Today the market provides a huge range of facing tiles for various purposes. Of all the variety of products, it is difficult for an ordinary person to make a choice in favor of any option. Provided that he does not have the professional training of a designer or builder. As part of this article, we will consider: what tiles to choose for the floor and walls, types of material.
Finishing with facing tiles has again become a popular type of interior arrangement. The lesson is not cheap and not easy. But it's worth it. The benefits of such a material are environmental friendliness, ease of maintenance, aesthetics and resistance to various influences. The argument in favor of tiles as a material for cladding is high resistance to different temperature conditions, moisture resistance and versatility. Further, we will analyze in more detail the questions: how to choose a tile, selection criteria, what to look for when buying.
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Types of tiles for floor and wall renovation
Construction and renovation work is inextricably linked with the surface finishing of walls and floors with different types of tiles. At the final stage of repair work, the owners need to choose the most suitable material for surface finishing. To choose decorative and quality products, you must first familiarize yourself with the main types of finishing tiles, their characteristics and properties. Let's look at a number of classic and new tile types.
- Polyvinyl chloride.
- Porcelain stoneware.
- Ceramic.
- Metallic.
- Stone.
- Glass.
- Wooden.
There are varieties of tiles made of different types of stone, relief types, options for the level of moisture resistance and plasticity. Which tiles are best for the floor or walls depends on the properties of the material, the place of installation and personal preferences. Each type of material has its pros and cons - they will be the subject of further review.
PVC tile
Many home craftsmen are wondering which tile to choose for the bath from the whole variety of materials and varieties. One of the new types of finishing materials is polyvinyl chloride tiles. In the fear of America and Europe, this finish is not new. In our country, the use of PVC tiles is only gaining momentum.
The material is a type of linoleum with a specific thickness and cut into the shape of squares, rectangles or other shapes. Several layers are used in the production of PVC tiles. It is based on a synthetic polymer. Crushed quartz can be used as a base. This adds even more strength to the material. Quartz-added tiles are suitable for electrically heated floors.
Tile manufacturers delight buyers with a wide variety of colors and sizes. This type of tile holds a special place in terms of design. PVC trim imitates different materials and is available in the form of: metal, tiles, natural stone, wood of different species. Below are some samples of PVC tiles in different colors.
The finishing material is suitable for use on large surfaces.PVC tiles are flexible and easy to cut to avoid obstacles (pipes, corners). Tile manufacturers guarantee a lifespan of 30 to 50 years depending on the characteristics. Some finishes may be self-adhesive and non-slip.
The first quality ensures easy, fast and comfortable styling. The non-slip flooring is great for a pool, bath or sauna. Some types of vinyl tiles are available with an antistatic coating, with a lock. Below is a sample of a natural wood look quartz vinyl tile.
Vinyl material is versatile. Versions with a wear-resistant coating can be used in any room: kitchen, hallway, living room, beauty salon, hairdresser.
The main advantages of vinyl tiles: durability, low price, ease of installation, resistance to mechanical stress, absolute moisture resistance. To the pluses, you can add the ability to retain heat, a variety of colors and design options. Users note: excellent thermal insulation, sound insulation properties of vinyl material, environmental friendliness, resistance to dirt, easy maintenance.
A small disadvantage of PVC tiles is the appearance of small gaps (up to one millimeter) when used indoors or on balconies at low temperatures. An increase in the temperature background returns the material to its original state.
Porcelain stoneware
Kerogranite or ceramic granite is made on the basis of high quality types of clay. For the strength of building products, a mixture of ground rock is added to the mass. Used as additives: feldspar, mica, quartz. For coloring, natural mineral dyes are added. The material receives special strength in the process under high pressure (almost 500 kilograms per centimeter) and further firing at a high temperature (1300 degrees).
Porcelain stoneware tiles are used for flooring, for wall cladding outside and inside premises. The result is a highly durable building material without pores. Such tiles do not absorb water and are resistant to many mechanical and chemical influences. It can withstand high and low temperatures. Porcelain stoneware is suitable for finishing bathrooms, corridors, pools, halls. There are many advantages of using porcelain stoneware.
Pros:
- Does not break like ceramics on a flawed surface;
- high resistance to chemical and mechanical stress;
- withstands low and high temperatures;
- absence of pores and corresponding water permeability;
- high strength and density;
- durability;
- heat resistance;
- variety in color;
- absolute harmlessness to humans and the environment;
- no color loss (uniform color of the mass over the entire depth).
Minuses:
- Cold stuff;
- high price;
- the complexity of laying, if necessary, cutting the material into additional elements;
- significant weight.
Ceramic tile
Tiles or ceramic tiles have been known as a finishing material since ancient times. In modern life, the popularity of the material has only increased. The main advantage of tiles is environmental friendliness. The production uses a natural material - clay, fired and pressed using a special technology. The tiles are made by double or single firing.
There are wall and floor cladding products, glazed and unglazed. For walls, tiles are produced with a thickness of no more than 5 millimeters in order to reduce weight and load on the surface. Products made of ceramics or porcelain stoneware are marked according to the degree of abrasion: PEI V, IV, III, II, I, 0.
The fifth group is used in places with heavy traffic (airport, shop), the fourth group of products is intended for places with high and medium traffic in any premises (house, hotel, floors in offices, loggias). The third group is suitable for all places with an average traffic, except for heavy traffic. The second group is suitable for living quarters except the kitchen, bedroom, balcony. The first group is used in rooms where people only wear soft indoor shoes. Designation 0 indicates that the product can be used only for wall cladding.
There is a classification according to the resistance of tiles to chemicals. The AA designation means that the tile is absolutely resistant. The letter D is the lowest degree of chemical resistance. A single A indicates a high resilience score. The letter B indicates the average. Designation with the letter C indicates a low stability index.
According to the degree of moisture absorption, one should be guided by the designation with the letter E. Designation of group III. E indicates a tile intended for wall cladding in dry rooms. I. E group means a product for rooms with any level of humidity. IIb. E group means wall tiles for wet rooms. IIa. E group is intended for laying on the floor in damp rooms. For facing external walls, facades, group Ib is suitable. E. Glazed porcelain stoneware is designated by the letters Ia. E.
In modern conditions, ceramic tiles are almost always used for wall cladding. When choosing a ceramic, one should consider: slip resistance, caliber, frost resistance, tonality. For floor work, a more durable material is often chosen. When cladding floors with ceramics, a warm floor is often used due to the fact that the material does not retain heat.
Pros:
- Resistance to chemical attack, abrasion;
- easy and simple maintenance;
- safety - does not emit harmful substances;
- resistance to high temperatures;
- a large selection of colors and designs;
- moisture resistance.
Minuses:
- Cold stuff;
- poor sound insulation properties;
- low impact resistance.
Metal tiles
Tiles made from metal are considered a new trend in the renovation business. Basically, metal tiles are used for finishing facades and floors in industrial facilities. Currently, tiles have begun to be successfully used in apartments and houses. Metal found its place as an element of the interior in combination with natural stone, wood and tiles. It is used as a Hi Tech, Deco finish.
If you want to use fragments of metal tile trim, it is better to follow the recommendations of professional designers. In kitchens, metal tiles are used for wall cladding located near stoves and stoves. Some users use tiles in bathroom flooring.
The main thing when facing surfaces in wet rooms is the choice of high-quality material that is not subject to corrosion. There are matt and polished tiles. Manufacturers use a number of metals in the manufacture of products: brass, stainless steel, bronze, copper, silver, titanium. To reduce the cost of tiles, porcelain stoneware is used as a base and a certain metal layer is applied to it.
Pros:
- Resistant to high temperatures, shock, chemical; impacts;
- ease of care;
- combination with other materials;
- no deformation under heavy loads;
- durability;
- moisture resistance;
- Beautiful design.
Minuses:
- Cold stuff;
- polished tiles must not be cleaned with abrasive products.
Stone tiles
Tiles made of natural stone (marble, travertine, onyx) lime from ancient times. The main advantages of stone tiles are durability, strength, decorative qualities. Today, there is a lot of evidence that stone becomes even more beautiful with age. Stone decoration of ancient buildings of Greece, Rome is admirable today. Stone tiles are superior in beauty and strength to all artificial products. Natural stone is very popular these days due to its natural beauty, unique natural properties, resistance to adverse environmental influences.
Marble tiles have many unique and beneficial properties. The material is resistant to moisture and temperature extremes.Tiles made of marble can be used for cladding floors and walls in bathrooms, saunas and fireplaces. Marble has a very valuable bactericidal property. Pathogenic microorganisms are unable to live on marble surfaces.
This material quality is especially relevant for humid and warm environments in hygiene rooms. It is not recommended to install marble tiles in the kitchen. The stone has the ability to absorb oils and fats. Some care is required during handling and maintenance. The material is subject to mechanical and chemical influences.
Granite tiles are considered the most resistant to various influences and durable. The material is not afraid of: humidity, temperature changes, mechanical damage. Granite can only be scratched with a diamond.
Granite tiles are not afraid of exposure to chemicals, acids, grease. Such material can be used in any room: kitchen, bathroom, building facade, hallway, living room. Granite tiles will last a very long time due to their special strength.
Onyx tiles have good durability. It is used for cladding floors and walls in kitchens and bathrooms. The material has special decorative qualities - the ability to transmit light fluxes. Tiles, not exceeding a thickness of more than five centimeters, transmit even not very bright light. The contrasting wavy lines of onyx make a striking impression.
Onyx is often used as display cases and stands with interior lighting. Onyx tiles are suitable for all surfaces. The material is not afraid of: moisture, temperature changes, medium mechanical influences.
Glass tiles
Glass slabs have been used in construction not so long ago. But the material quickly gained popularity due to a number of undeniable advantages.
- Durability.
- Hygiene.
- Safety.
- Diverse design.
The material is not subject to deformation, is not afraid of moisture and exposure to chemicals. The tiles are made of highly durable tempered glass. Therefore, the products are suitable for flooring. For this purpose, the tiles have an anti-slip surface. All patterns and colors are applied on the back of the product and covered with several protective layers. It should be noted that the tiles are easy to maintain. Glass does not absorb odors, grease. The tile is suitable for rooms with high humidity, for cramped and dark rooms (gloss reflects more light).
Pros:
- Good impact resistance;
- high hygienic qualities;
- durability;
- resistance to moisture and chemical attack;
- heat resistance (withstands up to 150 degrees);
- ease of care;
- beautiful varied design.
Minuses:
- High price;
- the material is prone to scratches (do not use abrasive products).
Which tile to choose in the bathroom
Consider the question - how to choose a tile for a bathroom, taking into account the characteristics of the material. For the bathroom, you should choose a moisture-resistant finishing material that is not afraid of chemicals and chlorinated water. Glass tiles, glazed ceramic tiles of class 2 AA or 1, porcelain stoneware with a rough polished surface are suitable for facing the room. Tiles with PEI 2 and PEI 3 class are suitable for the floor.
Porcelain stoneware and ceramics are selected taking into account less than 10% moisture absorption. Natural material in the form of marble and granite tiles is suitable for the bathroom floor. You can use special PVC tiles (moisture resistant). Travertine stone tiles will be a good finish. The material is not afraid of moisture and high temperatures.
Which tile to choose on the floor
Porcelain stoneware is a good material for flooring. The material is distinguished by high strength, a variety of colors that imitate natural materials. Sanded stone tiles are ideal for finishing bathroom and hallway floors.
For kitchen flooring, choose a tile that is resistant to grease and chemicals.As a rule, the tiles are marked with a foot, indicating the possibility of laying on the floor and high durability. Very durable and hygienic - marble tiles. Suitable for the bathroom, but should not be stacked in the kitchen (absorbs grease).
What color to choose a tile
Before renovation, you should carefully choose the texture and color, so that later you do not have to regret the time and money spent. Light and solid colors are unlikely to work in the kitchen. All dirt will be visible on such a surface. Glass goes well with ceramics. Bright colors are not suitable for a bathroom - they strain the eyes too much. It is better to choose discreet, soft shades.
Which company to choose - the best tile manufacturers
Low-cost tile options are produced by Czech, Russian, Polish manufacturers: Tubadzin, Rako, Cersanit, Opoczno. The quality of products is almost the same as that of world brands. According to the rating, the best manufacturers of facing tiles are Spanish and Italian companies: Mainzu, Marazzi, Adex, Ceramiche Concorde.
Tile selection options
For the floor, it is necessary to choose with a certain degree of roughness. It is more difficult to slip on such a surface. For walls, it is better to choose smooth, glossy tiles that are easy to clean. The tiles should be laid for a specific purpose. Floor products are not suitable for wall cladding and vice versa. When choosing tiles for different rooms, it is necessary to take into account the parameters: moisture resistance, wear resistance, resistance to chemicals, mechanical stress, to temperature extremes.
How much does the tile cost
The average cost of metal tiles is 130-150 rubles per square meter. Ceramic wall tiles cost within 500-65,000 rubles per square meter. The price of floor ceramics can reach 120,000 rubles.
Porcelain stoneware for the floor costs in the range of 500 to 9000 rubles per square meter. For the wall option, you will have to pay an amount in the range of 800-3500 rubles per square meter. Glass tiles are considered expensive - the cost varies from 500 to 15 thousand rubles. Vinyl tiles with a quartz additive cost an average of 1500-1800 rubles.
