Ceramic tiles are considered one of the most popular finishing materials. This is due to its strength, durability and ease of maintenance. With its help, walls and floors are finished in rooms for various purposes. It is used for both interior and exterior decoration of the apartment. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of finishing materials, so choosing the right option is not easy. What types are found, and what should you pay attention to first?
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Purpose
- Wall-mounted. Designed for wall cladding. The texture ranges from deep gloss to embossed surfaces. There are lightweight models with a porous structure. The lower the weight, the better the grip, which means the longer the service life.
- Floor-standing. Designed for floor mounting. Has increased resistance to mechanical stress. The products are somewhat thicker and stronger than tiles from wall collections. The main feature is the anti-slip structure.
- Universal. Suitable for both flooring and wall coverings.
Size selection
Pegas
Square tiles look adequate only in large bathrooms. Rectangular tiles are suitable for bathrooms of any size. Horizontal laying of such slabs allows you to expand the space, this is especially true for a small bathroom. Rooms with low ceilings are visually enhanced by the vertical method of laying slabs. The sizes of tiles and other types of slabs vary widely. It all depends on the size of the bathroom itself.
Bona
There are minimum sizes for bathroom tiles: 20x30 for walls and 30x30 for floors. Mosaic tiles are smaller in size: 10×10 or 15×15 . Always a good solution is to use large-format slabs. They make the space monolithic and reduce the number of seams. These are formats 20x120 , 60x60 , 60x120 . Such slabs are also suitable for a small bathroom. Of the medium sizes, 20×60 , which is also easier to mount. It is suitable for floors and walls. A more economical option is the 20×50 .
Material
Any ceramic tile is a tandem of red or white clay, quartz sand, specialized additives and coloring pigments. The resulting mixture is extruded or pressed: the wet clay mass is distilled through special equipment, and then cut into parts of the required dimensions. It is then fired in a kiln at temperatures above 1000°C.
The extrusion method is applicable for type “A” tiles, and the pressing method is applicable for type “B” models. Ceramic tiles “A” are identical in size within the same collection. Collections of type “B” have small errors in size and are therefore more difficult to work with. Naturally, the price of such ceramic tiles is slightly lower than those obtained by extrusion.
Application area
Most models of ceramic tiles are equally well suited for interior cladding of residential buildings, offices, country cottages, hotels and retail outlets.
For bathrooms and rooms with high humidity and temperature changes, you need tiles with high anti-slip and moisture-resistant properties. For the kitchen, it is advisable to choose collections in glossy design. The smoother the surface, the easier it is to remove stubborn accumulations of fat, soot, and limescale. Dust and dirt become trapped in porous tiles. Therefore, it is not intended for decorating hallways and high-traffic areas.
How to choose bathroom tiles
Tiles are considered a popular option for finishing bathrooms and bathrooms. Its advantages are moisture resistance, environmental friendliness and practicality. A large selection of shapes, colors and sizes allows you to choose the best option for a specific room. When purchasing material, you must consider the following recommendations:
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- Room area. For small rooms it is better to choose small tiles. Large tiles are easier to install, but will visually narrow the space.
- Surface type. Glossy tiles have a special shine. However, splashes of dried water are clearly visible on its surface. Matte tiles are characterized by a porous texture on which dirt is almost invisible. At the same time, the glossy surface is easier to maintain.
- Manufacturers offer tiles of various shapes. The classic option is a square. It can be used to create a single-color layout or various patterns. You can combine two colors in a checkerboard pattern. The rectangular shape is no less popular. Hexagonal tiles are less common, but they can be used to create original interiors. Manufacturers offer other unusual shapes. Their advantages include decorative properties, disadvantages include difficult installation.
- To visually enlarge the room, you can use decorative inserts or panels.
- When choosing a color, you need to focus on your taste and future interior style. It must be remembered that dark shades add sophistication and nobility to the design. However, their overabundance can make the situation too gloomy. Especially important for small bathrooms.
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Properties and technical specifications
The main technical characteristic of tiles is wear resistance.
- PEI I – suitable for low traffic areas. The softest tile, not very resistant to mechanical damage.
- PEI II - for finishing floors on which people walk in soft house slippers, barefoot or in socks. The collections of this group “feel” great in residential areas: bathroom, children’s room, kitchen. Not suitable for cladding public places.
- PEI III - intended for rooms that do not have access from the street. Small offices, private offices/salons with limited access to freely entering visitors.
- PEI IV – group for low-traffic areas. Installation is possible in private hotels, cozy cafes, small shops, as well as in residential premises (even with direct entrance from the street).
- PEI V is the most wear-resistant option, suitable for laying on floors in supermarkets, large restaurants, office hallways, etc.
Chemical resistance of ceramic tiles
Determined by resistance to aggressive substances that presumably react with the outer surface. That is, the parameter is specified by the formula of the proportional ratio of negatively affecting acids, salts, household chemicals to the actual quality of the products.
- Class AA - no changes in external design.
- Class A – minimal, almost imperceptible changes.
- Class B – moderate changes.
- Class C – partial loss of appearance, slight deformation of the surface, the appearance of microcracks and scratches.
- Class D - almost complete loss of the original design: the top layer is erased, the edges are warped, and deep cracks may appear.
Water resistance – low absorption of water and moisture.
This is one of the mandatory properties of facing stone. The level of moisture resistance determines the suitability of the tile for laying in a certain environment. 3% is an indicator that allows installation of products in a bathroom, toilet, or on a terrace.
The hygiene of ceramic tiles is so high that it is quite difficult to find a facing material that would be at least a little more hygienic:
- not a favorable environment for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria
- mold formation tends to zero
- due to low porosity, dirt, dust, and grease deposits do not accumulate
- hygienic qualities are unchanged for at least 50 years of operation (then only minor changes are possible).
Shape, design, texture
The most common stylized textures:
- Under the tree.
- Marbled.
- Under a stone.
- Under concrete.
- 3D models.
The main themes of the design are: geometry, flora/fauna, ethno-style. The most popular are monochrome collections. Also quite often, bright touches are used in the cladding, created by glazed tiles with prints, drawings, and inscriptions.
The bulk of ceramic tiles are produced in the shape of a regular rectangle or square. Recently, more and more often you can find products of other shapes. Diamond-shaped tiles, hexagons (honeycombs), products with rounded edges, triangular models and other options help create a truly masterpiece interior design that you can look at for hours.
Selecting a surface type
4.1 Glossy
Glossy surface is the most popular for bathroom tiles. For porcelain stoneware, a similar surface is called “polished” . Such a surface not only looks impressive, but thanks to its mirror shine, it increases the depth of space. For a small bathroom this becomes especially important. When porcelain stoneware slabs imitate the surface of marble, a glossy finish is most suitable. If you have this tile surface on your bathroom floor, use a rubberized mat.
Liquid splashes on such a surface are less noticeable. In addition, polished cladding will not cause any difficulties in cleaning. Simply use a damp cloth and soapy water. It is only important not to use abrasive detergents and brushes.
Silver Root
4.2 Matte
The matte surface looks more discreet compared to the glossy one. Such a surface is safe in wet areas, since the anti-slip coefficient is Anti-slip coefficient R
This concept characterizes the properties of porcelain stoneware floor tiles. Determines the risk of a person slipping on the tile surface in various rooms. such tiles are always higher. This is due to the rough coating of matte slabs. In terms of variety, the choice of matte slabs is not inferior to glossy cladding.
4.3 Structured
A structured surface with carving on marble or imitation wood as a floor surface in the bathroom would also be a good option. These types of textured surfaces are also non-slip and imbue the bathroom design with the aesthetics of natural stone or the look of wood.
4.4 Lapped
The lappatted surface applies primarily to porcelain stoneware slabs. “Lapped” is literally translated from Italian as “rubbed.” Indeed, such a surface contains artificial abrasions to give the room an unusual style. Each lappatted slab combines glossy and matte finishes at the same time. In addition to their excellent appearance, such slabs do not slip and are suitable as flooring.
Dazzle Cosmos Grande
4.5 Satin
a satin is considered only relevant for porcelain stoneware . In appearance and when touched with your hands, such a surface resembles a velvety layer. It's all about a special method of making the glaze, which is supplied with a molten layer of mineral salts. This type of coating is suitable for floors and walls, and will also fill your bathroom with a muted soft shine.
Combinations of the listed coatings with each other are also used. You can lay porcelain tiles with a matte or satin surface on the bathroom floor, and lay the walls with a layer of tiles with a glossy surface.
A brief overview of the collections of the best manufacturers
The Rewind collections from the RAGNO brand and Hexatile from the EQUIPE company are the most popular in modern interior cladding. Correct geometry, clear lines and contrasting colors allow you to create a space where every detail emphasizes the stylistic aesthetics of the interior.
Diamond-shaped models from the Rhombus collection of the EQUIPE brand allow you to implement the most original design solutions. Despite the non-standard shape of individual elements, a huge variety of layout options are possible: from geometric patterns to interesting symbolic designs created like a mosaic layout.
Italian MARAZZI tiles are a symbiosis of the highest quality and textures that are as close to natural as possible. For example, the Grande Marble Look collection is able to saturate the space with air, light, and coolness. And all this thanks to the colors found exclusively in nature: steep cliffs, hundred-year-old trees, stones on the banks of a mountain river... The color palette is restrained, without unnecessary bright inclusions.
The German brand MEISSEN has succeeded in producing atypical 3D tiles that add accents to the interior. Walls lined with textured elements look unusual and quite realistic. Typically, such collections are not used for installation on the entire free surface. Such 3D collections are most often used in the design of a kitchen apron, several stripes on a wide wall, sometimes as an attractive panel in a nursery, bedroom, or living room.
CRETO is a domestic company that has firmly established itself in a leading position in the home ceramics market. The brand's new product is the Ethno ethno collection. The theme of the collection is ornament. The collection includes floor and wall porcelain tiles. The color scheme contains a maximum of pastel shades and a minimum of hard, dark, cold tones.
Porcelain tiles
Of course, this finishing material has nothing to do with natural granite. The only thing they have in common is their excellent performance characteristics.
No. 3. KERRANOVA
The Russian factory, opened in 2004, specializes in the production of porcelain stoneware. For its production, environmentally friendly raw materials are used. The variety of textures ensures the use of digital printing, which allows you to apply a unique design, characterized by rich colors and clarity. The surface of porcelain stoneware can imitate various types of natural stone (marble, onyx, dolomite, travertine), wood, concrete and leather. The material is highly resistant to the external environment (an anti-vandal collection is also available).
A special place in the manufacturer’s collections is occupied by a series of tiles that imitate natural marble, which is mined in different countries. For example, Genesis porcelain tile has the texture of stone from the northern part of Italy, Premium Marble has the texture of marble from Africa, Eterna has the texture of a Mediterranean mineral.
Square and rectangular tiles are available. The most popular covering sizes are: 60 x 20, 30 x 30, 30 x 60 and 60 x 60 cm.
pros
- good quality;
- interesting surface textures.
Minuses
- poor geometry (corrected with stitches);
- The glaze is not very shock resistant.
No. 2. KERAMA MARAZZI
Porcelain tiles (technical, decorative and polished) are produced at a factory in the Moscow region. Over 30 years of operation, the company has been able to gain a leading position in the Russian market. The company has automatic lines manufactured by leading European companies. Porcelain tiles are produced using Italian technology.
The product range is constantly updated with new collections. For example, in 2022, the line of tiles with improved performance characteristics was replenished with five series, the production of which used Dry Digital technology. Porcelain tile formats are also varied. Traditional products of square and rectangular shapes, and maxi-formats (80 x 160, 60 x 240 cm), and interesting tiles in the form of a rectangle with beveled edges are produced. Various methods of creating unique textures are also used, for example, sandblasting.
pros
- decent quality;
- affordable cost;
- a large number of different collections;
- beautiful coating textures;
- ease of care;
- abrasion resistance.
Minuses
- not very ideal geometry;
- different shade of tiles from different packs.
No. 1. ITALON
Another domestic manufacturer of porcelain tiles has been producing products for exterior and interior decoration since 2007. The quality of the offered material is ensured by high-tech European equipment, as well as control over input raw materials and finished products. The production technology and formulation used allows us to obtain products that are distinguished by strength, durability and resistance to various types of external influences.
To solve various design problems, a large number of collections are produced, differing in textures (stone, wood, plywood, etc.) and shades. The size range of facing coatings is also very wide: the consumer is offered tiles of 45 x 45, 60 x 60, 30 x 30, 20 x 50, 10 x 10, 10 x 30 cm and other dimensions. The product range also includes hexagonal products. Production on individual orders is also possible.
pros
- decent functional characteristics;
- a large assortment, including tiles with unusual textures;
- budget cost.
Minuses
- There are complaints about the geometry of the tiles.
There are also complaints about differences in shades of tiles in different boxes. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to check the batch numbers indicated on the packaging.
