How to choose floor tiles: expert advice. Which tile is better to put on the floor in the kitchen - pros, cons of different types of tiles Choosing tiles for the floor

Which tiles are suitable for the floor in the kitchen, how to choose the right size, format and read the markings, the nuances of laying tiles on the floor, manufacturers, prices and photos of floor tiles in the kitchen interior - here.

At the floor ceramic tiles a lot of advantages. The main one is that tiles will last in the kitchen much longer than laminate or linoleum, and are much more practical to clean. But it also has plenty of disadvantages.

Ceramics - very cold material. You can only walk on tiles in indoor shoes. Therefore, if you want to make your kitchen more comfortable, you will have to invest in a heated floor system. Due to its excellent thermal conductivity, ceramic tiles are ideal for its construction. Unlike the same linoleum.

Another disadvantage of tiles is poor sound insulation, so a soundproofing layer may be needed. An active child can injure their knees on hard tiles, and cups or plates that accidentally fall on the floor are guaranteed to break. And the tile itself can crack from a strong blow. Laying tiles requires time, experience or money, and the work is quite messy.

Don't these disadvantages scare you? Then let's figure out how to choose the best tiles for your kitchen.

Which tile to choose for the kitchen floor

  • Wall tiles cannot be placed on the floor (its surface will quickly lose its beautiful appearance, and the tiles themselves may crack), but floor tiles can be placed on walls. Floor tiles are much stronger and more durable thanks to special production technology. Look for the foot marking on the box. Wall tiles are indicated by an icon in the shape of a palm.
  • For the kitchen, it is especially important that the floor surface is not slippery. High-quality ceramic tiles must be marked with a coefficient of friction. If it is more than 0.75, such tiles are non-slippery and quite safe; they can be safely placed in the kitchen. Do not choose tiles with a friction coefficient of less than 0.4 - if water spills on the floor, someone in your household may slip.
  • The floor in the kitchen is subject to the heaviest loads, so experts recommend laying durable and wear-resistant tiles - hardness class III according to the PEI classification or class 5 according to GOST. If you don't use your kitchen very often, PEI II class is also suitable, but such tiles are less durable. Some manufacturers designate wear-resistant tiles with a shaded foot icon.
  • If you like your kitchen to be sparkling clean and often wash your floors with strong detergents, you should give preference to ceramic tiles labeled AA. The surface of such ceramics has maximum resistance to chemicals. This means that she is not afraid of the most aggressive household chemicals. The protective layer of such tiles repels dirt and is easy to clean.
  • For a kitchen floor, matte rather than glossy tiles are better suited. Scratches and abrasions are much less noticeable on matte and semi-matte surfaces. However, keep in mind that if the tiles are too rough and porous, all the dirt will stick to them and the floor will always look dirty. For the same reason, you should not place tiles that are too textured in the kitchen.

Sizes and formats of kitchen floor tiles

Square and rectangle are the most popular floor tile formats. Less common are ceramic or cement tiles in hexagonal or octagonal shapes. As a rule, it is used in classic or traditional kitchen interiors.

As for sizes, most often tiles of 20x20, 30x30, 40x40 cm and their variations are laid on the floor. For example, 31.6x31.6 or 33.3x33.3 cm. Sometimes on the kitchen floor you can also find small tiles in the format 10x10 or 15x15 cm. They look best in a kitchen in Provence or country style, but sometimes they fit perfectly into a modern interior . Floor tiles thicker and stronger than wall-mounted. Its average thickness is from 6.5 to 11 mm.

3 important nuances

1. The ideal option is when the width of the tile is a multiple of the width and length of the room. For example, nine tiles measuring 33.3x33.3 cm fit perfectly into one square meter of floor. Then most of the tiles will not have to be cut. This means installation will be easier, faster and cheaper.

Before purchasing tiles, carefully measure the length and width of your kitchen. Explore the assortment of several online stores or visit a construction hypermarket. Select several floor tile options that you like best and write down their sizes. Now take a calculator and calculate which tiles will fit your kitchen exactly.

If you really like a particular tile, but its size doesn't fit well with the dimensions of your kitchen, be sure to check: there may be a similar design in a different size in the same collection. Many ceramic collections are produced in several sizes and formats, and if they are not in stock, in many cases the seller can bring the tiles you need to order.

2. When choosing ceramic tiles, be especially careful - remember their caliber! The fact is that the actual size of the tile may differ by 5-7 mm, plus or minus, from the nominal, approximate size, which the manufacturer indicates on price tags and in catalogs. You chose a 30x30 cm tile, but its actual size is 29.5x29.5 or 30.5x30.5 cm.

This is not a defect, but a feature of ceramic production.

Serious tile manufacturers, European and Russian, always sort tiles by caliber and indicate this parameter on the packaging. Chinese factories often neglect sorting. Therefore, when purchasing Chinese tiles, be prepared for the fact that there may be ceramics of different sizes in one box. You will have to sort it and, if necessary, trim it yourself.

A good solution to the caliber problem is the so-called rectified tiles, which are specially cut at the factory to uniform, precisely specified dimensions. In addition, it can be laid practically without seams. This means that dirt will not accumulate in them, and such a floor is easier to clean. But rectified tiles are noticeably more expensive than regular tiles.

3. When deciding on the size of floor tiles, keep in mind the evenness of the base. If the floor in the kitchen has defects, and the work of thoroughly leveling it does not fit into the budget for your renovation, give preference small tile 10x10 or 20x20 cm. It visually conceals unevenness in the floor, and there will be fewer voids under it, due to which the tile may crack after a while.

Color and tone

Ceramic tiles from the same collection, but from different batches, differ not only in size, but also in tone. For example, the color can be darker or lighter, brighter or, conversely, muted. Manufacturers sort the tiles by tone and put the appropriate markings on the box. As a rule, this is a combination of letters and numbers or some kind of symbol.

For example, A45 or 12.

Before you pay for your purchase, make sure that all the tiles you have chosen are from the same batch and the markings on the boxes completely match in all respects.

Designer's advice
If a tile of one tone is not enough for you, take a tone that is as close as possible to the chosen one. For example, if you need a B12 tone, B11 or B13 will do. If there are none, take any tile marked tone B.
But be sure to take the tiles out of the boxes and make sure that the differences in tone are not critical. If the tones of the tiles differ too much, you can use a trick. A significant part of the floor in the kitchen is occupied by the kitchen unit, and no one will see the floor underneath it.
The main thing is to lay out the tiles when laying them so that the central, visible part of the floor is as uniform in color as possible.

Choosing a floor tile design for the kitchen

  • A light tile floor will make your kitchen brighter and visually more spacious, so this option is well suited for a small space. Dark tiles will only emphasize the small size of the kitchen. But even if the space allows, you should definitely compensate for the dark floor with light furniture and wallpaper.
  • If your kitchen windows face north or west, choose a plain, warm finish for the floor. light colors. And a warm “southern” kitchen will also respond well to tiles of rich, cold shades.
  • In a kitchen in a modern, high-tech or minimalist style, the best choice is a plain floor or tiles with the most neutral and unobtrusive pattern. A classic-style kitchen will be perfectly complemented by marble-effect tiles or ceramics with antique ornaments. A country or Provence interior will be completed by a floor laid with artificially aged ceramics, imitation cotto tiles, or a patterned ceramic “carpet” made of Metlakh tiles or its imitation.

Among the floor tiles, there are many collections in natural colors - different shades of brown, beige, gray. These flowers have an important advantage - they do not stain and are therefore well suited for the kitchen.

Wood-effect floor tiles or ceramic parquet

You can read in great detail about this finishing material in this special review. Keep in mind: most wood-look tiles are not tiles, but porcelain tiles. Long ceramic tiles, reminiscent of boards or laminate, break easily, so short “planks” or square tiles with a wood pattern, imitating type-setting parquet, are often made from tiles.

Wood-look tiles are often rectified and laid without visible seams. This creates a very reliable illusion of a real wooden floor, parquet board or solid wood surface.

The simplest and most unpretentious wood-effect floor tiles can be bought in online stores in Moscow and the region for about 470-700 rubles per square meter (for example, the Dublin collection from Uralkeramika, Karelia from the Kharkov Tile Factory). Russian wood-effect tiles and parquet from the Kerama Marazzi factory cost approximately 650 rubles per square meter (Wonderful Garden, Cassia, Glasgow collections).

Prices for Spanish ceramics that imitate a wooden floor start from 1300-1500 rubles per square (Wood collections from Monopole Ceramica, Brilliant from Absolut Ceramica, Lignum Natural and Savage from the Cifre factory, Bosco from Gaya Fores, etc.)

Stone effect floor tiles

In many cases, a good ceramic imitation can only be distinguished from natural stone by its appearance only by professionals. So modern technologies production allows you to convey the characteristic pattern and texture of granite, quartzite, marble, basalt or other stone rock. In most cases, stone-look tiles are also not tiles, but porcelain tiles - they are stronger and more durable than ordinary ceramics. But even among ordinary ceramic tiles you can find very interesting solutions.

For inexpensive options (on average 500-700 rubles per square meter in Moscow online stores), pay attention to the collections of the Volgograd Ceramic Factory (Allegro), Kerama Marazzi (Transbaikalia, Cameo, Still Life, Aurelia, Sella, etc.), Shakhtinskaya tiles ( Pietra), Atem, Jade Ceramics (Watercolor), Uralceramics (Adagio).

The average price option is Polish “stone” tiles for 1000-1200 rubles per square meter (Samaria from Tubadzin, etc.) and Spanish ceramics for 1000-2700 rubles per square meter (collections from factories Europa Ceramica, MYR Ceramica, Venus Ceramica, Mainzu, Argenta Ceramica, Pamesa, Keros Ceramica, Dualgres, etc.).

Italian stone-look floor tiles vary greatly in price - depending on the factory, their cost varies from 1200 to 4000 rubles per square meter (factories Imola Ceramica, Serenissima Sir La Faenza, Del Conca, Majorca, etc.

Important!
Not original, but very important advice - be sure to buy tiles with a reserve. Some of the tiles may break during installation, get “lost” when trimmed, or your floor will require repairs over time, and you will no longer be able to find tiles exactly the same in tone and size.
If the styling pattern is simple, 5% is enough. For complex modular or diagonal laying It’s better to add at least 10% on top.

Laying tiles on the floor - 3 things you need to know

  1. If you are planning to do kitchen renovations yourself or save on the services of a tiler by inviting a cheaper specialist, keep in mind: the slightest deviation from tile laying technology can have dire consequences. If the subfloor is not level enough and there is an air gap between the floor and the tiles, the tiles can easily crack if something heavy falls on them and will have to be replaced. Make sure that such voids are no more than 10% of the floor area and that they are not concentrated in one place.
  2. It is highly advisable to remove the old flooring. A tiled floor will last a long time only if the base is well prepared. It should be smooth, hard and dry. If the floor is cement, remove any bumps and uneven spots and seal cracks and holes. If it is old wooden, properly fix the “loose” boards and strengthen them with additional spacers.
  3. Thoroughly clean the floor of dust and debris. All this is necessary so that the tiles and glue can adhere to the surface as best as possible.

How to choose floor tiles: in this article on the website we will look at how to choose floor tiles kitchens and corridors and how to lay tiles on the floor with your own hands. Thanks to its aesthetic appearance and unique properties, the undisputed leader in finishing materials is floor tiles: photos of modern interiors clearly demonstrate this. But how to choose the right tile among the many different offers on the market? Buying flooring is not an easy task that requires a careful approach to its solution. Indeed, to create not only a stylish, but also a high-quality interior, it is necessary to take into account the technical characteristics and features of this material. After reading the article and the proposed photos of floor tiles in the interior, you can easily make your own choice.

Ceramic tiles are one of the most practical types of flooring

Floor tiles: advantages and disadvantages

Tile has a number of advantages over other finishing materials:

  • hygiene - tiles are considered the best finishing material for rooms with high levels of pollution. Smooth and Smooth surface easy to clean, does not accumulate dust and tolerates washing well even with the use of aggressive household chemicals. The latter is a big plus, since the floor in the kitchen and hallway is constantly exposed to moisture, which can contribute to the appearance of mold and harmful bacteria;


IN modern interior kitchen floor tiles used different sizes and colors

  • strength – with high-quality installation, tiles can withstand significant loads from blows. In addition, it is not subject to mechanical damage and loss of color;
  • durability - high quality laid tiles can serve you up to 50 years without losing its visual appeal;
  • moisture resistance – not afraid of high humidity and even flooding;


The combination of black and white tiles is a timeless floor design option

  • fire resistance - ceramic tiles do not react in any way to increased temperatures and will not burn in the event of a fire;
  • ease of restoration - in case of damage there is no need to replace the entire floor covering. You can easily replace a separate section, returning the interior to its original appearance;
  • environmental friendliness - ceramic tiles are a material that is safe for health;


Floor tiles with a bright ornament will become an original interior decoration

  • a large selection - numerous options for colors, patterns, sizes, as well as a variety of tile textures make it possible to create not only a practical, but also a visually attractive design.

Specialized online resources will help you get acquainted with a variety of photos of floor tiles for the hallway. Prices for this material can be found on the websites of construction stores.


Ceramic tiles are a durable material - their service life reaches 50 years

But, like any coating, tiles have a number of disadvantages. We list the difficulties associated with laying tiles and options for eliminating them:

  • poor-quality installation can lead to cracks, so it is necessary to prepare a flat and dry base in advance;
  • tiles have poor soundproofing properties. This drawback can be eliminated using a special layer, which is laid at the stage of creating the screed;


The most popular shapes of floor tiles are square and rectangle

  • tile is a rather cold material. But at the same time, the tile has excellent thermal conductivity, so the problem can be solved by installing a “warm floor” system;
  • tiles are a slippery surface, so it is better to give preference to tiles with a rough texture.


An example of using tiles in the interior of the hallway of a private house

Quality indicators for floor tiles in the hallway and kitchen

How to choose floor tiles not only beautiful, but also of high quality, pay attention to the labeling. The manufacturer must indicate on the packaging the following indicators:

  • PEI – level of wear resistance of ceramic tiles. Measured on a scale of 1 to 5 units;
  • percentage indicator of moisture resistance of the material;
  • floor tile size;


Currently, there are a large number of ceramic tile options available on the construction markets.

  • resistance of the material to chemicals. The classification is from D to AA, where D is the minimum indicator, AA is the maximum;
  • the method in which the product was produced (the letter B stands for the pressing process, the letter A for extrusion);


The meaning of the pictograms on the packaging of ceramic tiles

  • tile hardness. This indicator is measured on a ten-point scale of the MEP. The higher the number indicated on the packaging, the greater the hardness of the tile;
  • type of tile. It is easy to recognize by the color of the markings on the packaging. So, red color indicates the 1st grade of material, Blue colour– 2nd grade, green – 3. The higher the grade of the purchased product, the higher its price.


Bright accents in the design of the apartment hallway

Helpful advice! It's not worth saving choosing tiles lower grade. According to the standards, no more than 5% of defective products are allowed in a batch of the first grade, while for third grade tiles this figure reaches 25%.


Ideal floor tiles for the hallway and kitchen: photos of the best finishing options

Characteristics that tiles intended as flooring in the hallway and kitchen should have:

  • floor tiles in the kitchen and hallway must have a wear resistance class of at least PEI 3;
  • the water resistance of the material should not be less than 3%;
  • the friction coefficient should not exceed 0.75%;


Floor tiles should fit harmoniously into the overall interior of the room

  • among manufacturers, market leaders are companies from countries such as Spain and Italy;
  • It is better to choose the first type of tile;
  • The size and shape of the tile can be any depending on your preferences.


Combining wooden floors and tiles in kitchen design

Helpful advice! When choosing flooring for the hallway and kitchen, it is not necessary to buy tiles with inflated technical characteristics. In practice, you are unlikely to notice much of a difference, but the price of such products is much higher than for the same materials with average performance.


For use as flooring interesting option there will be tiles with an unusual pattern

Dimensions and shapes of floor tiles for the kitchen and corridor: interior design photos

Standard sizes of floor tiles are 30x30 cm, 20x30 cm, 20x25 cm, 20x20 cm, 10x15 cm, 10x10 cm. However, now you can purchase products in larger sizes - 40x40 cm, 60x100 cm, 70x120 cm.

The most common tile shapes are square and rectangle (in this case, the aspect ratio can be absolutely any - 1/2, 1/3, etc.) Elongated “sticks” are much less common.


Combined flooring in the interior of the kitchen of a private house

Floor tiles for the hallway and kitchen. Choice of color and texture

Choosing floor tiles, you will come across a huge assortment of this finishing material. The tiles differ from each other not only in size and shape, but also in texture and color.

Which option should you prefer? Here are some tips for choosing this flooring:

  • For the kitchen and hallway it is better to choose tiles with a rough surface. This will reduce the level of slipping, but it is worth considering that dust and dirt will accumulate in the recesses of excessively textured tiles. At the same time, products with a glazed surface have greater moisture resistance and increased strength. Photos available on the Internet perfectly illustrate what such tiles look like in a hallway on the floor;


A variety of shapes, patterns and different sizes of tiles will allow you to create a unique indoor interior

  • When choosing the color of floor tiles, it is important to consider overall design interior Most often, preference is given to tiles of light colors with a monochrome surface. To do this, you can use not only ceramics, but also porcelain stoneware (you can get acquainted with the range of porcelain tiles on the partner’s website http://www.ceramomaster.ru/italon.html);
  • a light floor can significantly expand the room visually;


The bright colors of the tiles will please the eye and improve your mood.

  • floor tiles dark colors are permissible only in a spacious hallway (kitchen), while requiring light shades for furniture and other interior details;
  • Please note that black and white tiles are very easily soiled options, but combining tiles of these colors is a timeless option. This combination is placed in a checkerboard pattern or in diamonds diagonally;


Ceramic tiles are environmentally friendly and fire resistant

  • The most successful colors for finishing these rooms are considered to be gray, brown and beige;
  • A matte surface is more practical than a glossy one. Dirt and scratches are less noticeable on such a floor;
  • Tiles that imitate natural stone will look very stylish. This tile is suitable for creating a classic or “rustic” interior;


Ceramic tiles with ornaments were used as flooring in the kitchen design.

  • Wood-effect floor tiles are very popular. Such tiles are universal for interiors decorated in any architectural style;
  • Medium-sized tiles with a repeating pattern will allow you to visually make the room smaller and more comfortable.


Floor tiles are great for creating a rustic interior

Floor tiles for the hallway and kitchen. Photo illustrations of interior design options

The color of the selected floor covering directly depends on whether the room being decorated has windows and where they open. So, if there are no windows in the corridor or they are facing north, then it is better to give preference to plain light tiles. A dark coating will take in too much light.
If the windows in the room face south, you can use more saturated colors.


For a small kitchen it is better to use medium or small tiles

At choosing the size and shape of the tiles It is important to consider the area of ​​the room. Large square tiles are perfect for a spacious kitchen or hallway, and, for example, using rectangular tiles you can visually lengthen a short corridor. Looking through photos of floor tiles for the hallway, you will see examples of such work with space.


Using floor tiles you can create a unique interior design

For designs with ethnic motifs, a variety of patterns and ornaments are perfect; in rooms decorated in a minimalist style, it is preferable to use tiles with a monochrome surface, and in a modern interior, bright colored floors would be appropriate.


The ideal solution would be to install a “warm floor” system under ceramic tiles.

Helpful advice! To prevent the floor from looking monotonous and boring, you can combine large tiles and small ones. decorative tiles with an interesting design. Such small original inserts can be made both in the center of the room and by distributing them evenly between monochromatic areas.


Various uses of multi-colored floor tiles in kitchen design

How to lay tiles on the floor with your own hands

The service life of the flooring directly depends on how well you prepare the base. The concrete floor must be leveled before laying the tiles. For this, a special composition is used, after which it is necessary to check using a level. After the solution has dried, a primer is applied to a clean and dry surface.


Ceramic tiles are quite easy to lay on the floor with your own hands.

Before laying the tiles, markings are made, taking into account the size of the tiles. But some masters recommend just starting from the corner. Having mixed a special adhesive solution, apply it to the surface with a smooth spatula. After this, the glue must be leveled using a notched trowel.


Features of ceramic tiles are high hygiene and ease of care

Making your own tile adhesive is easy. To do this, use a construction mixer or a drill with a special attachment. Dilute the dry mixture in water according to the instructions and mix thoroughly. The finished product should be left to stand for 15 minutes and then mixed well again. This will allow you to obtain a homogeneous solution.


Do-it-yourself laying of ceramic tiles on the floor

Helpful advice! Do not mix a large amount of glue at once, otherwise it may begin to dry out even before it is used. It is better to repeat the process 2-3 times.

To apply tile adhesive, it is very convenient to use a notched trowel with one smooth side. Ready solution applied to the floor surface in an area of ​​no more than one square meter and to each tile separately. It is important not to forget that the direction of the grooves on the tile and on the floor should be different. This promotes better adhesion of the glue after drying.


Tiles imitating stone in the interior of the hall

Special spacer crosses will help you make the seams between the tiles even and parallel to each other. Next, the already laid tiles are adjusted to the level using gentle tapping with a rubber hammer.

After the solution has completely dried, all that remains is to rub and process the tile joints. To do this, use a rubber spatula.


Procedure for laying floor tiles

Helpful advice! Over the next two or three days, the seams must be moistened with water. This helps them dry evenly and prevents deformation.

On one's own select and lay floor tiles into the kitchen and into the hallway is quite possible. Using the expert advice presented in the article, you can realize any of your ideas, creating a unique interior.

They haven't come up with an even more practical and durable flooring material than tile flooring. It is well suited for almost any room, from the bathroom or kitchen to the bedroom or loggia. Due to its high hygiene, wear resistance, acid resistance and frost resistance, it is used in kindergartens, hospitals, industrial premises, and outdoors. From this material you will learn how to choose the right floor tiles.

Ceramic floor tiles are evaluated according to several characteristics:

  • Hardness. It is rated on a 10-point Mohs scale: 1 – talc hardness, 10 – diamond. The tile on the floor must have a rating of at least 7, that is, it cannot be scratched with a file, but it can be scratched with a diamond-coated tool.
  • Wear resistance. Evaluated on a 5-point PEI scale. The first and second degrees of wear resistance are suitable for wall cladding, the third - for floors with medium and low traffic. The fourth and fifth degrees are suitable for flooring in any room.

In order to immediately cut off unnecessary options, you need to formulate technical requirements, determine what load the floor will be subjected to, what the temperature and humidity conditions will be indoors or outdoors, whether the floor will be affected by special factors (for example, aggressive chemicals), and so on.

Each package has pictograms that allow you to understand the scope of application of a particular tile

When choosing floor tiles, one of the important characteristics is their porosity. Other characteristics largely depend on it. The greater the porosity, the more water the material can absorb. It is indicated as a percentage, which indicates how much the weight of the material increases after 2 hours in water. Low porosity is achieved due to the high firing temperature, which causes greater shrinkage of the material. As porosity decreases, the frost resistance and bending strength of the tile increases. Unglazed types also become more resistant to staining.

The strongest impact on the floor is the sole of our shoes. The more dirt and sand there is on it, the faster the coating will wear out. This must be especially taken into account when choosing floor tiles for corridors and hallways, lobbies.

Quick navigation through the article

Glossy or matte?

  • A matte surface is more difficult to clean.
  • Glossy tiles are more slippery.
  • On a glossy surface, a small scratch will be visible much better than on a matte one.
  • Over time, glossy floor tiles will wear off and light bald spots will appear on them.

Shape and size

Spanish Oset Cottage tiles realistically replicate the texture of wood. Nail heads are applied to the corners of each board with metallic paint.


Floor tiles usually have square shape. There are also wood-look options that imitate laminate or parquet; they have the shape of rectangles.

A side of square floor tiles from one collection is greater than the height of the wall tile, but less than its length. Sometimes the diagonal of the square is strictly equal to the length of the main wall tile.

Collection example


People also often want to put seamless tiles on their bathroom floors. It differs from the usual one in the absence of a chamfer around the perimeter. It is not suitable for most bathrooms, as it has big sizes, which is incompatible with the size of the room. It is good to use in large public spaces with high traffic.

Color

The floor should always be dark. A light-colored floor will quickly get dirty and even the smallest dust will be visible on it. Since the tile will be matte, dirt will eat into it. On a light surface this will become noticeable after 1 year, and on a dark surface – after 15 years.

And most importantly, light-colored floor tiles should be grouted with a light-colored grout (± a couple of tones).
Why can't you grout white tiles with black grout? There are already a lot of lines and sharp transitions in the bathroom. If you also highlight each seam with a contrasting color, this abundance will dazzle the eyes.


After six months, light cement grout will turn gray or brown from clogged dirt, which can only be cleaned with a toothbrush with great effort. Of course, you can use expensive epoxy grout, which will not lose color over time, but not every master knows how to work with it.

White seams eventually turned dirty beige


Dark floor tiles should be adjacent to dark wall tiles. This way the interior will look beautiful and harmonious, because they will be from the same collection. Drops that will appear when washing the floor will also be less visible on a dark surface.

Anti-skid

Pamesa Ceramica (Spain), Kiev collection with anti-slip surface


For almost every room, and even more so for a damp one, slip resistance will be important. This characteristic is determined by the friction coefficient. To reduce slipping on dry inclined surfaces Corundum-coated tiles are usually used. On wet surfaces, ribbed tiles with grooves are laid.

You shouldn’t choose aesthetics at the expense of practicality. For example, ceramic floor tiles with textures or patterns are not suitable for the kitchen, as they will constantly accumulate dirt. In the corridor, the lining should be easy to wash, and there should be no small scratches or abrasions on it. Glossy tiles on the bathroom floor will look like a slippery skating rink. For public premises, the main criterion is the 4th or 5th wear resistance class.

Manufacturer

Almost any domestic tile has poor calibration and geometry. The dimensions of tiles from one box may differ by several millimeters, which will not allow you to lay such material evenly.


At the moment (2014-2015), the highest quality ceramic floor tiles are made in Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Germany. You shouldn’t look at the brands of manufacturers; each of them has both bad and good collections.

Laying features

The correct layout on the floor is done in the following way:

  • We calculate how many whole rows of tiles will lie on the surface.
  • Subtract 1 whole row.
  • Lay out the rest from the center. Along the edges you will get 2 even cuts, which are guaranteed not to be narrow.

Peculiarities:


Conclusion

Do not confuse the technical characteristics of the tile with its quality. Tiles with low wear resistance are also of high quality, but simply have a different area of ​​application. It is absolutely not necessary to buy tiles for the bathroom with increased frost resistance or wear resistance. Also, do not use wall tiles for the floor. It may be of good quality, but it will not last long.

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Many people choose ceramic tiles as a floor finishing material, despite the abundance of other floor coverings on the construction market. Tile has a lot of advantages compared to other coatings. Let's look at how to choose floor tiles for different types of rooms.

Features and advantages of the material

If you start comparing floor tiles with regular tiles, then it is immediately noticeable that the first one has a greater thickness. The finish also has increased wear resistance characteristics. Because of these properties, tiles are usually installed in the kitchen and hallway.

Among other advantages and features, we can highlight high hygiene. Compared to any other floor coverings, tiles are considered the best material for floors in rooms where there is an increased level of pollution.

The material has extraordinary strength. The main thing is to know how to choose floor tiles so as not to regret the purchase. If professionally installed, tiles can withstand significant loads from impacts, as well as other mechanical damage. Not only is the finish durable, but it also doesn't lose its color over time.

Ceramics are very durable. Unlike other coatings, floor tiles can last without loss or decline. technical characteristics up to 50 years. The tiles are not afraid of moisture and serious flooding - that is why tiles are chosen for finishing bathrooms. Any other material in the bathroom will quickly become damp and become unusable.

If the flooring is damaged, you can repair just the damaged area without having to replace the entire floor. And finally, ceramics will never cause harm to human health. This is the most environmentally friendly option among all existing floor coverings (except wood, of course). Shops and construction hypermarkets offer a huge selection of floor ceramics of all colors, patterns, sizes and textures.

This allows you to create not only a durable, but also an attractive coating.

Flaws

If you lay tiles in violation of the technology, this will lead to the formation of cracks. To obtain a high-quality result, it is not enough to choose high-quality tiles. It is necessary to first thoroughly prepare the subfloor. It should be smooth and dry.

For all its advantages, tiles have poor sound absorption properties. But this disadvantage can be easily eliminated using soundproofing layers. The latter are laid when pouring the screed.

Ceramic tiles are very cold, but have high thermal conductivity. The cold problem can be solved by installing heated floors. Finally, the tiles are very slippery. For bathrooms, options with a rough surface are more preferable.

Criterias of choice

How to choose floor tiles? First of all, the choice depends on the type of room where it will be installed. So, it could be a bathroom, kitchen, living room, hallway. The finishing characteristics depend on the type of room. There are certain criteria for choosing floor tiles.

Structure

The construction market offers materials with a glossy, matte or embossed surface. It should be taken into account that tiles are very slippery, so you should not opt ​​for glossy products, even if they look very impressive. Glossy floors become hazardous if exposed to water. If you really like the shine, then it is better to use it where the humidity is lower.

Dimensions

How the room and interior will be visually perceived depends on the geometric characteristics. If you place large ceramics in a small room, it will visually shrink and it will be cramped. But a small mosaic will visually expand the space.

Large tiles are relevant in rooms whose area is more than seven square meters. For bathrooms and toilets, it is better to use smaller options.

Color spectrum

Floors, like walls, occupy a fairly large area. This means that the coating can significantly influence the process of shaping the interior of the room. Professional designers advise which floor tiles to choose to get a harmonious interior:

  • Floors should be in harmony with other finishes, or contrast with them. White tiles on the floor in the hallway will make a dark room lighter and visually expand it. Color saturation depends on the brightness of the light.
  • Natural stone tiles will look ideal in classic interiors. But the imitation will also look quite impressive.

Materials

It is believed that ceramics are an exceptionally cold floor. Therefore, it is not used for bedrooms and children's rooms. And this is true for stone and ceramic materials. But you can find special warm tiles on sale. This new product was developed in Japan. The structure of such a product contains a mass of air bubbles, which act as a barrier against cold without reducing the strength characteristics. Therefore, for those who do not know which floor tiles to choose, warm products are an ideal option. The floor will be easy to use and will not give off cold.

Let us note one nuance. Among ordinary tiles, there are also warmer and cooler options. Thus, the stone is much cooler than ordinary ceramics. It is better to choose granite and porcelain tiles for corridors.

For those who don’t know which floor tiles are best to choose to keep it warm, stores can offer special vinyl trim. It is much warmer than regular tiles. But this is not classical ceramics. This is something like ordinary linoleum, but with a different composition and installation technology. The material can be easily adjusted to fit rooms of any size, elastic and warm. But he's no different high durability. The service life is no more than 10 years.

There are also quartz vinyl tiles. It is harder than PVC materials, since it contains 80 percent quartz sand.

Marking

Any package containing tiles has special markings. They will help and advise you on how to choose floor tiles. Manufacturers have encrypted all the necessary information in these symbols. If a palm is drawn, then this is wall tile. If the foot, then, accordingly, for the floor. Snowflake means that the material is intended for use as an exterior finish.

Decorative characteristics

Often the tiles are decorated with various decorative elements. These can be inserts, patterns, relief stripes. It all looks very elegant, but only if it matches the area of ​​the room and the interior design.

For small rooms, you should not get carried away with a large number of such patterns. This noticeably hides the free space.

Manufacturers

Many are sure that choosing the right floor tiles can only be from foreign manufacturers. In fact, the stores offer many high-quality domestic products that have the same characteristics as imported ones. But its price is much lower.

If you make a choice without specific experience, it is best to trust trusted manufacturers:

  • Almera Ceramics.
  • "Cersanite".
  • "Novabell"

Variety

For those who don’t know how to choose floor tiles, markings come to the rescue again. It must indicate the variety. The higher it is, the lower the quality. Low quality tiles may have dimensional errors. Various defects, deviations in thickness, unevenness in painting, chips.

Each variety has its own marking. The first is red, the second is blue, and the third is green. Regardless of which floor tiles you choose for the bathroom or any other premises, it is better to purchase tiles from the same batch. Why is that? Identical products from different batches may differ significantly in color, shades and even sizes.

Features of choice

Let's look at which floor tiles to choose for the bathroom. Bathroom ceramics must meet certain requirements. This is correct geometric shapes and strict compliance with sizes. The material must be intact without defects, the surface of the tile must be resistant to abrasion. Another important characteristic is resistance to temperature changes and moisture. In addition, bathroom tiles must withstand chemical cleaning agents and have an anti-slip effect.

For those who do not have the proper experience and do not know which floor tiles to choose for the bathroom by color, it is best to purchase a set of floor and wall tiles. The collections of modern manufacturers present various models. You just need to take into account the main design rules - it’s good to choose light colors for small rooms.

Kitchen

How to choose floor tiles for the kitchen? There are two options. These are porcelain tiles or traditional ceramics. You should not be afraid of porcelain stoneware - there have been no special substances in its composition for a long time.

Among the advantages of such tiles, it is worth noting a long service life and the ability to maintain a magnificent appearance for 15 years. The material is also highly durable, which is very important in the kitchen. Tiles are not easy to scratch. There are no greasy stains left on the surface. This is also a big plus. Among the disadvantages is that porcelain tiles are cold and very slippery when exposed to moisture.

Ceramics have the same advantages and the same disadvantages as porcelain stoneware. But its price is noticeably lower. There are two types of ceramics - glazed and regular. The first models are distinguished by a more glossy surface, as well as increased hardness. This a good choice for kitchen. Here's how to choose floor tiles for your kitchen. Regarding color and design, you need to consider existing interior kitchens.

How to choose the right color

The floor covering, or rather its color, plays an important role in the interior. It is not enough to simply choose high-quality ceramics or tiles - you need them to complement the existing interior. Different rooms have different color requirements.

Experts will share tips on how to choose the color of floor tiles. White bathroom tiles are a classic that some people consider too boring. But white is the best thing for visually expanding space. Blue or green shades will create a cool and fresh atmosphere. More natural shades (beige, coffee) will bring a calming effect.

Turquoise, gold and red are used to accentuate certain points. Too much bright colors will cause overvoltage. Black color will narrow the space and have a depressing effect on the psyche. But if the room has good lighting, then a dark color can be effectively used in combination with white or coffee.

Here's how to choose ceramic floor tiles by color and shade. This is an important characteristic that should be taken into account when creating interiors for various rooms.

Grout colors

Grout also plays an important role in the design of a tile floor. It will complement the color scheme of the floor. In the case of multi-colored ceramics, choose the darkest and lightest colors. Then everything is decided by size. If the tiles are plain, then the shade is chosen according to the functional purpose of the room. To accentuate the furniture, choose grout to match the tiles. When using mosaics, take a shade that would contrast with the main tone. But you can also choose a neutral color.

Conclusion

So, we found out how to choose the grout color for floor tiles. Using these simple tips and tricks, you can have a beautiful and practical space. Glossy surface will look better matte. But it is worth remembering that if water gets in, such tiles become very dangerous. It is better to use it only for walls.

Among the wide variety of flooring materials, ceramic tiles occupy a special place. This material has been tested for years and gives no reason to doubt its advantages, especially in rooms with special operating conditions and microclimate. Today's material will talk about the benefits of tiles, how to choose floor tiles, as well as alternative varieties tile materials.

There are many options for floor tiles, differing in the material used. But ceramic tiles take the lead for many reasons.

The main thing is that it has no restrictions on use in premises of any purpose and differs in completely different ways:

  1. Considering the surface to be covered, tiles can be wall or floor. The first is thinner, the second is more durable and wear-resistant.
  2. Considering the operating conditions, different requirements are placed on ceramics - it can be used indoors and outdoors. Outdoor ceramic tiles must have a low level of water absorption, be resistant to cracking and be frost-resistant.
  3. Based on their composition, tiles are divided into ceramic and porcelain stoneware.

Methods for making ceramics

There are two ways to produce tiles: pressing and extrusion. In the first case, durable, aesthetically attractive products are obtained. In the second case, the tiles are extruded through an extruder under high pressure.

To produce glazed tiles, the double firing method (bicottura) is used. Using the pressing method, a tile of the required shape is formed from a clay mixture, then it is fired and glazed, and then fired again. This type of tile is not very durable, and therefore is more often used for interior work.

Technical qualities of floor ceramics

When choosing ceramics, they look at the grade of the product; the higher it is, the higher the quality of the tile.

Grade I tiles are characterized by uniformity, caliber, strength and correspond to other qualities declared by the manufacturer. Low-grade tiles have some defects - the presence of uneven corners or surface planes, a not very clear pattern. Grade II is assigned to products that have defects on only one side in the form of uneven color, sagging and unevenness on the edges. If there are flaws on both sides, the tile is assigned grade III.

Despite this, even third-grade tiles meet operational requirements that allow them to be used for cladding walls and floors of unheated rooms. A fairly low level of water absorption is ensured by the porous and dense structure of the products and their frost resistance.

Advantages and disadvantages of using ceramic tiles

The advantages of ceramics include the following:

  1. High strength.
  2. Environmental cleanliness.
  3. Hygiene.
  4. Hypoallergenic.
  5. Moisture resistance.
  6. Wide selection of colors and shapes.
  7. Bacteriological resistance.
  8. Fire resistance.
  9. Dielectricity.
  10. High coefficient of thermal conductivity, which is important for “warm” floors.
  11. Wear resistance.
  12. Color fastness against exposure to UV rays.
  13. Durability.
  14. Variety of shapes and sizes.

Among the disadvantages, first of all, the fragility and low soundproofing properties of the coating are noted. It is also worth noting that the surface is cold to the touch and difficult to dismantle. In addition, if you have no experience in laying tiles, then it is better to entrust this matter to professionals who know how to solve all sorts of small nuances that pop up during the work. The calculation formula looks like this: cost of work = ½ cost of material.

Characteristics of tile floor

Regardless of the material used, the flooring must meet a certain set of performance requirements. As for ceramic tiles, a floor made from it must have the following qualities:

  1. Wear resistance. The tiles are selected depending on the upcoming loads on the floor covering - the wear resistance class of the floor covering must correspond to the level of traffic in the room.
  2. In rooms where temperatures are expected to drop in winter (unheated rooms), great attention is paid to frost resistance of the coating.
  3. Hypoallergenic. The material should not highlight harmful substances and provoke the appearance of allergic reactions.
  4. Fire resistance. The material must not support or spread flames.
  5. Moisture resistance. This criterion is especially important when laying floors in the bathroom, hallway and kitchen. The material should not absorb moisture and serve as a medium for the development of harmful microorganisms.
  6. Chemical and mechanical resistance.
  7. Anti-slip surface.

Types of ceramics

The surface structure of floor ceramics can be matte with a slight relief, imitating, for example, the surface of natural stone or smooth glossy. The rough, porous surface of matte floor products is pleasant to the touch and safe, as it provides an anti-slip effect and safety. Glossy products are more often used on walls - the glazed coating protects the image and makes them shiny. With the help of glossy tiles you can visually make the room more voluminous.

Tiles with a smooth surface are among the simplest options; they are functional and practical - they are easy to install and keep clean. The smooth surface can retain heat well.

Mosaic is less common, but still found on the floor in the bathroom or other “wet” rooms. When using such tiles on the floor, you can create a unique original pattern, but you should carefully consider the grouting material, which is much more numerous than when laying large-format floor tiles.

What to look for when choosing ceramic tiles

When choosing tiles, first of all, they take into account the purpose of the room in which they will be laid, the conditions and intensity of loads on the coating - the specifics of the bathroom and hallway are significantly different from the living room or dining room. The material differs in several respects.

By structure

As previously noted, in rooms with high humidity, preference should be given to floor tiles with a matte, rough face layer. The glossy surface of the floor, especially when water gets on it, becomes dangerous. Therefore, matte tiles are chosen in the bathroom and kitchen.

To size

This is an important parameter that affects the visual perception of the floor area and the room as a whole. Large tiles in a small room will make it visually even smaller, and small tiles or mosaics, on the contrary, will make it more spacious. Large format tiles are recommended to be installed in rooms whose area exceeds 7 m². A mosaic on the floor would be quite appropriate in a bathroom.

The fugue, matched to the tone of the cladding, creates the impression of a monolithic coating

By color

Being one of the planes that influences the overall perception of the interior, the floor needs careful selection color range. Taking into account the fact that the flooring is durable, it is advisable to make it in neutral colors, which will be appropriate in many interior solutions. The color of the floor should fit organically into the space and harmoniously combine with other decorations or create a contrasting combination. So, with the help of a white or light tiled floor you can visually make a small hallway lighter and larger.

Base for ceramics

The surface of the tile, its front layer, determines the appearance of the finish, and the correctly selected and prepared base is responsible for its quality, strength and durability.

Laying on a cement board (CSB)

Cement board has high strength and, despite its higher cost than plywood or other sheet materials, is an ideal base for laying tiles. This universal material, which allows you to form a base for tiles on any surface - on walls, on the floor, on the kitchen counter, in rooms with normal and high humidity.

Important! Cement board requires additional protection from moisture.

There are two types of cement boards. Products based on sand and cement have a fiberglass-reinforced front layer, creating a rigid and durable base. The length of such slabs is 90–300 cm, a width of 80–120 cm and a thickness of 6–15 mm.

Cement-mineral boards Aquapanel

Sand, cement and mineral fiber-based slabs are available in thicknesses starting from 6 mm. In this case, the fibers reinforce and strengthen the entire slab, and not just upper layer, since they are evenly distributed in its array. Such slabs are characterized by high density.

Laying on fiberglass gypsum board

Gypsum sheets with the addition of fiberglass, which are made specifically as a base for tiles, differ from plasterboard sheets. They are not as hard and durable as cement boards, so they are used in light-duty applications. The internal filler with water-repellent impregnation is located inside the moisture-resistant coating, which allows them to be used even in close proximity to water. Glass fiber is used as a reinforcing substance.

Important! Despite the increased moisture resistance, when attaching the slabs, additional sealing of the joints is required using silicone sealant.

This material is easy to transport, cut and install.

Plywood can be used as a base for laying ceramic tiles in conditions of normal humidity. It is not recommended for use in conditions of sudden temperature changes and in rooms with high humidity. It is also necessary to perform high-quality waterproofing using a waterproof membrane. Among all varieties, it is recommended to choose moisture-resistant plywood, which is used for outdoor use. When choosing a material, carefully check the integrity of the slabs, the absence of voids, and the presence of resin on the surface, which reduces the quality of adhesion. The permissible thickness of plywood must be at least 15 mm.

Laying on a concrete slab

When laying ceramics on concrete base no problems arise. The only requirement relates to the quality of the surface of the slab, which must be flat. For 3 meters of length, a difference of no more than 3 mm is allowed. Since any concrete surface is prone to dust formation, before laying the tiles, it is dust-free and treated with a primer, which creates a thin film that ensures excellent adhesion to the adhesive. Most often, soil is used for this. deep penetration Concrete contact. For better adhesion, the concrete surface is treated with a wire brush.

Laying on a cement screed

A common method of laying tiles is by tile, which in turn can be poured onto any base. The standard requirements are surface evenness. To do this, they use the method of pouring the solution along beacons and markings on the wall, which are applied using a laser level. To ensure strength, the screed is reinforced with metal mesh. The advantage of such a base is that communications and the coolant of the heated floor can pass through the screed.

The use of a screed is relevant in the following cases:

  1. When installing tiled flooring in rooms with high traffic (in trading floors, public spaces for any purpose).
  2. To carry out restoration work to level the floor in a new building.
  3. With a pronounced deviation from the vertical of the walls of the apartment.
  4. When covering elements of a room of irregular shape.

Installation on old ceramic coating

Lay floor tiles on a previously tiled base tiles, is allowed if the old cladding is firmly in place. Otherwise, the floor will need to be completely cleaned. old decoration to, and then level the base. The disadvantage of laying over existing tiles is the increase in the thickness of the coating. To ensure high-quality adhesion of the old tile to the adhesive solution, its front layer is treated with sandpaper.

Materials and tools

To lay tiles on the floor you will need a standard set of materials and tools:

  1. The tile itself. It is worth purchasing it with a reserve in case of defects during pruning. The tiles must be from the same batch, since often products from different batches differ in shade. You should immediately evaluate the tiles for defects and unevenness and sort them - better elements will be laid in a visible place, products with defects will be useful for trimming.
  2. Tile cutting is done using a tile cutter.
  3. Tile adhesive and mixing container. When laying tiles, you should take into account the pot life of the adhesive and your pace of work, and prepare the required amount of adhesive accordingly.
  4. To apply the glue you will need a notched trowel and trowel.
  5. To form tile joints, purchase plastic crosses of the required size.
  6. To apply markings you will need laser level, construction square, tape measure and pencil.
  7. When laying tiles, use a level to control the horizontalness of the surface. It is advisable to have several levels of different sizes to control the position of both one tile and the entire floor space horizontally and diagonally.
  8. The tiles are fixed manually and using a hammer with a rubber butt.
  9. Grouting composition. Fugu is selected taking into account operating conditions. Epoxy grout is more expensive, but it is more resistant to all kinds of influences. It is also important to decide on the color of the fugue - it can be matched to the tone or contrast with the tiles.
  10. To work with grout, you will need a small rubber spatula to press the compound to the depth of the joint, a bucket for clean water, a felt float and a sponge.

Preparatory work for installing tiles

Preparatory work depends on the type and condition of the base. If this is a floor in a new building, then it is necessary to assess its evenness, repair cracks, level it with a screed if necessary, prime it and perform waterproofing using the coating method.

In habitable premises, the existing floor covering is dismantled down to the rough screed, and it is repaired and leveled.

If the tiles will be laid with a pattern, then it is necessary to draw it on paper in advance, apply the appropriate markings on the floor, lay out the tiles in the required order and trim the necessary parts so as not to be distracted by all this during the work.

When laid on a wooden base, it is checked for strength and integrity. If the boards are strong, do not move and are rigidly fixed, forming a durable monolithic flooring, then wooden base pour a self-leveling mixture with mesh reinforcement.

As noted earlier, non-glossy tiles with wear resistance class III or II are chosen for the floor, depending on the room in which they will be laid. It is worth remembering that the larger the tile format, the higher its cost and the price of glue, which should have higher ductility. Optimal size floor tiles are 40 x 40 cm.

You should decide in advance on the layout of the tiles. The diagonal layout has its own nuances, especially if there is a damper seam in the central opening of the room. In this place you will need to make a cut on the tile, which will be noticeable even with high-quality grouting.

Diagonal layout requires more tiles and creates more waste. In this case, it is better to choose the standard method of arranging the slabs, and start laying from the doorway.

The tiles are laid using SVP wedges, but if the screed is level, then you can use regular spacer crosses, controlling the placement of the tiles according to the level.

Forming seams using SVP wedges

If there are microcracks on the surface of the screed, it is recommended to use elastic adhesive, for example, Ceresit CM 117. When laying tiles, as work progresses, it is necessary to remove excess adhesive from the seams between adjacent tiles. This will allow for high-quality grouting of joints in the future. When working with grout, it is necessary to take into account that the work will have to be done at a fast pace. In the absence of experience, it is better not to dilute a lot of the composition at once, since it has short term viability. Using a small rubber spatula, the grout must be pressed to the full depth of the seam. And then immediately treat the seams with a damp sponge. It is also recommended to remove grout residues from the tile surface immediately - if it dries, you will need to use a special product to remove it.

Let's look at how to grout the tiles on the floor, and what composition is needed for this.

Important! When you choose a grout that matches the color of the tile, you can disguise uneven seams.

Ceramic tile price

The cost of ceramic tiles depends on many indicators - variety, technical indicators, abrasion class, size, country of origin.

Table 1. Cost of ceramic tiles

ImageNameSize, cmCost, rubles (as of June 2018)
Ceramica Classic Libra38.5x38.5830
Azori Eclipse Indigo33.3x33.3700
Kerama Marazzi Sycamore30.2 x 30.2675
Uralkeramika Brown PG4BR404 55x5555 x 55840
Jade-Ceramics Tuscany brown38.5x 38.5670

Care

Ceramic tiles are easy to maintain, but there are some nuances:

  1. When choosing a detergent, you need to study the recommendations for its use - whether it is suitable for ceramics. It is better to avoid powdered formulations and detergents containing acids and fats.
  2. For daily care, it is recommended to use detergents that do not contain soap or warm water with the addition of glass cleaner.
  3. It is not recommended to use porous sponges, which can retain abrasive particles that scratch the front layer of the tile.
  4. Surface cleaning is carried out in two stages - dry and wet. First, remove dirt from the floor using a soft brush, broom or vacuum cleaner, Special attention, paying attention to the tile seams, and then wipe the floor with a damp cloth. The detergent is washed off with clean water and the tiles are wiped dry.
  5. If grouting was done cement mortar, then annually the seams are treated with water-repellent impregnation.

Floor tiles are an unpretentious coating and, as they say, easy to care for. Let's take a closer look at how to clean tiles on the floor and how to deal with stained joints?

Alternative types of tiles

Floor tiles are not only ceramic. Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of coatings of natural and synthetic composition, each of which has its own pros and cons.

PVC tiles

PVC tiles are among the most budget option creating flooring. The structure of such tiles is the same as linoleum, produced in the form of slabs of a certain size. For ease of fixation, such tiles may have an adhesive base. The high level of wear resistance of the coating is ensured by its multilayer structure.

Laying such material can be done on any base, even on plywood or old linoleum. The positive qualities of this material include the following:

  1. Laying can be done on any base.
  2. The material is moisture resistant.
  3. Low cost.
  4. PVC tiles are not characterized by shrinkage.

Disadvantages include a short service life compared to ceramics. Instability to high temperatures and chemicals. PVC tiles, depending on the class, can be used not only in residential premises (class 21 - 23), but also in public (class 31 - 33) and industrial (class 41 - 43) premises.

Vinyl tiles

One of the multilayer flooring materials, vinyl tiles, belongs to the category of synthetic coatings with high aesthetic properties, characterized by moisture and wear resistance. The presence of vinyl in the tiles guarantees the reliability and excellent performance properties of the floor covering.

One of the cheaper varieties is quartz vinyl tiles, which contain sand. This is a multi-layer product made of a protective polyurethane coating on a decorative layer, vinyl base and a lower polymer or fabric layer. This coating is moisture resistant, has excellent shock absorption, and is resistant to chemicals. The tile has a non-slip face layer, and due to its high heat transfer, it is suitable for finishing a heated floor.

Metal floor tiles

Manufacturers offer huge assortment floor materials, including metal. The polymer film on the surface of such tiles protects it from the harmful effects of moisture. High strength and resistance to various impacts make this coating in demand in industrial and commercial facilities with high traffic, as well as in warehouses. In addition, you can find decorative tiles for sale. home use. Such tiles are characterized by: heat resistance, wear resistance, fire resistance. She is not afraid of mechanical influences.

Stone tiles

These tiles are made from artificial or real marble or granite. Each of these materials is characterized by high wear resistance and aesthetic appearance.

From positive qualities of this gender the following can be noted:

  1. Long service life (up to 25 years).
  2. The tiles are frost-resistant.
  3. Fireproof.
  4. Aesthetically attractive.

Regardless of the type of tile, the operating conditions are taken into account - in damp rooms it is recommended to abandon products with high hygroscopicity.

Carpet tiles

A new product on the construction market is modular carpet tiles measuring 50 x 50 cm. The structure of this material is not similar to carpet, as it is a multilayer product with several reinforced layers.

Due to the presence of a solid substrate and the tight connection of the elements to each other, the rigidity of the individual slabs is ensured and eliminates their deformation during operation. The base of such tiles is made from bitumen, polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass or rubber.

Fiberglass ensures that the geometric parameters of the tile remain unchanged when room temperatures change. The material of the front layer is nylon. The aesthetics and performance properties of tiles depend on the quality of the fibers and pile.

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