechanical characteristics depend on the degree of absorption of water by the material. The thickness of the tile must be selected on the basis of the functional area of ​​the room.

Due to the property of the tile to resist the corrosive effects of water and saturated air, this material has become widely used for lining pools and bathrooms. Pottery is practical because it does not require special care. With proper installation, the coating will not lose its operational properties during wet cleaning.

A wide choice of color palette allows you to create any design. Due to the simplicity in the care of ceramics, you can lay out the walls and floor not only in the bathroom. The tile also has a wide range of sizes,that helps create a memorable interior.

In addition to the advantages, ceramics also has some drawbacks. The main disadvantage is the complexity of installation. According to the standards of European-quality repair, the connecting seams should be flat, strictly horizontal and vertical. Each seam must be treated with a special grout.

During operation, grout can darken, there are frequent cases of fungus or mold. The solution to the problem is thorough care and regular treatment with special antiseptics. Increasing the size of the tile will significantly reduce the number of joints.

For flooring it is important to consider the ability of the material to withstand mechanical loads. It is important not to forget about the resistance of the tile to slip. Ceramic tile for walls is usually a mosaic covering of different shades. There are several types of coatings:

• Pressed. Manufacturing technology of this material is quite complicated. Special powder compacted under the press. The color of the initial mixture affects the color of the final material. This tile is highly resistant to impact.Its durability can be enhanced by reinforcement. Pressed mosaic is more suitable for the decoration of footpaths on a country site, as its strength is not inferior in reliability to asphalt pavement.

• Glazed tile. The fragments are covered with a layer of colored glass, which increases the hardness and moisture resistance of the material. Fill creates a special brilliance and an unusual pattern, so this facing ceramics has gained wide popularity in the market of building materials. Depending on the composition of the glaze and the firing time, the gloss can be either transparent glossy or translucent with a color pigment. The product is used in the installation of swimming pools.

• Ceramic granite or tile. It turns out by method of moist pressing of raw mix from white clay with a high pressure and temperature from 1200 to 1300 degrees. The special manufacturing technology allows you to create a coating with zero water absorption, which is well suited for both the interior lining of the room, and for the decoration of the building facades. Designers celebrate a wide range of textures made from natural stone: you can purchase a tile with a relief or with a surface polished to a shine.It is important to know that porcelain can be laid only on a special adhesive composition.

• Fireclay tiles. This material is used in the construction of stoves and fireplaces, because the material is resistant to strong temperature extremes. Coverage is considered to be quite expensive, because it is created manually. The addition of stone flour provides refractoriness and the ability to resist prolonged static loads. Furnaces lined with such tiles do not require additional insulation.

• Cork tiles It is made of suberin layers, several types of resins and a finishing surface. Children's room, lined with cork coating - an excellent solution, because the main advantage of the material - natural origin and hypoallergenic. Due to high thermal insulation, such parquet is suitable for the living room of an apartment building in the northern regions, making it possible to reduce heating costs.

• Foam panels considered the most affordable and affordable. The material is used as a decoration of the room during the rough repair of the apartment. Wall foam tiles are used much less frequently ceiling.Feature of the coating - ease of installation and a wide selection of textures. The mosaic can be painted in any colors, but it is recommended to pre-test the paint on a test piece.

The tile has a large size range and variety of forms. Typical shapes are quadrangles, but in some design solutions there are figures of complex geometry with several faces. Choosing the right size and model depends on the purpose of the tile.

The inner lining is made of tiles with glazed texture. The thickness of the fragments should reach three millimeters. It is allowed to use a small number of parts with a smaller thickness. The choice of tile size depends on the dimensions of the room. Wide walls allow you to place a mosaic of any size and configuration: it will be advantageous to look a large image, lined with small details.

When choosing finishes for small rooms, preference should be given to medium-sized panels. The length of the part must not exceed twenty centimeters. The width can vary from 20 to 40 cm. Visually, you can increase the space with the help of rectangular tiles.The horizontal position of the fragments will visually lengthen the walls, and the vertical orientation will “pull out” the ceiling.

Exterior facades are made of glazed tiles with a corrugated back surface. The thickness of the elements ranges from 4 to 9 mm. Wide plates are easy to install and reduce the number of butt joints. The facade coating is regularly exposed to aggressive environmental influences, so a small number of connecting seams will reduce the time spent on their treatment with a protective agent.

Designers offer many options for color solutions laying tiles. The most common option is a dark bottom band and light laying of the top. For visual expansion of space, tones are separated by a border.Monochromatic fragments become dominant elements, however, designers identify several ways for those who want to move away from the usual solutions.

Chessboard Looks good both in the traditional black and white palette and in the multi-colored variations. It looks interesting alternation of bright tiles with light. It is important to remember that colors should blend and look easy. Red mosaic looks harmoniously in combination with pale pink or pale yellow. When installing ceramics in a checkerboard pattern, curvature of the seams should be avoided: this will lead to space distortion.

Gradient - one of the most interesting and non-standard solutions of modern design. The transition effect can be obtained by using both large panels and small tiles. The more intermediate shades used, the softer the color transition. Such laying requires hard work already at the stage of selecting the appropriate tone. Blue paint flowing in a dark blue, it will be beneficial to look in the bathroom.

The floor covering of the large room can be laid out as "carpet". The scheme is simple - the center emit tiles of a different color, repeating the contour of the room.You can diversify the drawing by repeating such a technique. Competently the alternation of light and dark material. However, this layout is not recommended to repeat on the walls or ceiling: a multi-colored mosaic can cause fatigue.

To achieve a spectacular picture, designers advise to turn to the technique. patchwork. Making combinations of pieces with different patterns, but of the same size is an ethnic style solution. Decor made to completely cover the floor and part of the wall. Such a bright accent should not be combined with flashy colors or additional ornament. The orange or green wall will “argue” with the mosaic, and the white one, on the contrary, will highlight the pattern.

Kaleidoscope - a colorful version, suggesting a chaotic arrangement of color spots. Spots can consist of a single fragment or of several plates. This way you can arrange the most illuminated wall, and leave the rest monophonic. An interesting solution would be to use brilliant materials. Golden tile in the interior looks more profitable if it is supported by small elements of the appropriate shade.

Another common, but quite interesting solution - mosaic panel with the finished image. Ceramic panels must be placed on a free wall. The perimeter of the picture is separated by a border of a contrasting tile, imitating a frame. An interesting effect is obtained if you place a large mirror on the opposite wall. With the help of a properly selected image, you can visually change the size of the room: a road that goes into a thicket of forest or a sunset on the coast visually increases the space.

In order to find a reliable coating that can withstand all operating conditions, it is necessary to take into account the chemical composition of the material. Physical and mechanical characteristics depend on the ratio of components.In the manufacture of ceramic tiles used a special mixture of chemicals. Chip mass - raw powder for the formation of cladding. It consists of the components of the following main groups:

• Kaolin. A mixture of clays of various types or homogeneous material. Its presence ensures the plasticity of the composition during tile molding. The kaolinite mineral, which kaolin consists of, has a white color, so the final material, without the addition of pigments, acquires a light shade.

• Quartz sand. It is sometimes replaced with crushed granite. This material is structural because it forms the skeleton of the product. The frame freezes during drying and resists loss of shape and size change during the drying process.
• The required viscosity is achieved by adding feldspar and carbonates. These components provide high density products. When selecting a material, the replacement of the necessary components with artificial analogues should be avoided: this can significantly affect the performance.
• Glazes and dyes add to obtain the desired color and texture.

Different manufacturers may vary the ratio of components and their number. However, manufacturing techniques remain unchanged. When selecting a material, it is necessary to take into account the mechanical characteristics. Among the leading strength qualities it is necessary to highlight the following:

• Ultimate static bending force. The material is pre-tested for a given load that the tile must withstand until destruction. The greater the thickness of the product, the higher the resistance to bending. Linear dimensions are inversely proportional to the dimensions of the fragment.

• Compressive strength. Indicator of the maximum static load that the product withstands until the first damage occurs. This mechanical characteristic increases linearly with increasing density. These values ​​are determined only in the laboratory.
• Wear resistance. This indicator is important to consider when selecting a floor covering. Classes of the ability of a surface to withstand shocks and scratching are determined by the Mohs scale from 1 to 10. The first and second classes are installed in the bathroom and the bathroom, and the third in the kitchen and other rooms.

In appearance, there are several types of surface:

• Matte. To obtain such a coating, the finished product is not coated with icing. The tile looks untreated, which is great for cladding facades of the building. The coating is more wear-resistant than its glossy counterparts, and is able to transfer any cleaning.
• Polished surface obtained by processing a cut matte surface. The main disadvantage of the material is the susceptibility to scratching. Tiles require careful care and care in the process of laying. The mosaic becomes slippery when interacting with water, which is unsafe.

• Half polished. Partial removal of the matte surface with stripping occurs.The soft gradation of the polished and unprocessed parts looks avant-garde. Also, this type of partial treatment improves the mechanical properties of the product. Floors lined with such a coating are less dangerous than lacquer counterparts.
• Waxed mosaic Before firing, the surface is covered with mineral particles that give the coating a pearly effect. The crystals reduce the sliding moment or completely eliminate it. Also spraying increases the wear resistance of the plates.
• Retrieved tiles. Manufacturing technology is similar to creating a polished surface. The edges of the fragments are cut strictly at right angles so that when laying the seams are not noticeable. Such a mosaic looks like a single surface without joints.

Designers are advised to discard stereotypes about the use of tile coating exclusively for facing surfaces in a bathroom or bathroom. Mosaic looks luxurious in the living room and in the bedroom. It is only important to correctly select the texture of the material.

Widely used tile, imitating the surface of natural stone or antique.The surface of such ceramics is relief, which allows using it as a floor decor in apartments. Styling marbled ceramics will make the look luxurious, but not fanciful. That the laying did not seem artificial, it is advised to combine a tile with open space. Proper decision - to lay a path of porcelain in the garden.

In order for the imitation of the stone to look appropriate in the bedroom or living room, designers recommend complementing the interior with a decor with a predominance of metal or cast-iron elements. Laconic strict colors and pieces of furniture with sharp edges complete the picture. For rooms with excessive humidity, ceramics will be a real salvation due to the increased density and good moisture resistance.

The creation of floor and wall tiles under pebbles has become a real boon for lovers of marine subjects. The original ceramic facing panels in appearance do not differ from the natural counterpart, but have a number of special properties. Some samples contain blotches of glass and natural stones on a clay base. Other masters offer a one-piece version of a mosaic of pebbles.

The covering perfectly is suitable for facing of a balcony or a terrace. Despite the complexity of the design, the material is also resistant to corrosion and is able to withstand critical temperature changes, as well as solid ceramic granite coating. The tiles are produced in various shapes and textures, which allows you to create a unique design. Among the positive qualities should be noted massage properties of "pebbles".

Wood has a wide use in interior design. However, not always the microclimate of the room or the rough coating will allow to lay the wooden parquet. Recently, ceramic plywood tiles have appeared on the market. The material completely imitates the texture of wood, but does not require special installation conditions. Wood drawing is applied both on simple ceramics, and on porcelain tile.

Tiles under the tree can be laid in many ways. The most popular ones are:

• Type of masonry "run" used if the floor should resemble the deck of a ship. The adjacent row of panels is laid with a shift of 1/5 or 1/6 of the fragment. It is not recommended to increase the step of laying. Such a laying looks harmonious and with a diagonal arrangement of the plates.

• Herringbone It is known to many and can be lined both directly and diagonally. Draft surface must be pre-marked to avoid skewing. "Fir-tree" competently looks at a combination of colors of one tone or sharply contrasting with each other. Suitable for residential and office space. Drawing can be complicated with a tile of additional color or other invoice.
• Chessboard with offset, it visually lengthens the space, but, as in the case of the first method, the step is not recommended to be changed. Variants of this laying are varied: the cells are filled with several panels of the same color or a repeating pattern. You can combine different types of tiles or mix patterned fragments with monochrome tile inserts.

• Relief masonry helps tactile orienteering to visually impaired people.You can order models with special identification patterns. This tile is already used in public institutions in some European countries. Some masters are aware of the tiles manually, which is very popular because of the uniqueness and limited circulation. On such a coating is often applied pattern of geometric shapes of complex shape or flowers.

Proper selection of a suitable lining depends on taking into account all the characteristics of the rough surface. The size and shape of the room, its microclimate has a great influence. Structural elements, such as arched or girder structures, can significantly complicate installation.

To get a good ceiling or wall tile, you need to consider some points:

• Frosting should cover the entire fragment, including visits to the back side. Surfaces without coating stand out against the background. The natural color of the clay practically does not overlap with grout, which significantly affects the perception of the final work.
• Tiles are manufactured in batches. The size distribution of each of them may vary slightly.But even such a small discrepancy affects the color of the material. Builders advise to choose panels from one batch to avoid such misunderstandings.

• It is better to take ceramics with a margin of about 5 or 7 percent of the total amount of material. This safety stock will go to trimming. When choosing a tile with a glossy surface consumption can be increased. Mirror coatings may scratch when installing or transporting tiles.
• To get complete harmony in the interior, you should buy a lining from one collection. Many manufacturers produce sets for the floor and walls in one color or stylistic decision. This approach helps to reduce the time to select the material of the desired shade or texture. The same technique is used when buying tiles for laying in the technique of patchwork. Pattern sets are becoming increasingly popular.

• The grade of a tile is specified by color on packing with material. The first grade is red. The lower the number, the better the quality. Blue mark the second grade, and green - the third. The mechanical characteristics of each class should be read in advance.If the draft room is distinguished by high humidity or a difference in critical temperatures, then a coating with a red marking will be the best option.
• The tile should not absorb moisture. Liquid collects on the surface of a quality material with drops. If the coating has contact with water, then it is necessary to check the elements for moisture resistance.

Tile for different functional areas may vary significantly according to the requirements for it. It is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the room.

The covering for facing the porch must withstand low temperatures. Immunity to an aggressive environment and external physical influences is important. It is forbidden to lay glazed tiles on the steps. Smooth material is traumatic as it does not provide the desired adhesion of shoes with the surface. This should especially be considered for families with children.

The best solution for facing the porch or tracks will be a matte stone with a rough texture. The more complex and deeper the drawing, the greater the grip. It is important to remember the possible precipitation in the form of rain and snow, reducing the safety of the coating.

Glaze is not recommended for use in the hallway for similar reasons. The surface should look softer, but retain its strength characteristics. You should not buy the material of light tones: due to the high intensity of movement and constant contact with the street, the light coating will quickly wear out.

The floor of the kitchen must be protected from the effects of chemical detergents. The covering should be simple in cleaning and have high wear resistance if the apartment owners like to cook. The surface is better to choose a slightly rough to ensure safety. The ideal solution would be a tile with a pattern that masks unwanted stains.

Rough surface needs to be washed and coated with a moisture-resistant composition. This may be a layer of waterproof plywood or spraying a special chemical composition. The base must be well leveled: this can be done by applying a thin layer of a quick-drying self-leveling compound.In order to have a good idea about the further installation of tiles of different colors or a complex pattern, the mosaic can be spread out on the prepared surface and make markup.

To maintain the same distance between the fragments, crosses of plastic are inserted into the seams. After the glue or cement dries on which the tile is fixed, the gaps are filled with a special protective compound. Masonry evenness should be checked as the installation of the coating. While the base is not frozen, making adjustments is not difficult.

To ensure the preservation of mosaic coverage over the long term, it requires careful and timely care. Mechanical cleaning should be carried out taking into account the characteristics of the coating. It is enough to process polished surfaces with a cloth moistened with a special solution. It is forbidden to rub the surface with metal scourers. You can also use glass cleaner to clean it.

Buyers, telling about the purchased product, mark the quality of the Belarusian tile. Ceramics from Belarus meets all the requirements of consumers: the Kvadro tile has high strength, durability and moisture resistance. After a year of operation, no mechanical damage is detected on the surface of the mosaic. The glossy surface, despite consumers' concerns, remains clean. There is no need to buy a matte surface only because of the fear of staining.

Tile Cerrol Porto Tall Ship releases a series of collections with printed photographs. This style is perfect for finishing the interior of a spacious bathroom. Customers note the high-quality image and print clarity. However, the size of the images is not always appropriate to look in small rooms.

Company Rex It presents a wide selection of high-strength porcelain tiles, a wide range of antique coatings, natural stone and wood.Each collection contains several types of coatings that are well combined.

CIR Serenissima - Italian cover. Consumers mark a wide selection of materials for facing the porch and the garden. This is a great imitation of paving slabs. The material is reliable and easy to use.

Customers also recommend tile Vallelunga pietre dei consoli. The coating regularly retains its operational properties for many years, it is convenient to clean and comfortable to use. Shoppers mark pleasant shades and a matte finish.

Another Italian brand is Naxos, also pleases its customers with high-quality coating of porcelain. The company produces tiles with carpet patterns, with which you can add comfort to the bedroom or living room. The series consists of rectangular tiles. Such fragments to lay much easier than square counterparts.

Tile Ceracasa from Spanish manufacturers made from environmentally friendly material. Buyers celebrate her glamorous shades and chic glitter that attracts attention. However, the coating is too slippery, therefore not suitable for placement on the floor.

Spanish company Gayafores produces high-quality tiles, but it costs enough.Buyers note that during operation, the coating retains heat even in the coolest room. The cost of purchasing this material is fully justified and paid off. In addition, the tile has a design with interesting patterns.

Ceramic tile Fanal produces a wide range of collections with the image of small mosaics. This option is suitable for someone who does not want to spend too much time on work, but wants to get a small neat picture. High-quality finish is easy to clean and does not require special surface treatment.

Spanish granite from the company Roca perfect for bedroom or nursery decor. The company produces a line of cover with floral motifs in a romantic style. Buyers note the delicate shades and noble shine of the coating.

In the interior there are few ways to arrange tiled fragments, so the designers do the whole emphasis on the selection of the correct color combination.Below are some of the options for tiled masonry in the interior of modern rooms.

In the room, the elements are mirrored opposite each other. The seams of tile laying form perpendicular lines. Their direction follows the geometry of the room - this is the most convenient way to control styling. This method is called the "seam in the seam." An exclusive bathroom does the repetition of the pattern along the dark strip of the masonry. If it is not possible to create a gradient, such a technique is used to soften the boundaries and connect the dark spot with a light background.

Brown ceramic tiles combine with wooden furnishings to create a complete look. The combination of a glossy surface with matte tiles creates interesting light transitions.

A vibrant combination of pink mosaic and patterned elements is the key to creating a fashionable bathroom. In order to “breathe” the interior, the walls are complemented with white. Inserts with ornamental tiles are a classic patchwork technique. Accent stripes are created with this clutch. In addition to the universal bathroom, the bowl is decorated with plates of neutral peach color.

For keeping the room in a classic style on the pavement depicted vegetablemotives. Pink is in perfect harmony with the rest of the flowers, without interrupting them. Large windows fill the rooms with light. White plaster perfectly reflects glare from lacquer coatings, visually enlarging the room. Stylish accessories and an intricate vase underline the exclusivity of the interior.

Bas-relief coating allows you to create a complex design in a simple small room. Such decisions are made exclusively in bright colors: white, gray, all shades of pastel colors. Otherwise, the pattern will sink, and the room will visually decrease.

To make the room not look like a hospital ward, the designers place dark color accents - pieces of furniture and household items. A complex wave pattern continuously extends across the entire space of the room. This is necessary for visual extension of the room and compliance with the composition.

The room becomes airy and bright, and the convex ornament does not weigh down the perception. In some places there may be discrepancies in the seams, but this will not be noticeable due to the total mass of the pattern. The black floor tile contrasts sharply with the color of the wave, so a black stripe is laid on the opposite wall.This effect helps to give the interior harmony and clarity of form. The tile perfectly outlines the walls, repeating the outline of the room.

Marine themes can be used not only when finishing the bathroom or a country house. Natural motifs are great for the interior of the living room in the city. The rounded tile, reminiscent of scales, brings a note of freshness. An unusual color transition from the dark at the base of the wall to the blue under the ceiling catches the eye. Some cells are left empty not by chance: thanks to the lumen, a large stack does not look bulky.

To tile became the dominant part of the interior, selected simple furniture neutral tones. The multi-colored ornament favorably complements the simple in geometry sofa in the style of minimalism. The color accent on the pillows supports the coloring of the walls and completes the image. The floors are made of panels with wood texture. Laying the floor is different from the pattern of the walls, which creates a contrast of the planes.

How to choose a tile, see below in the video.