Many people choose ceramic tiles as a floor finishing material, despite the abundance of other floor coverings on the construction market. Tile has a lot of advantages compared to other coatings. Let's look at how to choose floor tiles for different types premises.
Features and advantages of the material
If you start comparing floor tiles with regular tiles, you will immediately notice that the former is thicker. The finish also has increased wear resistance characteristics. Because of these properties, tiles are usually installed in the kitchen and hallway.
Among other advantages and features, we can highlight high hygiene. Compared to any other floor coverings, tiles are considered the best material for flooring in rooms where there is a high level of pollution.
The material has extraordinary strength. The main thing is to know how to choose floor tiles so as not to regret the purchase. If professionally installed, tiles can withstand significant loads from impacts, as well as other mechanical damage. Not only is the finish durable, but it also doesn't lose its color over time.
Ceramics are very durable. Unlike other coatings, floor tiles can last up to 50 years without loss or reduction in technical characteristics. The tiles are not afraid of moisture and serious flooding - that is why tiles are chosen for finishing bathrooms. Any other material in the bathroom will quickly become damp and become unusable.
If the flooring is damaged, you can repair just the damaged area without having to replace the entire floor. And finally, ceramics will never cause harm to human health. This is the most environmentally friendly option among all existing floor coverings (except wood, of course). Available in stores and construction hypermarkets huge selection ceramics for the floor of any colors, patterns, sizes and textures.
This allows you to create not only a durable, but also an attractive coating.
Flaws
If you lay tiles in violation of the technology, this will lead to the formation of cracks. To obtain a high-quality result, it is not enough to choose high-quality tiles. It is necessary to first thoroughly prepare the subfloor. It should be smooth and dry.
For all its advantages, tiles have poor sound absorption properties. But this drawback can be easily eliminated with the help of soundproofing layers. The latter are laid when pouring the screed.
Ceramic tiles are very cold, but have high thermal conductivity. The cold problem can be solved by installing heated floors. Finally, the tiles are very slippery. For bathrooms, options with a rough surface are more preferable.
Criterias of choice
How to choose floor tiles? First of all, the choice depends on the type of room where it will be installed. So, it could be a bathroom, kitchen, living room, hallway. The finishing characteristics depend on the type of room. There are certain criteria for choosing floor tiles.
Structure
The construction market offers materials with a glossy, matte or embossed surface. It should be taken into account that tiles are very slippery, so you should not opt for glossy products, even if they look very impressive. Glossy floors become hazardous if exposed to water. If you really like the shine, then it is better to use it where the humidity is lower.
Dimensions
How the room and interior will be visually perceived depends on the geometric characteristics. If you place large ceramics in a small room, it will visually shrink and it will be cramped. But a small mosaic will visually expand the space.
Large tiles are relevant in rooms whose area is more than seven square meters. For bathrooms and toilets, it is better to use smaller options.
Color spectrum
Floors, like walls, occupy a fairly large area. This means that the coating can significantly influence the process of shaping the interior of the room. Professional designers advise which floor tiles to choose to get a harmonious interior:
- Floors should be in harmony with other finishes, or contrast with them. White tiles on the floor in the hallway will make a dark room lighter and visually expand it. Color saturation depends on the brightness of the light.
- In classic interiors, tiles made from natural stone. But the imitation will also look quite impressive.
Materials
It is believed that ceramics are an exceptionally cold floor. Therefore, it is not used for bedrooms and children's rooms. And this is true for stone and ceramic materials. But you can find special warm tiles on sale. This new product was developed in Japan. The structure of such a product contains a mass of air bubbles, which act as a barrier against cold without reducing the strength characteristics. Therefore, for those who do not know which floor tiles to choose, warm products are an ideal option. The floor will be easy to use and will not give off cold.
Let us note one nuance. Among ordinary tiles, there are also warmer and cooler options. Thus, the stone is much cooler than ordinary ceramics. It is better to choose granite and porcelain tiles for corridors.
For those who don’t know which floor tiles are best to choose to keep it warm, stores can offer special vinyl trim. It is much warmer than regular tiles. But this is not classical ceramics. This is something like ordinary linoleum, but with a different composition and installation technology. The material can be easily adjusted to fit rooms of any size, elastic and warm. But it is not very durable. The service life is no more than 10 years.
There are also quartz vinyl tiles. It is harder than PVC materials, since it contains 80 percent quartz sand.
Marking
Any package containing tiles has special markings. They will help and advise you on how to choose floor tiles. Manufacturers have encrypted all the necessary information in these symbols. If a palm is drawn, then this is wall tile. If the foot, then, accordingly, for the floor. Snowflake means that the material is intended for use as an exterior finish.
Decorative characteristics
Often the tiles are decorated with various decorative elements. These can be inserts, patterns, relief stripes. It all looks very elegant, but only if it matches the area of the room and the interior design.
For small rooms, you should not get carried away with a large number of such patterns. This noticeably hides the free space.
Manufacturers
Many people are sure that choosing the right floor tiles can only be done by foreign manufacturers. In fact, the stores offer many high-quality domestic products that have the same characteristics as imported ones. But its price is much lower.
If you make a choice without specific experience, it is best to trust trusted manufacturers:
- Almera Ceramics.
- "Cersanite".
- "Novabell"
Variety
For those who don’t know how to choose floor tiles, markings come to the rescue again. It must indicate the variety. The higher it is, the lower the quality. Low quality tiles may have dimensional errors. Various defects, deviations in thickness, unevenness in painting, chips.
Each variety has its own marking. The first is red, the second is blue, and the third is green. Regardless of which floor tiles you choose for the bathroom or any other premises, it is better to purchase tiles from the same batch. Why is that? Identical products from different batches may differ significantly in color, shades and even sizes.
Features of choice
Let's look at which floor tiles to choose for the bathroom. Bathroom ceramics must meet certain requirements. This is the correctness of geometric shapes and strict compliance with sizes. The material must be intact without defects, the surface of the tile must be resistant to abrasion. Also important characteristic- resistance to temperature changes and moisture. In addition, bathroom tiles must withstand chemical cleaning agents and have an anti-slip effect.
For those who do not have the proper experience and do not know which floor tiles to choose for the bathroom by color, it is best to purchase a set of floor and wall tiles. The collections of modern manufacturers include various models. You just need to take into account the main design rules - it’s good to choose light colors for small rooms.
Kitchen
How to choose floor tiles for the kitchen? There are two options. These are porcelain tiles or traditional ceramics. You should not be afraid of porcelain stoneware - there have been no special substances in its composition for a long time.
Among the advantages of such tiles, it is worth noting a long service life and the ability to maintain a magnificent appearance for 15 years. The material is also highly durable, which is very important in the kitchen. Tiles are not easy to scratch. Doesn't stay on the surface greasy stains. This is also a big plus. Among the disadvantages is that porcelain tiles are cold and very slippery when exposed to moisture.
Ceramics have the same advantages and the same disadvantages as porcelain stoneware. But its price is noticeably lower. There are two types of ceramics - glazed and regular. The first models are distinguished by a more glossy surface, as well as increased hardness. This is a good choice for the kitchen. Here's how to choose floor tiles for your kitchen. When it comes to color and design, the existing kitchen interior needs to be taken into account.
How to choose the right color
The flooring, or rather its color, plays into the interior important role. It is not enough to simply choose high-quality ceramics or tiles - you need them to complement the existing interior. For different rooms Color requirements are different.
Experts will share tips on how to choose the color of floor tiles. White bathroom tiles are a classic that some people consider too boring. But white is the best thing for visually expanding space. Blue or green shades will create a cool and fresh atmosphere. More natural shades (beige, coffee) will bring a calming effect.
Turquoise, gold and red are used to accentuate certain points. Colors that are too bright will cause overexertion. Black color will narrow the space and have a depressing effect on the psyche. But if there is good lighting in the room, then dark color can be effectively used in combination with white or coffee.
Here's how to choose ceramic floor tiles by color and shade. This is an important characteristic that should be taken into account when creating interiors for various rooms.
Grout colors
Grout also plays an important role in the design of a tile floor. It will complement the color scheme of the floor. In the case of multi-colored ceramics, choose the darkest and lightest colors. Then everything is decided by size. If the tiles are plain, then the shade is chosen according to the functional purpose of the room. To accentuate the furniture, choose grout to match the tiles. When using mosaics, take a shade that would contrast with the main tone. But you can also choose a neutral color.
Conclusion
So, we found out how to choose the grout color for floor tiles. Using these simple tips and recommendations, you can get a beautiful and practical room. A glossy surface will look better than a matte one. But it is worth remembering that if water gets in, such tiles become very dangerous. It is better to use it only for walls.
Choosing floor tiles is an important and crucial moment in any renovation. Not only the course of the process itself, but also the final aesthetic result will depend on how correctly the material was chosen. In order to answer the question, it is necessary to find out a number of certain requirements presented to this finishing material. When it comes to choosing ceramic tiles, it is better not to succumb to patriotic feelings and move away from stands with domestic tiles. This will be better than scolding a poorly executed repair because the wrong choice was made. Since, unfortunately, domestic tiles do not meet the standards that are necessary for high-quality repairs.
The price of a good tile cannot be less than $15. behind square meter. Today, almost every tile collection has light and dark versions, with decorative elements (borders, relief inserts, etc.).
It is better to choose glossy tiles for walls and matte tiles for floors. Lay glossy tiles Experts do not recommend using it on the floor, since during operation its surface may become unusable. The choice of decor also needs to be approached intelligently. The fact is that cutting small elements is not recommended, due to the fact that joining such parts in the future will be very difficult and the end result may ultimately disappoint you.
It is better to avoid using borders in small rooms altogether. This will complicate correct selection plumbing and aesthetic perception of the entire renovation.
It is also important to choose the right grout. Its color should match the color of the tile, but you can choose a grout that is two or three shades lighter. It is better to choose dark tiles for the floor and bottom of the bathroom; it is more practical. There will be fewer problems with cleaning. Guided by these simple rules, choosing tiles for your renovation will be easier. 
Shape and color
Today we can say that small floor tiles are out of fashion. The main trend now is large format tiles. Beautiful, durable, strictly maintained modern style, it will satisfy every taste. Sales specialists recommend floor tiles of sizes 100x100 and larger - first of all.
The huge size of the tiles allows you to radically change the appearance of the room, transforming the space around. You can achieve an even greater effect by placing it diagonally.
Parquet or tiles, which is better?
Wherever you are doing renovations, in a private house or new apartment, sooner or later the question arises, which flooring is better to choose. Indeed, today his choice is so great that to the common man It is quite difficult to understand all the intricacies of this or that material.
Parquet boards and laminate are quite popular materials for flooring. And if there are almost no complaints about the first one (except for the price), then the choice of laminate should be approached in detail. This coating does not last long and after a while it will have to be changed again, and this is a new waste of time and money.
Ceramic tiles that imitate the texture of real wood create the impression of human unity with the surrounding nature
Advantage of ceramic tiles
Among the floor materials that are used for finishing, tiles occupy a worthy, one of the first positions in popularity. Floor tiles have excellent decorative qualities, are easy to clean, and last quite a long time. Thanks to the smooth surface, maintaining the tiles in proper condition is much easier than taking care of parquet, linoleum or carpeting.
First of all, ceramic tile for flooring finds its application in damp rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen. The closed structure of the material does not allow dust to accumulate or microorganisms to multiply. This makes it an ideal cover for people suffering from asthma or allergies.
To make a floor with such a coating clean, you just need to vacuum it and then wipe it with a damp cloth.
Important! When choosing detergents for tiles, you need to carefully read the instructions. Using low-quality products when cleaning the floor may not in the best possible way will affect its purity.
Durability
It is unlikely that carpet or laminate flooring will last you a long time, a maximum of 5-7 years. While the service life of ceramic tiles can easily reach 40 or even 50 years. Today, only parquet boards can boast of such durability. However, unlike tiles, parquet will need to be updated periodically.
Of course, the survivability of a particular material will depend on the quality you choose. For example, single or double fired ceramic tiles will last you at least 30 years.
Porcelain tiles have an even longer service life; such material will delight you for at least 50 years. Natural stone coatings, which offer good resistance to acids of any type, are no less durable. 
After 10 years of operation, it will look something like this: laminate (Fig. 1) and ceramic tiles (Fig. 2)
How to make tiles shine
- In order to give the tiles an extraordinary shine and shine, use it to wash warm water with a small amount of ammonia.
- After this, apply a light layer to a clean surface. linseed oil, with the addition of beeswax or liquid silicone.
- Once dry, wipe the floor with a soft microfiber cloth until the solution is completely removed.
You can improve the appearance of tiles only by regularly caring for them. For heavy soiling, use special means with the addition of industrial alcohol.
Also for cleansing tiled covering can also be used folk remedies. For example, potato decoction or regular starch does the job perfectly.
After each procedure, it is advisable to apply to the tile surface thin layer linseed oil or special cream. This will allow the floor to maintain its appearance without changes for much longer.
Ceramic tiles for apartments
It's no secret that the choice of ceramic tiles is not influenced by last resort the type of room in the apartment or residential building in which it will be used. Based on this criterion, the following classification can be made:
- Wet areas (bathroom, toilet)
- Kitchens
- Living rooms and bedrooms
- Hallways and corridors
Even before purchasing, it is imperative to study the main qualitative characteristics of the selected ceramic tile: wear resistance, porosity, frost resistance, tensile strength, surface hardness, chemical resistance, coefficient of friction, tone and caliber. Compositions for filling joints between tiles also play an important role, allowing to increase the service life and aesthetic qualities of the finished coating.
True, you should choose floor tiles for finishing the floor taking into account the requirements for the material, depending on the purpose of the room. If this is, for example, a hallway, which floor tiles should you choose?
Floor tiles in the hallway and corridor
The hallway differs from other rooms in its high traffic flow. This is a place where dirt and sand accumulate, which are carried by household members on the soles of their shoes from the street. In the hallway, the floor tiles should be thick enough so as not to be damaged by the weight of a person.
The load on the floor at the entrance to the apartment is one of the most significant. The more dirt there is on the soles of your shoes, the faster the flooring in the hallway will lose its appearance. This is why it is so important to dry your feet thoroughly upon entering, especially in wet weather.
What technical characteristics The tiles purchased for laying on the floor in the hallway must have operational qualities. Of course, first of all this:
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to abrasives;
- resistance to intense physical impact from outdoor shoes of household members and guests.
These requirements are met by tiles belonging to classes: A, AA. In addition, in the hallway the floor is often wiped, that is, subject to intense wear, so it is advisable to purchase class 3 tiles. She is also not afraid of the impact of the soles of street shoes. 
It is very important that the tiles have as little water permeability as possible. The surface of the material must be non-slippery. In addition, the tiles must match the interior design in color and style of the room. In this regard, large tiles for the hallway floor are the best option.
Floor tiles can visually enlarge small corridor. To do this, it is recommended to use light-colored tiles with a smooth surface. Dark tiles, especially small size, on the contrary, will reduce the room.
To make the hallway seem more spacious, you can put light brown, blue or gray tiles on the floor. It is not recommended to use black color, as chips and scratches will be clearly visible on it.
Ceramic relief tiles on the floor, laid immediately in front of the exit, will help give the room more volume. This will not only be an interesting design technique, but also a safety measure - the place near the threshold will not be slippery.
Laying of floor finishing should be carried out using tools that correspond to the class of tiles used. Inaccuracies in the process of laying tiles are not acceptable, otherwise you will need to redo it again.
Every year, it becomes more and more difficult to accurately decide on the issue of choosing flooring for the kitchen, not because there are few quality products, but, on the contrary, due to the fact that its range is only growing, production technologies are becoming more perfect, not to mention that multifaceted types of design, imitation, etc. can be used. Which tile to choose?
Of course, ceramic tiles are the ideal solution for the kitchen; they are easy to install, easy to clean, and, moreover, not as expensive as other materials, especially considering their durability and resistance to damage.
The walls here get dirty as a result of cooking and are exposed to cleaning compounds during regular cleaning. Something is always happening to the kitchen floor: people are pouring on it. hot water and broth, leftover food and kitchen utensils fall, various, sometimes very heavy appliances press on it: washing machine, refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, stove. The requirements for mechanical, chemical properties and water absorption of tiles are especially high.
Most often, people simply stop at classic tile options, but there are simply amazing modern solutions. For example, every housewife wants to show off an expensive coating, say, a marble floor in the kitchen. It's possible! All you need to do is buy ceramic tiles that imitate marble. At the same time, neither by touch nor by appearance, it will be indistinguishable from natural stone.
The same trick is available with granite. Surprised? In this case, you will be even more pleased with the possibility of creating a seamless coating, that is, an imitation of a continuous canvas is created, accordingly, dirt will not get clogged in the seams, and the interior acquires wealth and well-being.
There is also a tile that completely imitates natural wood, accordingly, by laying out such a covering, you can complete the idea with the parquet used in other rooms. And you don’t have to worry that the parquet will swell because milk has escaped or borscht has spilled, because the tiles are easy to clean.
Floor tiles for the kitchen can be very original, but at the same time the prices remain quite affordable and reasonable, and compared to natural products made of stone and wood, the price is simply ridiculous. So take advantage of worthy offers from leading manufacturers. There are many options, the main thing is to make the right and informed decision.
Bathroom and toilet
Every new day of the apartment owners begins and ends here, so it is especially important to create comfort and good mood in these rooms, so that cleanliness and beauty please the eye.
Cosmetics and hygiene products can leave permanent stains on floors or walls. And the cleaning agents and detergents used to clean them have sufficient chemical activity. All this suggests that for both walls and floors, it is necessary to use tiles with high levels of moisture resistance and acid resistance.
The perfect combination of ceramic tiles with the overall interior design
For laying on the walls in the bathroom and toilet, choose glazed tiles, matte or glossy, and an excellent addition to it are borders and decors, pieced or assembled in panels. The vertical arrangement of ornaments allows you to visually enlarge even very small spaces.
The latest trends in tile fashion are imitation of nature: stone, wood, plant fibers. These textures will be ideally combined with almost any decoration of adjacent rooms. To finish the floor, use non-slip, highly porous tiles of abrasion class I or II.
Living room and bedroom
The traditions of antiquity in the use of tiles for flooring in the living room and bedroom are becoming relevant again. Free space there really is a lot here for your creative imagination to run wild, because... you can use a variety of decorative elements, panels, additions, and various installation options.
If there is a need to make cool ceramic floors warmer, then a system that can warm you up on cold winter evenings receives well-deserved attention.
The loads on the floors here are not the same everywhere. In bedrooms, tiles of abrasion classes I and II are used, because traffic here is very low. In the living room and hall, the load on the floor is more significant, especially where they stand dinner table, wardrobes and sofas. Here, a combination of different tile abrasion classes from II to IV is justified.
How to calculate the required number of tiles
The first thing you need to do is measure the area of the room. To do this, multiply the length of the room by the width, the resulting product is the area of your room. 
Most often, floor tiles, like any other, are sold by the square meter. Knowing the area of the room, you can easily calculate required amount tiles It is only important to take into account that diagonal installation will require 10-15% more material than conventional installation. There the error due to fitting rarely exceeds 5%.
The history of using ceramic tiles as a finishing material goes back many centuries. According to archaeologists, such tiles were used in Mesopotamia back in the third millennium BC. e. Later it spread throughout the world.
The raw material for the production of tiles is clay. In addition, sand and other natural materials are used, which are added to improve the performance of the 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 extrusion (pushing through a mold).
Externally, ceramic tiles are plates of square or rectangular shape (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.
Tile can be either enameled (glazed) or without enamel coating. The top layer of glazed tiles can be glossy or matte. Enamel colors are very varied. There are tiles with both decorative patterns and single-color ones. Non-enamelled tiles have a uniform structure and usually do not have any pattern on the surface.
By method heat treatment tiles are divided into two large categories: single and double fired.
In the first option, the glaze is applied to the wet clay, after which the tile is placed in the oven. This way the glaze and 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 this 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-firing tiles, so they are used mainly for cladding walls and ceilings.
The number of firings is indicated on the packaging using a symbol - a petal of flame, next to which a number is drawn.
Depending on the molding method and the number of firings, ceramic tiles are traditionally divided into several main types. Single and double fired tiles are also often called in Italian words monocottura And bicottura respectively. They are formed by pressing. Such tiles are used to decorate walls and floors.
Majolica- another type of double-fired glazed ceramic with a colored porous base, which is produced by pressing. Just like monocottura and bicottura, majolica is used mainly for cladding interior walls in residential areas.
Faience- pressed double-fired enameled tiles with a white porous base. The glaze can be colored various colors. Faience is used to cover floors and walls indoors.
Cotto- single-fired, non-enamelled 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 pressing through a mold. These single fired tiles 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, which give the material special hardness and strength. Porcelain tiles have low moisture absorption and frost resistance. The scope of its application is very wide - from floors in apartments and public spaces to the facades of houses.
Ceramic tiles are traditionally used to decorate bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Some people use this material in the hallway, living room and even in the bedroom. But many consider tiles to be a cold material and for this reason do not decorate the walls and floors in living rooms with them.
As for bathrooms and kitchens, in these rooms tiles fully demonstrate their high performance. The bathroom and toilet are usually completely tiled. In the kitchen, sometimes only small spaces near the stove and sink are tiled.
You should choose tiles carefully so as not to regret wasted money later. Naturally, appearance is important. High-quality tiles must have right angles and a flat, smooth or matte surface without cracks or other defects, and correspond to the dimensions indicated on the packaging. For enameled tiles, the glaze layer should be smooth, uniform and the same thickness over the entire surface of the tile.
In addition to 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, where the properties of ceramic materials are studied. For this reason, the number is preceded by the abbreviation of this institution - PEI.
I-factor tiles are intended for light traffic areas such as the bathroom or bedroom where people walk barefoot or wear soft house shoes. 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 rooms with medium-intensity load, such as the kitchen and hallway.
Tiles of the fourth class can be laid where the load is quite high, and there are also temperature changes - in a common corridor for several apartments, on staircase or on the 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, at train stations, at airports.
Another tile quality parameter is surface hardness. It is determined using 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 What you should pay attention to is the resistance of the tiles to chemicals. Letters are used to designate it. The letters AA indicate maximum stability. Such tiles do not change their appearance when in 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 (moderate changes), C (partial loss of the original appearance) and D (complete loss of the original appearance). Tiles marked with the letter D on the packaging have minimal resistance and should not be placed in places with a high probability of aggressive environmental influences.
Typically, this information about the parameters of the tile is contained on the packaging in the form of symbols. For example, a design of a foot on a black background tells the consumer that this ceramic tile is intended to be laid on the floor. If the background around the foot is shaded, then this floor tile has increased wear resistance. A hand is drawn on a box of wall tiles. The snowflake on the packaging means frost resistance.
If a pattern is shown twice, this means that the tile has improved characteristics for this indicator. You can see what these and other symbols look like in the figure.
An important role when choosing tiles is played by the place where it will be attached. Floor tiles must be much more durable than tiles used on walls or ceilings. In this regard, when purchasing, you should carefully study the packaging, since it contains important information O correct operation tiles
You should also consider in which room the tiles will be used. If the tiles will lie on the floor in the hallway where people wear street shoes, they should be more durable and wear-resistant than tiles intended for wall cladding in the bathroom.
For a bathroom where it is always damp, it is better to choose tiles with reduced moisture absorption. Therefore, smooth glazed tiles are well suited for walls. Bathroom floor tiles should not be slippery. It is better to lay tiles with a matte surface there. This will help prevent falls and injuries.
The kitchen needs tiles that are resistant to chemicals, otherwise they may stain. Especially if the tiles are laid near a sink or stove, where there is a high probability of frequent contact with detergents. Also, kitchen tiles must be resistant to mechanical damage.
Before purchasing, you need to calculate the number of tiles you need to purchase. Knowing the surface area of the floor or wall intended for cladding, as well as the dimensions of the tiles, it is quite simple to make such calculations. However, it should be taken into account that you need to buy tiles with a small margin, since the length and width of the surface do not always exactly correspond to the dimensions of the tiles, it will have to be cut and some part will inevitably go to waste.
The price of tiles depends on many factors, most of which were listed above: production technology, tile sizes, wear resistance class, hardness, resistance to chemicals, manufacturer. In the cost range from 400 to 2000 rubles per square meter you can find high-quality products for every taste.
Ceramic tiles are rightfully popular. High-quality tiles have high strength, hardness and resistance to impact. high temperatures. This 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.
Which ceramic tile is better to choose for the bathroom or kitchen? This question is inevitably faced by everyone who has decided to update the interior of their apartment or house. And a definite answer to which tiles from which company is better is usually not immediately found. There are not so many manufacturers on the ceramic tile market, but choosing the best one—one that suits you in all respects—is not easy. Some people are confused by the reviews of tiler specialists and users (the critical mass of negativity in them is usually off the charts, regardless of the manufacturer), some don’t have a favorite color scheme or pattern, some are worried about strength and durability finishing materials. We offer you a rating of the most popular manufacturers of ceramic tiles 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 “Sakura Branch” collection, average price - 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 collection catalog is more like an atlas telling about countries, cities and continents. There are, for example, English, French, Indian, Italian, Scandinavian collections - each with characteristics 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 makes it possible 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 operating, which reflects the entire range of the company with 3D panoramas and other beauties.
Advantages:
- Quite a good range, including in the inexpensive tiles segment
- Innovative technologies in the production of tiles and glazes for them
- Good durability of tiles
- Developed trading network (over 300 branded stores) and distribution
- Developed information service
Flaws:
- Not all collections have the ideal combination of wall and floor tiles. Sometimes you have to look for decor among products from other manufacturers.
Typical review: I finish the bathtub with a familiar Kerama. No marriage has yet been discovered. It cuts normally, the geometry is not bad. Packaging, of course. not Spanish, where each tile is covered with a layer of polyethylene, but again, not broken. Take it if you like the color and pattern - the tiles are one of the best among inexpensive ones.
Fap Ceramiche
Photo: www.fapceramiche.it
In the photo - the Fap Bark collection, average price - 3800 rubles/sq.m.
Elite italian tiles for non-poor people. The main range is tiles for bathrooms, but there are many options for other rooms. The Fap Ceramiche catalog contains about 30 collections, produced only at one plant in Sassuolo, which indicates the constant quality of the products. The manufacturer's main marketing emphasis is on the environmental friendliness of the tiles and exclusive design solutions. Imitation natural materials(wood, stone, etc.) is one of the main areas of activity of Fap Ceramiche. For example, FAP Preziosa perfectly imitates natural marble, and Fap Bark perfectly imitates valuable wood species. Despite the high price, the quality of the tiles still cannot be called ideal. There are deviations in size - up to 1 mm. This is not critical, but for such a price it is still surprising.
Advantages:
- Great design solutions
- Decent assortment
- Consistent product quality (one plant)
- Environmental friendliness
- Excellent tile resistance to abrasion and fading
Flaws:
- High price
- There are deviations in tile sizes
Typical review: The geometry of the tile is not ideal. The size “dangles” within 1mm. May vary in size depending on color combination. It was laid with a 2.5mm seam. It cuts and drills well. The appearance is impressive.
Keramin
Photo: moscow.petrovichstd.ru
In the photo - the “Arizona” collection, average price - 620 rubles/sq.m.
One of the oldest brands in the post-Soviet space - with all the pros and cons of this situation. On the one hand, this is a modern company with in-demand mid-price products, on the other, 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 produced in several color options. 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). There are many universal options, suitable for the kitchen, the hallway, and even the bathroom. There is a choice. Tile sizes range from 10*10cm to 27.5*40cm. The quality generally corresponds to the price: even in the most “designer” collections you can find tiles differing in size by 1-2 mm. Or you may not meet one - depending on your luck.
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 tile geometry
Typical review: Keramin produces good collections, and if you have taste and a good designer, your bathroom or toilet will be for a long time to please you and your guests, but there is a great desire for the plant to update its equipment to normalize quality, and reduce prices for tiles.
Golden tile
Photo: b.3ddd.ru
In the photo - the Ocean collection, average price - 695 rubles / sq.m.
Ukrainian manufacturer of tiles in the low- and mid-price segment; products of the Kharkov Tile Factory are produced under this brand. The presence of its own raw material base and the active work of designers (the company cooperates with Italian design studios Tecnografica, Poligraph, SRS, and 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 quality generally corresponds to the price. Here, there are very rarely discrepancies in shades within the same batch, but users note deviations in size. As, indeed, with most manufacturers of inexpensive tiles.
Advantages:
- Good quality of material (own raw material base)
- Very wide range
- Variety of design solutions
- Reasonable prices for most collections
Flaws:
- Size deviations wall tiles
- Significant deviations in tone between different batches of tiles from the same collection
Typical review: We spent a long time choosing tiles for the bathroom 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 had made the right choice - it looks gorgeous. There were no problems cutting tiles. But there is one BUT. Wall tiles are crooked. This is not visible visually when purchasing, but is noticeable when installing. There is a difference in length and width and a slight “bulge” of the tiles. After grouting, none of this is noticeable. The floor tiles from this collection did not raise any complaints.
UNITILE (“Shakhty tiles”)
Photo: www.keramasam.ru
In the photo - the “Rattan” collection, average price - 440 rubles / sq.m.
A popular brand of inexpensive domestic tiles. The collections are designed by Italian and Spanish design studios. The basic raw materials are our own, the glaze and dyes are mainly imported. The company's assortment includes 30 collections, made in various colors (including bright ones). The names mostly contain Italian names. The sizes of the tiles are from 33*33 to 60*60 cm. The quality is average, brittle specimens are often found. Almost every user review contains complaints about size deviations and differences in shades. But with proper installation, the result is very good and sometimes not inferior to much more expensive analogues. This a budget option for unassuming buyers - the best inexpensive ceramic tiles.
Advantages:
- Wide range and colors
- There are simple universal solutions, which is something that many expensive brands really lack
- Extensive trading network
- Low price
Flaws:
- Brittleness of wall tiles
- Deviations in sizes and shades even within the same batch
Typical review: The tile is flat and not crooked. My husband laid it himself. I discovered that the tiles differ slightly in size from each other. And despite the fact that there is one party, they differ in tone. It seems insignificant, but in some places it is noticeable. The only good thing is that the price is low, you can close your eyes to the shortcomings.
Cersanit
Photo: profiplitka.ru
In the photo - Gzhel collection, average price - 530 rubles/sq.m.
This manufacturer's product range includes more than 40 collections, produced at 10 company factories in Poland, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. There are both budget and luxury tiles here. The Cersanit plant in the Moscow region is the only one in the Russian Federation that produces glass borders. Also still rare are tiles with a size of 20*60, of which Cersanit has 16 collections. Collections in sizes 25x35 Enigma, Gentle, Jungle, Latte are popular. 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 uneven side surfaces and the fragility of wall tiles in some collections.
Peculiarities:
- Very wide range
- A huge number of color options
- Universal and exclusive options available
- Floor tiles are highly resistant to abrasion and fading
Flaws:
- Price is higher than competitors in their price groups
- The fragility of glaze in inexpensive collections
- There are deviations in tile sizes in different batches
Typical review: It is better to buy collections of tiles in which you do not need to join the pattern, because the slightest deviation will cause problems. And these deviations happen often. I have been storing Cersanit for several years now, we met and different sizes tiles, and wavy edges. But in general one cannot say that this is a bad tile. If the hands are not crooked, then after installation no defects are noticeable.
Which tile manufacturer is better to choose?
It’s difficult to choose the ideal option, let’s say right away. We have to make compromises. If you have money then the best choice, of course, Fap Ceramiche. But if financial possibilities are limited, then you need to proceed from the required appearance of the tiles and the availability of all the necessary components. Well, hope that the tile will be strong enough.