Which tile to chooseAccording to international standardsThere are five groups of abrasion resistance (PEI-I - PEI-V). Tiles of the first group can be laid on the floor in the bathroom - where you do not walk too often and intensively. But for the kitchen, tiles of the third group are needed - the most durable and long-lasting. For the floor, you should not choose tiles with a smooth surface. Not only will drops of water be visible on them, but you can also easily slip. Opt for matte tiles or tiles with an uneven, rough surface. In the bathroom, lay tiles that are resistant to chemicals that can leave stains (cosmetics, etc.). We recommend!
- A good craftsman must have a tile cutter, a notched trowel, a level, plastic crosses, a drill with a special attachment for mixing the solution, and a rubber mallet.
- The tiles are not laid on cement, as before, buton special mixtures and adhesives, of which there are now a huge number. For the bathroom, solutions for wet rooms are preferable. If the tiles are glued to hardboard, chipboard, plasterboard or a painted surface, you can use hot glue.
- It is important that when laying tiles, the technician does not leave any air pockets, otherwise they may crack if accidentally pressed.
- To ensure that the seams between the tiles are even, it is necessary to use crosses selected according to the seam width. As a rule, this is 2–3 mm.
- The evenness of the installation is checked with a level.
- The seams are sealed with grout that matches the color of the tiles.
Changing the space
We are increasing
- "You can raise" the ceiling and visually increase the width of the wall using long tiles (15 x 90 cm) if you lay them on the floor and on one of the walls at the same time.
- Large tiles in light, cool tones visually enlarge the room.
- You can use a border at waist level, lay out the bottom with dark tiles, and the top with light ones.
- Floor tiles laid diagonally will noticeably expand the room.
Decrease
- In spacious rooms it is better to cover the walls with dark-colored tiles.
- Tiles with large flowers are ideal - the larger the pattern, the smaller the room will seem.
- Ceilings too high? Divide the wall in half with a border, making the bottom light and the top dark.
- Use warm-toned tiles - they will make the room intimate and cozy.
How to decorate?
Decorative elements There is no point in pasting them overeverything. The main thing is that the wall does not look empty and the gaze can stop on something. For example, for the kitchen, the ideal addition to the tiles will be small decorative tiles with images of various "goodies" - apples, bananas, cups of tea. Border For single-color tiles, a metal or glass border will be the ideal addition. It will dilute the monotony of the wall. The height of the border depends on your desire. Accessories There are no strict rules, but soap dishes and other small items should be selected in combination with decorative elements. If the tiles are diluted with a metal border, the soap dish should be made of metal, if glass - then glass.
Photos courtesy of the magazine «Home. Comfort Practice»
