Bathroom tile: how to choose the best one

Now a very extensive choice of types and options of tiles to formalize any interior. Maximum popularity is deservedly marked by tiles for the bathroom. And that's why the question about the choice of the most suitable tiles - among the most relevant. Moreover, that among the textures, sizes, colors and prices can be confused.

Ceramic tile is preferred for facing the bathroom for many reasons, although there are a large number of alternatives (wallboard, vinyl tiles, plastic panels and others). This is the most innocuous and chemically passive material, which also makes it easy to care for him, using any detergent.

The composition of tiles is quite simple - it is made of water and clay. If there are any impurities in the tiles, they simply burn away when fired under the influence of high temperature treatment. This kind of material is natural, non-combustible, insulates well and does not electrify.

In addition to environmental friendliness and aesthetic appearance of the tile coating in the question of choosing a suitable tile, it is necessary to consider the functional and purpose of these products. Tile packaging is provided with symbols indicating its application.

For example, the black footprint on the rectangle indicates that the tile is used for flooring, and it is non-slip. If the square is shaded, you have a very wear-resistant tile. The hand drawn shows that it is a wall tile. A picture of a snowflake is evidence of the material's frost-resistant properties. Repeated icons show that this characteristic is increased.

How to consider the functional characteristics when selecting tiles for the bathroom? Of course, you do not need a tile marked "snowflake". But products with the property to repel moisture, increased resistance to chemicals (alkalis, acids) and high density will come in handy. The ability to resist water is marked on the tiles in Latin letters, starting with A (the maximum characteristic).

Tiles are chosen according to your taste, but when everything is solved with texture and color, pay attention to quality. Like all products, tiles are produced in accordance with certain standards, developed on its various parameters. In different countries, such standards have different names, in Russia they are called gosti. They are regularly updated. Also, products may not be designated by Gost, and TU, but often its quality is lower.

Buying tile, you need to be especially careful, because very often there is a material with marriage. The main criteria are the maximum even surface, clarity of pattern and resistance to fracture.

In theory, you should buy a completely flat tile in the bathroom, but in practice you have to choose a material that is as close to the ideal. Using a square, determine the right angles. In its absence, put together randomly taken samples of tiles - so you can check how well the tiles will adjoin. When doing so, change sides several times.

You can choose thinner tiles for the walls than for the floor, but the opposite is not possible.

For floor tiles, there are two important requirements - special strength and non-slip surface. To check the slipperiness of the material, moisten the surface and rub it with your finger.

Determine the quality of the tiles:

• Evaluating the pattern, you should not buy a tile with a sloppy picture, blurred or too sharp lines. This is evidence of violations of manufacturing technology. You should be alert even small defects.
• Smoothness of the surface determine the application of tiles face side by face.
• Also check the rocking by taking the corners of tiles.
• Examining the back, identify whether the brand and name are well visible, whether the pattern is clear. The less flaws you identify in a particular batch, the more reasons to buy this particular material.

To identify the brittleness of the material, which is inherent in overcalcified tiles, look at the color of the underside (it will be uneven, and the surface will be shiny). If you scratch a quality tile on the back side, you will see a clear mark.

The material should be chosen taking into account the size of the bathroom. For example, if the room is small, then the tiles for it should be smaller, and for spacious bathrooms are chosen a larger tile.

This is due to psychological and visual perception, because when laying large tiles in a small bathroom, the space will look narrower and narrower. Also in a small bathroom you can buy a medium-sized tile in a light tone.

The richness of shapes and appearance of tiles allows you to create any interior - from classic to the most exotic. Those who prefer classics usually buy square and rectangular tiles. For those who prefer originality, manufacturers offer tiles with wavy edges and unexpected coloring. To complete the finish, panels, borders and other decorations can be purchased to complement the tiles.

This type of tile has gained popularity in recent years. Dynamic volumetric paintings appeal to people who are inclined to use new technologies. Such tiles will help to create an imitation of clouds on the ceiling, on the floor - the earth, on the walls - a forest, a city, the depths of the ocean or another. Sometimes tiles with 3D effect is complemented by a special backlighting.

Facing with 3D tiles is in demand, because this material is easy to clean, resistant to moisture, has excellent aesthetic properties. For its manufacture a special technology is used, which allows combining ceramics and carbon fiber film, resulting in a three-dimensional image. Often the picture on such a tile is represented by a geometric pattern.

Finishing 3D-materials can be used in the bathroom or hallway, because these premises are not overloaded with other interior details. But the living space so decorate is not recommended (in a pinch, apply only in part, handling a small section of the wall).

Plots, which can be embodied with the help of 3D-tile, very much. But in addition to aesthetics, this material has other advantages. It is a long service (up to 30 years), resistance to load (up to 200 kg per cm3) and the aggressive action of chemicals for cleaning. Such tiles are hygienic and hypoallergenic. It has excellent waterproofing, a non-slip surface and good fire-protection characteristics. Among the disadvantages of tiles 3D can be called the use only indoors. Also, it is not recommended to cut it.

Choosing the tiles competently, you can get a stunningly beautiful design. It all depends on your wishes - someone chooses a monochrome simple color, someone likes the classic white color, and someone buys a tile with only a pattern. The texture is also chosen at will - some like glossy tiles, others want to finish the bathroom a little rough material, some are interested in rough tiles.

From the color of the tile will depend on the mood, which by the idea of the owner should give the room a bathroom. Green and blue finish is considered to bring a sense of coolness, and terracotta, beige or pink - warmth. Take into account the light reflection.

Tile manufacturers release new collections twice a year, offering creative and fashionable solutions. Lovers of naturalness like tiles, resembling the appearance of natural stone or wood.

Also, tiles can resemble metal, like silver or bronze.

Quite unexpectedly looks such a design development, as a tile, reminiscent of cloth, crocodile or snakeskin, zebra pattern.

Glazed or matte tile surfaces affect the frequency of maintenance. On matte tiles, dirt is less noticeable, and if the color of the tile is dark, their control is easier.

Keeping fine tile clean is more difficult, but it has a more cheerful appearance, and it requires less cutting during installation. Plus, it's great for zoning a room or adding a bright accent to a bathroom.