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Metlakh tiles have gained wide popularity and fame due to their unique beauty, amazing durability and impeccable functionality. The first examples of this decorative material appeared about 125 years ago and since then, it remains one of the most popular options facing tiles. So, why are products of such “ancient” technology still able to compete on equal terms with cutting-edge building materials? Let's move on to a detailed consideration of this issue.
History of creation
The peak demand and prevalence of Metlakh tiles occurred during the era of early industrialization (mid-19th century). She even became one of distinctive features, which arose a little later than eclectic retrospectivism in victorian style. Possessing an exceptional combination of wear resistance and picturesqueness, Metlakh tiles were actively used for decorating both luxury apartments and small areas, palaces, train stations, theaters and factories.
Nowadays, fragments of ancient decoration created from extravagant Metlakh tiles can be seen in many popular historical places, for example, in Bolshoi Theater, Hamburg metro, Cologne Cathedral, etc. In addition, it was used in the design of cabins and reception halls on the famous Titanic. During recent deep-sea explorations, numerous fragments of this very thing were recovered from the sunken liner. finishing material.
Curious! The tile got its name in honor of the German city of Mettlach, where the first large-scale production of ceramic products was established in the middle of the last century. Today, the classic production, which has preserved all the original manufacturing stages unchanged, can be visited in the south of France!
Application
The main area where Metlakh tiles are actively used is the decorative finishing of public places and large private houses. In terms of performance characteristics, the tile is almost identical to durable porcelain stoneware, but in terms of decorative parameters, it is significantly superior to it. It can easily boast of a variety of colors, patterns and shapes. Thanks to these advantages, Metlakh tiles transform the floor into a real work of art, which retains its original beauty for three to four decades.
Of all the options, the most popular is Metlakh tiles for flooring, which have extraordinary properties that make it long term service without noticeable damage.
In the interior of any room, Metlakh tiles will create a unique exclusivity that creates a creative ambience. For example, in the bathroom it will successfully resist water splashes from the sink, shower or tap, in the kitchen it will easily withstand regular temperature changes and fluctuations in humidity levels, and in the entrance area it will prevent the spread of street dirt. This finishing material will also be appropriate in a restaurant, small office or boutique, where it will create a unique atmosphere.
Concerning country houses, then verandas, terraces and porches are covered with Metlakh tiles. The material is not afraid of heavy loads, rain, heat, snow and frost. If you decorate with metlakh tiles local area(paths, paths, barbecue area), then it will turn into a spectacular place for relaxation and entertainment.
Thanks to a fairly wide variety of colors and shapes, Metlakh tiles can be used advantageously not only to create decorative cladding walls and unique floor coverings, but even for the purpose of decorating furniture.
Manufacturing technology
Despite industrial progress and ample opportunities modern manufacturers, the manufacturing technology remains unchanged. The main component for the production of Metlakh tiles is special high-strength clay.
After molding, the clay blanks are covered with a layer of glaze and placed in an oven, where they are fired at a temperature of 125-140°C. During implementation heat treatment glaze and clay are sintered so tightly that the product acquires amazing wear resistance, durability, and resistance to the destructive effects of aggressive chemical compounds. These qualities also allow the tiles to be used on streets, factories and public places.
It seems unrealistic that over the course of a century and a half of history in manufacturing process no modifications were made other than increasing the options for ornaments and expanding the color range. Simply put, the tiles have become richer and better quality without losing their advantages, while losing almost all of their disadvantages.
Some enthusiastic craftsmen are trying in various ways to learn all the secrets of the original recipe in order to create primary tile samples. Their products are absolutely identical to the options used during the reign of Queen Victoria. As a rule, most of it is used during restoration work in archaic buildings.
Classification
It was noted above that Metlakh tiles are very similar to porcelain tiles in their performance qualities. But it has a more diverse (shape, colors) and extensive range of models. The sizes of the tiles vary from 3.0 to 14.5 cm, and the shape is always classic - square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, and sometimes octagon.
A large assortment of shapes and sizes of Metlakh tiles gives the opportunity to lay out patterns of the rarest beauty, as well as transform the floor into a unique work of art.
According to the production method, there are cast, pressed and extruded tiles.
There is also a division into coarse or fine ceramics. The difference is clearly visible on the fault: coarse - has a fine-grained surface, and fine - the structure is smooth, homogeneous.
The main classification is based on the technical characteristics of the tile and is a wear resistance coefficient on the four-stage Mohs scale.
It helps to decide on the choice of specific tiles for the room, when the approximate daily load on the floor is known.
Modern industrial enterprises produces four classes of products that differ in wear resistance:
1st strength class - this option is the most “gentle”. Such Metlakh tiles can be laid exclusively in residential premises in the most remote areas from front door premises. It is better to walk on floors with such a covering in slippers with soft soles.
Wear resistance class 2 - more durable than the previous version. It is used in places with average daily traffic, where direct contact with the tiled surface when entering from the street is excluded. This best option for hospital wards, kindergartens, bathrooms and other similar premises.
Tiles of the 3rd strength class are suitable for installation in corridors, kitchens, and hallways. This option has a high strength coefficient and is capable of safely removing sand, clay, soil and other contaminants. The surface of the material does not crack, is resistant to scratches and retains its original appearance for a long time.
Strength class 4 is the most stable option that can withstand damaging factors long time. It is used in public buildings and structures with significant traffic, for example, theaters, supermarkets, shopping centers, large banks, etc. In addition, fourth class tiles are often laid on the terraces of townhouses, country cottages and in garages.
Properties and Features
Metlakh tiles, thanks to the optimal composition recipe and competent production technology, have a number of exceptional features and unique properties:
Color stability - achieved due to the uniform distribution of the coloring pigment throughout the entire volume of the tile and subsequent sintering with clay during firing;
Durability - high stability to destructive influences;
Endurance - the finishing material is not afraid of hail, rain, frost, snow, etc. It has amazing resistance to alkalis, saline solutions and acids;
Strength - the tiles have amazing hardness, which determines the ability to withstand enormous pressure;
Versatility - Metlakh flooring is used not only indoors, but also under open air on the street.
Besides, wide choose colors allows you to lay out almost any ornament or pattern on the floor.
Exquisite selection
When the need arises to create an exquisite design, a noble interior and a floor with excellent performance parameters, you should choose a floor covering made from Metlakh tiles. With its help, you can create non-standard, eccentric colored carpets that decorate the floor and form a single harmony in general interior premises.
Metlakh tiles trace their history back to the Middle Ages. It was first produced in the German city of Mettlach, where it got its name. The main raw material for its production is refractory clay. Over the years, the technology of its production has undergone changes; the main method remains firing at high temperatures and dense pressing. Products are baked together with coloring pigments, rather than soaked in them, so they do not lose their original color throughout their entire service life. According to its strength characteristics and appearance Metlakh ceramic tiles are similar to stone, and in terms of technical indicators they are not inferior to porcelain stoneware. It is very hard, impact-resistant, and can withstand high pressure, chips and scratches never appear on it. It is resistant to moisture, immune to acids and alkalis and has all the properties of natural stone - it can withstand heat and frost equally well.
Typically, Metlakh tiles have a small format. Often it is decorated with a simple geometric pattern, resulting in the creation of floor coverings mosaic appearance, with a kaleidoscopic pattern. In our country, such tiles were widely used for finishing floors in the foyers and entrance lobbies of buildings of any type, from train stations to museums and palaces of culture. Nowadays it is still used for registration entrance groups, building plinths, landings, garden and park paths.
Having studied the history of Metlakh tiles, people will come to a disappointing conclusion: in pursuit of quality, you can only buy Metlakh tiles by ordering from Europe. We hasten to please you - Russian-made Metlakh tiles are not inferior to the quality of foreign products.
Metlakh tiles - durable material, V technical aspects comparable to porcelain stoneware. The secret of strength lies in technology: high-temperature firing gives resistance to frost, acids and shocks, which is why it is often used as a facing material on city streets and in public buildings. Although metlakh tiles are similar to porcelain tiles in terms of technical characteristics, they are by far the leader in the variety of design solutions.
Metlakh tiles - where to buy a unique ceramic carpet in St. Petersburg
The Keramo-Evrika company not only knows how to make Metlakh tiles, but also preserves the original German technology, combining established traditions with advanced modern equipment. From us you can buy metlakh tiles designed for completely different purposes! We can:
- Create a Metlakh carpet of any color, area and purpose;
- Make metlakh tiles for wall cladding;
- Reproduce Metlakh decor, including restoring damaged areas of Metlakh tiles on cultural sites built at the beginning of the last century.
The list of works can be continued for a long time - we work with each customer individually, taking into account each wish.
Metlakh tiles – service price
It is easy to buy Russian-made Metlakh tiles. Besides traditional methods and German quality, we offer reasonable prices. If you are interested in Metlakh tiles for the bathroom floor, or you are interested in adding Victorian nobility to your home design by covering the floors and walls with durable tiles with unique decor, then contact us - affordable prices will allow you to realize any idea.
The building materials market today offers buyers all sorts of housing design options: from unimaginable color shades to new products with unusual structures. However, many to this day are admirers of proven building materials, so to speak, classic ones. Metlakh tiles can be called classics, which has been a worthy decoration floors and walls of different rooms. And if in the distant Soviet years this ceramic tile could not boast of rich color scheme, then today the imagination of manufacturers has no limits.
What it is?
Small ceramic tiles of various shapes appeared on the construction market more than 100 years ago and became an indispensable element of interior decor in those days. The tile contains porcelain, so after painting and firing at a temperature of 1200 degrees, it acquires a surprisingly durable structure comparable to porcelain stoneware. Pigment is added to the mixture from which the tiles are made, resulting in an almost natural, natural color. Then manufacturers apply a decorative design to the resulting material - lower the model into a container of paint or use a method reminiscent of silk-screen printing.
As a result, when the tile is completely laid, its pattern becomes similar to a carpet. Thanks to the capabilities of Metlakh tiles, they can be used in any style, but an interior with an oriental motif is an ideal “environment” for this type of design. It will fit ideally into a design with a predominance of geometric patterns - zigzag, Christmas tree, rhombuses or squares, and in different rooms– in the hallway, bathroom, kitchen and even living room.
History of creation
Small-sized ceramic tiles appeared more than 100 years ago in Germany, in the city of Mettlach, receiving the appropriate name. It was produced at the Villeroy & Boch factory. Having appeared on the banks of the Rhine, it was actively used in Great Britain, and the most famous plant for its production is located in France - Winckelmans. At one time, the style when high-quality tiles were used in rooms was called Victorian. Metlakh tiles were especially popular during the era of Queen Victoria.
What sets it apart from its competitors is its small size and high strength., which allows designers to achieve amazing designs with rich colors.
To this day, French manufacturers use hundred-year-old traditions in the production of broomstick, which is apparently why the number of fans of such tiles is not decreasing. There is a factory producing Metlakh tiles in Portugal, but in Russia Portuguese tiles can be found very rarely.
Metlakh tiles came to Russia only in the 19th century and firmly gained popularity among lovers of beauty and durability. Palaces, apartments, and government institutions were decorated with it.
In an era of total shortage, durable Metlakh tiles were almost the only decoration of government institutions: they were used in hospitals and schools. The only drawback of the decor was its dull color - it was believed that stains and stains of dirt would stand out on it.
Today we can enjoy Russian-made tiles. The EuroCeramics plant that produces it was built in Pechora back in Soviet times. In quality it is not inferior to its Western counterparts, but in price - Russian tiles, the size of which is 300x300x20 mm, are much cheaper - about 200 rubles per meter.
For comparison, Western-made tiles reach 20 euros per square meter. Moreover, few of the imported manufacturers can boast of century-old technology.
Properties
Many floor coverings have excellent wear resistance characteristics, but Metlakh tiles have no equal. According to experts, the main reason for this is the complete sintering of the material. Therefore, such a coating is not afraid of moisture; you can place heavy things on it, as well as move large objects along it. Metlah is absolutely resistant to chemicals and shows no signs of corrosion. The tiles are not afraid of temperature changes and are frost-resistant.
True, many people call any small tile “broom”, often even cement tiles, sometimes large mosaics, however Real ceramics, made in the best traditions of a hundred years ago, have the following characteristics:
- The composition includes clay and water.
- It is not covered with glaze.
- Made from refractory clay high temperature firing
- It has a very low water absorption coefficient - 0.1-0.5%, whereas in Europe these standards are about 0.6%.
- The color of the tiles is uniform; they are usually painted one color.
To this day, during archaeological research, church buildings are found whose walls were laid with these tiles, and they have retained fairly decent quality. Such characteristics allow the tiles to be used as a facing material for floors and walls both inside and outside the building.
Advantages and disadvantages
The following advantages of Metlakh tiles can be highlighted:
- Amazing strength and color fastness. This statement is supported by the fact that a considerable number of hundred-year-old European buildings are still decorated with Metlakh tiles to this day.
- Ideal frost resistance - after repeated experiments it has been proven that ceramic tiles can withstand about 300 freezing cycles at low temperatures and reverse process– defrosting.
- The moisture resistance of the broom allows it to decorate not only buildings, but also rooms with high humidity– bathroom, swimming pool and even baths.
- This facing material can be used to cover both fireplaces and stoves, since broom does not contain synthetic materials and when heated, the tiles do not emit fumes harmful to human health.
- The tiles can withstand a weight of 380 to 450 kg per cm².
- This material is not susceptible to scratches and does not wear out over time.
- The price of tiles is quite affordable and affordable for everyone.
The most significant drawback of this tile is its coldness. The floor covered with it is very unpleasant to the touch, and walking on it barefoot is uncomfortable.
Another point is that tiles are quite inconvenient to cut using a tile cutter. Some ordinary people believe that material such as brooms is outdated and is being replaced by more sophisticated analogues.
Kinds
The Russian plant "EuroCeramics" is practically the only one in our country that produces high-quality acid-resistant ceramic tiles. It is very inexpensive and is used in almost all technical premises.
A material that is resistant to all kinds of chemical solutions is used in various auto repair shops, sanitary facilities, lobbies, and restrooms. Many facing materials that are exposed to technical oil or alkali inevitably lose their presentable appearance, unlike broom.
The tiles were tested in a solution of 70% sulfuric acid, where the tile samples were kept for more than twenty days, after which the experts were able to verify that none of its technical characteristics “lost” their positions: neither the color nor the shape changed.
Today, many manufacturers produce tiles that look very similar to Metlakh, the so-called imitation. Not every factory can afford to use the technology of century-old German masters, so ceramics, which have some qualities similar to real brooms, are quite often found on the shelves of hardware stores.
Eg, Italian producers We are ready to offer customers an interior design option that imitates Metlakh tiles - from plain ones to those decorated with various geometric patterns.
There are several types of Metlakh cladding. Thin - when the cut surface at the fracture line is smooth and uniform. In the production of rough tiles, the surface consists of large, granular inclusions.
Today, manufacturers create ceramics in various ways:
- Casting. The tile obtained by pouring the alloy into special molds and then drying and firing it has a disadvantage - it turns out different thicknesses, and the manufacturer has to reject a considerable amount of products.
- Pressing. Clay, water and special additives are pressed under strong pressure, then tiles of the required size are cut from the resulting raw materials. As a result, it turns out to be porous and is often laid on the floor.
- Extrusion. The raw material in this production process is obtained using a so-called mouthpiece and has the shape of a ribbon. Then it is cut and sent for firing. Special equipment allows you to adjust the thickness and size of the tiles.
Dimensions
Despite the usual small-format shape of the broom, its sizes do not always repeat each other. Externally, the tile resembles a mosaic.
Today, manufacturers are ready to offer us ceramics in sizes from 3.5 to 15 cm. The sides of a rectangle, for example, can be 48 mm and 23 mm. As for the thickness, it can be 200, 300 and 350 mm. The width according to GOST ranges from 200 to 300 mm.
The shape of the broom can be hexagons, triangles, squares and rectangles, as well as crosses.
True, some manufacturers do not always adhere to GOST standards and offer us tiles different sizes– from 65x65 to 150x150 mm. The thickness of such tiles is from 6 to 11 mm.
Colors and design
When choosing brooms, think not only about fashionable design trends, but also about the practical aspects of its use:
- Light colors will visually expand the room. In addition to white, it can be blue and pink tones, beige and light yellow.
- Any stains will be less noticeable on dark tiles, which also have a grainy structure.
- When choosing a color, remember about the lighting in the room and the harmonious combination of colors.
- If you lay the elements at right angles, each of them will appear to be a different shade.
- If your room is illuminated by several lamps, then different tones of the cladding can take on completely different tones.
- Burgundy and burgundy go well beige colors, like the classic ones - black and white.
Metlakh tiles will surprise all lovers of sophistication and style. Indescribable patterns on the walls and floor will create a unique atmosphere. If you want to place a panel on the floor in your cozy kitchen, then the honeycomb-shaped hexagons covering part of the floor will create a unique, sophisticated Art Nouveau style. This arrangement will make it possible to zone the open space in a very original way.
The black and white checkerboard pattern in the living room is a classic of the genre. Decorative finishing floors with metlakh tiles - this is an opportunity to choose as a single color high-quality coating, and patterns of unique shapes. Bright geometric shapes on the floor, greeting you in the corridor or lobby, will create a festive mood.
Brooms are also perfect for decorating the so-called apron on modern kitchen. Bright hexagons with intricate patterns printed on them will certainly decorate the interior of the room.
Due to its wear resistance, this cladding is also suitable for open veranda, as a result of which you can “revive” the space in front of the entrance.
A ceramic “carpet” made from Metlakh tiles will become perfect coverage in your bathroom - thanks to its qualities and color stability, you will not have to worry about water getting on the floor. By the way, if you really liked floor tiles, and you need to line the walls, you can safely use a broomstick: it is much stronger and will perfectly complement the interior of the premises.
Every month, more and more new varieties of ceramic facing materials appear on the global building materials market. However, people often do not trust new examples of design art and purchase brands that are either well-known or have already proven themselves. Metlakh tile is one of the few giants of the construction industry, which to this day is a truly sought-after product for Russian and foreign buyers.
Peculiarities
History of Metlakh ceramic tiles originates in Germany, in the city of Mettlach. The production of these high quality ceramic products began in 1894. Today, there are factories in France (Winkelmans) and Russia (EuroCeramics) - these are the largest production facilities of these construction products in the world, which maintain the unsurpassed quality of the product. There are also small factories scattered throughout Europe, but these factories are the main ones.
These tiles are small-format ceramics made in a variety of interesting configurations. Thanks to the porcelain component and firing at high temperatures, the resulting products have best qualities, which are similar to the characteristics of porcelain stoneware. It is used in almost all areas of cladding: at home, in rooms with a lot of people, outdoors.
Metlakh tiles are unique, because with the help of various molds of this ceramics a design highlight is created: a complex graphic picture for the floor and walls. The loyal pricing approach to these products makes these tiles accessible to almost any ordinary buyer.
Specifications
All technical indicators of this wonderful cladding material are much higher than the norm:
- Water absorption according to GOST 473.3-81 is 2.5% (the norm for premium 3.5%, no more).
- Acid resistance according to GOST 473.1-81 – 97.71% (standard for premium grade 97%, no less).
- Strength (compression) according to GOST 473.6-81 – 90.8 MPa for 200x200x20, 92.8 MPa for 200x200x30, 75.2 MPa for 300x300x20 (the norm for the highest grade is 50 MPa, no less).
- Strength (bending) according to GOST 473.8-81 – 42 MPa (standard for premium grade 25 MPa, no less).
- Water permeability according to GOST 13993-78 – 24 hours after testing there are no drops on the tiles.
- Frost resistance according to GOST 473.5-81 – 300 cycles (the norm is 20 cycles, no less).
- Heat resistance according to GOST 7025-91 – 2 shifts (standard – 3 shifts).
- Wear resistance according to GOST 961-89 clause 3.13 – 0.11 g/cm2.
- Radiological monitoring - a complete list of applications.
Summarizing the qualities of this product, we can characterize Metlakh tiles as follows:
- The unsurpassed hardness of ceramics is an excellent indicator for those who are looking for tiles that can withstand the harshest conditions.
- Wide applicability - such a product, due to its resistance to temperature changes, is applicable in all weather conditions.
- Durability - due to deep penetration Injecting paint into the structure of the tile and subsequent firing gives the ceramic excellent properties that allow the tile not to fade over time or lose its original appearance.
Types of tiles
Like any facing ceramic material This product is divided into wall and floor tiles. Metlakh ceramics are mainly used to decorate floor coverings.
The division into types also occurs based on the principle of production.
There are three types in total:
- Ceramics produced by casting. Such a tile a large number of defective due to the low quality of the goods received. First, the clay masses are poured into molds, then they are dried and sent for firing at a kiln temperature of 1200 degrees Celsius. The problem is that these tiles have different thicknesses.
- Tiles formed by pressing. This category of ceramics is obtained by pressing under pressure a mixture made of clay in powder form, water and additives required by the manufacturing technology. After pressing, the resulting elements are cut out geometric shapes required dimensions. This type facing material has a non-porous structure. Thanks to this, its use is limited mainly to decorating the floor.
- Products made using an extruder. The raw material passing through the mouthpiece forms a ribbon, which is subsequently cut and fired. For the task required thickness The product is pre-adjusted by the mouthpiece.
Metlakh tiles are also divided into classes according to strength characteristics:
- First grade. Characterized by its low strength. Therefore, this category of finishing material is used exclusively in places remote from the entrance from the street. You cannot walk on such tiles in street shoes.
- Second class. It is used in places where traffic is not too high. For example, such tiles can be placed in patient rooms, toilets and other similar rooms.
- Third category or the class differs in use for areas with higher traffic. It can be used in corridors, kitchens or hallways.
- Fourth variety ceramics has found its application in places with a large presence of people: supermarkets, concert halls and many other similar places. The price for such products is significantly higher than for other classes of this material.
Dimensions
The dimensions of this finishing material are very diverse, as is its shape: range of sizes building material varies from 6.5 to 15 cm, thickness – 6-8 mm. The geometric structure of the product is made in the form of many different shapes: rectangle, square, triangle, hexagon, octagon, and even a cross-shaped shape is available for sale, often used as wall decor.
Surface structure finished products It can be with or without a pattern, in the form of patterns, reliefs, granular production or simply smooth.
Laying nuances
Laying this tile is no different from laying any other tile. However, there are some nuances of cladding.
Before starting the installation process, it is necessary to prepare the floor surface.
To do this you need to do the following:
- Level the floor surface. Any difference in height promises problems in installation work. To increase the service life of the tiled base, you can first install waterproofing and concrete screed. A frost-resistant base is installed for outdoor ceramic coating.
- Measure the surface of the cladding. But this must be done in such a way that all possible zigzags and protrusions are taken into account - this also applies to doorways.
- Next, we find the center of the surface, from which we draw axial lines in different directions.
Some experts consider soaking this category of ceramics to be a necessary step for an ideal cladding effect. This procedure must be carried out within 2 hours.
The installation process itself takes place in several stages:
- It is necessary to first lay out the tiles in one vertical and horizontal row without adhesive, while leaving a gap of 1-2 mm between the tiles. Thus, during the preliminary laying process it is possible to adjust the position of each element. This visual approach will help you lay out a complex ornament correctly and without flaws and “adjust” ceramic products to the desired result.
- Then you need to dilute the adhesive composition, which should be completely suitable for this ceramic, and prepare a trowel with teeth of 3-6 mm for work.
- First, the largest elements of the ceramic coating are placed on the glue, then smaller ones. However, we draw your attention to the fact that some of the products in one collection may differ from the rest in size and thickness. This difference is usually 1-2 mm. But this scatter is easily eliminated by applying glue: where the tiles are thinner, you need to use a thicker layer of glue.
- After the adhesive has set, the resulting joints are grouted. Choice of grout color – important point. Its color should not be conspicuous and you should choose it several tones less than the main one. color shade. A neutral solid color is the best option. Typically, buyers choose white, gray or beige grout. Rubbing should be carried out to the entire depth of the seam gap. Cement mortar is often used for such purposes.
- During the installation process, it is important to maintain the same level of new floor decor. If the work is carried out outdoors, it is recommended that the installation be carried out with a slight slope, so that during precipitation, water does not accumulate on the surface of the ceramics, but flows, for example, into a specially designated gutter.
- After finishing laying the horizontal covering, you can begin installing the borders. The process of this event usually starts from the corner to the central part. It is advisable to protect yourself from unnecessary unnecessary work, for example, such as trimming the remaining material, and purchase edging of several sizes, among which there should be not only long borders, but also short ones. After all, for pruning you will need special tool: machine with a disc for porcelain stoneware.
- To check how well the work has been done, water is poured onto the surface of the laid tiles. Uniform drying without puddles – excellent quality of work performed.