How to choose the right floor tiles - tips and advice from experts. How to choose floor tiles: tips from the master Choosing the right good ceramic tiles

“There are a lot of all kinds of floor tiles on sale, each seller praises his product. There are also very beautiful samples, ideally suited to the interior. But I want the tile to be not only beautiful, but also durable. How to choose a tile for the floor according to all the rules so that it lasts for many years? Our expert shares his experience.

Floor tiles are subjected to enormous daily loads, including mechanical, impact and abrasion.

Therefore, it is very important to choose tile elements with appropriate physical and mechanical characteristics, that is, sufficiently strong, wear-resistant, practical and durable. So how do you choose floor tiles? We'll figure out.

How to choose the right floor tiles

As a rule, all the main technical characteristics are indicated on the packaging. As already mentioned, the most interesting criteria are wear resistance and strength.

At the same time, there are other parameters that no less affect the durability and practicality.

https://youtu.be/BHUjR1eK6Dk

wear resistance

The wear resistance of a glazed floor tile is the ability of the top layer to withstand abrasion. Experiments are carried out using an abrasive composition, water and a device resembling millstones.

Depending on the number of rotations (turns) that the surface can withstand, all floor tiles are classified into five wear resistance classes:

PEI I (Cl. 1)

Ceramic floor tiles with low load impacts. You can move on the surface only in soft shoes or without shoes. Suitable for rarely used rooms - pantries, toilet rooms, etc. The maximum number of revolutions does not exceed 150.

Among the wide variety of floor materials, ceramic tiles occupy a special place. This material has been tested over the 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 advantages of tiles, how to choose floor tiles, as well as alternative varieties of tile materials.

There are many options for floor tiles, differing in the material of manufacture. But ceramic tile takes a leading position for many reasons.

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

Given the surface to be tiled, tiles can be wall and floor. The first is thinner, the second is more durable and wear-resistant.
Given the operating conditions, ceramics have different requirements - it can be used indoors and outdoors. Outdoor ceramic tiles should have a low level of water absorption, be resistant to cracking and be frost-resistant.
According to the composition, the 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.

For the production of glazed tiles, the double firing method (bicottura) is used. By pressing, 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 products, the higher it is, the higher the quality of the tile.

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

Despite this, even tiles of the third grade meet the operational requirements, allowing them to be used for wall and floor cladding of unheated premises. A sufficiently low level of water absorption is provided by the porous and dense structure of the products, and their frost resistance.

Advantages and disadvantages of using ceramic tiles

Of the advantages of ceramics, the following can be noted:

High strength.
Ecological cleanliness.
Hygiene.
Hypoallergenic.
Moisture resistance.
Wide selection of colors and shapes.
bacteriological resistance.
Fire resistance.
Dielectricity.
High coefficient of thermal conductivity, which is important for "warm" floors.
Wear resistance.
Color fastness to UV rays.
Durability.
Variety of shapes and sizes.

Of the shortcomings, first of all, note the fragility and low soundproofing properties of the coating. Also worth noting is the cold to the touch surface and difficult dismantling. In addition, if there is 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 in the course of work. The calculation formula looks like this: cost of work \u003d ½ cost of material.

Tile floor characteristics

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

wear resistance. The tile is chosen depending on the forthcoming loads on the floor covering - the wear resistance class of the floor covering must correspond to the level of room traffic.
In rooms where temperatures are expected to drop in winter (unheated rooms), great attention is paid to frost resistance of the coating.
Hypoallergenic. The material should not emit harmful substances and provoke the appearance of allergic reactions.
fire resistance. The material must not support or propagate flame.
Moisture resistance. This criterion is especially important when laying the floor in the bathroom, hallway and kitchen. The material should not absorb moisture and serve as a medium for the development of harmful microorganisms.
Chemical and mechanical resistance.
Anti-slip surface.

Types of ceramics

The structure of the surface of ceramics for the floor can be matte with a slight relief, imitating, for example, the surface of natural stone or smooth glossy. The rough, porous surface of matt products on the floor is pleasant to the touch and safe, as it provides an anti-slip effect and safety. Glossy products are more often used on walls - a 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 is able to retain heat well.

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

What to look for when choosing ceramic tiles

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

By structure

As noted earlier, in rooms with high humidity, preference should be given to floor tiles with a matte rough front layer. The glossy surface of the floor, especially when water gets on it, becomes dangerous. Therefore, matte tiles are chosen in the bathroom and in the 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 visually make it 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 larger than 7 m². In the bathroom, a mosaic on the floor would be quite appropriate.

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

by color

Being one of the planes that influence the overall perception of the interior, the floor needs a careful selection of its colors. Given the fact that the flooring is durable, it is desirable to perform it in neutral colors, which will be appropriate in many interior solutions. The color of the floor should organically fit into the space and harmoniously combine with other finishes 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 a properly selected and prepared base is responsible for its quality, strength and durability.

Laying on cement slab (DSP)

Cement board is highly durable and, despite being more expensive than plywood or other sheet materials, is an ideal base for laying tiles. This is a versatile material that 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 against moisture.

There are two types of cement boards. Products based on sand and cement have a fiberglass-reinforced face layer that creates a rigid and durable base. The length of such plates is 90 - 300 cm with a width of 80 - 120 cm and a thickness of 6 - 15 mm.

Cement-mineral plates Aquapanel

Slabs based on sand, cement and mineral fibers are available from 6 mm thick. In this case, the fibers reinforce and reinforce the entire slab, and not just the top layer, since they are evenly distributed in its array. Such plates 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 drywall 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. Fiberglass is used as a reinforcing material.

Important! Despite the increased moisture resistance, when fixing the plates, additional sealing of the joints with silicone sealant is required.

This material is easy to transport, cut and install.

Plywood as a base for laying ceramic tiles can be used in normal humidity conditions. 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 with a waterproof membrane. Among all varieties, it is recommended to choose moisture-resistant plywood, which is used for outdoor use. When choosing a material, the integrity of the plates, the absence of voids, the presence of resin on the surface, which reduces the quality of adhesion, are carefully checked. The allowable plywood thickness must be at least 15 mm.

Laying on a concrete slab

When laying ceramics on a concrete base, there are no problems. 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 not more than 3 mm is allowed. Since any concrete surface is characterized by dust formation, before laying the tiles it is dedusted and treated with a primer, which creates a thin film that provides excellent adhesion to the adhesive composition. More often, deep penetration soil Betonokontakt is used for this. For better adhesion, the concrete surface is treated with a metal brush.

Laying on a cement screed

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

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

When installing tiled flooring in rooms with high traffic (in trading floors, public premises for any purpose).
For carrying out restoration work on leveling the floor in a new building.
With a pronounced deviation from the vertical of the walls of the apartment.
When facing elements of the room of irregular shape.

Laying on old ceramic tiles

Laying floor tiles on a base previously tiled is allowed if the old cladding is firmly in place. Otherwise, the floor will need to be completely cleaned from the old finish to, and then the base should be leveled. The disadvantage of laying on existing tiles is an increase in the thickness of the coating. To ensure high-quality adhesion of the old tile with 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:

The tile itself. It is worth buying it with a margin in case of marriage during pruning. Tiles must be from the same batch, as products from different batches often differ in shade. You should immediately evaluate the tiles for defects and irregularities and sort them - better elements will be laid in a conspicuous place, products with defects will be useful for trimming.
Tile cutting is done with a tile cutter.
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.
To apply the adhesive, you will need a notched trowel and trowel.
To form tile joints, plastic crosses of the required size are purchased.
To apply the markup, you will need a laser level, a construction square, a tape measure and a pencil.
When laying tiles, use a level to control the horizontalness of the surface. It is desirable to have several levels of different sizes to control the position of both one tile and the entire floor space horizontally and diagonally.
The tiles are fixed manually and with a rubber-backed hammer.
Grout composition. Fugue is selected taking into account operating conditions. Epoxy grout is more expensive, but it is more resistant to all sorts of influences. It is also important to decide on the color of the fugue - it can be matched to match or be a contrasting tile.
To work with grout, you will need a small rubber spatula to press the composition to the depth of the seam, a bucket of clean water, a felt grater and a sponge.

Preparatory work for the installation of tiles

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

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

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

When laying on a wooden base, it is checked for strength and integrity. If the boards are strong, do not walk and are rigidly fixed, forming a solid monolithic flooring, then a self-leveling mixture with mesh reinforcement is poured over a wooden base.

As noted earlier, non-glossy tiles with III or II wear resistance class are chosen for the floor, depending on the room in which it 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 plasticity. The optimal floor tile size is 40 x 40 cm.

First you need to decide 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 cut through the tiles, which, even with a well-made grout, will be noticeable.

Diagonal layout requires more tile consumption and creates more waste. In this case, it is better to choose the standard way of arranging the plates, and start laying from the doorway.

Tiles are laid using SVP-wedges, but if the screed is even, then you can use the usual remote crosses, controlling the location of the tiles by level.

Formation of seams using SVP - wedges

If there are microcracks on the surface of the screed, it is recommended to use an elastic adhesive, for example, Ceresit CM 117. When laying tiles in the course of work, it is necessary to remove excess adhesive from the joints between adjacent tiles. This will allow in the future to produce high-quality grout joints. When working with grout, it must be borne in mind 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 a short pot life. Using a small rubber spatula, the grout must be pressed in to the entire depth of the joint. And then immediately process the seams with a damp sponge. It is also recommended to remove the remains of grout from the surface of the tile immediately - if it dries, then a special tool will be required to remove it.

In we will consider how to grout the seams on the tiles on the floor, and what composition is needed for this.

Important! When choosing a grout in the color of the tile, you can mask not too smooth seams.

The price of ceramic tiles

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

Table 1. The cost of ceramic tiles

Name	Size, cm	Cost, rubles (as of June 2018)
Ceramica Classic Libra	38.5x38.5	830
Azori Eclipse Indigo	33.3x33.3	700
Kerama Marazzi Sycamore	30.2 x 30.2	675
Uralkeramika Brown PG4BR404 55x55	55 x 55	840
Jade-Pottery Tuscany brown	38.5x 38.5	670

Care

Ceramic tiles are unpretentious in care, but there are some nuances:

When choosing a detergent, it is necessary to study the recommendations for its use - whether it is suitable for ceramics. From powdery formulations, and detergents containing acids and fats, it is better to refuse.
For daily care, it is recommended to use detergents that do not contain soap or warm water with the addition of glass cleaner.
It is not recommended to use porous sponges, which can hold abrasive particles that scratch the face of the tile.
Surface cleaning is carried out in two stages - dry and wet. First, dirt is removed from the floor with a soft brush, broom or vacuum cleaner, paying special attention to the tile joints, and then the floor is wiped with a damp cloth. Rinse off the detergent with clean water and wipe the tiles dry.
If grouting was done with cement mortar, then annually the seams are treated with water-repellent impregnation.

Floor tiles - the coating is unpretentious and, as they say, easy to clean. Let's take a closer look at how to clean the tiles on the floor and how to deal with greasy joints?

Alternative types of tiles

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

PVC tiles

PVC tile is one of the most budgetary options for creating flooring. Such a tile in structure is the same linoleum, produced in the form of plates of a certain size. For ease of fixing, such tiles may have an adhesive base. The high level of wear resistance of the coating is provided by its multilayer structure.

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

Laying can be done on any basis.
The material is moisture resistant.
Low cost.
For PVC tiles, the shrinkage process is not typical.

Among the shortcomings, a short service life can be noted, compared with 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 multi-layer floor materials - vinyl tiles, belongs to the category of synthetic coatings with high aesthetic data, which are moisture and wear resistant. The presence of vinyl in the composition of the tiles guarantees the reliability and excellent performance properties of the flooring.

One of the cheaper varieties is quartz vinyl tile, which contains sand. This is a multi-layer product made of a protective polyurethane coating on a decorative layer, a vinyl base and a bottom polymer or fabric layer. This coating has moisture resistance, excellent shock absorption, resistance to chemical reagents. The tile has a non-slip front layer, and due to its high heat transfer, it is suitable for arranging the finishing coating of a warm floor.

Metal floor tiles

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

stone tile

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

Of the positive qualities of this floor, the following can be noted:

Long service life (up to 25 years).
The tiles are frost resistant.
Fireproof.
Aesthetically attractive.

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

carpet tiles

A novelty in the construction market is a modular carpet tile 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 abutment of the elements to each other, the rigidity of individual plates is ensured and prevents their deformation during operation. The basis of such a tile is made on the basis of bitumen, polyvinyl chloride, fiberglass or rubber.

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

I decided to write an article to help you with the question of how to choose floor tiles, so as not to go crazy. There are a lot of articles on the Internet in which it is unrealistic to understand something, I tried it myself - it did not work out. I do not want to load you with different terms, but I will tell you in a simple way.

Floor tiles are practical and beautiful. And I put practicality in the first place for good reason. Never sacrifice practicality to beauty, but vice versa.

Believe me, no matter how beautiful the tile is, over time the eye will “blur” and you will no longer notice its beauty. But if spots, scratches or other jambs are clearly visible on the surface, this infuriates and infuriates more and more every day.

do not take the cheapest tile - you will regret it later;
do not buy tiles from a collection that is being taken out of production (from leftovers) - if you ruin a couple of tiles during installation or delivery, then there will be nowhere to buy more;
it is better to give preference to dark tones;
I do not recommend using embossed tiles or tiles with high porosity for the kitchen - it gets very dirty and absorbs dirt;
do not take glossy tiles in the bathroom - they are slippery. In general, there are many problems with glossy. Scratches are visible on it, the gloss wears off over time, and bald spots appear;
large tiles are only suitable for large rooms. At the same time, too small should not be used either, because. there will be many seams;
a catchy pattern on the tile looks bad, the floor should not ripple;
you need to be more careful with the drawing, sometimes such jambs pop up that cannot be determined by eye (mismatch, incorrect geometry);
use decors only in open areas, otherwise all efforts are down the drain.

Types of floor tiles

It is conditionally possible to divide floor tiles into two camps:

ceramic;
stone.

What is seamless tile?

Both camps have seamless tiles. Its ends are made in such a way that it forms a monolithic surface. During installation, the tiles are laid end-to-end, without gaps (seams).

The choice of material is a purely personal matter. For myself, in the kitchen and in the bathroom, I would take porcelain stoneware - the best value for money. I would put clinker in the corridor. But at the same time, I would dream of marble or granite seamless tiles - but this is not just expensive, but very expensive.

ceramic

Somehow it is customary to call only the cheapest tiles ceramic. And porcelain stoneware is already a different category of floor tiles. But if we proceed from the material used for production, then ceramic tiles are all that we see on the shelves of stores “for people”. Therefore, I classify all tiles that are made from minerals as ceramic.

It is so diverse that if you tell everything, you get a whole catalog - now we do not need it. The shape can be square, rectangular (and the aspect ratio also varies greatly), irregular, rounded, designer (here, in general, you won’t find anything).

Among the common ones I can distinguish:

Porcelain stoneware

It is made by pressing and single firing. The difference from simple-cheap ceramic tiles is that the firing temperature is higher, respectively, the tiles are stronger. Also, color is added to the powder from which the tiles are pressed. The cut shows that the main color seems to penetrate deep into the structure. Thanks to this, chips on the front surface are not so noticeable.

Porcelain stoneware can be unglazed (polished, semi-polished, unpolished) and glazed. Polishing gives shine, makes the surface smoother. Glazing allows you to create a variety of patterns on the surface and makes it more resistant to abrasion.

Clinker

It is made by one of two methods: pressing or extrusion. Has a hardened base. It is fired once, but at a very high temperature. Covered with glaze, although not required. Very high degree of wear resistance.

cotto

Made from red clay by extrusion. It is not enameled and often not glazed. The color is close to the color of natural clay - shades of yellow, red and brown. After laying, you need to cover with moisture-repellent compounds. It can be wax mastic or some kind of hydrophobic agent.

Stone

Stone tiles are much more expensive than ceramic tiles, thicker (up to 3 cm) and more reliable. Not everyone can afford this. This flooring clearly indicates the high status of the homeowner. The tile looks very cool, it serves perfectly, there are no problems in operation at all. In total, there are four types (see below with a photo).

Marble

Granite

sandstone

From slate

Manufacturers and collections

Which manufacturer to choose?

I will tell you this: "Do not bother with any particular company - it is enough to decide on the country of origin."
In Russia, they don’t know how to make tiles, so I don’t recommend Russian tiles.

I prefer the following producing countries:

Spain;
Italy;
Germany;
Portugal.

The price of a good tile will be $25-50/sq.m. For this money, you will get high-quality, beautiful tiles with the correct geometry, but do not start overpaying for brands and show-offs yet.

Each country of the manufacturer has brands that produce their own collections, where the tiles are combined in shape, size and color. When you see a stand with tiles in a store, this is the collection presented on one canvas.

The collection consists of five main elements:

light backgrounds;
dark backgrounds;
decors;
borders;
floor tiles.

At the same time, floor tiles are usually matte, and wall tiles are glossy. For one room, one light and dark background in combination with one type of decor is more than enough. I almost never use borders - they are out of place in small bathrooms, and large ones (really) are infrequent.

Important technical specifications

intensity of exploitation;
temperature and humidity of operating conditions;
presence/absence of exposure to chemicals.

Based on these requirements, choose a tile. Of all the parameters, I pay attention only to:

porosity;
wear resistance;
hardness - not less than seven points on a ten-point Mohs scale;
slip resistance.

Porosity is one of the main indicators, because it affects other characteristics as well. Porosity indicates the amount of water a tile can absorb. Expressed as a percentage, indicating the increase in weight of the tile after two hours of immersion in water.

The porosity depends on the firing temperature. The higher the temperature, the lower the porosity and the less the tile absorbs moisture. With a decrease in porosity, frost resistance and bending strength increase. And unglazed tiles are more resistant to wear and stains.

Wear resistance is evaluated on a five-point scale:

1-2 degrees - for walls;
3 degree - for a floor with low traffic;
4-5 for any premises.

Slip resistance is measured by the coefficient of friction, the higher it is, the better. To increase the coefficient of friction, corundum coating is applied to tiles for dry rooms. For wet rooms, tiles with a ribbed structure are used.

Packaging marking

It is very important that the production date on the boxes of tiles match. This will ensure that all tiles are from the same batch. In different batches, tiles differ in size (2-3 mm), thickness (fractions of a millimeter, but still) and shade. Also on the box, all the technical information is indicated with icons (see photo below).

How to choose grout

for floor tiles, select grout “in color”, plus / minus a couple of tones;
for wall tiles - “in color” or lighter.

If several tones are used for one surface, then the grout should be selected to the lightest one.

floor tile layouts

You need to try so that the seams on the floor and wall do not match. Therefore, do not ask the master to combine the seams of the floor and wall tiles. You need to choose a tile based on the basic principles of its distribution over the floor. Below I have painted the main schemes for laying out floor tiles.

Basic

The layout of the tiles must be done so that there are no cores in the corners. Here I distinguish three types.

wretched

The master starts from the corner, laying the whole tile there. Then he continues to lay whole tiles, and cuts the last one (in the opposite corner) to size. This scheme is valid if the length of the undercut is more than half of the whole tile. But practice has shown that it is better not to use it at all.

Village

The master counts the number of whole tiles in a row, and divides the cooled space into two trimmings, which he inserts in both corners. It is allowed when you need to beautifully beat the revision hatch on the wall, it is not applicable for the floor.

classical

The master calculates how many whole tiles will fit in one row. Then he presses one tile and places everything that is left in the middle (so that the corners remain the same distance). The result is two trimmings at the corners, the width of which is more than half of the whole tile.

IMPORTANT!!! Floor tiles are distributed according to the classical pattern on the visible part of the floor.

Diagonal

The diagonal can be not only 45 degrees, but any other angle.

checkerboard

The use of two colors in the basic or diagonal layout.

Razbezhku or bricks

It looks better if not square, but rectangular tiles are used. Laying according to the basic or diagonal pattern with a seam offset - the offset does not have to be half the tile. I do not recommend using two colors, because. visually the floor will appear uneven (optical illusion).

Parquet

Suitable for clinker tiles similar to parquet. Looks great when two colors are used.

herringbone

double herringbone

Checkered

Carpet

Focusing on some part of the floor. That is, in addition to the background tiles, tiles of a different color, size, or stacked differently are used. It looks like a carpet on the floor.

From multi-format tiles

When a square of one tile is replaced by a set of tiles of a different size. The alternation of solid and stacked squares looks best in a basic or diagonal layout.

Modular

A module is assembled from different tiles - a square of a certain size. Then the entire floor is laid out from such modules. Conditionally imagine that one huge tile (module) consists of many smaller tiles, and the layout is carried out according to the basic layout. The main condition is that the dimensions of the tiles used in the module are multiples. You also need to use a contrast grout, because. if you use grout to match, then the modules will be “lost”.

Combining tiles with other floor coverings

A threshold must be installed at the border of the tile and other material. Where there are no curved lines, I use regular butt profiles. They are convenient in that you can connect the floor of different levels and the difference will look neat. But most often the connection line is curved, and in these places I recommend using a flexible metal connection profile.

The principle of arrangement of shades of floor and wall tiles

A good arrangement of elements has already been invented. It remains only to choose the colors. Therefore, you do not need to invent a bicycle, but simply follow the existing rules. Then everything will turn out beautifully and harmoniously.

Preference for horizontal coloring

For example, a dark floor and the top of the wall, and a light trail in the middle. As a rule, vertical lines look beautiful only in the project. When we force a room with furniture and appliances, the integrity of the verticals is broken, and this beautiful effect is no longer there. Therefore, it is better to give preference to horizontal lines.

The floor must always be dark

The light floor quickly gets dirty and even the smallest stains or chips are visible on it. During operation, dirt is rubbed into the tile. Because of this, the light tile loses its appearance in the first few years, and the dark tile keeps invigorating for 10-15 years. In addition, you need to select a light grout for a light tile, which remains so for a very short time.

The bottom of the wall should be dark

A dark wall tile should adjoin a dark floor tile. It looks beautiful and harmonious, because. they are from the same collection and are designed to "work" in tandem. There will be less visible splash marks on the wall, which will undoubtedly appear when mopping. The section of the dark wall above the bathroom should be at least 7 cm.

In the toilet, the dark row should be combined with the light row between the toilet bowl and the water drain button built into the wall. In rare cases, it is allowed to raise a section of dark tiles above the level of the drain button.

The row of tiles under the ceiling should be dark

It is laid out from the same tile as the bottom row adjacent to the floor. In this case, the width of the top row should be 1-1.5 tiles, but not less. Maximum 2 rows - if the ceilings are high. This dark edging will be beautifully reflected in the white glossy stretch ceiling, complementing the reflection of the dark floor.

For bathrooms, white stretch ceilings with a glossy effect are best suited. The ceiling should be as glossy as the wall tiles.

The central part of the wall is filled with light (not white) tiles

In open spaces with uncut tiles, decor can be inserted - but only restrained, without fanaticism. In some collections, decors are not very beautiful, but there is a way out - to use backgrounds instead of decors.

If you use decor, then the wall with the doorway is not decorated. If a background tile is used as a decor, then it is quite acceptable to use it on a wall with a doorway.

These techniques can be combined.

On this, perhaps, we will end. I briefly told you the basics so that you have an understanding of the types of tiles, their characteristics, laying methods and can correctly compose the shades in the bathroom interior. I repeat: "Do not chase cheapness - this does not bode well."

August 23, 2016
You can talk about design canons for a long time, but every day the existing canons become less and less stable. Aesthetics and harmony, balance, colors, materials, brought together in order to get such a long-awaited result are the essence of your knowledge, practice and self-development. My motto is to learn, see, touch something new every day, and I am sure that this is the only way to keep the right course in “high design”.

Moisture resistance and inertness to the effects of cleaning agents have made tiles the most popular finishing material for the bathroom. So, it's time to talk about how to choose the right tile for the bathroom.

Tile type and layout

The layout, according to many, is an exclusively design technique that has a decorative function, but this is far from the case. A competent combination of color, texture and size of the tile allows you to solve the problems of the room, among which there is more often a low ceiling, an elongated shape or technological niches and ledges in the walls.

High ceiling. Choose decorative tiles for horizontal installation. It can be several horizontal thin stripes or one wide line occupying at least 1/6 of the height of the room.
If the narrow shape of the room is added to the problem of a too high ceiling, your choice is to lay tiles according to the “dark bottom, light top” principle. As an alternative solution with a focus on savings, you can consider a combination of tiles on the top and dark-colored wall panels on the bottom.

In addition, the lower part of the walls can be decorated using decorative panels (per square meter, they can be cheaper).

If your choice fell on the use of a contrasting bright horizontal edging, pay attention to the height of the furniture, the location of the heated towel rail and the mirror.

Low ceiling. This is where vertical accents come into play, helping to make the room more "slender" and cohesive. In addition, this layout is actively used to accentuate a separate wall. In most cases, one wide strip and several thin ones are combined.

Pushing back the wall. No, no, we will not destroy the walls, and build new ones, we will move it visually. To do this, we need a dark tile that fits on the wall that needs to be brought closer. When is this approach relevant? In the event that the room has a disproportionate elongated shape.

beat the corner. To implement the reception, the same tile is laid not on parallel planes, but on perpendicular ones. This will help to highlight separate areas, for example, a bath-shower, a toilet-bidet, a washbasin-mirror.

When choosing the same tiles for walls and floors, remember that the latter must be labeled "floor" and a high level of anti-slip.

Mosaic. A separate category is mosaic. In a small bathroom, its all-consuming power can turn into a visual reduction of the room, so I advise you to use it in doses. With what to combine? With single-color large tiles with the thinnest possible seams.

As a panel, you can use not only mosaics, but also patchwork tiles. In this case, you are almost unlimited in choosing a plain tile for other surfaces. Where to locate? I recommend using patchwork in the bath/shower area or on the wall with a mirror.

Prioritize color. You can completely abandon the stripes and lines of tiles. An excellent solution would be a chaotic arrangement of contrasting tiles on 1 or 2 parallel walls.

If you are used to ordering everything and do not accept chaos in its classical sense, “collect” the interior with the help of a contrasting edge of the bathroom trim or a decorative colored frame around the mirror.

Neighbors, Friends, Enemies. Before choosing tiles for the bathroom and toilet, think about what it will be combined with. The introduction of paint and decorative plaster is becoming more and more urgent. More often, ceramics are laid in the lower part, it is important to follow the rule here - the tile strip must have a height of at least 115 cm with a standard installation of the sink at a height of 85 cm.
When combined, tiles can be used in a separate part, for example, behind, in the shower or bath area.

Saving must be economical

A lot has been said about which bathroom tile is better to choose, but few know how to save money when buying. I share personal secrets.

The main way to save money is to combine inexpensive tiles with designer collections. If you find a compromise, you will get an excellent result and a unique interior.

Neutral background

The first way to save money is to purchase inexpensive plain tiles and focus on colored grout. One point is important here - “inexpensive” does not mean poor quality. Choose a well-known manufacturer and look for a budget collection.

If you do not understand how the selected tile with colored seams will look, lay out a square meter of tiles on hardboard or drywall and fill the seams “dry”.

different size

The square background tile is a universal "soldier". Sum the multiples of the dimensions, for example, join the 10, 15 and 20 cm squares and combine them with the 30, 40 cm floor squares.

Change Orientation

Rectangular tiles with a chamfer (“boar”) are often laid horizontally, by changing the orientation of the installation, you can visually enlarge the bathroom. Oh yes, savings. Do not buy thick classic crosses for the "boar", they make the tile look cheap. Choose separators no larger than 0.5 mm.

If the laying will be done by the master, you can choose a "parquet" layout diagonally, for example, herringbone. I would not recommend doing this kind of work with your own hands.

If the bathroom is small, get a medium-sized tile. After cutting it, there is less waste.

As simple as possible

A great way to save money is to choose brick-shaped tiles. In this case, it is laid without displacement so that no pieces smaller than 5 cm remain.

This layout option also has a significant drawback, when laying on walls “littered” vertically, the flaw will become more noticeable.

Having decided which tile to choose in the bathroom, you can proceed to the calculation. To do this, on a sheet of paper, draw all the walls of the bathroom to scale and “lay out” the tiles. To the resulting square meters, add a margin of 10% for a straight layout and 15% for a diagonal and herringbone.

Elite meter

You can create an “expensive” design with a small amount of elite tiles, which are used locally in wall decoration, for example, near a mirror.

If the selected design tile option does not fit into one canvas with an inexpensive background, for example, because of the hexagonal shape, use paint.

Forever young and forever drunk

Fashion is a capricious and changeable lady, today she is in red, tomorrow she will prefer beige. Unfortunately, the interior of the apartment does not change at such a speed. How to choose the color, texture, size and pattern of a tile so that it remains relevant for a long time.

Imitation of natural material. Thanks to digital printing, tiles imitating stone, wood, and marble have become widespread. In addition to the complete identity of the drawing, we managed to get a similar texture and relief. If such a tile has one more advantage - the price, which is an order of magnitude lower than the cost of natural material, such as onyx or marble.

Designer Tip! Today, not only imitations of expensive natural materials are popular, but also tiles with the color and texture of shell rock, sandstone and slate.

Such "special effects" as brushing and aging make "wood look" tiles as realistic as possible. Such solutions are indispensable when arranging a bathroom in a loft style.

The "stone-like" tile has no style restrictions. Marble stains create a calm, beautiful backdrop for expensive sanitary ware in a classic form or emphasize minimalism in design.

You can choose high-quality "stone" tiles in the collections of Kerama Marazzi, Atlas Concorde and Peronda.

Maxi format. Large tiles have climbed to the very top of popularity and are not going to go down from there. Today, you can easily find a 1x3 m tile, which rather allows you to attribute it to the plates.

Single flat surfaces with stone imitation can be found in the Italian brands Graniti Fiandre and Rex.

Ten. Classic tiles 10x10 and 20x20 cm are relevant regardless of the area of the room. The visual effect is assembled from three "whales": the color of the tile, the shade of the grout and the layout.

Your Naf-Naf. "Boar", which I talked about above, also refers to the immortal trends. If you choose a "boar" with a glossy surface and beveled bevels, let it be pastel shades: beige or white. "Boar" is relevant for interiors in country style, modern.

The charm of patchwork. Patchwork is a technology of sewing from separate multi-colored shreds. The same "patches" of ceramic tiles are folded into a single canvas. More often used as an accent or in floor decoration.

Ready patchwork collections are produced by CERAMICA FIORANESE (Inside collection), Serenissima CIR (Biarritz series), ABK (Docks), Del Conca (Amarcord).

3D reality. I recommend using three-dimensional tiles in bathrooms with an area of at least 10 m².

Floor tiles, what are you doing, stop it!

“Well, not easily soiled and not slippery”, often the requirements for floor tiles in the bathroom end there, and in fact it is capable of more, for example, visually hide the flaws of the room.

Problem	Liquidation instructions
crooked walls	The ideal option to eliminate the disadvantage is the diagonal layout. A seam pattern in a contrasting color will turn attention to itself, while distracting from problematic walls.
narrow room	Choose from checkered or herringbone patterns. These schemes have been transferred from the ways of laying piece parquet, therefore the shape of the tile must be appropriate. I can safely call tiles with the color and texture of wood an ideal solution.
elongated room	The optimal layout is scatter (deck, with a shift). Rectangular tiles are more often shifted along the long side by 1/4 or 1/3, the maximum allowable shift is 1/2. To prevent the floor from looking crooked, use tiles in similar shades and don't forget about a 10% margin.
Zoning	Laying according to the “carpet” scheme, which may have an additional edging or be laid out without it.
Reducing or increasing the area	If you have a small bathroom, choose an irregular, repetitive layout in pastel shades. The same “recipe for a hundred troubles” is also relevant for a large area, you just have to replace pastel colors with contrasting ones.

Project with tiles in the lead role

And by tradition, I offer you a full-fledged bathroom interior, in which the main decorative role is assigned to the tile.

Initially, the bathroom was separated from the toilet, after the merging, it was possible to get 6 m², which acquired Mediterranean features and vintage notes.

The central part of the room was occupied by a bathtub, opposite it - a wall on which two antique mirrors are fixed. It is thanks to them that the area of \u200b\u200bthe room has visually increased and looks more spacious.

The finishing tile has an unusual pattern and color, which is a combination of turquoise, blue and white. The size of one tile is 20.5x20.5 cm, the combined four elements form a single composition measuring 41x41 cm, which resembles the pattern of a classic painted tile.

In the company, white brick-shaped cement tiles from Fired Earth, laid in the open shower area, were selected for her.

The toilet was moved to the opposite wall, due to this, it was possible to find a place for an open shower without a pallet.

There was a window in the niche next to the shower, we tiled it and equipped it under a shelf. Photographs by Slim Aaron taken in the 1960s and 70s are used as wall decor. They found their home next to the shower.

Bath and shower faucets are nickel-plated, which is a very good solution for an interior with vintage touches. In addition to them, gilded accessories and door handles were purchased.

Storage areas are organized in a spacious custom-made closet. Lighting - four adjustable light sources.

In the interior used:

siphon, bath, shower with watering can and faucets, oval mirrors, - Drummonds;
mirror panels - Rupert Bevan;
toilet - Brora;
double sinks - Atlantic Gray Double Crake;
wall lamps – Jonathan Adler.

Summing up

Tile has long ceased to be exclusively a way of decorating walls, now it is a design technique that can change perception, accentuate and hide. On this, I say goodbye to you and wish you success in the difficult repair business. Before you start designing your dream bathroom, be sure to watch the video in this article.

And I have a question for you - do you consider tiles the only option for finishing a bathroom? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Today we will talk about how to choose the right ceramic tiles for the bathroom or toilet. Having studied this information, you will be able to avoid popular mistakes that lead to an ugly result, a waste of time and money. We are talking about a bathroom with an optimal ratio of price and quality.

Quick article navigation

Collections

Arriving at any specialized store, you will see samples of bathroom tiles (collections) that hang on the stands. A collection is a set of tiles that match in size, shape and color.

The standard collection consists of 5 elements:

Light background,
dark background,
border (frieze),
decor,
floor tiles.

One collection of bathroom tiles can have several color options. In practice, in one room it will be enough to correctly combine one light and dark background, take one type of decor and floor tiles.

There are some collections that have good background tiles but hideous decors, or vice versa.

Most of the collections have the same size backgrounds and decorations. The border is the same length, but much smaller in height. The floor tiles have the shape of a square, with sides greater than the height of the main elements, but less than their length. Sometimes the length of the square is equal to the length of the main tile.

An important point: the borders can only be cut to length, and the decor cannot be cut off at all. This is due to the fact that many decors have embossed elements that can fall off when cutting. The second reason for this rule is the violation of the harmony of the pattern. Imagine what a cut-off embossed border with a pattern in the corner will look like, glued next to its trimming through a 3 mm layer of grout. To make the corner beautiful, you need to join two identical tiles in it.

Manufacturers and prices

The very first thing you should pay attention to is the country of origin. Bathroom tiles can be made in France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal or Russia. If you do not want to have problems when laying due to large differences in the size and shape of the tiles in the package, then it is better to immediately abandon the Russian tiles.

In some stores, the tiles on the stands are specially filed so that at first glance it seems even.

Each country has several manufacturers. But do not rely on the name of the company, as each of them has good and bad collections of bathroom tiles.

A good bathroom tile now costs from 900 to 1700 rubles per square meter. For this price you will get a high-quality and beautiful tile, but do not overpay for the brand. If you are doing repairs for a long time and for yourself, then you can buy more expensive options, but it’s not worth it cheaper.

Surface

As a rule, floor tiles in the bathtub are matte, and wall tiles are glossy. Glossy coating looks brighter and juicier, it is easier to wash. But if you cover the floor with a glossy material, it will be slippery and over time the paint layer will be wiped off, bald spots will appear.

The most practical texture of a tile for a mosaic is when its parts are uneven, but at a slight inclination relative to neighboring elements and have a slightly different shade. Outwardly, it looks like pixels.

It solves 3 main problems:

Light drops from detergents;
Dark drops from dirty water;
Drops of toothpaste.

At the same time, the dirt on it is invisible, it is easily washed off and all this is not at the expense of the beauty of the coating. But if the dimensions of the squares are too large, corner elements and plumbing will ugly fit to such a relief surface.

Dimensions

As for choosing the optimal size, the larger the bathroom tiles, the better, but this should be within reasonable limits. Imagine what a 90 cm tile would look like for a small 160 cm wide bathroom. In addition, you will not be able to make a properly hidden hatch due to the fact that it must be installed under a full tile, it will need to be attached to it somehow whopper and open it.

Optimal dimensions for most bathrooms:

60*20,
50*20,
50*25,
60*30,
45*20.

Large-format seamless bathroom porcelain tiles and seamless tiles are not suitable for several reasons. Firstly, it has a very large size for most bathrooms. Secondly, it cannot be fixed on hidden hatches.

Why You Shouldn't Use Borders

Ceramic borders are now almost never used in laying.

Initially, they were used in order to get rid of narrow undercuts due to the fixed height of the ceiling. But now you can install a suspended or stretch ceiling with any indent from the main one, and this problem will disappear by itself.

Also, the border was often used to separate light and dark backgrounds. But after furnishing the room, this belt turns out to be torn, and the beautiful effect is lost.

In addition, it is very difficult to correctly adjust the height of the installation of the relief border on the wall so that it does not overlap the places where the hanging plumbing fixtures fit, visually draw attention to itself and create a narrow trim above the bathroom.

We select the color

To begin with, the floor should always be dark in color. It will be practical and durable.

Light tiles in the bathroom will always be dirty, and since they are matte, dirt will eat into them over time. If on a dark background the dirt is not so conspicuous, and it can serve you for more than a dozen years, then you will want to replace the light tile in 1-2 years.

Choice of grout color

The grout for the tile is selected to match the tone of the lightest elements, or a little lighter.

Can you imagine what will happen to the light grout in six months? She will turn black. Of course, if you use a two-component epoxy grout for 2,700 rubles per 2 kg and buy a detergent for it for 800 rubles, then it will remain white, but it's not worth it.

But dark grout cannot be used either, because it will ripple in the eyes from the excessive contrast of each element.

Layout

The most beautiful bathrooms are obtained if they are painted with horizontal rings, the integrity of which will be violated only by the doorway.

Optimal option:

Dark floor;
Dark stroke from the bottom 0.5-1 row higher than the bathroom;
Light background in the center with correctly arranged decors;
The dark stroke on top is 1 row high.

In the toilet, the height of the bottom row is usually combined with the flush button on the installation, that is, the border passed somewhere in the middle between them. If you are afraid that this area will be too dark, it is allowed to dilute it with light rows.

Firstly, on the dark stroke from the bottom, there will be almost no traces of drops.
Secondly, it will be in harmony with dark floor tiles.
Thirdly, the dark color of the floor will be reflected in the white glossy ceiling, and the stroke on top will only emphasize it, and it will automatically fit into your design.

Bathroom tiles often look different after installation than you saw them in the store. This is due to the different color temperature of the lighting and its quality in the store and at your place. It is better to abandon low-power halogen spotlights, and use one powerful light source.

To properly position the decor, within the center light stripe, step back one row at the top and bottom, and then replace all the whole tiles with decor. At the same time, the wall with the doorway does not need to be decorated in any way, the maximum is to place a background tile in it instead of decor according to the described scheme.

In small bathtubs, do not join the outer corners of the tiles by sawing them at 45 degrees. Perhaps such a docking will look prettier, but it will be traumatic. In such places, corners are best done using a plastic layout.

Conclusion

Do not buy the remnants of collections that have ceased to be produced. They can be sold at a big discount, but, as a rule, some items will be missing from the collection. If 1-2 tiles are not enough for you, you will no longer be able to buy it later.

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