Nowadays there is a very wide choice of types and options for tile to decorate any interior. Maximum popularity is deservedly noted for bathroom tiles. And so the question of choosing the most suitable tile is among the most relevant. Moreover, among the textures, sizes, colors and prices it is quite possible to get lost.
Advantages of tile
Ceramic tiles are preferred for bathroom lining for many reasons, although there are many alternatives to it( lining, vinyl tiles, plastic panels and others). This is the most harmless and chemically passive material, which also allows you to easily care for it using any detergent.
The composition of the tile is very simple - it is made of water and clay. If there are impurities in the tiles, when they are fired under the action of high-temperature processing, they simply burn. Such material is natural, not combustible, it isolates well and does not become electrified.
Types of functions
In addition to the ecological and aesthetic appearance of the tiled flooring, the functional and intended use of this product should be taken into account in the selection of the appropriate tile. Packing the tiles is equipped with symbols indicating its use.
So, the image on the rectangle of black print of the foot shows that the tile is used for the floor, and it is non-slip. If the square is shaded, then you have a very tear-resistant tile. The drawn hand shows that it is a wall tile. The snowflake picture is evidence of frost-resistant properties of the material. Repeated icons indicate that this characteristic is increased.
How to take into account the functional characteristics when selecting bathroom tiles? Of course, tiles marked with a "snowflake", you do not need. But products with the property of repelling moisture, increased resistance to chemicals( alkalis, acids) and high density are useful. The ability to withstand water is marked on the tile in Latin letters, starting from A( maximum characteristic).
When choosing floor tiles, attention is drawn to the wear resistance class of the material, which is indicated by the Roman numeral from I( minimum characteristic).For the bathroom is enough and first class. Tiles of the second class are used on the balcony, in the kitchen, the third - in the hallway, the corridor, the lobby, and the fourth - in public places.
Gosts and standards
The tiles are chosen according to your taste, but when everything is decided with the texture and color, pay attention to the quality. As with all products, tiles are produced in accordance with certain standards, developed according to its different parameters. In different countries, such standards have different names, in Russia they are called gosts. They are regularly updated. Also, products can be indicated not by a guest, but by a TU, but often the quality is lower.
For tile is not designed mandatory certification, but to guarantee quality it is better to purchase a product that meets the standards, although it costs more. Then there are more guarantees that there will be no problems when laying the tiles.
Determining the quality of
Buying tiles, you need to be especially careful, because very often comes across material with a marriage. The main criteria are as much as possible a flat surface, sharpness of the picture and resistance to fracture.
In theory, the bathroom needs to buy absolutely smooth tile, but in practice it is necessary to select the material that is as close as possible to the ideal. Using a square, determine the right angles. In its absence, fold together randomly taken samples of tiles - so you can check how well the tiles will adhere. In this case, change sides several times.
For walls, you can choose a thinner tile than for the floor, but on the contrary it is impossible.
For floor tiles, there are two important requirements - special strength and non-slip surface. To check the slipperiness of the material, moisten the surface and rub with a finger.
It is not recommended to coat the same tiles with walls and floors - it looks too simple and unpretentious.
Determine the quality of the tile:
- When evaluating the picture, do not buy tiles with a sloppy picture, greased or excessively sharp lines. This is evidence of a violation of manufacturing technology. Even small defects should alert you.
- The surface roughness is determined by applying the tiles with their faces.
- Also check the swing by grasping the corners of the tile.
- Inspecting the underside, identify whether the mark and name are well seen, whether the picture is clear. The less you identify shortcomings in a particular lot, the more reasons will be to buy this particular material.
To identify the brittleness of the material inherent in the incandescent tile, look at the color of the wrong side( it will be uneven and the surface will shine).Scratching the quality tile from the back, you will see an obvious trace.
Choose the size, shape
The material should be chosen taking into account the size of the bathroom. For example, if the room is small, then tiles for it should be smaller, and for larger bathrooms a larger tile is selected.
This is due to the psychological and visual perception, because when laying large tiles in a small bathroom space will look more tight and narrowed. Also in the small bathroom you can buy a medium-sized tile light tone.
The richness of the shapes and appearance of the tiles allows you to create any interior - from the classical to the most exotic. Those who prefer classics usually buy square and rectangular tiles. Preference for originality manufacturers offer tiles with wavy edges and unexpected coloring. For the completion of the finish, panels, borders and other decorations are bought to the tile.
On the design of bathroom tiles, we wrote in detail in another article.
3D tiles
This type of tile has gained popularity in recent years. Dynamic voluminous paintings like people who are inclined to use new technologies. Such a tile will help create an imitation of clouds on the ceiling, on the floor - the earth, on the walls - forests, cities, the depths of the ocean or another. Sometimes tiles with a 3D effect are complemented by a special highlight.
Lining 3D-tiles is in demand, because this material is easy to clean, resistant to moisture, has excellent aesthetic properties. To produce it, a special technology is used, which makes it possible to combine ceramics and carbon films, resulting in a three-dimensional image. Often the pattern on such a tile is represented by a geometric pattern.
Finishing with 3D materials can be used in the bathroom or in the hallway, as these rooms are not overloaded with other interior details. But the residential space is not recommended to decorate( in extreme cases, only partially apply, processing a small section of the wall).
Plots, which can be implemented with the help of 3D tiles, very much. But in addition to aesthetics, such material has other advantages. This is a long service( up to 30 years), resistance to load( up to 200 kg / cm3) and aggressive action of chemical cleaning agents. Such a tile is hygienic and hypoallergenic. It has excellent waterproofing, non-slip surface and good fire resistance characteristics. Among the drawbacks of 3D tiles is the use only in rooms. Also, it is not advised to cut it.
For a small bathroom, the color of 3D tiles must be chosen carefully. If it is too bright or with color "spots", the space will visually become even smaller.
We select the color, texture
Having selected the tile correctly, you can get a stunningly beautiful design. It all depends on the wishes - someone chooses a monochrome simple coloring, some like the classic white, and someone buys a tile only with a picture. The texture is also chosen at will - one glamorous tile, others want to trim the bathroom with a slightly rough material, while others are interested in rough tiles.
From the color of the tile will depend on the mood, which, according to the idea of the owner should attach a bathroom room .Green and blue finish is considered bringing a sense of coolness, and terracotta, beige or pink - heat. Take into account the light reflection.
Tile manufacturers are releasing new collections twice a year, offering creative and fashion solutions. Naturalists like a tile that resembles a natural stone or wood.
Also, tiles can resemble metal, for example, silver or bronze.
Quite unexpectedly looks like a design development, like a tile, reminiscent of fabric, crocodile or snake skin, a drawing of a zebra.
The glazed or matt surface of the tile affects the frequency of care. On the matt tiles, the pollution is less visible, and if the color of the tile is dark, their control is facilitated.
When determining the surface, consider the number of occupants and their accuracy.
To maintain the purity of small tiles is more difficult, but it looks more cheerful, and it needs less cutting during laying. In addition, it will perfectly help zoning the room or adding a bright accent to the bathroom.
