Floor tiles: features of choice

Floor tile is a material that is suitable for finishing the floor in almost any room. This is a durable and natural coating. Different types of tiles have certain quality characteristics that should be considered when choosing. The product can be selected for rooms where it will be affected by even the most aggressive factors.

In this way, Properly selected coating for quality characteristics will last more than 10 years.

The main feature of the floor tile is its versatility. Manufacturers are a variety of models that differ in their quality and appearance, as well as the class of durability.As a rule, all products are labeled, which selects the right coverage for a particular room, taking into account all the nuances.

Any ceramic tile has a long service life. So, it is much more durable than laminate and linoleum. But such a coating is one of the coldest, which is its hallmark, therefore, it is best to walk on it in slippers or socks.

The question solves the installation of a heated floor. Since the tile has the quality of thermal conductivity, it will warm up well and evenly, allowing you to create a comfortable indoor microclimate.

The tile is a good soundproof coating. But because of its structure, it is quite alarming. So, about it you can easily break some decor items.

The most important characteristic of a floor tile is its strength. There are thin models of low quality, which can not stand strong shocks and mechanical effects, and therefore do not have a special strength.Such products quickly deteriorate, become covered with cracks, chips quickly appear on them. The degree of strength affects the durability of this material. So, resistant coatings are not subject to abrasion and fading.

That is why the tile is divided into classes for wear resistance:

• first class is the most subtle. It is suitable for infrequent use in areas with low traffic. In addition, it is absolutely not suitable for walking in shoes. This is the thinnest and most vulnerable coverage;

• second class durability characterizes tile as more dense than the first one; it is permissible to use it in residential premises if there is a small cross-country capacity. This tile is also not suitable for shoes;
• third class standard, it is often used for laying the floor in the house. The tile can be used in the hallway, in the kitchen and in other rooms. On it you can walk in shoes;

• fourth class tiles much thicker and stronger than previous types of coating. It is placed in public places;
• fifth grade - the most hard and thick model. It is not susceptible to mechanical stress, it does not leave scratches, chips,as well as other footprints. It is often placed in the production premises or in rooms with very high traffic.

Other important coating characteristics:

• moisture resistance. This property must be considered in case the material is intended for a bathroom or a kitchen. In these rooms it is especially important that the coating does not absorb or let in water. In addition, it prolongs the life of the tile, as it will not be destroyed by moisture;
• porosity. It directly depends on the density of the tile. This quality also affects the ability to pass moisture. The porous texture of the tile is designed for dry rooms, allows air to pass through and allows the room to “breathe”;

• frost resistance. This tile is perfect for rooms with temperature changes, as well as for laying in unheated areas. So, frost-resistant models get for finishing of a floor in kitchen or on the street: a porch, a verandah, a terrace. In addition, this option is perfect for floors in private homes, because here they often freeze through;
• thickness. Thicker coating tougher. But when preparing the floor for tile laying, it is necessary to display the thresholds correctly so that all levels correspond to each other;
• hardness. Hard coating ensures good sound insulation. In addition, high-quality models prevent damage to other objects when falling and hitting such a floor. If you drop the plate, it will not break on the quality tile;

• texture. Models with a smooth coating easier to wash. In addition, they are more practical, since dirt usually gets into the embossed elements. However, it is better to step on the wet floor - there is a risk of slipping;
• design. According to the characteristics of the tile is different and depending on the decorative properties. So, manufacturers are models with a variety of colors and patterns. In addition, you can choose options of different forms.

The tile is divided into types depending on the structure and appearance. The composition of the tile is as follows.

Kinds:

• glazed
• unglazed

These models differ both externally and in quality. Glazed tile has a thin top layer of vitreous structure on top - applied glaze. It consists of sand, oxides, kaolin, frit and color pigments. Glaze is applied to the tile hot and then cooled.

After hardening, a glossy glass surface is formed under the varnish. Due to this, the drawings on ceramic tiles look more bright and beautiful, and the glossy glow creates interesting playings. In addition to external characteristics, the quality properties of ceramic tiles are also improved.

Glaze makes it harder and more resistant to external influences. In addition, it creates an additional moisture-resistant layer on the coating. Glazed tiles can also be divided into types depending on the firing:

• single firing models are called monoprose

• more robust double firing models are called cottoforte

These are extruded and more reliable models that are distinguished by high density and resistance to external influences. Such ceramics do not spoil from used household chemicals.

Products that do not have a glaze, belong to the budget class of coatings. As a rule, these are models without a pattern. Usually such tiles are put for reasons of practicality in high-traffic areas and where they wear shoes. Its texture is uniform and uniform.

Also there is a ceramic tile, covered with enamel.It is perfect for decorative trimmings. It is used not only on the floor, but also on the walls.

The simplest options that have no enamel or glaze are models made of red clay. They are called cotto. They are placed in areas with little traffic, because they are fragile and short-lived models. But they look natural and natural.

New and modern version, which includes several layers in its structure. So, it includes quartz sand and fiberglass. For decoration on top of the tile impose a pattern using photo printing techniques. From above it is covered with a protective polyurethane layer.

This tile not only protects well from moisture, but also provides high-quality sound insulation and fire resistance. It can be laid even on a warm floor. Besides, This tile does not slip, suitable for almost any room. It can imitate natural wood.Manufacturers are interesting models with embossed texture, which visually echo wooden floors.

This is a reliable tile, which is made of quartz, clay and feldspar. In addition, coloring pigments are included. Porcelain is made under great pressure, which is why it is so durable and reliable, but it is quite expensive. Such tile models look luxurious and elegant.

So, manufacturers represent marble, granite, cork, leather tiles, models for concrete and metal, from natural stone, coatings of polyester resin and glass, as well as many others.

You can find both glossy and matte models with different textures. Porcelain tile is frost-resistant and has a uniform texture. Besides, It is environmentally friendly and durable. It is put in almost all areas, even on the street.

The color of the tile plays an important role, as some models from different batches differ in tone. So, it can be brighter or more muted shades. That is why you need to pay attention to the marking, which is indicated on the packaging with tiles. As a rule, it is a combination of letters and numbers. Before buying, you need to make sure that all the packages you have bought have the same label.

If you don’t have enough of the tile you like, you can pick up models that come in a tone, that is, if you select the A12 tile, then buying A11 or A13 tones is permissible. In this case, you need to check the difference in color and pay attention to how much it is different. Even if the tile is slightly different in color, you can visually correct this flaw.

As for specific colors, it is better to choose not too light models. It is better if they have an interesting pattern, since it is easier to care for such tiles, it is not so visible dirt and dust.Some decorative options look very stylish. So, there is an interesting decorative tile for gold, which looks elegant and modern.

The interior looks bright blue and blue tiles, combined in different areas of the room. So, in the kitchen, the apron area can be trimmed with blue tiles, and the dining area - blue. Such an interior with an appropriate ornament is suitable for an oriental-style kitchen.

The interior of the bathroom will look great blue, purple and beige tiles. But for the decoration of rooms more suitable red, yellow or green, depending on the design of the room and the color scheme that prevails in its interior.

Typically, these shades are used for placement of accents and soften them with lighter or neutral tones. In the hallway usually put dark tiles: brown, gray, dark green or the color of red clay. This is the most practical choice for color design.

The appearance of the floor should harmoniously fit into the interior of the room. If you install it in a room where there are few natural light sources, for example, in a bathroom, then it is better to give preference to light models in warm shades.But in large, bright rooms, for example, in the kitchen or dining room, you can stack darker and brighter models. So, an interesting design option would be a combination of dark and light materials in the same room.

If the room is decorated in classic style, then you can choose a designer marbled tile. This is an excellent and discreet solution that will organically fit into the interior under the classics. In addition, models that have a simple design and a single basic tone with a discreet pattern are perfect for this style. These can be Empire monograms or striped patterns.

But the tile under the brick or masonry perfectly fit into the interior in loft style.

For interior decoration Provence style Perfectly suited models whose design is characterized by the presence of light shades and the texture of antique or rustic models. In addition, models like natural wood and light monochromatic tiles imitating other natural materials will perfectly fit into such a room. It is better to stop the choice on shades of pastel colors.

Some options can be used as an advantage to visually expand the boundaries of the room. So, the floor, covered with light tiles, can make the room brighter and more spacious. Therefore, it is often placed in small areas of the area. If you pick up a dark tile, it will well outline the boundaries of the room and emphasize its size. In addition, dark tile is better diluted with lighter coatings, combining them both on the floor and on the walls.

The choice of design and colors should depend on where the windows go in the room. So, in rooms with windows to the north it is necessary to lay light tile in shades of pastel colors. But in rooms with windows facing south, it is better to put a tiled covering of a cold shade.

As for the more modern stylistic trends, for hi-tech or minimalism perfect glossy glossy tile floor. It is better if it is a model of one tone, preferably black, gray, white or beige. You can choose a model with a 3D pattern.

The most popular and common forms of tiles - square and rectangular.But there are also octagonal and hexagonal types of tiles that look interesting and elegant. Most often, this form is found on the floor in classic interiors.

Tile size is usually standard. So, traditionally, manufacturers distinguish models with sizes of 20x20, 30x30 and 40x40 cm. But there are more interesting versatile models. For example, a small tile for a bright finish of the floor with a size of 10x10 cm. As a rule, it is placed in rooms with an interior in Provence style, as well as in some modern interiors.

It is most convenient to lay tile when its size is a multiple of the area of ​​the room and its parameters. Thus, each square meter can fit nine elements with dimensions of 33.3 by 33.3 cm. If you pick up such a tile, you do not have to cut it when laying, to spend time and effort on it. First of all, it is necessary to measure the area of ​​the room, after it is already possible to calculate the required number of tiles and its parameters. Some manufacturers are models of the same design, but of different size, you only need to choose the right one.

In addition, the collections are presented in different forms, so you can combine and combine them to get the perfect floor covering.Keep in mind that the actual size of the items may differ slightly from that specified by the manufacturer on the package. This is due to the characteristics of production.

That is why the store is better to measure the actual size of the product, so that you have enough of this flooring. Some popular manufacturers point to the gauge of the tile packaging, so it does not require cropping. All items from one package have the same size. But if this figure is not specified, then perhaps you will have to align the tile and trim.

Choosing the size of the tile its shape, you need to pay attention to the texture of your floor: if it is not too smooth and has some drawbacks, then it is better to give preference to small models of 10x10 or 15x15 cm. Thus, the tile will be less subject to cracking from differences in floor level. It looks bright and unusual and in its design resembles a mosaic. There is a long floor tile, which is easy to lay yourself. Usually this model under the tree.

In Russia, the most popular brands are: Cersanit, Estima, Azori, Belleza, Iddis.Luxury and sophisticated models are represented by the brand Gracia Ceramica. Turkey produces ceramic tiles from the Canakkale Seramik brand and models from Vitra porcelain stoneware. Both brands have won the trust of consumers.

Customer reviews indicate the popularity of the Belarusian tiles. Thus, the following brands produce tiles of good quality:

• Belani
• Belarti
• Berezakeramika
• Keramin

When choosing a tile for the floor, try to give preference only to those models that have the appropriate marking - the image of the foot. So, on the floors in the rooms in no case should not be laid wall products. Manufacturers always rely on the decor and beautiful look of wall models, but they do not have sufficient strength.

Choosing models for the kitchen, as well as for the bathroom, try to get non-slippery options. The package should indicate the coefficient of friction, which characterizes its safety and possible slipping. Models with a coefficient of 0.75 and above are great for laying in wet areas, but products with a lower coefficient are unsafe: it is easy to slip on them.

If you choose tiles for rooms where you plan to frequently wash the floors, it is better to give preference to models marked with AA. They are resistant to chemicals that are often used to clean the floor. In addition, they have special protective coatings that do not attract dirt. Thus, over the years, the appearance of the coating will not deteriorate.

If you choose a tile in the hallway, on the balcony or in the kitchen, it is better to give preference to semi-gloss models with a heterogeneous texture, since it will not be too noticeable scratches and fine dirt, as well as rubbing. Rough relief models collect a lot of dirt on themselves, so it is better to prefer smoother models.

For the bedroom is better to buy matte textured tiles. For such a room, models of the second class of wear resistance are selected.

Tiles can be cared for using any chemical floor cleaning products. She perfectly tolerates both wet and dry cleaning. But if the coating is glossy, then it is worthwhile to choose special means for the care of smooth surfaces so that there are no stains on the tile.

Depending on the shape of the tile, there are different options for laying it. So, traditionally it is put in rectangles or squares of the same size, side to side. But there are more interesting styling options with offset. To do this, most often use a square-shaped model. They are somewhat reminiscent of brickwork.

Some models can be placed diagonally. So the tile will have a diamond shape. Thus, the floor in the room will look unusual. In this case, the material consumption increases, as it is necessary to cut these models along the edges.

More difficult is laying Christmas tree. To do this, acquire a rectangular tile and put it with a triangle to each other. It will also be necessary to trim the product.

There is also an interesting variant of styling, which is called a Christmas tree with an attachment.In this case, contrasting elements are included against the background of a standard Christmas tree pattern.

A more complex and unusual installation option is a modular grid. It involves the use of different in size and shape of the elements, which are formed in beautiful patterns and ornaments.

A more modern interior can be decorated brighter. Combine contrasting color combinations: brown and beige, black and white, red and white, and others. At the same time they can be laid in staggered order or observing the pattern. Then the design will not seem so bright and catchy.

In the interior in the style of country, you can lay tile under the tree, and in the center of the room to make an accent area with unusual patterns that will resemble a carpet. This solution looks stylish and unusual.

In the next video you are waiting for the secrets of choosing ceramic tiles on the floor.