What types of tiles are there? Ceramic tiles: characteristics, types. Sidewalk tiles: types and sizes. Types of facing tiles

Ceramic tiles - a material quite popular and, most importantly, time-tested. The variety of colors and textures in the specialized stores pleasantly pleases the eye and at the same time greatly complicates the choice. This article will help to understand not only the external features of the tiles, but also with the main parameters and characteristics.

Definition of concept

Under the tile is often understood as a finishing material of a certain, mostly small size. This immediately follows an important advantage of tiles - convenience in finishing surfaces of non-standard formats. It can be "tricky" corners, rounded walls, columns and other kinds of original building solutions. The smaller the size of the product, the easier it is to perform a complex transition. Tiles in the form of a mosaic, for example, can, and more time-consuming, but allows you to trim the most complex curved surfaces, without losing at the same time in decorativeness.

Variety of species

The most common tile we have is ceramic. And what is ceramics? This is a thermally treated clay. And since the clay is different in composition, and the firing processes are regulated within wide limits, ceramic tiles have a wide variety. Types of ceramic tiles can be classified. It should be taken into account that tile is one of the materials, where, along with physical and chemical characteristics and parameters, there are external decorative features. Often happens so that when buying the latter are of decisive importance to choose from. Therefore, the classification will first be based on external indicators. So, the types of tiles are as follows:

• Glazed;
• With an inhomogeneous surface (rustic);
• Porous;
• Without treatment.

The difference in heat treatment determines the following two options. Double firing tiles are produced by sequentially firing first the ceramic base, and then together with the applied glaze. This, the older method makes it possible to obtain a porous structure. A new type - ceramic tiles of single firing. To make the material qualitative, the clay mixture is dried and pressed in a special way. After that, the processes of glazing followed and only then, from one time, the tile is fired.

Dimensions

What types of tiles come in size? It is known that for wall variants there are their own rulers of shapes and sizes, and for floor versions - others. For example, if the dimensions are 30х30, 45х45 cm for a floor, then for a wall panel the size range can start from 5х5 and 10х10 cm. The standard types of ceramic tiles will be 15х20, 20х20 and 20х25 cm. The larger the size of the material, the A large surface area can be covered for the same time. Of the disadvantages is to take into account the increased requirements for the tile application area, and for especially large sizes (60х120 cm) - special tools.

Important Settings

In order for the selection of tiles for the wall or floor covering to be more conscious, it is necessary to know about the material as much as possible of the facts. What are the parameters to consider when selecting? Let us consider successively the most important characteristics:

- Strength. It sounds trite, but the higher the strength, the longer the selected material will last.

- Wear resistance. The tile can be very strong, but if it quickly loses its decorativeness, it will still want to change. This is especially true for floor or paving.

- Elasticity. An important parameter regarding floor surfaces. The more elastic tile is able to recover after deforming action. Rigid, on the contrary, does not bend at all and withstands significant loads.

- Porosity. It should be taken into account when decorating swimming pools, bathrooms and showers. The porous ceramic tile is less slippery, since it absorbs a part of the moisture.

- Thermal conductivity. Ceramic material conducts heat well enough. The tile quickly heats up, however, while it cools down just as quickly. Therefore, it is successfully used together with warm floors.

Variety of ceramic tiles

The tile, made of ceramics, has all the qualities necessary for finishing. Ceramic tiles, characteristics, types and any other information about which is now generally available, is most popular. First, depending on the application, floor and wall tiles are selected. In a separate group is ceramics for bathrooms, where there is increased humidity. Such a tile should have increased resistance to moisture and steam and withstand temperature fluctuations. For the material covered with decorative glaze, durability is also important.

First of all, such parameters as strength, flexibility, durability and non-slip are important for flooring. When washing the floor, aggressive chemicals are often used. Therefore, ceramic tiles should have the maximum resistance to them. Wall cladding experiences less stress, more important is the decorativeness and quality of the coating. Wall tiles should also be easy to wash and retain their original look.

Differences in production - pledge of diversity

According to the production methods , the following types of tiles can be distinguished:

• Ceramic granite is the most sturdy tile from all the rest in the family. This material is even stronger than granite. Due to the complex technological process of production it has such properties as frost resistance, low water absorption, large stock of resistance to abrasion;
• Bicotature, as the name implies, undergoes double firing, which is why it is sufficiently porous. Suitable for facing dry surfaces. Thanks to the coating, both glossy and matte, it has a beautiful appearance;
• Pressed, or extruded, is obtained by forming from a powder under pressure. It is possible to produce all shapes and sizes;
• Clinker has a high density, although the composition is quite heterogeneous and includes a variety of types of clay and additives;
• Earthenware is a material formed during double firing of dense, most often white clay and covered with a layer of glaze.

These types of tiles, photos of which are in the text, are the most popular.

Advantages of ceramic tiles

If there are still doubts, whether to use ceramics for facing, we will consider some positive aspects of the material:

1. A combination of a huge variety of colors, textures and shapes with a large margin of strength and density. The production of ceramic tiles allows you to get a high-quality material at the output, even superior to granite in strength. And the ability to mix different types of clay and use a variety of glazes gives an incredible number of species.

2. Inert material qualities to chemicals, which allows you to wash the tile by any means.

3. Eco-friendly composition. Ceramics itself is a completely natural material. Therefore, the tiles from it do not harm the environment and human health.

4. Fire safety. Despite the high thermal conductivity of the material, the tile, when heated, does not burn and does not even smolder.

5. An insulator of electricity. Ceramic tiles do not conduct electric current.

Sidewalk tile and its features

For covering street surfaces, the so-called paving slab is used. If there was enough fine decorative ceramics for facing the premises, then open spaces dictate completely different conditions. First of all, this is the thickness. That's why the name "pavers" from the word "cant" appeared. In fact, these are small bricks that can withstand a heavy load. After all, even a truck can easily pass along the sidewalks.

A large number of types of pavers are due to the variety of shapes and sizes and production methods. What kinds of paving slabs can be distinguished? In size it happens:

1. Rectangular, which, in turn, is divided:

• On a large-sized, for example 300х300, 400х400 or even 500х500 mm;
• Small size with dimensions less than 250х250 mm.

2. Uncertain form.

The second option is especially popular for the design of pedestrian paths in the park, as well as on personal plots. Thanks to a special form, you can execute any design decision.

By the way of production paving slabs, the types and sizes of which are varied, can be obtained by vibrating or vibropressing. The first method allows to obtain more diverse forms, but it is less durable. When vibropressing, on the contrary, we obtain a very high quality and strong paving stone.

Types of facing tiles

Under the tiles are a variety of materials, made in certain geometric sizes and designed to cover surfaces. In this case, the use of tiles is not limited to premises, it is widely used in the street. Facades of buildings, various fences, monuments of architecture - for facing, in principle, there are no restrictions.

Types of facing tiles are very diverse. And the most common and popular option will be the ceramics discussed above. For facades, it is primarily the most durable and not porous, yet of any size. You can cladding both small mosaic tiles and large squares with dimensions of 500x500 mm.

Other tile options

Ceramic tile, being the most popular, sometimes yields its leadership positions to other materials. This applies to certain types of plastic, rubber, cork, glass and even natural stone. Let's consider in more detail what types of tiles are except ceramic:

- Quartz-vinyl. It is a material more than half composed of quartz, and the rest is vinyl. Also present are plasticizing additives, stabilizers and colorants. Such a tile has a whole set of advantages: it does not conduct electricity and heat, it is easy to clean by any means and is flexible enough with good strength.

- Plastic. This includes tiles made of polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene. The main advantage of the material is light, flexible and perfectly cleaned.

- Rubber. It is used mainly for covering floors in residential and office buildings. Has good frictional resistance, soft and comfortable for walking.

- Cork. Not the most common, but the most heat and soundproof.

- Glass. By properties close to quartz and ceramic - same strong and water resistant. It is made from waste glass and is economical enough.

Conclusion

As it turned out, modern facing materials have a wide variety of species. Having determined for itself a specific place, it is easy enough to choose the optimal types of tiles with the necessary parameters. Difficulty can arise only in external data, because the difference in tastes has not been canceled. So a pleasant choice!