Tiles for the kitchen: how to choose a design?

Since the best tile for the kitchen in terms of decoration has not invented anything, that ceramics is considered in the first place, in preparation for repair work room. Indeed, such a tile is durable, not afraid of water and does not create any problems in nursing. A variety of shapes, sizes and designs to select a tile that is ideal for interior invented. So it would be fair if today's review we will dedicate it to this very practical finishing materials.

Requirements for the kitchen ceramics

Before you choose a ceramic tile or mosaic for kitchenIt is necessary to define the conditions under which it will operate. It is understood that the cooking zone - it is always a high humidity, changes in temperature and constant pollution, which sometimes have to be removed quite aggressive means. But to the wall tiles in the kitchen and ceramic flooring different requirements.

What should be the perfect tile apron:

• As flat and smooth, without too protruding relief - it does not allow to quickly accumulate dust and dirt on the surface of the lining, and you will simplify the cleaning of the kitchen.
• With thick glazed surface, devoid of long - depends on not only a neat look of your kitchen apron, but also its moisture.
• If you have a gas stove, make sure that the ceramic tiles can endure heat of not less than +125 ° C.
• It is better to choose the rectified tiles with smooth edges. This will reduce the width of the grout joints to a minimum (1-2 mm), to realize a beautiful design liner and facilitate the cleaning process.
• In the case of mosaics, it makes sense to look at the ready "panels", which only simulate the laying of small stones. Their stitching is also covered with glaze, and then launder this pseudo-mosaic will be easier.

But indicators of the strength of the wall for ceramics is not as important as any special loads it does not feel. For kitchen aprons will furnish enough class I on the European classification PEI.

to floor tiles Requirements:

• The wear resistance of not less than class III or IV, if the kitchen is communicating.
• Sufficiently high friction index - about 0.75 (although the use of ceramics is permitted by a factor of 0.4 and above).
• Production by extrusion or pressing - only these technologies provide a sufficient coating strength.
• Incidentally, kitchen floor tiles, more out of the market is much more durable granite. And if you need a really durable finish, it is worth it to buy it.

Both types of tiles for the kitchen should have a high chemical resistance, corresponding to mark "AA".

design options

Much depends on what style will be implemented in the interior. However, when choosing a tile or tiles in the kitchen should be able to think through the options on the two steps forward. Alas, ceramics with all its advantages - not the material that is easy to replace as soon as you want to update the situation. So it is better to choose a universal design, or even design, combined with a few basic styles.

If you have already purchased the furniture a certain color, tint, tile in the kitchen is to create a harmonious background for her. However, this does not mean that you have to pick up the finish with the exact match colors. Interesting effects can be achieved:

• Using shades of the same range;
• By selecting "companions" from different sectors coloristic range;
• Just playing on the contrast.

But with top shade ceramic apron must overlap at least a little - it will create the effect of the continuation of the work area and harmonizes interior design.

As for the decorative features of the tiles, there also has its own nuances. And although modern manufacturers offer a dizzying choice of a wide variety of materials, it should be a balanced approach to this issue.

For example, today in fashion spectacular imitation of ancient masonry - with appropriate relief, "ragged edges" and scuffed. See it all gorgeous, but only for large areas or as individual elements. But in cramped kitchens, such as in the Khrushchev or small families, this trim creates a sense of oppressive and gloomy. The fact that the raised surfaces visually make the room more chamber. In addition, to remove impurities from the pits and dimples of the tile in the kitchen - work troublesome.

If you want to create an unusual apron of tile in various formats and colors, you need to arm themselves with a tape measure and calculator, all carefully measured, as well as see how to fit together the different colors of stones. The easiest way is to realize their wildest creative ideas by buying a tile is not only a manufacturer, but also one of the series: here and all shades podobranny in a single scheme, and design echoes, and the multiplicity of parties to untie your hands with a non-standard laying.

Very nice look in kitchen design background plain tiles, diluted unusual inserts of the same size or even whole teams of panels. However, the same effect can create a mosaic of small, matched in color.

To apron looked complete and cropped tile in the corners do not catch the eye, be sure to use decorative items made of ceramics:

• friezes;
• borders;
• Corners.

Just try to choose additional items from the same series as the tile itself - so you get exactly the color, size and design.

Shopping Tips

Check the tiles in the store, each. This material is fairly fragile and expensive, and if the tiles damaged during transport, you can immediately change the defective stone in place. Particular care should be inspected edge: there should be no cracks, scuffs and chips.

Pay attention to the size. Buy large-format model of tile in the kitchen a little space is extremely undesirable. Not only that, it will look sloppy in close quarters, you will find also a lot of waste, and this - the extra expenditure. It is better to select a mosaic or a neat tile 10x10 cm.

Be sure to see what is worth the batch number on the box with the tiles, and checks the date of production. The fact is that even minor changes in technology (for example, the firing temperature in different shifts at the plant) can affect the tile color. On the individual stones that may not be noticed, and after laying it's too late to change anything.

As accurately count the number of tiles required for your area. And finishing materials is required to purchase a reserve, but not more than 10% of the resulting number. That's enough to be safe in the event of a failure or trimming losses during transportation. However, it is not necessary to buy an excessive amount of tile in the kitchen - and then he will lay you dead load, because the remains will not be able to return to the store.

laying

Actually laying tile - the process is not as complicated as time-consuming. And the smaller the tile size, the longer have to bother with it. This is why novice masters should not communicate with small mosaics. It is also very important to carefully prepare the base to clean it from the residues of an old coating, and possibly aligning as hide glue solution no more than 5-8 mm floor or wall defects.

Another factor that significantly affects the quality laying tile - selected for the adhesive. He is himself a finishing material, it should have sufficient moisture resistance, yet remain flexible after curing. Otherwise uneven thermal expansion will cause it to crack and ceramics just fall off.

Returning to the subject of design - even the simplest tile can be laid so that it looked original and attractive. Lack of options:

Checkers

A great and simple by laying method, which is suitable for square tiles. Here stones are often used contrasting colors to create a "checkerboard" pattern. But it is necessary to turn them under the angle 45 °, how you get a spectacular diagonal pattern. However, in this case the extreme tiles in rows uniquely have to prune.

Deck

Diagonal rows with offset short seams are best created with the use of narrow and long slabs. Suitable even popular today "hog", which is traditionally used to simulate brickwork.

Network

In fact, it's the same deck, but vertically oriented when it comes to the kitchen tile laying apron. It is best to look at a picture of shiny glossy tile small format.

herringbone

An unusual and seemingly complicated option of installation of the same rectangular tiles perfect for flooring. But in some cases it is possible to select and to design the walls in the working area of ​​the kitchen. Drawing itself is somewhat reminiscent of parquet, tiles and if the design also mimics wood, imitation will turn out very realistic.

labyrinth

Luxurious, but quite time-consuming method of laying. There will need to use at least two tile formats: the squares and rectangles framing them. Naturally, a beautiful pattern can be obtained only if properly calculate the multiplicity of sides of both types of stones.

Chic effect can give the right kind fugue. For example, Mosaic is better to choose a brilliant, luminescent or transparent grout chameleon epoxy.

Having defined the method of laying tile in the kitchen, as well as preparing the base, you can start to work. To do this, dissolve the adhesive, following the manufacturer's instructions and apply it successively on each tile from the back side. Wall tile is glued on the angle of the bottom row, floor - from window to door. And do not forget to use the separation to form crosses beautiful seams. After a day or two will only issue the grout joints are waterproof and rub-laid tile or mosaic to shine.