Ceramic tile for kitchen: how to choose tiles for walls and floors

Ceramic tiles - an attractive and easy-care material that is considered to be an ideal option when it comes to kitchen design. But in order to choose the most suitable option, you need to understand what characteristics should be have ceramic tile for the kitchen and what its properties are worth paying special attention buying.

What should be a ceramic tiles for the kitchen: the choice of material for the apron

The most common use of wall tiles for the kitchen - the creation of a kitchen apron, which is located directly above the work surface. Choosing tile for this purpose taking into account the costs of such rules:

• glossy tiles - a great solution if you need to visually expand the space, while at the same time, it is easy to clean. A disadvantage of such solutions can only be called by the fact that on its surface traces from falling onto the water surface, as well as fat;

• tiles kitchen wall It should not be a relief. Given the fact that all the kitchen surfaces susceptible to contamination, thoroughly clean smooth tile will be much easier. Therefore, from the exquisite relief of finishing materials it is better to give up;

• white tiles - ideal for tiles in the kitchen apron. Mosaic can be used for the revitalization of the interior, but otherwise decorated in bright colors - a win-win situation;
• if desired, as little as possible to tinker with cleaning, it is best to buy ceramic tile for the kitchen of beige or light brown in color. On such a surface the least noticeable pollution and dried peas.

The main difficulty that faced in the operation of tile in the kitchen - this is the tile seams. That they usually accumulate dirt that makes it unattractive trim. Therefore, before putting tiles in the kitchen, you need to purchase a high-quality grout that is resistant to moisture and does not serve as a favorable environment for the growth of mold and mildew.

Useful advice! As a solution to the pollution problem of seams, you can try laying rectified tiles. This means that the tile is perfectly aligned edges and substantially close fit, so that the distance between the elements does not exceed 2 mm.

What to look for before you buy a tile on an apron for the kitchen

In the process of selection of ceramic tiles for kitchen apron, you should pay attention to the existence of special protective coating which prevents the destruction of tiles due to exposure of the active chemical substances. This will allow for faster cleaning, cleaning the surface with a special means, effectively removes grease and dirt. Manufacturers indicate a material marking it marks A or AA.

Another important aspect that you might encounter out of ignorance - unlike shades of tiles of the same model but in different batches. In some ways, it is considered acceptable, because in the process of firing shade can be slightly lighter or darker. And if you lay the material is there, then the difference will be noticeable, so before you buy it is worth comparing tiles of all the packages.

Another option, which you need to know in advance - this caliber. With it, manufacturers indicate how much the real size of the elements may vary from the stated amount. Ideally gauge must be equal to zero or, in any case not exceed 1.

It is advisable before purchasing conduct a visual inspection of all items from the packaging to make sure that applied to glaze them flat and smooth, and the elements themselves do not damage - cracks, chips and scuffs.

Useful advice!If after buying the material there is a need for some time to store it, then it should be done in a dry and well-ventilated area. Otherwise, in a few months, the material can crack and become unusable.

How to calculate the required number of tiles for the kitchen apron

In order to avoid having to buy more additional material, or vice versa, the surplus was not too much should count before buying, how many tiles actually need. If you are planning to lay tiles in the traditional way, it is usually to the required amount, a further 5-10%. For more complex patterns stock should be at least 15%.

It is important to understand that in addition to the mandatory trimming some elements that one way or another, It increases the amount of spent material encountered with the production marriage. Usually the party tile from domestic producers an average price category, defective products is about 5%.

Useful advice!It is desirable that after installation you have a few whole tiles, which can be left in case you need to replace the individual coverage areas.

Popular formats tiles in the kitchen apron styling in various ways

Looking through the photos on the wall tiles in the kitchen, you need to understand that not every material that looks good on its own, will be advantageous look as apron. Because costs to consider in advance the most popular options that are better than others are suitable for this purpose:

• Ceramic tiles 10x10. The photo catalog of tile for the kitchen, this option has a leading position. In contrast to a large size, it requires much less trimming, and hence the flow rate is much lower. This is a great option for small-sized room, because it is able to visually expand the space and do not overload it. Another advantage of such a decision - the opportunity to comfortably make the lining in hard to reach places. In addition, it goes well with any patches of mosaics and other elements. Among the shortcomings worth mentioning except that the relatively complicated installation procedure, which requires the master some experience.

• Ceramic tiles under brick. This option has gained popularity recently and it is often referred to as "hog" because of the beveled chamfer along the edges. The shape of these elements are very similar to small bricks. This tile will suit perfectly as decoration for a modern kitchen, and for a strict classical interior. On sale you can find such tiles of different sizes and shapes and colors. The standard size of these elements is considered to be 7,5h15 see, but often says so and tile size 10x20.

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• SObychno "wild boar" called monochromatic tile surface is smooth and glossy. Among the most popular colors will flow quiet tone, in particular, white and brown. But at the same time, in a photo-directories tile apron in the kitchen, you can find a large variety of colors and even elements with photo printing.

• Mosaic tiles for the kitchen. The price of such a solution will be slightly higher than in the previous versions, but the result is certainly worth it. The surface of such material mimics this mosaic, which introduces a particular beauty finish. Of course, take care of this apron will be a bit more complicated, but if be cleaned regularly, it is quite possible to keep the surface clean.

Useful advice!One of the best manufacturers offering high quality tiles for the kitchen on an apron - Kerama Marazzi. In the catalog of the company can find a variety of options to match any requirements. In addition, the tile for the kitchen Kerama Marazzi is the product of domestic production, which has a positive effect on its value.

How to diversify the apron for the kitchen tiles: Photo Design

To tile cladding does not look boring and monotonous, it is possible to combine materials to create the most unusual combinations. Here are some interesting ideas that will make the kitchen apron of tile main decoration of the kitchen:

• tiles for kitchen is combined with flat inserts, decorated pattern. In this case, the stacking can be spot (the elements are scattered evenly on all surface areas) or as a separate panels;

• the use of a decorative panel - yet another way to decorate the surface. Often this process is used for the interior in the style of Provence, or country. Orifice size can be almost anything, but it is desirable to arrange it symmetrically to denote facility. The most common subjects for such a panel - great views of the small town with pretty houses or food (cheese, fruit, berries, etc.). As an example, consider the numerous photo ceramic tile for the kitchen with such images.
• frieze or tile-curb - another element that is used for decoration. Is a small rectangular elements are spread bordyurchikom the top or bottom of the apron. Although sometimes such a strip and placed in the center.

The ceramic tile catalogs for the kitchen you can find a lot of options facing material, as well as elements that are used as decorative inserts. So before you put on the kitchen tiles of the same color, it is necessary to consider various options to make the surface not only practical, but also beautiful.

How to choose the floor tiles for the kitchen: the parameters and criteria

Not less difficult task - the choice and laying floor tiles in the kitchen. In this case, in order to find a suitable option, you should pay attention to a number of characteristics that are important precisely for this material:

• High levels of coating durability. This is important because high throughput in the kitchen and eventually defective tiles may be subject to abrasion;

• tiles should be of sufficient thickness to withstand those stresses to which it will be exposed as a result of the installation of furniture and major appliances (refrigerator, stove, etc.);
• the floor tile for kitchen and corridors have to be resistant to the active chemical compounds and not collapse as a result of constant exposure to steam and water.

Useful advice!The weakest point of tile - tile seams. It is they who are most susceptible to the absorption of moisture and contamination. Therefore it is necessary to purchase quality groutWhich is intended directly to the flooring.

Advantages and disadvantages of the use of ceramic tile kitchen floor

Besides tiles, there are other finishing materials that are used as a floor covering in the kitchen. Consider, what are the advantages of this option, as well as pay attention to some shortcomings, which will have to face.

Pros use tiles for the flooring in the kitchen:

• flooring, for decoration of which was used tiles, looks great and at the same time easy to clean and hygienic;
• quality material characterized by high strength and resistance to abrasion due to external factors;
• tile is highly resistant to moisture and chemicals;
• tiles are not defeated by the strain and there is no risk that it will sag over time;

• material completely resistant to UV rays and does not fade in the sun;
• You can also talk about the maximum level of ecological purity and safety for human health and the environment.

Important!A tile does not support combustion in case of fire and is one of the safest materials, since it does not release any harmful substances.

Among the few drawbacks that have been noted in the decision, it should be noted:

• in comparison with some other surfacing materials, tile is expensive and requires a slightly more complicated mounting procedure;
• during operation, users often find that walking on the tiles in the cold season is quite uncomfortable, if not provided for under floor heating;

• all that will fall to the tile, likely will break, so that in the event of a fall in the glass and ceramic ware very little chance of surviving.

This modest list of shortcomings is well compensated by the positive qualities that the owner receives by making a choice in favor of tiles. The main thing - to choose the highest quality materials, the characteristics of which comply with the requirements and will allow him to properly serve for many years.

What tile to choose the kitchen on the floor: the classification of the material

A huge range of products, which is offered to customers today, can easily knock a buyer confused in its diversity. All variants differ from each other in size, shape, design, and performance characteristics.

Useful advice!If you are targeting in the material and its characteristics, it is best to make a purchase in specialty store where the seller-consultant will be able to answer all your questions and recommend the best way.

The first thing you should pay attention before buying floor tiles for the kitchen - marking. The material intended for use as flooring, carefully marked with a symbol which shows the trace of the legs. In addition, the floor tiles have a special classification, which was officially adopted in European countries and in the United States. For example, the following types of tile:

• PEI 1 - tiles for walls that can not be used as a floor covering;
• PEI 2 - tile, which can be used as a floor covering for indoor with small cross - bathrooms or bedrooms, but in the living rooms of this type of coating is used quite seldom;

• PEI 3 - floor tiles, designed for medium loads, which can be used to design any room in the house except the entrance hall;
• PEI 4 - durable material capable of withstanding severe stress faced as a result of operating in stairwells, hallways, etc .;
• PEI 5 - tiles with the highest indicators of strength and wear resistance, which is suitable for use in areas with very high traffic.

It is best to buy a tile on the floor in the kitchen PEI Class 3 or 4 PEI, because the only way you will not worry about the safety cover.

Another important parameter classification tiles - its level of security. This is also an extremely important factor, which should pay attention to when buying. So the division is as follows:

• if the ratio is higher than 0.75, then such tiles is considered safe;
• rate from 0.39 to 0.74 refer to a fairly safe materials;
• 0,19-0,39 located within the boundaries of tiles which may be dangerous;

• anything below 0.19 represents an extremely dangerous tile.

Useful advice!Usually, after washing the tile it becomes very slippery and can pose a real threat to people's safety. Because costs in advance to pay attention to indicators such as skid resistance.

How to choose a tile for the kitchen on the floor: the best picture interior solutions

Choosing tile design is no less important and complex issue than its specifications. The first coating must be in harmony with the overall interior room, so it's worth pay attention to all sizes, colors and forms of coverage, choosing the one that will fit best others.

For those who want to rid yourself of the hassle associated with the selection of a perfect mix between a tile wall and floor, you can consider the option of acquiring quick sets. This will allow arrange the room in the same style.

But if you do decide to do their own selection of the material, then here are some guidelines that may be helpful:

• Tile large size is much easier to style, but he is inclined to reduce the space visually, which is not good in the case of small rooms;
• small tile expands the space, but independently conduct styling will be much harder. Moreover, all the mistakes made during installation will be noticeably;

• selection is also worth drawing based on the size of premises: the small and simple pattern visually expand the space, and a large and complex - will decrease;
• choose a one-color glossy flooring for the kitchen - a risky option, since even the slightest contamination will be instantly noticeable. Where it will be easier to take care of a matte surface, for example with a fine pattern in the form of specks or streaks.

Choose the appropriate tiles among a huge variety of the options can be difficult. But it is extremely important to try to take into account as many relevant factors and features that can later affect the quality of operation of the material. Well, as a source of inspiration for the selection, you can use the photo tiles suitable for kitchen design on the apron and as a floor covering.