Contents
- General principles for choosing
- # 1 tile. Sort of ceramic tiles
- №2.Visual Inspection
- No. 3.The strength of floor tiles
- №4.Resistance to detergents
- №5.Safety floor tiles
- №6.The degree of hardness of floor tiles
- №7.The size and shape of tiles
- №8.Design
- №9.Porosity and resistance to aggressive substances
- №10.Durability and thermal resistance
- №11.Tile design for an apron
- №12.Surface Type
- №13.The size of the tile
- №14.Color and style
- №15.Manufacturer
Making repairs in the kitchen, each of us thinks about what material to choose for the decoration of walls, apron and floor. Naturally, ideal finishing materials do not exist, but today ceramic tile is very popular, which, due to its operational properties, is ideal for a kitchen room. Moreover, there are a huge number of types of tiles, each of which is used in different areas:
on the floor, on the walls, on the apron .That is why the decision about which tile to choose for the kitchen should be taken depending on the place of its use. Let's try to figure out, , what general principles should be used when choosing tiles to the kitchen, and what needs to be taken into account in each individual case of .
General principles for choosing
tile number 1.The grade of ceramic tiles
Let's start with general tips that will be useful to everyone, regardless of whether the tile is purchased: on the floor, on the walls or for an apron. Today there are three varieties of ceramic tiles .First grade means that in the consignment of goods there will be no more than 5% of elements that do not meet the standard. For tiles of the second grade, this figure rises to 20%, but the price also decreases. Find in the sale of second-rate tile is not so easy, and the price for it is not so much lower.
Often, manufacturers do not indicate the type of tile on the package, meaning that you have products of the highest grade, but unscrupulous companies can issue tiles of any quality for the first grade, so inspection of products will never be superfluous. also indicates the color of the marking on the packaging: the first type corresponds to red, the second to blue, and the third to green.
№2.Visual inspection of the
When inspecting the tile, it is worth paying attention to both sides: the front and the back. The reverse side of should be perfectly smooth, without cracks, bumps, depressions, bubbles, because all these defects can not only complicate the installation of the tile, but also make it impossible. But the embossed pattern, on the contrary, must be present, because in this way maximum adhesion to the glue or cement mortar is achieved.
The outer side of the , of course, must be perfect, without chipping, cracks, stains. It is also important to remember that often tiles from one series may differ in color intensity, so it is important to take products from the same batch, or unpack several boxes and compare colors before purchasing.
Choosing a floor tile for the kitchen
All other nuances should be taken into account depending on what tile is needed. If we are talking about tiles on the floor, then its wear resistance and strength come first.
№3.The strength of the
floor tile Probably, it is not necessary to explain that the floor tile, and, especially, in the kitchen where people are often located, should be as strong as to withstand the pressure on it. In view of the strength can not determine everyone, so you will need to focus on the labeling. Today, almost all manufacturers use American classifications, according to which all ceramic tiles are divided into five classes:
- I class is a tile that is only suitable for walls and does not withstand heavy loads;
- Class II - tiles that can be used already as a floor, but only in such areas where they are not so often or go barefoot, in home slippers( bedroom, bathroom);
- Class III can be used in the kitchen and any other premises, except for hallways;
- IV class is a tile that can be used as a floor covering in almost any room, includingin the hallway, on the landing;
- V class - the most durable and durable tiles, can be used in public areas with a very large load.
Following from all this, for the kitchen as a floor covering, tile of at least III class of strength will be the best option.
№4.Resistance to detergents
The floor covering in the kitchen is often washed, and why, probably, it’s not worth explaining. It is necessary to choose a tile that would withstand the effects of all detergents, includingwith aggressive acidic or alkaline environment. Otherwise, after several months of operation, the tile may lose its original appearance, and then completely become unusable. That is why when selecting floor ceramic tiles in the kitchen, pay attention to class of chemical resistance : it is better if it is "AA" , or, in extreme cases, - "A", which will be indicated on the package.
№5.Safety of an
floor tile As is well known, a tile has a tendency to become very slippery when moisture gets on it, and this is a great danger. Safety of floor tiles is precisely expressed in slip resistance .So, if the friction coefficient is 0.19 and lower, then this is a very dangerous material, tiles with a factor of 0.2-0.39 are also not very safe, 0.4-0.74 are already considered to be quite satisfactory indicators, and floor tiles with ratio above 0.75 - the best and safest option.
In addition, for an even greater guarantee of security, it is better to choose tiles with with the relief surface of , which does not slip so much when water hits it. Glossy tiles on the kitchen floor are extremely and extremely undesirable.
№6.The degree of hardness of floor tiles
On how hard the tile, its scratch resistance and other mechanical damage. The degree of hardness measured on the Mohs scale .The floor tile should have at least the seventh degree of hardness, and only in this case it will serve you faithfully for the longest possible amount of time.
Tile marking also includes other parameters. For example, on the increased durability will notify you the icon of the shaded foot, and the icon of the snowflake - on its cold resistance and low water absorption, which will not be superfluous in the kitchen. As for the thickness, the optimum for kitchen tiles - 8-13 mm.
№7.The size and shape of the tile
In principle, the size and shape of the tile is a matter of taste for everyone, but still some advice should be taken into account. So, more than large floor tiles are simpler to install, but, at the same time, small tiles, as many claim, look more pleasant. In addition, for a small kitchen is better to use not the largest tile, so as not to visually make the kitchen even smaller. For the smallest kitchens, you can advise to lay tiles on the diagonal , due to which you can achieve a visual increase in space.
As for the of the form , on sale it is often possible to find square tiles. But if you have conceived to create an original interior, then you can pay attention to the side of triangular, trapezoid, and even round tiles.
No. 8.
DesignThe color of the tile can be absolutely any: you should consider only your own preferences and the chosen interior style. Naturally, light shades can visually make the room a little more, and dark hide the room. Large patterns can also reduce the kitchen area somewhat, so if it is not large anyway, it’s better to opt for plain versions or tiles with a simple geometric pattern. In the kitchen, as in any other room, there should not be too many colors, so if bright furniture is used, the tile should be monochromatic and vice versa.
It is also worth noting that the ceramic tile is a cold covering, on which it is uncomfortable to walk barefoot. To make your kitchen as comfortable as possible, you can use the "warm floor" .
Selection of tiles for kitchen apron
№9.Porosity and resistance to aggressive substances
When it comes to choosing tiles for a kitchen apron, it is important to pay attention to the structure of the material. It must have with a minimum porosity of in order not to absorb water drops, which are constantly present in the working area in the form of splashes or steam. Well, if the tile will be enamelled .As for resistance to chemicals, in this case it is worth paying attention, as in the case of floor tiles, to materials marked “AA”.
# 10.Durability and Thermal Resistance. High-quality enamel on the tile must withstand temperatures up to 1250С.
The thickness of the tile that is used to finish the kitchen apron is minimal, 3-4 mm, and it should have a palm icon indicating that it is intended for use on the wall.
# 11.Tile design for an apron
In this case, again, it all depends on personal preference. The easiest option is to choose a tile of this color so that it is suitable for the floor, cabinets and worktop .In general, designers are advised to choose tiles for the floor and walls from the same collection, to make it easier to create a harmonious interior. Today, it is often in kitchens that the apron is distinguished, making it a bright and colorful .It can be designated with a tile of some contrasting shade or even create some kind of drawing there. Next to ordinary tiles, you can use decorative ones with an image of something or with inlays of seashells, glass mica, etc.
Choosing tiles for kitchen walls
№12.Type of surface
You need to start with the fact that it is not necessary to finish all walls with ceramic tiles - it will be enough that the floor and working area are reliably protected from possible negative impacts. In the dining area, you can use any other durable, easily washable, moisture-resistant material to give the room more comfort. But if, nevertheless, in your plans to lay out the entire kitchen with tiles, then great importance should be given to its design, since almost any tile is suitable for operational properties.
First of all, pay attention to the type of surface. The tile can be matte and glossy.
- The glossy is simpler to maintain, is able to reflect the rays, making the room a little more visually. At the same time, excessive glare from sources of light can be created, which will not give the kitchen comfort and coziness.
- The matte tile creates a quieter interior, can imitate many different types of surface: from stone to wood, therefore it fits perfectly into the kitchen interior.
- Another option - mirror tile .You can use only a few mirror elements that will be successfully built into the panels of ordinary ceramic tiles. With this solution, you can significantly expand the room visually, but the main thing is not to overdo it, so as not to create an uncomfortable room.
# 13.Tile size
Tile size selection should be based on kitchen area. For example, almost any option is suitable for a large space, but with miniature kitchens needs to be extremely careful. Too large tiles, as it were, divide the room into several large geometric shapes, too small, such as a mosaic, will also not give comfort. The ideal choice is a medium-sized tile, 20 * 20 or 20 * 30 cm.
The rectangular tile can be placed on the wall in different directions, while adjusting the perception of space. You can use not only the traditional method of tile installation, but also try to lay it out in an interesting way.
# 14.Color and Style
The color and style of the wall tile should match the overall interior design. But the general rules should be remembered. Thus, light shades visually expand the room, while bright and dark colors are able to make a little smaller and more comfortable a large kitchen. can be used to adjust the perception of a room by selecting a different pattern: for example, vertical stripes can make the kitchen visually higher, but you should not use a large pattern in small rooms - it narrows the space.
# 15.Manufacturer
On the market of ceramic tiles( we are talking now about all the types of tiles considered), now there are a lot of manufacturers: both fair and not so much. In order to be confident in the quality of repair and in a couple of years again not to throw out money to buy materials and work, it is better to purchase products of more or less well-known manufacturers. They honor their name and will not risk their reputation, saving on the production process, which means they have confidence that you will get a quality product.
The leaders today are:
- Italian companies Saloni, Valverde, Tilegres ,
- Spanish Novogres, Aparisi, Ceramica, Pamesa,
- and also some Slovak and Lithuanian companies.
- As for the tiles made in China, not all of it is bad, there are enough quality products. It is produced by companies such as Omica, Cimic, Hitom.
- Domestic manufacturers also performed well in this market, and the leaders are Kerama - Marazzi, Shakhty tile, Sokol Plant, Kerabud .
At the end of
. When planning to finish the kitchen with ceramic tiles, it is important to be able to correctly combine those elements that are used for facing the walls, work area and floor between each other and with the interior items. Each type of tile has its own requirements, but, in any case, it is necessary to pay great attention to the appearance of the tile: it must be complete, without chips and cracks, of the correct geometric shape. Do not forget to pay attention to the labeling, because with its help the manufacturer reports all the qualities of the tile. And finally, it is better to buy ceramic tiles in proven places and give preference to products from reputable manufacturers.
