We talk in detail about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of floor tiles and the features of their use.
Tiled flooring is in high demand. Despite the constant emergence of new finishing materials, the demand for it does not fall. Facing is easy to install, if necessary, it is easy to replace a damaged fragment without dismantling the entire finish. Relatively recently, there were few varieties of finishes. Today there are many more. Let’s get acquainted with the types of floor tiles and their main characteristics.
Varieties of tiles
Initially, the lining was made in the form of small-sized flat square fragments. Modern models are produced in different shapes, sizes and are made from different materials. We list the main types of floor tiles with all their pros and cons.
Ceramics
The raw material for tiles, as this material is also called, is clay. Various fillers are added to it: sand, alabaster, pigments, etc. The blanks are fired in a kiln, and this can be a single or double firing, covered with glaze or produced without it. Depending on the nuances of the production technology, tiles are divided into several groups. However, their properties are similar. Let’s analyze the advantages of ceramics.
Pros
- High resistance to abrasion and wear.
- Fire resistance. Some varieties are produced specifically for decorating stoves or fireplaces.
- Moisture resistance. Water does damage the tile, even its porous varieties, provided that they are not used outside.
- Resistance to temperature changes, which makes it possible to use ceramics as internal and external cladding.
- Complete environmental safety. There are no toxic components in the composition.
- Undemanding care. Easily washed with soapy solutions, if necessary, aggressive chemicals are used.
In addition, the tile goes well with all types of underfloor heating. It is available in a variety of colors, textures and sizes. The disadvantages of the material include the following.
Cons
- The coating is cold, and walking on it is not always pleasant.
- Ceramic is brittle. It easily breaks from careless impact during laying or transportation.
- Wet tiles slip. Therefore, for bathrooms models with an anti-slip coating are chosen.
- Installation requires certain skills. Ceramics are laid with small tile joints, on which grout is applied.
Porcelain stoneware
It can be considered a type of ceramic tile, since its basis is clay. Fillers are added to it, after which the mixture is heated and pressed under high pressure. As a result, the raw material is sintered into a strong homogeneous mass without cavities and cracks. Depending on the features of the manufacturing technology, technical, glazed, matte, satin, polished, structured porcelain stoneware are distinguished . The performance characteristics of all varieties are similar. We list their common advantages.
Advantages
- Increased strength, resistance to all types of mechanical damage and aggressive chemicals.
- Wide operating temperature range. Easily tolerate sudden changes.
- Moisture resistance, fire resistance and wear resistance.
- Environmental friendliness. All components of porcelain stoneware are completely safe.
- Ease of maintenance. Does not attract dust, easy to clean.
- Compatible with any type of underfloor heating.
- Large selection of colors, shapes and textures. High-quality imitations of natural coatings are produced.
Disadvantages
- Increased hardness, which creates difficulties in processing or cutting.
- In case of careless handling during transportation or laying, the fragments break.
- The finished floor is cold to the touch. When hit with water, it slips a lot.
PVC tiles
It is made from polyvinyl chloride with various additives. The most durable variety is made with the addition of quartz sand, for which it received the name quartz vinyl . Two types of vinyl decor are produced: with a lock and for laying on glue. Castle slats look like laminate, adhesive slats look like linoleum cut into fragments . The installation of the latter is carried out on a special glue, there are also self-adhesive models. Adhesive mastic is applied on them from the reverse side and covered with a protective layer. Putting them on is the easiest.
Pros
- Durability. With proper installation and operation, it lasts at least 30 years.
- Good heat and noise insulation characteristics. Pleasantly warm to the touch.
- High moisture resistance. Vinyl does not pass or absorb water.
- Simple care. Does not accumulate static voltage, easy to clean. The use of household chemicals is allowed.
- The range of colors, textures and sizes is very wide. Lamellas can be combined not only in color, but also in shape. This is how effective unusual solutions are obtained.
Cons
- Careful preparation of the base is required. Small defects or irregularities are unacceptable.
- With sudden changes in temperature, the finish may move away from the base.
- The finish is artificial, but there are no toxic substances in its composition.
Stone
Facing is made from natural or artificial material . In the first case, durable rocks are used. Usually it is marble, granite, onyx, travertine, slate. In the second – their artificial counterparts. In the process of processing, grinding, artificial aging, polishing, polishing are used. This determines the appearance of the finished coating. Depending on the type of stone, the performance properties are somewhat different. We list the common features.
Advantages
- Durability and good wear resistance.
- Resistant to temperature extremes and high humidity.
- Durability, with proper care, the finish will last for decades.
- The attractive appearance of stone tiles, if necessary, is restored by polishing and grinding.
- Hygiene, and keeping stone decor clean is easy.
Stone tiles are expensive and very beautiful. It gives the interior nobility and luxury, for which it is especially appreciated.
Disadvantages
- A large weight, which limits its use in buildings with fragile floors. Artificial analogs are lighter, they can be laid almost everywhere.
- To maintain an attractive appearance, you need to regularly treat the coating.
- Aggressive chemicals and dyes can leave permanent stains on the surface.
- It is undesirable to lay artificial stone under a warm floor. When heated, the emission of toxic substances is possible.
Cork
These are multilayer plates, the basis for which is moisture-resistant plywood. A technical cork is glued on it, which is covered with a protective layer. They produce two types of finishes: with and without tongue-and-groove locks. The first option is laid according to the type of floating floor, the second is glued to the base.
Advantages
- Good insulating characteristics. Lamellas retain heat and sound, additional insulating materials are not needed.
- Environmental friendliness. In the manufacture of cladding, only natural raw materials are used.
- Breathability. The basis under a decor “breathes” that interferes with its damage, and emergence of a mold or fungus.
- Always warm non-slip surface with good cushioning. It’s very pleasant to walk in traffic jams.
- Compatible with underfloor heating systems.
Disadvantages
- A small selection of colors, and a monotonous design of the cladding.
- Heavy objects leave dents in the coating.
- Insufficient resistance to ultraviolet and high humidity.
- Wears out quickly in high-traffic areas.
What tile to choose for the floor
The choice of finishing material is determined by its performance characteristics and the conditions in which it will be. Therefore, it is unreasonable to choose, focusing only on the appearance of the cladding. For bathrooms and toilets, moisture resistant finish is required. Best for suitable porcelain tiles but you can lay quartz vinyl, vinyl, or stone. Anti-slip treatment is required.
The same materials are suitable for kitchens but with some restrictions. In addition to moisture, there is still a high probability of hard-to-remove stains. Therefore, for example, marble will not work. It absorbs fat, it is impossible to remove its traces. Artificial stones are also used with caution. They deteriorate under the influence of aggressive chemicals. For the hallway is worth choosing a wear-resistant and easy-to-care tile. Best porcelain stoneware, but ceramics, quartz vinyl, or vinyl are also suitable.
For bedrooms and children’s rooms warmth, lack of noise and environmental friendliness are important. Therefore, which floor tiles are better here, is immediately clear. It is cork. But other options, except for vinyl, are not very good. For the living room, any cladding is suitable, as long as it matches the overall design. For utility and utility rooms, technical porcelain stoneware or ceramics are chosen.
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