Granite tile flooring: types, characteristics, styling

Tiles made of porcelain stoneware, professionals classified as universal finishing materials, since its use can give the room an individual style. Granite floor tile made from clay and powder compositions for dry pressing a special technology. About the features of the material and the means of its laying on the floor will be discussed later in the article.

Granite floor tiles: Performance

Being properly laid, high quality stoneware tiles eliminates the coating defects, creating a home design accent. Special properties and characteristics of raw materials - that's what is the reason for the popularity of these products. Material allows to manufacture porcelain floor tile with the following performance:

• Minimal abrasion susceptibility. This property is one of the most important for these products. Established on the basis of its flooring retains its beautiful appearance, even under heavy loads and severe impacts;

• surface hardness. This feature is an extension of the previous one. According to the standard ten-point scale under a stone porcelain stoneware flooring awarded 7 points;
• stable in contact with aggressive chemicals. This material withstands virtually any substance except hydrofluoric acid;
• low absorption of moisture. Due to this property by laying granite stone is allowed not only within the premises, but also on the street. In winter, the tile will not crack because of the ice formed. For this reason, it is characterized by frost. Such tiles can withstand at least 50 cycles of freezing followed by thawing. Any other type of flooring has no such property.

Industry produces products of this type of different thickness. Buy granite tile can be the value of this parameter, fluctuating in the range of 7-30 millimeters. Another important characteristic - the length of side products. The most in demand stoneware 30x30 and 60x60 cm. The following table shows all the geometric parameters of the lining of this type, produced by modern industry.

Useful advice! Choosing tiles of granite, refer to the following criteria: style decision premises, its size and ease of installation of flooring elements.

The geometrical dimensions of stoneware tiles (cm):

120×360	120×15	40×40	15×30
120×180	60×90	30×60	20×20
120×40	60×60	30×45	15×15
120×30	45×45	30×30	5×5

Species diversity: how can buy granite floor

The most important criterion in the selection of these products is a type of surface covering elements. From its performance depends not only on the price of porcelain tiles, but the degree of aesthetic appeal of the dwelling.

Types of surface stoneware tiles:

• with a matte surface. Tile of the type belongs to the most common and cheapest type cladding material. Its specifications are formed during the high temperature firing process standard preform with its subsequent processing. Due to widespread use of low-quality active material is not found;
• with polished surface. Upon completion of the firing process is performed cutting and polishing of the front side of the finished covering element, which gives it a characteristic pattern and sheen. However, this technology has its drawbacks. In particular, in the grinding process micropores become bare material, because of which when laying stoneware tiles on a floor surface may be scratched. This in turn leads to contamination and the need for careful maintenance flooring. In addition, there is still one drawback of this type of porcelain stoneware: the polished surface is quite slippery. Therefore, use of such material for lining tiled steps and steps are not recommended;

• with semi-polished surface. Created on the basis of such a tile covering structure characterized by dramatic. And given the fact that the price of porcelain tiles for flooring of this type are quite democratic, these products are very popular today;
• granite waxed or satin type. The technology of manufacture of such tiles is that the surface of the workpiece are applied transparent mineral crystals having different melting points. Though roasting is carried out under standard temperature conditions, the final product acquires specific specifications. At first glance, it may seem that its front side is treated with wax;
• a glazed surface. Other names such tiles - enamelled or smaltirovannaya. First enamel is applied, then firing the preform is performed;

• with rectified surface. This is the most expensive variant of a floor covering. The structured surface is formed by an additional treatment with the use of special equipment. Tile turns perfectly exact size due srezke side faces. This allows to imitate a continuous flooring, since the joints unnoticeable.

Note! In areas with heavy traffic it is not desirable to stack coating based on a glazed tile surface. Its resistance to mechanical stress is poor.

If you decide to buy a granite tile floor, do not forget that such coverage is also in need of care. Particularly, arranged in the hallway. After the sand, with a shoe fallen after walking on the street, as a good abrasive spoils the top layer of flooring.

Resistance Class stoneware tiles

The strength and duration of the product life is determined by the class of its durability. In order to install it in accordance with the requirements of GOST and European standard EN 154 are tested on a specific methodology on a roller machine. Highest - PEI V class - is assigned to samples kept at least 12,000 rotations roller.

In the market you can buy floor tiles granite durability five groups:

• PEI I. The coating of this type is recommended to equip in places with a small measure of permeability. When installing it, for example, in supermarkets and, in general, on a commercial specialization of enterprises, it quickly becomes corrupted;
• PEI II. Unlike the previous groups almost none. However, the strength properties of still better;
• PEI III. Products in this class can withstand moderate mechanical load. And because of the democratic price per m² laying porcelain tiles of this type is most often carried out in the apartments of ordinary countrymen and in the offices of companies with an average level of income;

• PEI IV. This tile is suitable for indoor and constructive components used quite intensively: hallways, lobbies, stairs, etc .;
• PEI V. These tiles - the most durable. It is suitable for use in areas with a very large flow of people: the subway platforms, and w / e.. station, sports palaces, supermarkets, squares and sidewalks in large cities, etc. It applied indoors and outdoors.

Returning to the subject of surface types, in terms of wear resistance, it is necessary to note the following points. Glazed porcelain assigned PEI IV and PEI V classes. He is characterized by high strength and resistance to frost. However, despite the latter property, this tile is mainly used indoors.

Polished granite is made PEI II class and fits inside the premises. Use it to create floor coverings in restaurants, cafes, halls and so on. it is not necessary, because the layer of polished quickly izotrotsya during intensive use.

Imitation ceramic granite tiles of various materials

The main difference between the elements of stoneware flooring from ceramic is, rather, not in the technical specifications, and texture simulating different kinds of materials. Consider the most popular designs from that point of view.

Coverage of porcelain tile flooring wood

Natural wood has one drawback: the service time does not always meet the owners of property. Porcelain tiles can mimic ordinary batten, hardwood or tile piece parquet. In appearance, the material is almost indistinguishable from natural, and operating time is much higher than the rate of natural counterpart. Furthermore, it has high thermal conductivity.

Note! Due to the good heat conductivity, masters often produce laying porcelain tiles on a warm floor, because this is the best option to create a finish flooring in the room with sexually heating.

The introduction of modern innovative technologies to simulate any breed and texture of wood, as well as the type of cut - the tangential or radial. In this version of the imitation aged floorboard so successful that distinguish the coating even tactile feel of real wood is impossible. The front surface is rough, matte or polished. Versatility - that's the main advantage of this design decision. Due to this characteristic, the floor covered with tiles imitating wood, can be in all the rooms housing, but the priority is the use of the granite floor in the kitchen.

Related article:

How to lay tile to the floor laying techniques and technology features

Features of preparation of different types of surfaces. How to overwrite on the tile seams. Criteria for selection of tile flooring.

Another popular option application tiles wood - arrangement coating causing association with parquet. And to use for this purpose you can not only sample the oblong rectangular shape. For example, on the front surface of the porcelain 600-600 mm may be present several image parquet boards. However, you must consider another factor. price level stacking granite per square meter depending on the selected method of providing a coating. And they are such:

• deck or Extension. This method involves stacking rectangular granite elements for parquet diagonally or along the walls of the joint with the ends of shift of each row relative to adjacent elements;
• herringbone. Tile of the adjacent row are placed at right angles to each other;
• Vietnamese. The coating is formed from several strips squares stoneware tiles. Stacking of adjacent elements in the square is performed in a different direction;

• network. It is the most sophisticated method of installation. To implement it is necessary to apply the tiles with different shades. Elements of different colors at the same time to lay such a way that the floor formed a pattern that resembles a basket. Price laying porcelain tiles on the floor in this way is the highest.

Select tiles for flooring does not mean focusing only on its cost. Account must be taken of the following characteristics of the product:

• durability;
• chemical resistance. Judge of this characteristic can be by the presence of the marking symbols products "A" and "AA". If they are present, such products should be laid where the floor more often polluted - in the hallway, in the kitchen or in the bathroom;
• tiles friction coefficient. This characteristic indicates how slippery the floor will be. It denoted Latin letter «R», for which the figures are. Readings below 11 indicate that the coating will be very slippery.

Useful advice! To completely eliminate the risk of injury, when you create a cover stairs steps using stoneware tiles with a special anti-slip coating.

In addition, increasing the coefficient of friction is achieved by applying to the front surface of the articles raised elements: geometric structural components, strips, etc.

Coverage of granite under a brick

High strength tile characteristics of this type are provided with a double firing blanks. This technology also gives the finished product the following advantages:

• fade resistance;

• inertness to temperature changes;
• durability. The service life of decorative stoneware bricks as high as 40 years.

The main scope of this tile is equipping cover pedestrian areas outside facilities, as well as tracks in the garden of a country house. Pure brick floors housing has never been in vogue.

Coverage of granite for laminate

When repairing fairly common situation when you want to in the kitchen or in the bathroom to lay a wooden floor, but do not allow this material properties. The limiting factors are considered as humidity and significant risk of water leakage.

Decent alternative in this case is laying stoneware tiles under the laminate. When done properly, this procedure can be obtained an excellent result - the floor would appear "warm" and to its waterproofing characteristics of the claim does not arise. But, in practice, to implement it on the shoulder, only to professionals. And although the price per m² of laying porcelain tiles on the floor in the middle of the country starts with a mark of 350 rubles, do not abandon their services.

If you decide to put on their own coat when choosing tiles pay attention to its size. Under this concept implies divergence actual size covering elements. For example, the size of 300x300 granite floor can mean 302h302 or 298h298 mm. They attribute this to the fact that the clay from different places characterized by different properties.

Responsible manufacturer practicing selection of rings of the same size, followed by manning them into one ready for delivery to the trading party network. That is, all facing the elements having identical geometrical parameters, are packed in one box. That's what caliber.

Tiles substantially identical dimensions can be stacked by changing the thickness of the seam. But installation is not possible with significant discrepancies. They are often faced with a situation where for the completion of the coating lacks only a few bars, and to purchase them is simply impossible. This is explained by the fact that the factories do not produce such a profile specially products of a certain caliber. This is the result of selection and control of the geometry of the finished product.

Useful advice! you need to reserve in advance to buy a bar of caliber, or, if necessary, there is a risk not to find the same in the future.

Returning to the subject of the creation of the kitchen tile coatings under the laminate, it should be noted that many designers recommend to implement a combined option. That is of granite laid working space, and dining area - laminate. This combination will allow visually zoned space.

Today, there are 2 methods of docking tiles and laminate:

• without nut;
• hide under the joint nut;

Selection of method depends on vision hosts aesthetics created interior.

Features granite installation under concrete

Specificity of stoneware tiles is the reason for its use to produce coatings that are outdoors. But it should be understood that the stacking of tiles are on the street suggests the use of related materials and special designs for their fixation. A can perform work at a temperature below 5 ° C and not higher than 40 ° C.

You must first create a concrete screed. Then, a Troubleshooting tiles. In addition, it is necessary to prepare in advance a sufficient amount of adhesive dry mixtures. However, in this case, the use of special liquid adhesive for porcelain tiles, the price of which is readily available to our ordinary countryman, too, need.

It is worth reinforcing the story ties. You can use the fiber of or metal mesh. However, the first embodiment requires significant material cost.

Laying tiles should be initiated only after the complete drying of the foundations - concrete screed. The amount of required time is calculated very simply. Each 1 centimeter dries in about 7 days. That is 3 cm thick screed is completely dry for 21 days.

The algorithm is simple: the first applied to the area based on specially designed for porcelain tile adhesive to the streets. Then applying to the surface of the tile. Better to start from the middle of the plot. The fact that at the edges, most likely, you will need to lay tile trim. To increase the adhesion of the base material is recommended to be primed.

Special adhesive is a two streets resistant to temperature changes the composition. On its packaging must attend such a label:

• C2 - class, suitable for use with the granite on the street;
• E - increased service life;
• F - the ability for rapid curing;
• T - thixotropy. It is the ability to increase the viscosity of rest, and, on the contrary, under the effect of loads to reduce it.

The process of tiling must be done with the necessary level of control surface slope direction seams, corners, stacking schemes, etc.

Useful advice!For ideal flat seams using commercially available specific crosses.

In addition, during operation, in addition to the previously drawn by laying schemes, use the building level. In order to comply with the verticality, will also pull the twine in the direction of the planned placement of tiles.

floor Facing matte granite 600x600 mm

Floor tiles of this type is most often used today. This is due to the fact that these sizes most versatile. That is, to create on the basis of granite 600x600 mm floor covering can be in any room - and small, and a good size. In addition, this format allows you to tile with a huge variety of textures that greatly enhances the design registration. Actually, this feature also determines the significant variation in prices granite 600x600 mm.

According to the criterion of "invoice" the material is divided into the following types:

• homogeneous. The whole body of such tiles is completely painted. Therefore, even intense abrasion does not lead to the loss elements facing its attractive appearance;
• partially colored. Embodiment 60x60 cm porcelain stoneware this type consists of a pigmented top layer and the substrate. The latter thus performed in the classic scheme, while the upper layer is subjected to coloring;
• glazed. The basis of such porcelain floor 60x60 cm is characterized by improved performance but in appearance it is similar to the classical tiles.

Modern industry also produces, skirting and steps made of this material. Of course, the price of facing granite stairs rather big, but the high attractiveness decorated so design eliminates this drawback.

Step by step instructions laying porcelain tiles with their hands

Two methods of creating a floor covering of this material:

• on the raised floor. This method is quite complicated, so only a professional can implement it. The fact that in this case, a preliminary assembly of linked struts supporting structure is assumed, followed by placing thereon the elements for fixing the tiles. By cons include the fact that the price of laying porcelain tiles on this technology is significantly increased. After all, you need to buy additional equipment details of the future;
• a special adhesive for porcelain tiles. Here everything is familiar and easier, which is why this method has found widespread. However, it laid tile on the concrete floor, having cavities and nodules, it is impossible. The base must be flat.

Useful advice! Level the base in this sequence: lay the waterproofing layer, install beacons and fill self leveling mixture.

And there is one more critical moment. When laying porcelain tiles on floor heating is necessary to control the absence of intersections with the heating cable insulation material.

Laying tile second method involves the following activities:

• preparing an adhesive mixture;
• mixture was applied to the prepared substrate with a toothed trowel (tooth size 8-10 mm). Smooth trowel can not be used;
• tile is pressed against the ground. Time to correct the location - no more than 10 minutes;
• completing folding the entire working surface, wait day;
• After 24 hours the sutures are stripped. Immediately before grouting they need to moisten;
• grout made a special suitable in color mixture. To do this, use a rubber spatula. In this case monitor the uniformity and density of the material;
• remnants of the solution is removed to complete. Apply this purpose may be any chemical compound. The only exceptions are alkalis.

To find out if it works after the installation of a granite floor heating, make sure the integrity of the heating cable. For this measure the resistance tester conductor to this procedure and after it. The difference from the nominal value must not exceed 5%.

Leading manufacturers of stoneware floor tiles

This material appeared in the late 70-ies of the last century in Italy. However, judging by the reviews, granite, Manufactured factories of Spain, is a serious competitor to products manufactured in the country with the peninsula. Tile in their performance differs elegant design. To see this, it suffices to study the photo porcelain stoneware flooring from enterprises corresponding profile of these states.

The high demand for such products has contributed to the emergence of the territory of our subsidiaries producing countries stoneware tiles from Italy and Spain.

Atlas Concorde (Italy). Supply from the collections of the brand in Russia began in 1993. In Moscow today operates Atlas Concorde Russia factory producing stoneware tiles on the Italian equipment technology, developed by experts from Italy. Its products are associated with the most current trends and current trends in this segment of the world market.

Kerama Marazzi (Italy). Production in Russia porcelain floor Kerama Marazzi disbursed in two factories - in Orel and in the Stupino district of the metropolitan area in the village of Malino. Cooperation with the leading design studios in Italy, support the masters of the country, coupled multi-stage control system provides the ability to produce products of European quality. As a daughter brand Kerama Marazzi, a group of factories "Ceram" remains Russia. Today, it is largely meets the needs of not only domestically but also in the neighboring countries.

Venus Ceramica (Spain). Porcelain tile flooring in the performance of the company is characterized by the direction of the classics. Relief tiles emphasizes more restrained colors and patterns. It is particularly evident in the elegant fine texture patterns Katherine Palace in Marrakech geometric glare sample collection.

CJSC "Contact" (Russia). At present, this company is the largest in the northwest region of the country floor tiles manufacturer. Especially popular is inherent in porcelain stoneware "Contact" 30x30 gray. The thickness of the liner sample was 8 mm. In the sale of the factory supplied 8 model lines with different shades of gray - from light brown to gray-blue. This design decision flooring is the perfect backdrop for the most vibrant colors. And if we choose wisely the texture of tiles, then the floor will look stylish and noble.

In conclusion, it must be said that in general the benefits from granite floor more than shortcomings and disadvantages should be considered only as a continuation of the features of the cladding material.