How to choose a quality tile for bathrooms - practical tips

Which material is preferred to perform the finishing of the bathroom?In most cases, choose a tile.It has the desired performance characteristics, has a long service life.Another important factor is the long preservation of the original appearance.For the selection of the optimal variant is necessary to know the basic criteria, which include not only the pattern and size, and specifications.

durability and porosity

There are several accepted standards of quality ceramic tiles.The most famous of these are DIN (Germany), BS (UK) UPEG (France).But the most common rules of the European Commission, UNI EN standards developed in Italy.They provide the most complete characterization of the finishing material on the parameters important for the consumer.

Classification durability

The defining of these is durability.It describes the ability to preserve the appearance of a constant mechanical stress.abrasion of the surface (the appearance of defects, scratches and abrasions) can occur only after the maximum load.

• PEI I - is not designed for permanent exposure.It is used for wall cladding.
• PEI II - has better mechanical strength.The tiles of this class can be installed on the walls and on the floor in the bathroom.But at the same time to walk on it is recommended only in slippers.
• PEI III - universal version suitable for installation on all types of buildings apartment house or apartment (see the article on the tiling).
• PEI IV - designed for laying in the public and industrial buildings.It has maximum resistance to abrasion surface.But because of the large thickness laid the tile in the bathroom is not appropriate.

Another important parameter is the porosity - the degree of water absorption structure finishing material.For the bathroom, characterized by high humidity, you must choose single-fired tiles with the following indicators of water absorption in accordance with EN 176 BI.

1. for sex - to 3%.
2. For walls - up to 10%.

best thing that criterion corresponds to the tile monokottura.The glazed models are recommended for walls, because their surface is exposed to greater abrasion.

size and shape

Standard size tiles of various shapes

spoken size parameters of tiles needed to select the optimal model.This parameter will determine not only the final appearance of the coating, but also will directly affect the optimization of the stacking.

terms of the complexity, experts recommend installing tile larger.However, this is only possible under the following conditions.

1. prepared surface.Even small irregularities in the plane of the walls or floor can cause a significant deviation level.
2. Waste minimization during slitting.To do this in advance to make stacking plan and choose the optimal size of the tile.

for sex best for products with a thickness of 9 to 11 mm.A larger value affects the increase in the complexity of cutting.Wall model must have a minimum weight so their thickness rarely exceeds 9 mm.For more information about this and other important characteristics can be found in the example of the range of online hypermarket Gipostroy.This is facilitated by convenient form of search and detailed specifications for each model and the collection of tiles for the bathroom.

Symbols and decoding

In practice, for the consumer it is important to know the accepted symbols or markings.Thus producers clearly inform the customers about the properties of tiles.

With these icons, you can, without opening the packaging, to determine the degree of suitability of the product for laying in the bathroom.Symbols may vary slightly, but this does not affect the objectivity of the information.

Aesthetic properties

Which look should buy bathroom tile after installation of decorative material?This is largely determined by the color of the surface and the coating.Currently, you can choose the product with the following external distinctive features.

• without enamel coating.The best option for arranging the floor in the bathroom.For him, it is best to choose a model with a corrugated surface to reduce slipping.
• With enamelled.It is intended to improve the appearance.Depending on the technology, it can be two tipov- matte or glossy.

Example of a bathroom in

cream color As for the color palette - you can choose a variety of collections and models.Traditionally, bathroom use green, white or blue shades.But in recent years it has become popular cream colors.It all depends on personal preference and the intended design of the bathroom.