Terracotta tiles for finishing stoves and fireplaces in the interior

Traditionally, fireplaces and stoves are the heart of the house, a cooking place and a source of heat. With the advent of central heating and a gas stove, an urgent need for this object has disappeared. Now fireplaces play mainly decorative role, which depends on the choice of a suitable finish.

Terracotta are ceramic products made of unglazed clay. Conventional clay products are characterized by excessive porosity, which makes them water-permeable and brittle. Therefore, the properties of ceramics for domestic use are corrected by glazing and special additives.

For cladding material requirements are significantly higher than for household items. He experiences heavy loads: atmospheric (in the case of facades), temperature (in the case of stoves or fireplaces). therefore For the production of important chemical composition of raw materials. For example, a high content of organic matter in clay seriously affects the quality of the final product, and water-soluble salts affect its appearance.

Classic molding methods are not suitable for terracotta tiles, as they are not capable eliminate porosity. Extrusion technology successfully copes with this task.. The clay mass is extruded through the molding holes under high pressure, giving the final product a finely porous structure, density and uniformity. Firing blanks is carried out at a temperature of 1300 degrees for 36 hours.

Production features determine the positive properties of a terracotta lining:

• Environmental friendliness. The production uses only natural clay.
• Air permeability.
• Nonflammability and high heat resistance. This explains the popularity of terracotta tiles for finishing stoves, fireplaces, barbecues.
• High frost resistance. According to various sources, the figure varies from 70 to 150 cycles.

• Durability and durability. Some manufacturers give a warranty up to 150 years.
• Low weight.
• Facing does not change color and shape over time.
• No smell and toxic fumes when heated.
• Atmospheric resistance, chemicalbiological effects.

• Low water absorption. Liquid penetrated into the tile, comes to the surface in the form of steam. This property allows you to use the material for finishing rooms with high humidity.
• Good grip at the expense of the textured reverse side. This is one of the factors that distinguish extruded tiles from other types of ceramics. This property allows you to easily install tiles on vertical surfaces.
• Relatively low cost among heat resistant materials.

One of the largest producers of terracotta tiles in the territory of the CIS is the Terrakot group of companies, which includes various enterprises that produce raw materials or are engaged in marketing. High-quality white kaolin clay is used as raw material.

The tile from the Terrakot company has the following characteristics:

• heat resistance - up to 1000 degrees;
• frost resistance - 100 cycles;
• water absorption - up to 7%.

The range includes the following collections:

• "Old brick". The texture of antique bricks is great for interior and exterior in the old style. The products can be used for the restoration of historic buildings, as it will preserve their original appearance. Color - dark brown.

• "Fireclay". This collection is presented in several series: mini, maxi and chaos. The last series consists of tiles of various sizes, which allows you to create original masonry. The color scheme is light beige. The texture is relatively even with a slight roughness.

• "Ripped Stone", as well as "shamot", is presented in three series. Shades can be chosen from beige to red. The texture is uneven, imitating natural, roughly treated stone.

• Miami. The name of this collection is probably somehow connected with the Coral Castle, which is located near the famous resort. The tile imitates crushed sandstone with insignificant relief. The shade goes from burgundy to dark brown.

• Collection "Old lock" represented by a narrow and wide tile that imitates the masonry of an ancient castle. The colors are warm terracotta, changing shade depending on the lighting.

• "Breaking the tree". This collection is designed to mimic the surface of a split tree. The line corresponds to the natural wood shades. The angle of incidence of light affects their saturation. To judge the similarity with the original buyers, but the texture, however, is beautiful and interesting.

• "Leonardo". The name of the collection suggests that the designer was inspired by Italy. The relief texture resembles a cluster of small light-brown stones.
• "Tyson Mega". The collection with the largest tile is 31 * 15 cm. It looks like a masonry of flat-colored unsuited stone. Colors - burgundy and brown. You can purchase colors.
• Collection "Flagstone" imitates the texture and shape of the rocky limestone, made in natural terracotta shades. Perfect for lining the foundation and other exterior finishes.

In addition to the basic elements, Terrakot manufactures decorative parts to form belts and borders.This collection Antic Décor ancient greek themes and Nature Décor with natural drawings. In the company's assortment, you can also find refractory and heat-resistant dry mixtures and mastics.

Regardless of whether a new or old stove or fireplace is in your home, before lining it is necessary to carry out the preparatory work:

• remove the old finish;
• clean the surface from dust and degrease;
• wipe seams and bumps;
• For better grip, it is advisable to install a fiberglass mesh.

Adhesive to install the tile is better to choose refractory, withstanding heating up to 1000 degrees. In less heated areas it is possible to combine with other types of heat-resistant mixtures.

Installation work should start at the corners, using the corner elements.. This will give the trim a neat, complete look. The work should take into account the color transitions of tiles. For a uniform distribution of shades it is recommended to alternate the material from several boxes at once.

It is very important to avoid air bubbles., glue should be applied evenly on the terracotta and on the stove / fireplace surface. The presence of voids will subsequently affect the heat transfer of the object.

Grouting should be done gently, without hitting the material on the decorative part of the tile. The first heating can be carried out only after three days. after completion of all work (including trowels).

Here are some examples of using Terrakot products:

• fireplace in the shape of a medieval fortress;
• small fireplace in a classic style;
• composition associated with a fairy tale;
• rustic stove, decorated with "Plitnyak".

For information on how to properly finish stove tiles "Terrakot", see the following video.