Floor tiles for the kitchen - sizes, formats, prices, laying nuances. Floor tiles: from ceramics to cork, looking for options What kind of floor tiles are

Floor tiles are a finishing material designed not only to improve the performance of the floor in the room and protect it, but also to add original design elements to decorate it.

Kinds

The modern flooring market offers many types of tiles, different in design, texture, color, technological features and production method.

Depending on the material, several main types can be distinguished.

• Natural stone slabs- the most expensive option. The rock is frost-resistant, durable, which allows it to be used for processing floors both outside and inside the house. Granite and marble surfaces are polished or heat treated.
• Fake diamond. Porcelain stoneware products have an advantage over natural ones, which is expressed in simpler care, a variety of textures and colors.

• Ceramic granite obtained by dry pressing a mixture consisting of koalin clay, feldspar, quartz sand and other mineral additives, followed by firing. The tile has excellent thermal conductivity, which allows it to be used for the installation of the "warm floor" system.
• Ceramic tile has the widest scope. Differs in extraordinary variety of models, shades, patterns. Production technology causes differences with porcelain stoneware. There are two stages in the manufacture of ceramics: obtaining the base, painting and firing. The lack of high pressure processing explains the fragility of the products.

• Clinker tiles produced by extrusion. It is suitable for interior and exterior decoration, which is facilitated by its extraordinary resistance to aggressive external influences. It is in demand when facing terraces, steps and garden paths.
• Metlakh tiles bears the name of the German city in which it was first released. A distinctive feature are bright patterns that are resistant to abrasion. Due to such operational features as strength, moisture resistance and resistance to chemical attack, the coating is widely used to cover floors and paths.

• cotto- tiles of high strength, which are characterized by an unglazed surface and porosity. The outer layer is rough or polished. As a rule, the coating has a natural reddish or yellow-brown color. Special dyes are not added during production. Experts recommend rubbing the material with wax mastic before use to prolong the service life.
• carpet tiles one of the warmest options available. Designers love to use it in children's rooms and bedrooms. At its core, the coating is similar to carpet, only instead of a monolithic canvas there are small elements. On the one hand, this is convenient, since you can easily replace a small area in case of damage. On the other hand, it is difficult to clean such a floor: the carpet is the strongest “dust collector”, which requires constant cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and household chemicals.

Modern technologies do not stand still, thanks to which the new "live" 3D tiles, which immediately attracted the designers with its originality.

Feature - under mechanical action, the pattern changes. During the passage under your feet, there is a play of shades or a change of patterns. This effect is achieved due to the gel filler. The original idea is widely used in various bars and nightclubs.

Users have identified several disadvantages:

• the base for the tile must be perfectly flat so that the gel substance does not flow in one direction;
• the high cost of production makes it less affordable.

There are other types of floor tiles, depending on the chosen base material: metal, plastic, concrete, etc.

wear resistance

According to regulatory documents, floor tiles are produced in five classes. The first is characterized by the smallest degree of wear resistance, and the fifth is high.

Depending on the classification, a choice is made for laying in a particular room. In public places with the constant presence of a significant number of people, class 4-5 stoves are recommended.

materials

Varieties of plates and their operational properties depend on the base material.

• stone tile. It is obtained from natural rock - granite, marble, onyx, travertine, sandstone.
• Marble and granite are durable and resistant to sudden changes in temperature. Decorative properties are not inferior to them: original pattern, soft shades. The polished surface enhances the nobility of the stone palette, making the colors deeper.
• granite tiles stronger than all natural floor materials. Marble is more porous, so it absorbs dirt well and, as a result, requires careful maintenance.
• Onyx slabs, as a rule, are used in the form of decorating small areas. Contrasting spectacular pattern in the form of waves and lines is impressive.
• Travertine inferior in strength to all the above listed materials. With aging, the stone becomes more beautiful, enhancing the decorative effect. The outer layer is velvety, pleasant to the touch. Natural color tones range from soft cream to dark brown, making it possible to combine stone with wood finishes. Travertine slabs are not afraid of moisture, they are laid in bathrooms.

• Ceramics or tiles. The tile is one of kinds of ceramic. It is obtained by baking a clay blank. An ornament is painted on top with enamel, and the tile is fired again. Lacquer is applied on top to protect the decorative layer. Since the raw materials used are in large quantities, the technology is not labor-intensive and does not require much time. This is one of the most affordable floor coverings. Among other things, the variety of colors, patterns, sizes make the range almost limitless.

Good characteristics of thermal conductivity and resistance to moisture allow the use of ceramic tiles everywhere. However, brittleness reduces the service life. Among the shortcomings, a cold surface is also noted. Ceramics is great for installing a "warm floor" system.

• Ceramic granite and clinker material surpass ceramics in their performance and are not inferior to products made of natural stone. The differences are in the production method, but the operational features are similar. They allow you to get imitations of different materials, not only natural, but also artificial. Porcelain stoneware usually has a wider size, while clinker can be in the form of small "bricks".
• Metal rarely used for decorative purposes. In most cases, they finish the floor in industrial premises or laboratories, where it experiences enormous loads. According to technical standards, metal flooring is laid on a concrete screed. Even less often, a cast-iron stove serves the same purpose.
• Concrete used in the manufacture of paving slabs for the improvement of urban areas, squares, playgrounds, paths.

• cork tiles does not attract dust, so it is indicated for allergy sufferers. Cork does not rot, does not become moldy, pleasant to the touch. Such a floor is a good heat and sound insulator. The noted disadvantage is that it quickly becomes unusable. Due to its softness and porosity, the material is subject to mechanical stress.
• PVC. Plastic floor tiles do not have a very high wear rate, but are easy to maintain, which is why they are primarily in demand in small office spaces. Users are also pleased with its affordability.
• Polyurethane floor tiles is a composite material with a wide range of shades and textures. As a rule, the mixture consists of hardened vinyl, rock chips, plasticizer.

Experts note that such material requires laying on a completely flat floor.

• leather tiles- a novelty in the world of coatings. It looks great in any interior style: ethnic, colonial, art deco. The material is expensive, therefore less accessible to ordinary buyers. The structure of the floor version includes an initial porcelain stoneware layer and a top decorative layer made of calfskin. The skin is impregnated with special preparations for durability.

Characteristics

The reasons for the popularity of floor tiles lie in their technical characteristics, which are almost the only advantages.

• wear resistance. According to this indicator, the material is divided into 5 classes.
• Strength. The surface hardness is classified according to the ten-point scale of the MOOC. Professionals advise in hallways and corridors, where the floor is exposed to street dirt and sand - strong abrasives, to lay tiles with a strength greater than that of quartz. He has 7 points according to the specified rating system. For finishing the floor in the kitchen, it is better to choose something similar.
• Chemical resistance. The criterion is encrypted in Latin letters AA, A, B, C and D. Where AA is perfect immunity, and D is unstable. For flooring, the indicator is important. The kitchen, for example, is a place where grease, household chemicals, organic contaminants constantly get on the surface of the tile, which must endure the test with dignity.
• Water absorption. Floor tiles must have a water absorption coefficient of no more than 3%, which the manufacturer must indicate on the packaging. The indicator depends on the porosity of the material.

• Friction coefficient characterizes the resistance of the surface to slip. According to this factor, tiles are divided into 4 categories:

1. very dangerous- up to 0.19;
2. dangerous– from 0.2 to 0.39;
3. tolerably dangerous– from 0.4 to 0.74;
4. safe- from 0.75.

For wet rooms and kitchens, you need to choose products with an indicator of at least 0.4 to avoid injury.

Key features also include:

• high coefficient of resistance to any mechanical stress;
• thermal conductivity;
• aesthetics and environmental friendliness;
• easy care.

Dependence of quality on the method of production

Technical features and performance characteristics depend on the production method.

• High pressure pressing. The mixture consists of clay mass, binders, mineral additives and dye. The base is laid in a matrix form, compacted in it to the desired value, then fired.
• Extruding- extrusion of the mass through a hole of the desired shape, dividing the resulting material into tiles and subsequent heat treatment.

The use of a press can significantly improve the strength of products, increase impact resistance and abrasion performance. Roasting enhances resistance to temperature extremes and high humidity. It must be remembered that with an increase in the number of firings, not only water absorption increases, but also the fragility of the material.

The condition of the surface affects the aesthetic, decorative and protective properties of the floor covering:

• Glazed. The top layer in this case is covered with a special glaze, followed by firing to fix it. Before sending the product to the oven, ornaments, patterns, drawings are applied over the glossy composition, which gives sophistication. Experts do not recommend laying such tiles in rooms with high traffic, since the top layer has low abrasion resistance.
• Smalted. The method involves double pressing, for example, ceramic granite tiles: vitreous smalt is pressed onto the previously obtained base. The result is a more durable color. It lasts longer on the surface than glaze.

• unglazed the surface is natural with a uniform rough outer layer. For coloring, the dye is added to the mixture at the production stage. Polishing and grinding of any surfaces, whether natural or artificial stone, impairs moisture resistance. During the procedure, the top layer obtained under pressure is removed, and microcracks and pores are found, into which dirt is clogged. Therefore, it is better to coat polished flooring regularly with wax-based preparations.

• matte tiles the most durable, since it is not subjected to additional processing after crimping. The surface of the coating in this case is anti-slip and antistatic.
• polished surface obtained by adding mineral salts to the top layer of the base. In the end, the flooring becomes velvety, which increases its aesthetic perception, while at the same time worsening the resistance to abrasion. As a result, the material can only be laid in rooms for private use.

Wear class

One of the main criteria for flooring is the wear resistance class of the tile. It determines the service life. The indicator must be confirmed by tests and certified by a certificate.

According to the European standard, there are five main classes:

• First category tiles are designed for places with low traffic. These include bathrooms, bedrooms and guest rooms in apartments and private houses. The floor covering eliminates walking in street shoes and frequent processing. The main advantages are affordability and attractive appearance. The disadvantages include weak protection from external influences, dirt and sand.
• Second category floor slabs is typical for any residential premises, except for corridors, hallways, balconies, stairs and kitchens. As a rule, it is better to use for private purposes with the use of indoor soft shoes. The floor of living rooms, dining rooms and children's rooms can be safely covered with such material.

Pros: durability with proper operation, a variety of models, reasonable price. Cons: low moisture resistance, quick wear when walking in street shoes.

• Third category It is used for rooms with an average level of attendance. The floor covering can be laid in any premises of private housing, including kitchens, corridors, loggias, balconies, stairs, hallways. It is allowed to use in hotels and public reception areas as a flooring for stairs, dining and registration areas, lobbies. Advantages: average degree of wear resistance and strength, immunity to moisture, dirt and sand, endures mechanical stress.
• Fourth category intended for trade and office halls, front rooms and other premises with high traffic. Designers additionally use products of this class for laying on terraces and in halls. Floor coverings are able to withstand heavy loads, are immune to various kinds of influences, have high wear resistance and a long service life. In addition, they are frost-resistant and moisture resistant. The main disadvantage is the high cost.

• Fifth category Designed for areas with maximum human traffic. These include shopping and entertainment centers, railway stations and airports, parks, metro stations, restaurants, museums, exhibition galleries. A high degree of protection, the maximum level of stability and durability determine the high cost of such products.

Variety

Domestic manufacturers characterize finishing materials by grade, including floor tiles.

3 grade- the cheapest, this low-quality material is rare.

2 grade allows the presence of spots, chips, violation of the decorative coating, waves, provided that they are not visible from a distance of 2 meters.

Products include to grade 1 if there are chips and violations of the decor, invisible from a meter distance, and there are no clogging and stains.

In general, a batch is considered to be defective if the number of low-quality tiles of the first grade does not exceed 5%. When buying second-class products, you must be prepared for the fact that at least 5% will definitely be defective.

For convenience, the color marking is indicated on the packaging:

• green- 3rd grade;
• blue- 2nd grade;
• red- 1 grade.

Sizes and shapes

The sizes of floor plates are regulated by GOST. Each manufacturer has a different form.

According to the regulations, the nominal dimensions of porcelain tiles are as follows:

• in length– from 20 to 120 cm,
• wide– from 30 to 120 cm,
• thickness limited- from 7 mm to 3 cm.

As a rule, floor elements are square in shape, but some collections are characterized by non-standard options - elongated or in the form of a polygon.

Cotto tiles are usually rectangular, but sometimes square. Occasionally, an unusual hexagonal or octagonal shape is produced. The size varies from 25x25 to 45x60 cm.

Metlakh tile is small-format, so the value can be from 3.5 to 15 centimeters. The material is used to create multi-color panels or mosaics. A variety of shapes and a large number of shades make it possible to create unique carpet motifs, original patterns and unique design images.

Clinker tiles are an alternative to facing bricks. Therefore, the sizes are almost the same. As a rule, the long, elongated shape of the element is due to this factor.

Floor plates are selected depending on the area of ​​the processed surface. The small size will increase laying time and require the investment of more butt joints requiring grouting. Large plates will visually expand the room, but only in the case of a sufficient area.

Design and colors

Despite the fact that the choice of the shade of the tile is carried out by the owner himself, the designers suggest focusing on general recommendations.

• Plain, monochrome coatings require frequent maintenance, as dust and debris are clearly visible on them.
• Mottled or finely patterned tile or porcelain tiles, on the contrary, will hide all dirty spots. This option is widely used for flooring in public places.
• If the room is dark, it is better to lay a lighter floor covering to make it lighter and cozier. The tile will look harmonious in the interior, provided that the color and style are combined with doors, walls or curtains.

It is better to decide on the design of floor tiles even before buying, since the price does not allow replacing them often. To do this, it is necessary to evaluate the design of the room, the style of the interior, the texture and color of the materials already used.

The most suitable types of tiles for the Provence style will be plain matte or with small ornaments in pastel shades: pink, blue, milky. As patterns, elements of the plant or animal world are used. In this case, we must not forget about the coating in stripes or with waves.

Country design involves a large number of wooden elements. Porcelain stoneware can easily cope with this task, which easily imitates any material. All shades of brown are present.

The classic version of the interior involves the use of tiles imitating stone or marble; clinker parquet elements laid in a traditional herringbone pattern will not be superfluous. Decorative inserts "under gold" will decorate a floor and will add solemnity.

For the design of the flooring in the Art Nouveau style, decorators use bright ceramic tiles. Additional decor with abstract ornament will enhance the perception.

The purple, blue, red or orange floor surface is a strong irritant, so it is not recommended to cover the entire area with this color, it is better to dilute it with neutral, lighter ones.

Glossy finishing materials are typical for hi-tech and styles that promote minimalism in the interior. The tile can have a metallized surface or “under the concrete”, but with sparkles. Monochrome natural colors prevail, inserts made of gold, platinum, aluminum, chrome. Style denies patterns and ornaments.

The design idea of ​​loft interiors is the use of industrial elements in the form of decor. In this case, clinker tiles “brick”, porcelain tiles “under paving stones” or “under concrete” are appropriate.

Which one to choose

The purpose of the tile must be considered when buying. The first thing they pay attention to when choosing is the appearance. Products with an original pattern, ornament or in the form of a panel are more expensive, but it is usually used as a decor, the main area is occupied by simpler and cheaper elements.

An important factor when choosing is the price, which depends on several indicators. One of the criteria is the remoteness of the manufacturer. It is no secret that the products of foreign brands are significantly more expensive than domestic ones.

The cost is also affected by the quality of the materials used and the method of production. Tiles made of white clay are of better quality and stronger than those of red clay, and therefore more expensive.. Floor elements made in private workshops are considered exclusive. In factories, products are produced in batches, which reduces the cost of its cost.

Input structures

Floors in apartment corridors and hallways are exposed to abrasive substances in the form of sand and street dirt. Therefore, economical owners lay in this case tiles of 3-4 wear resistance classes, which allows extending the service life up to 10-15 years.

The color scheme is usually monochrome or speckled. Since in small apartments the entrance structures are small, the floor tiles should in no case be dark or have a large pattern. These factors visually reduce the space.

When arranging a hall in a cottage, on the contrary, it is advised to choose a beautiful large ornament.

To the room

How to decorate the floor in a room depends on its purpose and the owner's idea. Carpet tiles are more suitable for small children. They are hard to take care of, but they will help to avoid injury in the event of a fall..

In spacious classic living rooms or dining rooms, polished slabs with large ornaments, or with imitation of stone or wood, will be appropriate.

English "antique" furnishings are typical for fireplace rooms and offices. For its implementation, clinker tiles, porcelain stoneware or natural stone are required. The modern style of the interior gives a wide range for imagination using various techniques and textures, with original decor.

For balconies and loggias

For open terraces, balconies and loggias, a coating with a high water repellency, frost-resistant, able to endure temperature changes is recommended. For terraced areas, natural rock slabs are more suitable. However, they are not affordable for everyone. They are easy to replace with porcelain stoneware.

Balconies and loggias can be laid out with high-quality ceramic or clinker tiles, since the technical characteristics allow them to be used for the street. They are quite light, their installation does not require much effort and experience.

For kitchen

It is quite easy to determine the color and pattern of a floor tile using a chart. It can be built by hand, or you can use the services of any available photo editor.

• the floor matches the apron;
• the contrasting color of the floor tiles, it attracts attention.

In the kitchen and bathroom, it is better to give preference to variegated colors. It hides traces of dirt and stains. With care, you need to lay a coating with a glossy surface on the floor, it will have to be wiped often.

An oriental-style kitchen is characterized by bright ceramics with decorative or gilded inserts.

Loft implies a “concrete-like” floor, which can be achieved with porcelain stoneware or clinker tiles.

For private houses

Mostly for country cottages, styles are used that are as close to natural as possible.

For example, the rustic interior uses only natural, almost unprocessed materials in its design. Rough rustic style involves either unhewn wood or natural stone as flooring. Most often used slabs of quartz, granite, marble or sandstone.

One of the latest trends in interior fashion is shabby chic. In other words, a design that protests excessive luxury. It is characterized by white, light shades. Elements of the floor, walls, furniture have a touch of antiquity. Thus, the shabby chic floor should be shabby, with traces of time.

As a tile, imitations of porcelain stoneware wood will be appropriate. The older they look, the better it looks.

Entertainment public places

Places for entertainment and recreation, unlike private housing, require a special approach when decorating the floor. First of all, the flooring must withstand the mass of people, so the wear resistance class in such rooms is maximum.

Secondly, the degree of resistance to chemicals and humidity is also extremely high. The decorative component is not the last requirement for floor tiles. There are many offers on the market of finishing materials: some use an unusual mosaic, others use an original texture.

Recently, live 3D tiles have become popular., which changes color or pattern while passing through it.

You will find even more tips on choosing floor tiles in the following video.

Famous manufacturers and reviews

There are many manufacturers of floor tiles. Both foreign and domestic brands are popular.

From abroad

Since foreign products include transportation costs in the price, they are quite expensive, not everyone can afford. Among foreign companies, the following can be distinguished.

Cersanit S.A.- a well-known Polish company with a logo in the form of a dolphin. The number of collections of ceramic tiles is close to 40. Production is carried out at several factories located in Ukraine, Germany, Poland and Russia. Products are classified into low-budget and elite models.

As practice shows, in some industries, insufficiently effective quality control is carried out, so you can purchase a product of a lower grade or defective. The advantages include a wide range of shapes and colors, resistance to abrasion and fading, versatility, exclusive patterns on tiles of elite varieties.

Disadvantages: discrepancies in the size of plates from different batches, high price.

Golden Tile- brand of the Kharkov tile factory. The factory for the production of ceramic tiles produces up to six types of sizes, including the rare 15x60 cm. The quality and range deserve the respect of experts. Thanks to cooperation with Italian designers, the appearance is being improved.

The advantages of the products are excellent design, reasonable prices, good quality raw materials, assortment. As for the minuses, only one of the significant ones can be distinguished - the deviation in the size of the plates from different batches.

Fap Ceramiche is positioned on the market with exceptional Italian quality for bathrooms. The collections also contain proposals for other rooms, but for the most part the company produces ceramic tiles for bathrooms.

Ceramica Paradyz- a company that has 5 factories in its structure in Poland. The brand's products can be found on the shelves in about 40 countries, including Russia. The company produces ceramic tiles for kitchens, bathrooms and other commercial premises at an affordable price. Elite collections are characterized by a unique appearance, but are expensive.

Aranda is a Spanish company specializing in ceramics. Exceptional quality and original author's ideas in design distinguish it from many foreign analogues.

Russia

Kerama Marazzi- a trademark formed by the merger of Italian and Russian companies. The Alliance produces floor tiles in Russia, but on Italian equipment using the experience of Italian craftsmen and designers. Experts say that the products of the domestic brand are in no way inferior to their European counterparts in terms of quality, design, or assortment.

The catalog includes more than 2000 types of tiles and porcelain tiles. Strength, original design, wide assortment, application of innovations, a large network of stores, information service are rightfully considered to be advantages. According to reviews, only one significant drawback stands out - the high price, commensurate with the cost of foreign analogues.

"Uralkeramika"- one of the developing domestic firms originally from Yekaterinburg. Production on modern Italian equipment ensures the attractiveness and excellent quality characteristics of the tiles. The manufacturer is a laureate of the competition "100 Best Goods of Russia".

It has an ISO quality certificate. Customers have highly appreciated the wide range of products that have complex textured surfaces. Wide range of sizes from small to large.

Shakhty faience factory is rightfully considered one of the best Russian manufacturers. The Shakhtinskaya tile brand is distinguished by high quality, exquisite collections, and affordability. The plant specializes not only in the production of ceramic products, but also porcelain tiles, various decorated inserts, panels, borders and adhesive mixtures necessary for their installation. Long service life is a nice bonus for users.

"Jade-Ceramics" in its production uses updated equipment from Spain and Italy. Digital technology has improved the production of complex unique patterns.

Tiles are classified according to exclusivity and prices for luxury, medium and economy. However, this does not affect the quality. Products of any class are characterized by resistance to chemicals, scratches and impacts, temperature changes.

Volgograd ceramic factory in addition to domestic raw materials, it uses materials from Spain, Italy and Ukraine. The main difference from other manufacturers is volumetric patterns, which are made on Italian equipment Rotocolor. In some collections, the technique of applying metallized textured ornaments was used.

The assortment is updated annually with trendy new products. The main advantages of the reviews are:

• Three-level quality control, ensuring the minimization of rejects and geometric accuracy.
• Ease of processing due to fine grain, when cutting, chips and irregularities are not formed.
• The strength of the outer glazed layer.

The Azori brand is produced group "Keramir". An important distinguishing feature of the production is the fourfold firing, which ensures the strength of the surface, its wear resistance, moisture resistance and long service life.

Customers note geometrically accurate elements, thanks to which you can create almost seamless floors. The color scheme is varied. The texture component is unlimited, it is possible to imitate the surface for any kind of materials: natural stone, various tree species, leather and textiles.

Beautiful examples and options

Most often, tiles are used for flooring in the bathroom, toilet and kitchen. Since these rooms are subject to temperature changes and moisture, these factors must be taken into account when choosing a coating. The floor material should please the owner for many years with its appearance. This is facilitated by such an indicator as wear resistance.

Ceramics and porcelain stoneware are great for installing underfloor heating, which will not be superfluous in showers and bathrooms. As for design, not only style is important, but also the size of the tile, which is directly dependent on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

The use of floor tiles in the interior of the bedroom for some will seem irrational. However, designers insist that in some cases it is not only beautiful, but also forced.

Opponents of tiles in the bedroom argue that the floors become cold and uncomfortable for walking barefoot. Supporters argue that modern technology has reached such heights in its development of flooring processing that the surface of the plates can be pleasant to the touch and warm to the touch.

In the "Khrushchev", which is a small-sized housing, the choice of floor tiles should be approached carefully. So that the room does not seem cramped than it actually is, designers advise using polyurethane products ranging in size from 15 to 20 cm.

Too small elements will visually narrow the space, and large ones will make it massive and rough. It is better to abandon the pattern altogether or minimize it, preferring simple small patterns. The glossy surface reflects light, which will allow you to “push the walls apart”. However, you need to remember that it is slippery, and this is contraindicated in bathrooms.

Ceramic tiles - the material is quite popular and, most importantly, time-tested. A variety of colors and textures in specialized stores is pleasing to the eye and at the same time makes it very difficult to choose. This article will help you understand not only the external signs of tiles, but also the main parameters and characteristics.

Concept definition

Under the tile is most often understood as a finishing material of a certain, mostly small size. An important advantage of the tile immediately follows from this - the convenience in finishing surfaces of non-standard formats. These can be "tricky" corners, rounded walls, columns and other types of original construction solutions. The smaller the size of the product, the easier it is to perform a complex transition. A tile in the form of a mosaic, for example, may be more time-consuming, but it allows you to finish the most complex figured surfaces without losing decorative effect.

Variety of species

Our most common tile is ceramic. What is heat-treated clay? And since the clay is different in composition, and the firing processes are regulated over a wide range, ceramic tiles have a wide variety. Types of ceramic tiles can be classified. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the tile is one of the materials where, along with the physical and chemical characteristics and parameters, there are external decorative features. It often happens that when buying, it is the latter that are decisive in choosing. Therefore, the classification will first be according to external indicators. So, the types of tiles are as follows:

• glazed;
• with a non-uniform surface (rustic);
• porous;
• without processing.

The difference in heat treatment determines the following two options. Double-fired tiles are produced by successive firing of the ceramic base first, and then together with the applied glaze. This, older method allows you to get a porous structure. A new look - single-fired ceramic tiles. To make the material of high quality, the clay mixture is dried and pressed in a special way. This is followed by glazing processes and only then, from one time, the tile is fired.

Dimensions

What are the sizes? It is known that for wall options there are lines of shapes and sizes, and for floor options there are others. For example, if dimensions such as 30x30, 45x45 cm are natural for the floor, then for wall tiles the size range can start from 5x5 and 10x10 cm. At the same time, standard types of ceramic tiles will be 15x20, 20x20 and 20x25 cm. The larger the size of the material, the more surface area can be covered in the same time. Of the shortcomings, it is worth considering the increased requirements for the tile application site, and for especially large sizes (60x120 cm) - special tools.

Important parameters

In order to make the choice of tiles for wall cladding or flooring more informed, it is necessary to know as many facts about the material as possible. What parameters should be taken into account when choosing? Let's take a look at the most important features:

Strength. It sounds trite, but the higher the strength, the longer the selected material will last.

Wear resistance. Tiles can be very durable, but if they quickly lose their decorative effect, you still want to change them. This is especially true for floor or paving.

Elasticity. An important parameter regarding floor surfaces. A more elastic tile is able to recover after a deforming effect. Rigid, on the contrary, does not bend at all and withstands significant loads.

Porosity. Should be taken into account when designing pools, bathrooms and showers. Porous ceramic tiles are less slippery, as they absorb some of the moisture.

Thermal conductivity. Ceramic material conducts heat quite well. The tile heats up quickly, however, at the same time it cools down just as quickly. Therefore, it is successfully used in conjunction with underfloor heating.

Variety of ceramic tiles

The tile made of ceramics possesses all qualities, necessary for a finishing covering. Ceramic tiles, characteristics, types and any other information about which is now in the public domain, is the most popular. To begin with, depending on the application, floor and wall tiles are distinguished. A separate group should include ceramics for bathrooms, where there is high humidity. Such tiles must have increased resistance to moisture and steam and withstand temperature fluctuations. Wear resistance is also important for a material covered with decorative glaze.

For flooring, first of all, parameters such as strength, flexibility, wear resistance and non-slip are important. When washing the floor, aggressive chemicals are often used. Therefore, ceramic tiles should have maximum resistance to them. experiences less stress, the decorative effect and quality of the coating are more important here. Wall tiles should also be easy to clean and retain their original appearance.

Differences in production - the key to diversity

By production methods, the following types of tiles can be distinguished:

• ceramic granite - the most durable tile of all the others in the family. This material is even stronger than granite. Due to the complex technological process of production, it has such properties as frost resistance, low water absorption, a large margin of abrasion resistance;
• bicottura, as the name implies, is subjected to double firing, which is why it is quite porous. Suitable for dry surfaces. Thanks to the coating, both glossy and matte, it has a beautiful appearance;
• pressed, or extruded, is obtained by forming from a powder under pressure. It is possible to produce all shapes and sizes;
• clinker has a high density, although the composition is quite heterogeneous and includes various types of clay and additives;
• faience - a material formed by double firing of dense, most often white clay and covered with a layer of glaze.

These types of tiles, photos of which are in the text, are the most popular.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

If there are still doubts whether to use ceramics for cladding, consider some of the positive aspects of the material:

1. A combination of a huge variety of colors, textures and shapes with a large margin of safety and density. The production of ceramic tiles makes it possible to obtain a high-quality material at the output, even surpassing granite in strength. And the ability to mix different types of clay and the use of a variety of glazes gives an incredible number of types.

2. Inert qualities of the material to chemicals, which allows you to wash the tiles by any means.

3. Eco-friendly composition. Ceramic itself is a completely natural material. Therefore, tiles from it do not harm the environment and human health.

4. Fire safety. Despite the high thermal conductivity of the material, the tile, when heated, does not burn or even smolder.

5. Insulator of electricity. Ceramic tiles do not conduct electricity.

Paving slabs and its features

To cover street surfaces, the so-called paving slabs are used. While thin decorative ceramics were sufficient for facing the premises, open spaces dictate completely different conditions. The first is the thickness. That is why the name "paving stones" from the word "beam" appeared. In fact, these are such small bricks that can withstand a large load. After all, even a truck can easily drive along the sidewalks.

A large number of types of paving stones is due to the variety of shapes and sizes and production methods. What types of paving slabs can be distinguished? Size happens:

1. Rectangular, which, in turn, is divided:

• on large-sized, for example 300x300, 400x400 or even 500x500 mm;
• small-sized with dimensions less than 250x250 mm.

2. Indefinite form.

The second option is especially popular for the design of footpaths in the park, as well as in personal plots. Due to the special shape, any design decision can be made.

According to the method of production, the types and sizes of which are varied, can be obtained by vibrocasting or vibropressing. The first method allows you to get more diverse forms, but is less durable. Vibrocompression, on the contrary, produces very high-quality and durable paving stones.

Types of facing tiles

Under the facing tiles understand a variety of material, made in certain geometric dimensions and designed to cover surfaces. At the same time, the use of tiles is not limited to the premises, it is widely used on the street. Facades of buildings, various fences, architectural monuments - for cladding, in principle, there are no restrictions.

Types of facing tiles are very diverse. And the most common and popular option will be the ceramics discussed above. For facades, it is primarily the most durable and non-porous, with any size. It can be tiled with both small mosaic tiles and large squares with dimensions of 500x500 mm.

Other tile options

Ceramic tiles, being the most popular, sometimes give way to other materials. This applies to some types of plastic, rubber, cork, glass and even natural stone. Let us consider in more detail what types of tiles are other than ceramic:

Quartz-vinyl. It is a material more than half consisting of quartz, and the rest is vinyl. Plasticizing additives, stabilizers and colorants are also present. Such a tile has a whole range of advantages: it does not conduct electricity and heat, it is easy to clean by any means and is quite plastic with good strength.

Plastic. This includes tiles made of polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene. The main advantage of the material is light, flexible and easy to clean.

Rubber. It is mainly used for flooring in residential and office buildings. Has good friction resistance, soft and comfortable to walk.

Cork. Not the most common, but being the most heat and sound insulating.

Glass. The properties are close to quartz and ceramic - the same durable and waterproof. It is made from waste glass and is quite economical.

Conclusion

As it turned out, modern facing materials have a wide variety of types. Having determined a specific place for yourself, it is quite easy to choose the optimal types of tiles with the necessary parameters. The difficulty can arise only in external data, because no one has canceled the presence of a difference in tastes. So happy choice!

Among all the facing materials for the floor, many people prefer to choose floor tiles. It is chosen because it has excellent aesthetic characteristics, it can be used in any room, fits perfectly into absolutely any interior, has high mechanical resistance and durability. In addition, they produce it in different sizes, this allows the buyer to make a choice in favor of the most convenient option, and the service life of the product sometimes exceeds 50 years. In care, floor tiles are unpretentious and are not subject to heavy pollution and dust. However, having come to the store, buyers are wondering what kind of floor tiles to choose? Let's talk about each of them.

Floor tiles are classified according to different criteria. Depending on the method of its production, pressed tiles and extruded.

• Pressed tiles consists of a substance resembling clay - a mixture. This material is pressed into special shaping matrices. These matrices can be of completely different shapes. After pressing, the molds with the substance are fired using the autoclave method. Firing is needed to give strength and durability to floor tiles.
• Extruded tiles- the tile substance is pressed through the extruder. This is a special device with a given geometry. After that, the resulting sheets are cut to special sizes and fired.

Floor tiles are divided into glazed and unglazed. The first has a glossy finish, on which you can apply absolutely any pattern. This tile has a high moisture resistance. Accordingly, the second type is without the named coating.

Separately, as an independent species, stands out porcelain tile. In appearance and composition, it resembles natural granite. The production technology of such floor tiles is the same as the production of pressed tiles. The composition of porcelain stoneware includes basalt chips and spar mixture. Once a tile is produced, it must be fired. Modern technologies allow firing tiles at temperatures up to 1400 degrees. This temperature allows you to create changes in the structure. So, it is possible to produce a monolithic or porous structure, which will differ in the degree of wear resistance.

The most common floor tiles are ceramic tile. It is made from natural clay and natural stone. Due to this, it is quite durable, wear-resistant and environmentally friendly.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles have a fairly rich history. Mentions of it are associated with ancient Rome. However, back then only the rich could afford tile floors. Pottery was made by hand, so it was very expensive. Already in those days, people realized that ceramic tiles are strong, reliable, durable and beautiful material.

Today it is no longer a luxury and is available to everyone. The presence of properties such as strength, wear resistance, moisture resistance and environmental friendliness often becomes a decisive criterion when choosing this building material for finishing the kitchen and bathroom. Often, the decoration of apartments involves the installation of a "warm floor". Floors that have been covered with ceramic tiles heat up fairly quickly and cool down slowly. This is due to the excellent thermal conductivity of this material. In addition, during warm-up, it will not emit any harmful substances.

According to its purpose, the tile is wall and floor. Floor tiles are extremely durable and have a high abrasion class. And the technology of its production is more complicated: pressing takes place at higher pressure, and firing at higher temperatures.

When choosing ceramic tiles, you need to correctly evaluate the surface that will be finished. If it is located in an open area or in a room with high humidity, it is better to use embossed tiles, under paving stones or natural stone. And for a living room or a large hall, ceramic tiles with a polished surface are perfect. Properly selected materials will help create a room that will delight you for a very long time.

What is floor tiles

Floor ceramic tiles are a material that has been used in construction for several millennia. When excavating Babylonian temples, archaeologists often find samples of glazed ceramic bricks that have been perfectly preserved to this day. And at present, few floor coverings can compare with tiles in terms of wear resistance, practicality and durability.

According to the manufacturing method, all ceramic floor tiles are divided into pressed and extruded.

Pressed tiles are produced on special equipment (knee-lever or hydraulic presses). Before manufacturing a raw semi-finished product, a working mixture is prepared from monofractional powders according to the recipe. The composition of the mixture includes the main components (fusible and refractory clays, koalin) and special additives. As additives, quartz sand, feldspar, perlite, glass, porcelain production waste and various chemical reagents are used - surfactants, thinners, lean components. White clays are rarely used for the production of floor tiles, as products made from them are softer in structure.

After pressing, the tiles are dried and sent for firing, after which they are decorated (glazing, engobing and staining). At the last stage, the tile, in addition to the aesthetic finish, acquires water resistance.

In the manufacture of floor ceramic tiles by extrusion, after compiling the raw mixture, the resulting doughy mass is pressed through a special “mouthpiece” of the extruder. At the exit from it, a long tape is obtained, molded in compliance with a certain width and thickness. Subsequently, this workpiece is cut into separate fragments, which are sent for drying with hot air, firing and finishing.

It should be noted that handmade ceramic floor tiles are also produced, the price of which is quite high due to exclusivity. Such material belongs to the premium class and can be created according to the sketches of the artist, created according to your wishes.

However, if you want to add a touch of originality to the interior, you can paint the tiles yourself using acrylic paints for ceramics. If the result is burned in the oven, then the durability of the painted motifs will be quite durable, and your economy-class ceramic floor tiles will turn into a “masterpiece” that exists in a single version.

Key features

The main physical and mechanical properties of the flooring are indicated in the regulatory documents; in Russia, the interstate standard "Ceramic tiles for floors GOST 6787-2001" is currently in force. When choosing a tile, it is imperative to pay attention to its marking, not guided only by aesthetic considerations.

The most important indicators when choosing a floor tile are:

• abrasion (wear resistance). Even when laying tiles in rooms with low traffic intensity (kitchen or bathroom in an apartment or private house), it is advisable to opt for class III abrasive resistance. Tiles IV and V classes can be used in lobbies, corridors, as well as in public buildings (shops, bars, shopping centers, hospitals).

• frost resistance. This indicator is important if the floors are supposed to be finished in an unheated room (garage, shed, warehouse terminals, etc.). It directly depends on such an indicator as porosity, which is determined by the degree of water absorption. A tile is considered frost-resistant if its water absorption coefficient is less than 3%. It should be noted that the unique properties of frost-resistant and waterproof tiles directly affect its cost. That is why you should not be surprised that to finish the pool you will need ceramic floor tiles, the price of which is by no means budgetary.

• chemical resistance. Especially important for rooms where you often have to carry out sanitary cleaning. The maximum indicator is marked with the letters AA, such material can be laid not only in the bathroom or in the kitchen, but also in medical institutions, kindergartens, etc.

Ceramic tile floor installation

Ceramic tiles on the floor are best laid on a cement-sand base, however, laying on an existing coating is also possible if it is without visible defects, strong and even. The plank surface is best strengthened by laying a layer of waterproof plywood with an additional treatment with a water-repellent primer. It is undesirable to use as an alternative to tongue-and-groove boards, since solid wood can give bends during operation.

The preparation of the base requires special care if wood-effect ceramic floor tiles are used for the flooring. After all, this type of tile often has a textural roughness that mimics the relief structure of natural wood species, which requires an ideal alignment of the base.

Currently, special mastics and adhesives are often used as a working solution, on which ceramic floor tiles are laid; you can buy them in specialized hardware stores.

When buying, pay attention to the special properties of the adhesive (frost resistance, water resistance, etc.), and the consumption of the mixture, which are always specified by the manufacturer.

If you decide to lay the tiles on the floor yourself, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of work. Detailed master classes on laying ceramic floor tiles, the photos of which are presented here, will help you avoid the mistakes typical of beginners. This is especially important if, during installation, a “warm floor” system is conceived, which allows you to ensure maximum comfort in your home.

For visual marking, it is recommended to stretch the cord, attaching it with nails to the walls, to a height of 1.8 cm from the floor. After applying glue or mastic with a notched trowel, lay the first tile, called the lighthouse, at the intersection of the cords near one of the corners. In order to ensure a strictly horizontal arrangement of the tile fragment, tap it around the perimeter with a trowel handle.
Laying tiles in the future is carried out using special calibrated spacers to obtain a gap of a certain size. Periodically, it is necessary to measure the distance from the laid tile to the lighthouse, adjusting the width of the joints, ensuring the accuracy of laying. Useful to you in the work and the level, which for ease of use is fixed on a long rail.

If you have doubts about your abilities, you will have to invite a qualified craftsman, which is more than desirable if the floors are finished with wood-like ceramic floor tiles, which should be laid either completely without seams, or using remote crosses of the minimum size and tonal grouting. In addition, such a tile will require quite careful fitting of individual fragments according to the pattern in order to create the complete illusion of natural wood.