Floor tiles are a popular material. More and more people are choosing it for styling at home. Reviews of floor tiles are positive. The material is really good. Today we will consider various types of tiles and touch on all issues that relate to this topic.
Even 20-30 years ago, in our country, floor tiles were considered material that can be used anywhere, but not in residential premises. Perhaps this was due to some kind of stereotypical thinking, which migrated to many as the legacy of Soviet power. But also, perhaps, this was due to the quality of floor tiles of those years, or rather, not even quality, but appearance. He left much to be desired. Now the times are different, and today the floor tiles look very elegant and stylish.
Floor tile sizes
Today, there are many different variations in tile dimension. But let's name the most popular options:
- Tile floor 30x30. The square version is a time-tested classic.
- Tile floor 40x40. A larger square, but also a popular option.
- Tile 25x25. Another square option. Smaller tile sizes are ideal for small areas.
- Tile 45x30. Modern option. Many believe that this is a floor tile for the corridor (long and narrow rooms).
- Tile 40x60. An enlarged version of the just reviewed. A great option for any room.
These are far from all material sizes; we named the most popular options, judging by the reviews on floor tiles. In fact, there are a lot of tile sizes. Based on the same reviews, we can conclude that floor tiles 30x30 is the sales leader among all other material options.
Color spectrum
The colors of the floor tiles are varied. Modern tiles can have almost any color, shade or pattern. Manufacturers offer great options for their customers. You can definitely choose the right color option for you. You can choose from glossy light floor tiles to matte black, including all other colors.
Tile material
Today you can divide the entire floor tile into such large categories:
- Tile.
- Porcelain tile.
- A rock.
- PVC
- Concrete.
- Bung.
Let's consider each option in more detail to find out about all the features.
Tile
Old, proven option. Reviews of floor tiles in this category are positive. The material is time-tested. The tile is well cut by a tile cutter or grinder. Material can serve more than one dozen years.
Porcelain Tiles
A relatively new solution. This is definitely not cheap floor tile. The material is expensive and high quality. Porcelain is harder and stronger than tile, but the material is more difficult to cut, it can be chipped, but if you do everything right and you have experience, then everything will be fine.
A rock
Stone tile is beautiful and durable. Most often, granite or marble acts as a stone. The floor tile "Black Marble" looks very expensive and strict. It is used both as a floor covering and as a material for cladding building facades. Material is good to everyone, but very expensive. This is perhaps the only minus of this tile.
PVC
Cheap material that is not very hard and tough. It has some flexibility. This is an exclusively home option, and then, provided that the tile is laid where there is not a large flow of people. The surface for laying such tiles should be perfectly flat. Not too common option.
Concrete
This tile is easily made independently. That is, it is not necessary to buy it in a store, but you can do it yourself, while it does not require any specialized skills. It is only necessary to acquire river or quarry sand, cement and water. All components are mixed and poured into molds. Such tiles are suitable for making paths in the garden, for example. This is not an option for the home.
Bung
The material is new, eco-friendly and fashionable. Cork tiles are an elite floor covering. This floor will be very warm and with excellent sound absorption. If we talk about the cons, then the cork is afraid of water, and also it is short-lived and expensive. This is more a decorative option, but not practical!
Material Categories
Also, the entire tile can be divided into five categories. The tile category determines the material properties.
First category
The material of the first category is characterized by low resistance to heavy loads. This tile is chosen for installation in bathrooms or bedrooms. Of the strengths of this floor tile in the reviews, a relatively low price and aesthetic appearance are noted. If we talk about the shortcomings, then this material does not like the load and is afraid of sand. Relatively cheap option.
Second category
Tiles of the second category of wear resistance are usually selected in residential premises. She tolerates serious loads well. But it is better not to walk on the tiles in heels and not to allow street dirt and sand to get on it. The option is suitable for living rooms, loggias, hallways and so on. Of the advantages of the material, one can recall the price, the variety of sizes and patterns. Among the shortcomings can be called its susceptibility to abrasion by street sand and exposure to high humidity. Tiles are inexpensive, affordable option from the budget category.
Third category
The tile is suitable for laying in the kitchen, loggia, attic and so on. Tiles in this category are difficult to scratch. The material is durable and beautiful. Some weaknesses are difficult to find. This is not the cheapest floor tile. This is a great option if your financial situation allows you such expenses.
Fourth category
Suitable for offices, shops with a large flow of people. Material from this category is very high quality. If you have a high intensity of passage in the room, then this tile will be an ideal option for you. Such tiles are used in restaurants and other similar rooms. An expensive option that is worth every ruble spent on it.
Fifth category
Almost an industrial option. Very stable tile. Not afraid of rain or frost. It is found in hypermarkets, and it is also a floor tile for the corridor, for example, at the airport, where the passenger flow is simply endless! This is the best tile. It is durable, not afraid of loads and temperature changes. Elite material for very substantial money.
Selection rules
Of course, you yourself buy the option that you like, but it’s worth mentioning some rules:
- The solid version does not hide dust and dirt on its surface. With such tiles, you need to sweep or mop the floor more often. Light tile reveals all the dirt on itself even more.
- Tiles with a fine pattern on the surface hide dust and dirt on themselves. This option is convenient in terms of practicality, where there is a large flow of people.
- The floor tile must match the overall interior color, it looks very nice when the door, walls and curtains in the room somehow resonate with the floor in terms of its style and color.
- For some dark rooms, it is preferable to choose a light tile on the floor, this will give comfort and become a stylish combination.
Laying tiles
Compliance with the technology of laying tiles is the key to its long service life. If you do not have enough experience to carry out such work, then it is easier and more correct to turn to tile laying specialists for help. Paying for their work, you save later, when even after many years your floor covering will look as if it had just been laid. For laying use only high-quality materials and tools.
Prices
The price of the tile varies depending on the type, material and brand, but still some common facets can be drawn. One square meter of ceramic tile costs from 500 to 1000 rubles. Stone floor tiles are much more expensive. One square meter costs from 2 thousand to 10 thousand rubles. A square meter of porcelain tile costs from 700 rubles to 3000 rubles. PVC and concrete tiles are the most affordable options. A square meter costs from 250 rubles to 750 rubles.
You need to choose not only for the price. When choosing a tile, consider the material, manufacturer, category and many, many other factors. If you still have doubts, then seek the help of consultants, they will be able to help you make the right choice.
Tile manufacturers
Not all tiles are the same and not all tiles are good. Choose products only from trusted manufacturers with the name! I must say that today there are not too many tile manufacturers. There are also our companies on the market, and there are also foreign brands. The price of Russian tiles is lower. Our tile is not inferior in quality to imported.
List of the most successful tile manufacturers (based on analysis of sales ratings for the last year):
- Fap Ceramiche (the company was founded in the 60s of the last century, the first factory was in the city of Sassuolo in Italy).
- Kerama Marazzi (Russian brand, the company was founded in the 80s of the last century). The company has factories both in Russia and outside of our country.
- Cersanit (a huge international company, today has 12 plants). The first plants were built in Poland in the 90s of the last century.
- Kerranova (company from Samara). The first workshop was launched in 1941; since 2004, the production of floor tiles has been launched.
- Mei (founded in 1863 in the city of Meissen in Germany). The company had its own clay deposit for the production of all ceramic products in the enterprise.
Reviews of all the listed companies are positive, and these opinions are left by ordinary customers and people who are professionals in matters of flooring. All manufacturers have a wide range of products.
Flooring is an important part of any interior. Tile coating is stylish, expensive and beautiful. This is a classic that is always relevant and relevant. Floor tiles go well with any other materials and fit into almost any interior.