No doubt, the tile is one of the most sought-after facing materials. We tell what to draw attention to if you decide to post them the kitchen floor.
All you need to know about the tile in the kitchen:
Specifications
- Wear resistance
- Hardness
- Friction coefficient
- Chemical Reagent Resistance
- Water absorption coefficient
Dimensions: what to navigate?
Features of design
- Color
- Imitation of stone and wood
How to pick up a grout?
The ceramic tile for the kitchen on the floor has many advantages: wear-resistant, eco-friendly, durable, it is easy to clean it. In addition, the choice is really wide: you can find products for every taste and wallet.
But there are cons. The tile is cold material, it does not heat even in the hot season. If you like a warm floor, which is especially relevant in winter, without installing the corresponding system can not do. In addition, it has bad sound insulation - it is also worth taking care of the stacking stage.
How to choose a tile on the floor to the kitchen for technical specifications
Wear resistance
Perhaps the most important parameter. The wear resistance is higher, the longer you will serve the flooring. Below is a classification developed by the American Institute of Porcelain and Enamel (Porcelain Enamel Institute - PEI).
- First Class - PEI I. Such a tile should not be used as an outdoor coating, it is exposed to abrasive materials. Most often, they lay the walls.
- The second class - PEI II is stronger, but still not enough to use in rooms with increased permeability. They are placed in bathrooms and other rooms, where they do not enter the shoes with a solid sole.
- The third class - PEI III can be used in residential buildings: in the dining room and in the bedroom. However, products are not intended for public places.
- Fourth Class - PEI IV. Optimal flooring for rooms with large crossings, including vestments and living rooms, corridors. They also lay out the halls of cafes, shops and restaurants.
- Fifth Class - PEI V. Products of this group are the most durable, they are used in the finishing of floors of public places, including train stations, airports, shopping centers, educational institutions.
It is best to choose the third, fourth or fifth group.
Hardness
The second indicator close to wear resistance is hardness. It is determined on the Moos Friedrich scale. The German scientist took 10 standards minerals and placed them in a sequence from the most soft - talca to the solid - diamond. According to the study, the ceramic surface with a matte coating is stronger - the samples are on the 7-9 place, the indicator of the eyed - 5-6.Friction coefficient
No less important characteristic - the friction coefficient - denotes how slippery is the coating. There is no uniform classification of materials, but, according to European standards, for residential premises such as a kitchen and a bathroom designed a tile with a sliding coefficient R10 - R12.
Chemical Reagent Resistance
There is also an indicator of the stability of the material to the effects of chemicals. Experts recommend choosing the most solid group: AA or A. Such products do not lose the appearance under the influence of various reagents.
Water absorption coefficient
Finally, another characteristic, which is also one of the key, is the water absorption coefficient. What it is lower, the stronger is considered the floor tile for the kitchen.
The lowest potential of porcelain is only 0.5%, while Maitolika is up to 20%, it does not fit it in rooms with high humidity.
Cafe sizes: What to take into account?
The most popular dimensions are 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm, as well as their variations. However, small squares with a side of 10 cm and 15 cm are also suitable for the floor.
Choosing a size, focus not only to your taste, but also on the parameters of the room. It's easier and faster to put briquettes without cutting, so that it completely covers the floor. For example, a square with a side of 33.3 cm perfectly fits into a square meter - conveniently in the case when there are no protrusions and recesses.
The Council is not new, but many of them neglect: buy by 10% more calculated quantity of building materials. First, so you will protect yourself from unexpected losses, for example, if several products are broken during the delivery process. And secondly, create a reserve for the future, if you suddenly need to open a part of the floor.
If the tile with a pattern that needs to be customized, or the laying is non-standard, lay another 5-10% on docking.
It is very important when buying checking the caliber is the actual size - on all packages. For example, it happens that a briquette with a side of 30 cm is actually 28 cm. Marriage is not, these are the features of ceramic production. The main thing is that all products in the package are the same, then the masonry will be smooth.
Often designers do not advise you to choose a large tile in small rooms. It is believed that it will emphasize a small area. This rule does not act in relation to a rectified tile, which can be placed without seams. Since there are no seams, they "do not cut" space.
Selection of tiles in color and design
Color
- The bright floor visually will expand the room, use this property if it is small. And the dark, on the contrary, narrows and emphasizes the size.
- Enlarge the room will help the laying in the dispersion, diagonally and the Christmas tree.
- It is not practical too dark tile, random spots, drops of water and divorces, crumbs and dust are clearly visible.
- If the dining room is not on the sunny side, try to make it in warm colors. In the absence of bright natural light, cold shades become dull and lifeless.
- In the interior in a modern style or high-tech, a monophonic floor will be appropriate. The classic interior is allowed to cover, stylized under the stone, or with various vessels, vensels. Cozy Provence and Country will complement the tile under the tree and the stone of light colors. A small format Metlah tile has a special charm, which, by the way, is able to compete even with a porcelain stoneware.
- If you do not want to experiment with color, but the desire to add a highlight to the design of the floor in the kitchen from the tile, take a look at non-standard forms: for example, hexagons (hexagon) and ovals. Such a floor will be elegantly looking not only in the modern interior, but also, for example, in minimalist.
- When buying carefully check the packaging so that the tone of the products was the same. If for some reason the desired party did not turn out, take the most close to it. In this case, the briquettes of the same tone lay in the center of the room - in the most prominent place, and the one that is different is closer to the edge, under the head and under the table.
Wood and stone imitation
Most models imitating wood - porcelain stoneware. Sometimes it is confused even with laminate, as the size is similar to this flooring. The photo is even difficult to distinguish them.
Its advantages are obvious: due to high performance, wear resistance and water absorption, it is used not only in the kitchen, but also in the hallway, bathroom, bedroom. In this case, the texture of the material creates a feeling of comfort and heat.
Manufacturers offer many shades: from light aspen to dark walnut; And there are models that perfectly repeat even cut.
Located a porcelain stoneware, imitating tree, in disperse or Christmas tree, sometimes use two shades. Since it is often rectic, it is put it without seams, which gives even greater similarity with natural wood.
Another type of porcelain stoneware is stylized under natural stone. Such a coating will cost much cheaper than natural marble or granite, while only professionals will be able to distinguish it from the original. There is an ordinary tile to the kitchen on the floor of such a design, but it is less wear-resistant.
How to pick up a grout?
- Uniform rules for the choice of grout color does not exist. Want - take into tone or contrasting. True, in the first case there is a risk to make the floor "flat", remove its texture. So often it is better to choose a grout that will be noticeable.
- For sure, it is not necessary to use a light mixture for the processing of seams, it will quickly become dirty.
- Epoxy putting, despite the cost, has proven itself better cement. It does not let moisture and resistant to the effects of chemicals. But it is quite difficult to work with her, you need experience.
- Cement mixture is cheaper and easier to work. However, it is more exposed to steam, water and chemical reagents.
