Most owners buy ceramic tiles for wall and floor cladding in the bathroom. It is characterized by high durability, an impressive choice of colors and affordable cost. We will tell you how to choose the right ceramic tile for the bathroom, so that there is no doubt about its quality and aesthetics.
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1. Color
What color tiles are suitable for the bathroom?
The first thing we consider when choosing ceramic tiles for a bathroom is its color. We do not recommend betting only on your favorite shade, it is best to take into account the main features of the room.
If the bathroom is small, then laying light ceramic tiles: beige, sand, white, light pink, etc. will be an excellent solution. Such shades not only look spectacular, but also visually enlarge the room.
For owners of large bathrooms, we recommend opting for dark tile colors: black, blue, brown, etc. You don’t have to worry about the fact that the shade “eats up” square meters, while caring for a dark surface is much easier.
When combining shades with each other, avoid sharp and aggressive contrasts. They quickly get bored, and after 5-6 months you will want to change the situation to a calmer one. Keep in mind that when making a single combination, no more than 3 colors should be used, otherwise the interior will turn out to be too colorful.
2. Specifications
Tile resistance to various factorsSpanish Porcelanosa, Italian AVK or Russian ceramics - the choice depends on your preferences and financial capabilities. However, when buying any tile, it is important to consider at least 3 technical criteria:
moisture resistance
Not all commercially available ceramic tiles are equally resistant to water and steam. International standards distinguish 3 categories of finishing materials according to the degree of water absorption:
Marking | A1 | A2 | A3 |
Moisture absorption index | no more than 3% | no more than 10% | more than 10% |
The lower the moisture absorption parameter, the more resistant the ceramic tile to its effects.
Chemical resistance
Ensuring the hygiene of the surface of the walls and floor of the bathroom is possible only if regular cleanings are carried out using detergents. They usually contain chlorine and other aggressive substances in high concentrations.
There are several categories of tiles according to the degree of chemical resistance: BUT, B, C, D.
For home use, finishing materials of category B or C are usually chosen. They are resistant to various agents used for cleaning the surface, removing plaque, lime and rust.
wear resistance
Ceramic tiles must be resistant to any mechanical damage: impacts, falls of heavy objects, etc. Wear resistance is indicated by each manufacturer with a PE marking and varies from 1 to 4. Tiles of the PE1 category are perfect for bathrooms and toilets.
3. Texture
Matte VS Glossy
The texture of the finishing material used in the design of the bathroom depends on the convenience of caring for the surface of the floor and walls, as well as their appearance. Types of ceramic tiles:
Glossy
The best choice for those who appreciate spectacular design. Glossy tiles look stylish and are suitable for bathrooms of any size. However, keep in mind that it is difficult to care for it, since any splashes and soap marks are immediately visible on its surface.
Matte
Practically does not reflect light, so it does not look as impressive as glossy tiles. Advantages of matte texture: affordable cost and an impressive selection of variations. It is represented by various types that imitate natural wood, marble, metal, etc.
Mirror
It visually enlarges the room, so it is widely used in the decoration of small bathrooms. Often it is used as an original alternative to a conventional mirror. We recommend using such tiles to create unusual inserts on the walls and when decorating the ceiling.
4. Tile type
I, II or III grade of ceramic tiles?All ceramic tiles are tested for resistance to mechanical stress before being sold. Depending on the indicators obtained, the materials and technologies used, 3 types are distinguished:
I grade
Characterized by high strength and quality. Tiles are tested at a maximum distance of 1 m.Possible marriage in the package is no more than 2% of the total volume.
II grade
Slightly inferior in quality, but not in strength to grade I ceramic tiles. Testing is carried out at a maximum distance of 2 m. The probability of marriage in one package of tiles reaches a maximum of 3% of the total volume.
III grade
Poor quality of ceramic tiles, it is not recommended for use in bathrooms. The probability of marriage reaches 5% of the total volume of material in the package.
5. The size
Large, medium or small?
Universal parameters of ceramic tiles: 20x20 cm and 20x30 cm. They are used for cladding walls and floors in bathrooms of any size, and laying is done horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
Along with standard tiles, the following types are on sale:
Large
Dimensions: 25x40 cm and above. Its laying requires a minimum of seams, which significantly increases the moisture resistance of the material. Keep in mind that large-sized tiles cannot be used for wall cladding with defects, since it is impossible to correct the curvature with its help.
small
Dimensions: 10x10 cm or less. An excellent choice if your bathroom walls have irregularities: height differences, recesses, ledges, etc. Recommended for use in large rooms, often combined with tiles of other sizes. Naturally, the installation process will take longer.
Mosaic
Dimensions: 3x3 cm, 2x2 cm, etc. It is a small square, the laying of which requires special skills. Mosaic is usually used to decorate walls or provide smooth transitions between several colors. If your bathroom has a niche or other curly ledge, then try using a mosaic for its cladding.
6. Tile grout
How to choose the right tile grout?
The main function of the grout is to fill the joints of the tiled floor and mask its small defects. The better its quality, the higher the indicators of reliability, tightness and aesthetics of ceramic tiles.
Types of grouts:
Cement
It is used for narrow joints, which are usually formed when laying large and medium-sized ceramic tiles. Pros: low price, versatility, uniformity and full filling. Cons: long drying, minimal moisture and chemical resistance.
resinous
It is used only by professionals, you will not be able to use it for self-grouting. These mixtures are made on an epoxy or furan basis. Pros: Excellent resistance to water and harsh chemicals, impressive color palette.
Latex
An excellent choice if the resistance of the grout to sudden temperature changes is important to you. The cost of a modern grout is higher than the previous options, therefore, to save money, it is not a latex grout that is used, but a special additive. It is mixed with cement or cement-sand mixture, improving its performance.
Silicone
A distinctive feature of silicone-based grout is its excellent antiseptic properties. The hygiene of the material and its low cost captivate customers, and a huge selection of colors allows you to implement the most unusual ideas in the interior of the bathroom.
7. Glue
How to choose the right tile adhesive?The binding properties of the adhesive is the main criterion that must be followed when choosing it. The larger the surface of the cladding, the higher these properties should be.We recommend buying glue that contains latex and quartz sand. These components provide better adhesion of the tile to the floor or wall.
Types of glue:
cement
Universal adhesive used for fixing ceramic tiles of any size, as well as mosaics. It is 90% cement, so it can be used even on uneven surfaces. Pros: the most budget option, a convenient dilution ratio (3 parts of glue to 1 part of water).
Dispersive
Formulated with acrylic, synthetic resin and special binders. An excellent choice for fixing tiles to drywall, but not concrete. Pros: the adhesive is sold ready-to-use, easy to apply and economically consumed.
Epoxy
Two-component adhesive used for laying tiles on various surfaces: plywood, wood, metal, concrete, etc. Types of epoxy adhesive: pasty with minerals, simple pasty and flowable. The choice depends on which composition is more convenient for you to work with. Pros: strong grip, versatility.
8. Quality
Useful Tips for Checking Tile Quality
To ensure the high quality of ceramic tiles, we recommend using a few practical recommendations:
- The enamel layer must be intact and even, free from damage and inclusions left by foreign elements;
- Moisture falling on the surface of ceramic tiles should be collected, forming large drops;
- High-quality material will not leave marks (scratches, chips) if rubbed against a rough coating.
If you are convinced that there is an anti-slip layer, do not rush to overpay, check it yourself: just run a wet finger over the tile.If the movement is very difficult, then you have an anti-slip surface.
9. Manufacturers
Which brands offer the best bathroom tiles?
The highest quality ceramic tiles are offered by Spanish companies: Novogres, Pamesa and Aparisi. They use a combination of white and red clay in production, providing excellent material performance. Perhaps the only drawback of the Spanish tile is its high price, but rest assured: it is 100% justified.
Finishing materials produced in Poland are only slightly inferior in quality. The cost of this ceramic tile is quite acceptable, and the collections are often updated. The best Polish brands: Cerrol, Cersanit and TM Tubadzin, in their series you can even find elongated models.
The most budget tiles are offered by domestic manufacturers, but keep in mind: not all of them use high-quality materials and innovative equipment. The best Russian companies: Kerabud, Sokol, Shakhtinskaya tile.
10. Price
How much does ceramic tile cost?Price is a key factor when choosing bathroom tiles. If we consider the budget products of Russian manufacturers, then its cost will be from 130 to 550 rubles. for 1 m2. Approximately the same is the cost of material supplied from Belarus, Ukraine and Armenia.
Ceramic tiles produced by foreign companies using modern technologies will cost more. It will cost at least 620 rubles. for 1 m2. The cost of Spanish tiles reaches 800-1,200 rubles. for 1 m2 and more.
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