How to choose a good inexpensive ceramic tile. How to choose tiles for the bathroom and toilet. Alternative types of tiles
The history of the use of ceramic tiles as a finishing material goes back many centuries. According to archaeologists, such tiles were used in Mesopotamia as early as the third millennium BC. e. It later spread throughout the world.
raw material for production tiles clay serves. In addition, sand and other natural materials are used, which are added to improve performance characteristics products. There are several ways to produce tiles. Initially ceramic tiles were made by casting, that is, the clay mass was poured into special molds. Today, the most common production methods are pressing and extruding (pushing through a mold).
Externally, ceramic tiles are square or rectangular plates (common sizes are 15x15 cm, 20x20 cm, 20x30 cm, but there are others). The thickness of the tiles can vary from 8 to 20 mm.
Tiles can be both enameled (glazed) and without enamel coating. Upper layer glazed tiles are glossy or matte. Enamel colors are very diverse. There is a tile with a decorative pattern, and one-color. Non-enamelled tiles have a uniform structure and usually do not have any pattern on the surface.
According to the method of heat treatment, tiles are divided into two broad categories: single and double firing.
In the first version, the glaze is applied to wet clay, after which the tile is placed in the oven. Thus, the glaze and the base are fired at the same time. During the firing process, these two components are firmly soldered to each other, and the finished tile is very durable. For this reason, it is often laid on the floor.
In double firing, the base is placed in the kiln first. Only after that the glaze is applied. The tile is then fired again at a lower temperature. The result is a shiny smooth glaze with rich bright colors. Such tiles are less durable than single-fired tiles, so they are used mainly for wall and ceiling cladding.
The number of firings is indicated on the packaging using a conventional icon - a flame petal, next to which a number is drawn.
Depending on the method of molding and the number of firings, ceramic tiles are traditionally divided into several main types. Tiles of single and double firing are also often called Italian words monocottura and bicottura respectively. They are molded by pressing. Walls and floors are finished with such tiles.
Majolica- another type of double-fired glazed ceramic with a colored porous base, which is produced by pressing. Like monocottura and bicottura, majolica is mainly used for cladding. internal walls in residential premises.
Faience- double-fired pressed enamel tiles with a white porous base. Glaze can be colored various colors. Faience is tiled on floors and walls inside the premises.
cotto- non-enamelled single-fired tiles with a porous base. It is made by extrusion. Usually has natural shades: brown, red, yellow. It is used for laying on the floor, because it has high strength and wear resistance.
Clinker also produced by forcing through a mold. This single fired tile can be either glazed or unglazed. Clinker is often used as flooring.
Stands somewhat apart porcelain stoneware(ceramic granite). It is made from heavy clays using various mineral additives, giving the material a special hardness and strength. Porcelain stoneware has low moisture absorption and frost resistance. The scope of its application is very wide - from the floors in apartments and public buildings to the facades of houses.
Tiles are traditionally used for finishing bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Some use this material in the hallway, living room and even in the bedroom. But many consider tile to be a cold material and for this reason they do not finish walls and floors in living rooms.
As for bathrooms and kitchens, in these rooms the tile fully shows its high performance. The bathroom and toilet are usually completely tiled. In the kitchen, tiles are sometimes laid out only in small spaces near the stove and sink.
You should choose a tile carefully, so that later you will not regret the wasted money. Naturally, appearance is important. A high-quality tile should have right angles and a flat, smooth or matte surface without cracks or other defects, and correspond to the dimensions indicated on the package. For enameled tiles, the glaze layer must be even, uniform and of the same thickness over the entire surface of the tile.
Apart from appearance there are also objective parameters that determine the quality of the tile. One of the most important for the average consumer is the wear resistance class. There are five such classes in total. They are designated by the corresponding Roman numerals from I to V. This scale was proposed by the American research institute Porcelain Enamel Institute, which studies the properties of ceramic materials. For this reason, the abbreviation of this institution, PEI, is placed before the figure.
Tiles with an I factor are designed for areas with light traffic, such as a bathroom or bedroom, where people walk barefoot or in soft slippers. Class II is suitable for the living room. There, the load is slightly higher than in the bathroom, but also relatively small. The third class is recommended for use in areas with medium intensity loads, such as kitchens and hallways.
Tiles of the fourth class can be laid where the load is high enough, and there are also temperature differences - in a common corridor for several apartments, on a stairwell or on a balcony. Tiles of the last, fifth, wear resistance class are used in rooms where there are a lot of people. It is used in large shopping centers, railway stations, airports.
Another parameter of tile quality is surface hardness. It is determined according to the ten-level Mohs scale, named after the German mineralogist who developed it. It allows you to determine the hardness of materials. The higher this number, the higher the level of hardness. For ceramic tiles, this indicator should be at least 5.
Another important parameter that you should pay attention to is the resistance of the tile to chemicals. Letters are used to represent it. Letters AA indicates maximum stability. Such a tile does not change its appearance upon contact with an aggressive environment.
Tiles with the letter A are less stable. Her appearance changes slightly. Next in descending order of quality are B (medium changes), C (partial loss of original appearance) and D (complete loss of original appearance). Tiles bearing the letter D on the package have minimal stability and should not be placed in places with a high probability of aggressive environmental influences.
Usually this information about the parameters of the tile is contained on the packaging in the form of symbols. For example, a foot pattern on a black background informs the consumer that this ceramic tile is intended for laying on the floor. If the background around the foot is shaded, then this floor tile has increased wear resistance. A hand is painted on a box of wall tiles. The snowflake on the package means frost resistance.
If any pattern is shown twice, this means that the tile has improved characteristics for this indicator. You can see how these and other symbols look in the figure.
An important role in choosing a tile is played by the place where it will be attached. Floor tiles should be much more durable than tiles used to decorate walls or ceilings. In this regard, when buying, you must carefully study the packaging, since it contains important information about the proper operation of the tile.
You should also consider in which room the tile will be used. If the tile will lie on the floor in the hallway, where people walk in street shoes, it should be more durable and wear-resistant than the tile intended for wall cladding in the bathroom.
For a bathroom where it is always humid, it is better to choose tiles with reduced moisture absorption. Therefore, smooth glazed tiles are well suited for walls. Floor tiles the bathroom should not be slippery. It is better to lay a tile with a matte surface there. This will help prevent falls and injury.
In the kitchen, you need tiles that are resistant to chemicals, otherwise stains can appear on them. Especially if the tile is laid near the sink or stove, where there is a high probability of frequent contact with detergents. Also, tiles for the kitchen must be resistant to mechanical damage.
Before buying, you need to calculate the amount of tiles that you need to purchase. Knowing the surface area of \u200b\u200bthe floor or wall intended for cladding, as well as the dimensions of the tile, it is quite simple to make such calculations. However, it should be noted that you need to buy a tile with a small margin, since the length and width of the surface do not always exactly match the dimensions of the tile, it will have to be cut and some part will inevitably go to waste.
The price of a tile depends on many factors, most of which were listed above: production technology, tile dimensions, wear resistance class, hardness, resistance to chemicals, manufacturer. In the price range from 400 to 2000 rubles per square meter you can find high quality products for every taste.
Tiles are rightfully popular. High-quality tile has high strength, hardness and resistance to high temperatures. It is a beautiful, natural and durable material that does not accumulate static electricity and does not emit harmful substances. Properly laid tiles will last for many years, pleasing the eyes of the owners and guests of the house.
When planning to make a bathroom and toilet renovation, you need to decide in advance on the choice finishing materials. Today, there are quite a few finishes, but in most cases, consumers prefer ceramic tiles. It can be put on the floor and wall tiles, it is durable, strong and beautiful. However, the stores have such a wide range that it is not surprising to get confused, thinking about the question of how to choose the right bathroom tile?
Bathroom - this, as a rule, has a small area, it does not differ in space and the toilet room. But when renovating this room, there are many problems. And questions begin to arise already at the planning stage. It can be difficult for consumers to decide what should be the color of the tiles in the bathroom, what size is optimal, will a glossy or rough structure be more convenient to use?
Naturally, it must be of high quality so that it can last a long time, while maintaining its visual appeal. After all, few people like the prospect of annually changing ceramic tiles on walls and floors. Interesting options calculations can be seen in the photo in catalogs and specialized publications.
What to consider when choosing?
So, what parameters should you pay attention to when buying? This is, first of all:
- Operational qualities and characteristics.
- Shape and size.
- Color and texture.
Let's consider these parameters in more detail.
Performance characteristics
Ceramic tiles are produced in different options, so it is very important to learn how to read the information on the product label correctly.
Requirements for ceramic tiles
The consumer should be aware that tiles are produced for various purposes, so you need to learn how to choose the right materials for renovating a bathroom and toilet. So, it should be:
- Waterproof.
- Resistant to water vapor and temperature changes.
- Resistant to various chemicals.
- In the event that a multi-colored tile is purchased, then its coating should not fade over time.
- Resistant to abrasion and scratches.
Types of tiles
Ceramic tiles differ in the way they are made. There are the following types:
- Bicottura is a double-fired material, usually glazed. This material is suitable for wall decoration, this type of tile is unsuitable for the floor.
- Monocottura is a single-fired material, it is more durable and can also be used for flooring.
- Clinker is the most durable of the listed types. In the production, a special technology is used, which makes it possible to obtain a low-porous and very durable material. As a rule, this type of material has natural shades. The color of the clay and the brown color scheme are great for finishing the floor.
- Porcelain stoneware is a special, high-strength type of floor tile. It has a high resistance to abrasion, scratches do not form on its surface. As a rule, porcelain tile is made under a stone, its surface imitates a cut of granite, marble and other natural materials.
Advice! In addition to tiles, glass or mirror tiles can be used to finish the bathroom and toilet. In terms of durability and moisture resistance, this material is practically not inferior to ceramics, however, glass is even less resistant to impact loads. Therefore, this type of finish is more often used for walls and ceilings.
Reading the information on the label
To indicate the characteristics of a tile, manufacturers do not use a description, but pictograms:
- The silhouette of the foot on a black background indicates that it is intended for flooring. If the background is not black, but shaded, then this indicates an increased wear resistance of the product. But this indicator is not necessary to take into account when performing repairs in a home bathroom.
- Wall tiles are identified on the label by the silhouette of a palm on a dark background.
- Chemical resistance is indicated by the flask silhouette and letter designation.
Advice! For repairs in a bathroom in a private house or apartment, the optimal indicator of chemical resistance is AA.
- The wear resistance indicator is indicated by a gear icon and numbers. For domestic conditions, the recommended wear resistance coefficient is 2, since such a floor will be walked on mainly barefoot or in soft shoes.
- Pictograms indicate the thickness of the tile. So, for wall cladding, you should choose a material with a thickness of 6-9 mm, and the optimal thickness of the floor is 9-12 mm.
- Be sure to take into account such an indicator as the anti-skid coefficient. It is indicated by a pictogram in the form of a silhouette of a boot standing on an inclined plane, as well as numbers from 1 to 4. The larger the number, the less slippery the tile will be, but at the same time, an increase in the anti-skid coefficient increases its cost.
Shape and size
The tile is produced, as a rule, in the form of squares or rectangles, but its size can be different. Size matters both from a practical and aesthetic point of view. Seams are the most vulnerable point of the coating in terms of the possibility of water penetration.
Even when treated with special grouts, it is in the seams that mold often forms. Therefore, from a practical point of view, a larger tile is more profitable than a small one, since the coating will have fewer seams.
On the other hand, if the configuration of the room is complex, then the use of large tiles is irrational, since the material will often have to be cut. In addition, with the help of small tiles, you can lay out various patterns.
Choice of color and texture
When choosing a color, texture and design, you should take into account not only your own taste, but also the size of the room. For a small bathroom or toilet, large-sized tiles are not suitable, you should choose a small one. The optimal size is 20 by 20 cm. If the room of a small bath or toilet will be finished with rectangular tiles, optimal size- 20 by 30 cm.
Advice! Do not forget that the color of the tiles in sunny and artificial lighting may look different.
Consider the most popular design options:
- Very often, when decorating a bathroom and toilet, shades of water are used - these are turquoise, blue tiles. Light shades of the sea wave, delicate azure look beautiful. But do not forget that the blue color belongs to the cold scale, in addition, the blue color of a deep saturated tone can have a depressing effect on the psyche. To eliminate this effect, it is worth using a combination of colors, gold and white tiles are perfect for this purpose.
- The traditional design of the bathroom is green. This color is associated with natural freshness, greenery of forests and meadows. It is better to choose light shades. For example, pistachio lining or light green looks very fresh on the walls, but malachite or emerald is perfect for the floor.
- Recently, red colors have become widely used for decorating the bathroom. AT small spaces, it is better to use this color locally, lining only certain areas, for example, at a mirror or sink. Burgundy or coral lining will look good on the floor. In large rooms, this color can be used on a larger scale, however, it is also recommended to use color combinations here. So, red-white tiles with the appropriate decor look very elegant. Crimson or ruby shades are well set off by a gray or silver lining with a mother-of-pearl tint.
- If there is a desire to create a sunny and bright design, orange gamma is useful. Of course, this color should be used only locally, but as a base, more calm tones- beige or peach lining does not irritate the eye, setting for relaxation and relaxation. As bright accents applicable and yellow tiles for the bathroom. Suitable for the floor warm shades brown or wenge.
- To create a romantic and feminine interior, lilac tiles can be recommended. In this case, a purple color scheme can be used as a decor, but a light one will still look better as a base.
- Classics of the genre - the use of two basic colors, black and white striped bathroom tiles or a combination of tiles of these two colors looks very stylish. However, this design visually reduces the room, so it can be recommended for spacious bathrooms. In a small bathroom, the color of the walls is best done light, black tiles can be used to decorate the floor.
Advice! Marbled floor tiles look beautiful in such rooms.
- When choosing the color of the material, you should always give preference to light shades. If you really want to use dark tones, then it is better to use them for flooring.
- Do not forget that dark glossy floor tiles, although they look extremely impressive (you can see examples in the photo on the Internet), require careful maintenance. On such a surface there are traces of dried water droplets, from traces of wet feet, every speck of dust is noticeable on it.
- If there is no desire to wash the floor several times a day, it is better to give up dark glossy floors. In this case, better fit matte tiles that mimic the surface of natural stone.
- If the walls in the bathroom have a complex configuration, then in this case, it is best to use a tiled mosaic.
- You should not use too many colors in interior design, this creates an irritating variegation to the eye. It is enough to use 2-3 colors.
- Bright shades are recommended to be used to highlight individual elements of the interior.
- You can greatly simplify your choice of tiles. For this you should use ready-made solutions. Such collections include samples of basic tiles for walls and floors, decorative elements, panels, borders. By combining these details to your liking, it will be easy to create a harmonious and unique interior.
Choosing the right tiles for finishing the floor and walls in the bathroom is not easy. After all, coatings are created for a long time, so errors are unacceptable.
Over time, the owners think about how to choose tiles for the bathroom and toilet. However, decorating a bathroom is a rather complicated process. Manufacturers, cost, color scheme, strength, durability and many other aspects are important. All this should be dealt with in detail.
Room specifics
In order to correctly select the material, you need to imagine in advance what the owners want to get in the end. In addition, it is important to study the room in which the repair will be. Let's start with:
- Ceiling heights.
- The size of the room.
- The specifics of the room.
- Design.
In addition to measuring and choosing a design, you should definitely pay attention to the tastes and wishes of all residents. The more attention is paid to the little things, the easier and faster it is to find everything you need.
How to choose the right tile?
When decorating a large or small bathroom and toilet, you should choose the right product. Floor and wall tiles and their texture are equally important, and safety must not be forgotten.
Matte type tile
Advantages:
- roughness and restrained appearance;
- when water gets in, the surface is not slippery;
- ability to repel dirt;
- no streaks or marks.
Flaws:
- the possibility of stains from mold.
Glossy type tile
Advantages:
- visually makes a small room larger;
- repels greasy contaminants;
- perfectly laundered;
- has a beautiful sheen.
Flaws:
- stains, dried water and others are visible on a dark or light glossy surface;
- the surface is slippery in the presence of water.
Look at the size
If the room is spacious, then you can give free rein to your imagination and choose not only a small tile, but almost any size, but if not, proceed from the possibilities of the room.
Ceramic tiles are made in the form of squares or rectangles. The vast majority of tiles are square in shape, it has different sizes: from 15 to 15 to 45 to 45.
For spacious rooms, it is better to pick up squares, but for small ones, it is better to lay them out on the floor. Another thing is rectangles. They will not only visually expand the area, but also look beautiful. But in this case, you should remember the following rules:
- For square rooms best option- this is a laying of rectangular tiles vertically.
- To avoid a large number seams, do not use small tiles.
- For long and narrow rooms, it is correct to lay tiles horizontally or diagonally with a pattern.
Color design
There is a huge amount of “correct” advice on which tiles are best for the bathroom and toilet. If you listen to everyone, then in the end nothing good will come of it. But the most important thing to remember is:
- A small bathroom should not be done in dark colors, as this will visually reduce it.
- Tiling only white color production is not recommended. Yes, the illumination will increase, but not the space, and the room will remain seemingly small.
- To increase the space, laying contrasting tiles diagonally is perfect.
- Decorative tiles on one side of the wall, and ordinary tiles on the other, will visually make a small bathroom larger.
- One collection of tiles laid on the floor and walls will add a unity of style to the room.
- Dark colors and colors with brilliant shades will add elegance and aristocracy; bright - dynamism; pastels, light and neutrals - space.
A lot of advice and specifics cannot be written about which tile to choose for the bathroom and toilet, since the selection of any color depends on the specific room, taking into account its internal structure. Therefore, it is better to be guided by personal preferences.
Manufacturing methods
Currently, there are several ways to make ceramic tiles, they are divided into the following types:
- Bicottur type. Thanks to double firing, she is not afraid detergents, but the tile is relatively fragile. Wall decoration is the main application.
- Monocottur type. Firing is done once, which makes the material stronger, and therefore also suitable for the floor. If the tile is glazed, then it is applicable only for the walls.
- Clinker. High strength due to the low porosity of the material. But the naturalness of the shades will not allow much experimentation with the design.
- Porcelain tile. It has high strength and resistance to mechanical stress, most often lies only on the floor. It has a rough surface, like a stone.
Varieties of material
Exist different kinds bathroom and toilet tiles. In addition to ceramics, the following materials are used for manufacturing:
- Glass. Almost all characteristics are similar to ceramics, except for impact resistance: it is worse. Finish the ceiling and walls.
- Tile polymer type. Little durability, low cost. Great solution for renovations on a budget.
- A natural stone. Long service life, beauty and luxury are the main advantages. But the material is expensive.
Important indicators for choosing a tile
- Chemical resistance is usually indicated by a bulb icon. Any household cleaner is suitable for cleaning.
- susceptibility to wear. They are divided into five classes: 1 - the material has little strength, 5 - the most durable. For the bathroom, it is advisable to use tiles up to the fourth grade.
- To find out the thickness of the product, you should look at the pictogram. For wall cladding, it is desirable to use tiles with a thickness of 6 to 9 mm, as a floor option - from 9 to 12 mm.
- Porous structure. Please note that the greater the porosity of the tile, the less it will last, as it absorbs water well.
- Picture. The better the pattern on the surface, the more durable and stronger the material.
- Flat surface on the back. After the tile is fixed on the wall, large gaps and depressions will not allow it to hold firmly.
- The front surface must be smooth and free of bubbles.
- The tile should not be with curvature and geometry violations.
Also note that the surface of the tile from the side of the masonry is indicated by the corresponding small pictogram: foot - floor, palm - wall.
Manufacturer rating
Advantages:
- High quality.
- Exclusive design in the form of wood species, stone, marble and others.
- Environmentally friendly material.
- Large margin of safety.
- Practically does not fade.
Flaws:
- Sometimes there are not very significant errors.
- High price.
Tiles from Ukrainian manufacturers.
Advantages:
- Quality raw materials.
- A large assortment.
- Various design.
- Adequate cost.
Flaws:
- Small size errors.
- The same collection has differences in shades.
Belarusian manufacturer.
Advantages:
- A large assortment.
- Beautiful and original design.
- Affordable price.
Flaws:
- Sometimes there are problems in the geometry of the product.
Produced in Russia.
Advantages:
- A large assortment.
- Small price.
- New production technologies.
Flaws:
- The floor version is not always combined with the wall.
There are factories in different countries.
- The range includes expensive and inexpensive options for tiles.
- Original design solutions.
- High strength floor tiles.
Flaws:
- Slightly overpriced product.
- Inexpensive collections have a fragile glaze.
- Possible size mismatch.
Unity
- Advantages:
- Big choice.
- Small cost.
Flaws:
- The fragility of wall tiles.
- There may be a discrepancy in sizes and shades.
During the renovation of the bathroom, many are faced with the question: "How to choose a tile?". Choosing a quality tile is not easy.
It is necessary to combine two tasks:
- purchase a tile of beautiful colors that all family members will like;
- choose a tile that can be laid with minimal loss of quality and nerves.
Features of tiles
The choice of tiles according to the manufacturing method
There are three types of tiles according to the manufacturing method:
- cast - clay mass is poured into special forms;
- pressed – production under high pressure from a mixture of powder structure with additives;
- tiles made by extrusion - punching through a certain shape.
Choice of tile sizes
Before choosing a tile, you need to decide on the size of the tile that is suitable for.
- Ceramic tile- these are rectangular or square plates.
- The most common are the following sizes in centimeters:
- 15x15;
- 20x20;
- 20x30.
- The thickness of the tile can vary from 8 to 20 millimeters.
Tip: with large tiles (larger than 25x40), the cladding can be completed much faster, although it will have to be cut, for this you need to purchase spare tiles.
What kind of tile coating
How to choose the right tile, what is the coating of ceramic tiles?
The tile happens:
- glazed (enamelled);
- without enamel.
The top layer of enameled tiles is of two types:
- glossy;
- matt.
The colors of glazed tiles are quite diverse, they also come with decorative patterns or simply one-color.
Ways of heat treatment of tiles
How to choose a tile for a floor, walls and? What you need to know about heat treatment of tiles?
There are two categories:
- single firing;
- double firing.
- Single firing (monocoturra)- glaze is applied to wet clay, then the tile is placed in the oven, as a result, the base and glaze are fired at the same time. When firing occurs, these two components are very tightly soldered to each other and the tile is quite strong.
Tip: single-fired tiles are best laid on, as they are very durable and less likely to crack and split.
- Double firing (bicoturra)- first, the base is placed in the oven, then the glaze is applied. The tile is then fired again at a lower temperature, resulting in a smooth and shiny glaze with bright, saturated colors.
Tip: Double-fired tiles are less durable and are best used for ceiling and wall cladding.
- The number of firings is indicated on the packaging with a special symbol - a flame petal with a number drawn next to it.
Variety of tiles
Buying tiles: how to choose a specific type to cover different surfaces of the bathroom?
Depending on the number of firings and the method of molding, ceramic tiles are divided into the following types:
- Majolica is a type of double-fired glazed ceramic tile with a porous colored base, produced by pressing. Majolica is used for wall cladding.
- Faience is a double-fired pressed enameled tile that has a porous white base. The glaze is painted in a variety of colors. This type of tile can be tiled both on the walls and on the floor of the bathroom.
- Cotto is a non-enamelled tile with a single-fired, porous backing, which is produced by extrusion. This type of tile is used for laying on the floor, because it has high wear resistance and strength.
- Clinker is a single-fired tile that can be either enameled or unglazed. Clinker is usually used for flooring.
- - a special type of tile, which is made from heavy clay with the addition of various mineral additives that give the tile special strength and hardness. Porcelain stoneware is used for laying on the floor in the bathroom, as it has a low level of moisture absorption.
Choosing a tile
How to choose the right tile? What do you need to have with you?
So, let's go buy a tile - how to choose the right one will help an ordinary ruler and a square.
- The edges of the tiles must be perpendicular. Usually, in stores, samples of tiles are glued to a stand, where you can evaluate the overall future picture, but the geometric dimensions can only be estimated when you hold the samples in your own hands.
Tip: you need to look at several tiles, but the whole box is best, as the packaging may contain defective and cracked tiles.
- The right choice of tile is a tile of the same thickness. This is a guarantee that when laying the situation will be controlled only by the amount of glue, and not at random, while adjusting to each tile.
- There should be no curved tiles. This can be checked with the edge of another tile or with a ruler. Basically, this situation is visible to the naked eye, one has only to look at the box with the packed tiles.
On the edges of the tile, the glaze should look the same and uniform on all tiles, spreading equally along the edge. The repeatability of the glaze swim to the edges of the tile is important.
- The right choice of tiles - no cracked glaze. These are manifestations of violations of production technology, or incorrect transportation.
Tip: it is correct to transport the tile not on the base, but on the edge.
- Coloring ceramic tiles should be uniform. If even insignificant dots are visible that are not filled with glaze on more than 3-4 tiles, the purchase must be abandoned.
- A coarse-grained fuzzy pattern should also alert, which looks like in old newspapers or printed on a printer. This means that the equipment is already old and you should not expect a good result in terms of product dimensions.
- You need to get acquainted with the information about the parameters of the tile, which are indicated on the packaging by symbols.
Tip: if any of the drawings is shown twice, this means that this tile has improved characteristics for this indicator.
Summing up, how to choose the right tile for the bathroom, we can indicate the following:
- tiles should be with reduced moisture absorption;
- glazed smooth tiles are well suited for walls;
- floor tiles should not be slippery, the best option is a tile with a matte surface.
Which ceramic tile is better to choose in the bathroom or in the kitchen? This question is inevitably faced by everyone who decides to update the interior of their apartment or house. And the unequivocal answer, which company's tile is better, is usually not immediately found. There are not so many manufacturers on the ceramic tile market, but it is not easy to choose the best - one that suits in every respect. Someone is confused by the reviews of tilers and users (the critical mass of negativity in them usually rolls over, regardless of the manufacturer), for someone there is no favorite colors or drawing, someone is worried about the strength and durability of finishing materials. We offer you a rating of the most popular ceramic tile manufacturers in Russia, as well as an overview of the pros and cons of their products.
Kerama Marazzi
Photo: media.ceramic-elite.ru
In the photo - the collection "Sakura Branch", the average price is 600 rubles / sq.m.
Russian manufacturer with the largest market share in the low and mid-price segment. Offers customers 12 collections (over 2000 tile items). Designers and marketers of Kerama Marazzi focused on the geographical component: the catalog of collections is more like an atlas that tells about countries, cities and continents. There are, for example, English, French, Indian, Italian, Scandinavian collections - each with features characteristic of a particular country. From a technological point of view, the manufacturer is also very advanced: the company is the only one in Russia that produces ceramic granite made using the DRY PRESS dry pressing technology, which allows you to very accurately imitate natural material. And from the point of view of the service, everything is fine here: in particular, in December 2015, an application for Android-based tablets began to operate, which reflects the entire range of the company with 3D panoramas and other beauties.
Advantages:
- Good assortment, including in the segment of inexpensive tiles
- Innovative technologies in the production of tiles and glazes for it
- Good tile strength
- Developed sales network (over 300 branded stores) and distribution
- Developed information service
Flaws:
- Not all collections have a perfect combination of wall and floor tiles. Sometimes you have to look for decor among the products of other manufacturers.
Typical feedback: I finish the familiar Kerama bath. Marriage on arrival has not yet been discovered. It cuts normally, the geometry is not bad. Packaging, of course. not Spanish, where each tile is lined with a layer of polyethylene, but I repeat, not broken. Take it if you like the color and pattern - the tile is one of the best among inexpensive ones.
Fap Ceramiche
Photo: www.fapceramiche.it
In the photo - the Fap Bark collection, the average price is 3800 rubles / sq.m.
Elite Italian tiles for non-poor people. The main assortment is tiles for bathrooms, but there are many options for other rooms. The Fap Ceramiche catalog contains about 30 collections, produced in only one factory in Sassuolo, which speaks of the constant quality of products. The main marketing focus of the manufacturer is on the environmental friendliness of tiles and exclusive design solutions. Imitation of natural materials (wood, stone, etc.) is one of the main activities of Fap Ceramiche. For example, FAP Preziosa perfectly copies natural marble, and Fap Bark perfectly imitates valuable breeds wood. Despite the high price, the quality of the tiles is still not perfect. There are deviations in size - up to 1 mm. This is not critical, but for such a cost it is still surprising.
Advantages:
- Great design solutions
- Decent assortment
- Consistent product quality (one factory)
- Environmental friendliness
- Excellent tile resistance to abrasion and fading
Flaws:
- High price
- There are deviations in the size of the tiles
Typical feedback: The geometry of the tiles is not perfect. The size "dangles" within 1mm. May vary in size with color combinations. Fitted with a seam of 2.5mm. Well cut and drilled. The appearance is impressive.
Keramin
Photo: moscow.petrovichstd.ru
In the photo - the Arizona collection, the average price is 620 rubles / sq.m.
One of the oldest brands in the post-Soviet space - with all the pluses and minuses of this position. On the one hand, this is a modern company with high-demand products of an average price level, on the other hand, the image of the Minsk Brick Plant is not the most attractive for marketing. One way or another, Belarusians produce about 80 collections of tiles. Many are available in multiple colors. Design solutions have geographical origins (collections of wall tiles "Venice", "New York" or "Tokyo", for example, and floor tiles - "Toledo"), historical ("Bastion") and landscape ("Pastoral", "Iris", Sakura and others). Many versatile options suitable for the kitchen, and for the corridor, and even for the bathroom. There is a choice. The dimensions of the tiles are from 10*10 cm to 27.5*40 cm. The quality generally corresponds to the price: even in the most "designer" collections, one can find a discrepancy between tiles in size by 1-2 mm. And you may not meet - how lucky.
Advantages:
- Interesting design solutions
- Good strength and fracture resistance
- Availability of universal collections
- Adequate price for most collections
Flaws:
- In some batches, users note problems with the tile geometry
Typical feedback: Keramin produces good collections, and if you have good taste and a good designer, your bathroom or toilet will delight you and your guests for a long time, but there is a great desire for the plant to update equipment to normalize quality and reduce prices for tiles.
golden tile
Photo: b.3ddd.ru
In the photo - the Ocean collection, the average price is 695 rubles / sq.m.
Ukrainian manufacturer of tiles in the low and mid-price segment, products of the Kharkov Tile Plant are manufactured under this brand. The presence of its own raw material base and the active work of designers (the company cooperates with the Italian design studios Tecnografica, Poligraph, SRS, operates its own design bureau headed by an Italian specialist), as well as the active use of digital printing technology, allow us to produce a wide range of collections - now there are more than 60 of them. -ti. The tiles are produced in six standard sizes (20*30, 25*40, 30*60, 15*60, 30*30 and 40*40 cm). The overall quality is in line with the price. Here, discrepancies in shades within the same batch are very rare, but users note deviations in size. As, however, with most manufacturers of inexpensive tiles.
Advantages:
- Good quality material (own raw material base)
- Very wide range
- Diversity design solutions
- Reasonable prices for most collections
Flaws:
- Dimensional deviations wall tiles
- Significant deviations in tone between different batches of tiles from the same collection
Typical feedback: We chose tiles for the bathroom for a long time, and settled on the Caesar collection. I was attracted by the appearance of the tiles, as well as the interesting design of the borders and decorative elements. After laying and grouting the seams, I realized that I was not mistaken with the choice - it looks gorgeous. There were no problems with cutting tiles. But there is one BUT. The wall tiles are crooked. Visually, when buying this is not visible, but when laying it is noticeable. There is a difference in length and width and a slight "bulge" of the tile. After grouting, all this is not evident. The floor tiles from this collection did not cause any complaints.
UNITILE ("Shakhty tile")
Photo: www.keramasam.ru
In the photo - the "Rattan" collection, the average price is 440 rubles / sq.m.
A popular brand of inexpensive domestic tiles. Collections are designed by Italian and Spanish design studios. The basic raw materials are our own, glaze and dyes are mostly imported. The assortment of the company includes 30 collections made in various colors (including bright ones). The names are mostly Italian names. Tile sizes - from 33 * 33 to 60 * 60 cm. The quality is average, brittle specimens are often found. Almost every user review contains complaints about deviations in size and differences in shades. But with proper styling, the result is very good and sometimes is not inferior to much more expensive counterparts. it a budget option for unpretentious buyers - the best inexpensive ceramic tiles.
Advantages:
- Wide range and colors
- There are simple universal solutions, which are very lacking in many expensive brands.
- An extensive trading network
- Low price
Flaws:
- Fragility of wall tiles
- Deviations in sizes and shades even within the same batch
Typical feedback: The tile is flat, not curved. Husband did it himself. Found that the tiles are slightly different from each other in size. And despite the fact that the party is one, they differ in tone. It seems insignificant, but in some places it is noticeable. The only good news is that the price is low, you can close your eyes to the shortcomings.
Cersanit
Photo: profiplitka.ru
In the photo - the Gzhel collection, the average price is 530 rubles / sq.m.
The assortment of this manufacturer includes more than 40 collections produced at 10 factories of the company in Poland, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. There are both budget and elite tiles. The Cersanit plant in the Moscow region is the only one in the Russian Federation that produces glass borders. Also a rarity so far is a tile with a size of 20 * 60, which Cersanit has 16 collections at once. Popular collections are 25x35 Enigma, Gentle, Jungle, Latte. In tile size 20x44 - Agat, Cherry, Gerbera, Wave sakura. In size 20x30 - Mozaika, Novella, Siesta and others. The quality is unstable. Most of all, users complain about the uneven side surfaces and the fragility of the wall tiles in some collections.
Peculiarities:
- Very wide range
- Great amount color solutions
- There are universal and exclusive options
- Floor tiles highly resistant to abrasion and fading
Flaws:
- The price is higher than competitors in their price groups
- Fragility of glaze in inexpensive collections
- There are deviations in the size of tiles in different batches.
Typical feedback: It is better to buy collections of tiles in which you do not need to join the pattern, because at the slightest deviation there will be problems. And these deviations are common. I have been laying Cersanit for several years, there were different sizes of tiles, and wavy edges. But in general you can not say that this is a bad tile. If the hands are not crooked, then after laying no defects are noticeable.
Which manufacturer of tiles is better to choose?
The ideal option is difficult to choose, let's say right away. You have to make compromises. If there is money, then the best choice, of course, Fap Ceramiche. But if financial opportunities are limited, then you need to proceed from the required appearance of the tile and the availability of all necessary components. Well, hope that the tile will be strong enough.