Ceramic tile kitchen apron
Find out what kind of ceramic tile for a kitchen is on an apron, how to choose it for a kitchen design, popular sizes, types and decors of kitchen tiles, an overview of manufacturers and photos of tile aprons.
Tiles from the Orion collection, Pamesa (Spain)
What tile is suitable for a kitchen apron?
- The best choice is tiles with a glossy surface. First, it is easy to wash. However, on the gloss, traces of drops of water and fat are more noticeable. And secondly, the shiny surface of ceramic tiles perfectly reflects light, which means that your kitchen will seem a little larger.
- The smooth surface of the tile for the kitchen backsplash is preferable to the embossed one. No matter how beautiful three-dimensional decors or modern tiles with a 3D effect are, they are more difficult to care for than simple smooth ceramics.
- White tiles are a versatile backsplash option for any kitchen. To dilute the monotony of white ceramics, mosaics, bright tiles or patterned decors will help. Do you want to make an apron a bright accent? Play in contrast with the color of the facades. Do not want to draw attention to the work area? Choose the most neutral tiles to match your kitchen.
- The most practical finish in the kitchen is tiles of different shades of beige and brown. It is less easily soiled than white or dark. It is very convenient in the kitchen and tile under a stone with characteristic stains - stains, drops and small dirt are less visible on it.
The main problem with a tile or mosaic backsplash is the tile joints. Over time, light grout absorbs moisture and dirt, darkens, looks untidy, and the apron loses its appearance. To avoid this, use better grouts with moisture-resistant, dirt-repellent and anti-fungal components. The most durable and practical option is epoxy grout.
A rectified tile will also help solve the problem. This is what they call tiles with evenly cut edges - the apron will turn out with minimally visible seams (the distance between the tiles will be no more than 2 mm).
What to look for when buying?
Choose wall tiles for the backsplash with a special coating that protects it from aggressive chemicals. So you can use strong detergents for cleaning in the kitchen without harming the surface of the tile. Look for the designation A on the packaging, and preferably AA.
The same tile in different batches may differ in tone. This is normal: the shade of ceramics changes during firing - it brightens or darkens. Therefore, when buying, carefully check that the tone marking is the same on all purchased packages.
Ceramic tile 10x10 with bevel Biselado, Absolut Keramica (Spain) Each batch of tiles differs not only in color, but also in size. When choosing, pay attention to such an indicator as caliber. Manufacturers indicate to them how much the actual size of a tile from a particular batch differs from the declared one. For example, if both the real and the reference tile size are 200x200 mm, the caliber will be 0. If it differs by 1 or more millimeters, this indicator will also differ from 0. Make sure that the caliber of all packages is the same or, in extreme cases, differs no more, than per unit.
Right in the store, check the quality of the glaze - it should be smooth and even, without visible chips, scuffs, cracks.
If after the purchase you do not plan to lay out the tiles immediately, be sure to store it in a dry place and do not let its back, clay, part get wet. Otherwise, your apron may crack in a few months.
How many tiles to buy?
Like any other finishing material, experts recommend buying tiles with a margin. Add 5-10% to the required amount if you plan to use a simple laying method, 15% if you are going to lay tiles diagonally or combine several types of ceramics in a complex pattern.
Keep in mind - some of the tiles may be defective. Some manufacturers of inexpensive Russian tiles allow up to 5% of tiles with certain defects. Also, a few tiles should be set aside for the future - in case your apron needs repair.
Popular apron tile formats
When choosing a tile size, try to make sure that its height and width are a multiple of the height and width of your backsplash. Then trimming the tiles is not needed or will be minimal.
The standard height of the apron in the working area of the kitchen is usually 50-60 centimeters. At the same time, it is very desirable that the tile go under the upper and lower cabinets for a couple of centimeters. In the area of \u200b\u200bthe plate, the apron is traditionally higher due to the hood - it is important that there are enough tiles for this ledge.
1. Ceramic tiles 10x10
A very popular wall tile size that is great for finishing kitchen backsplashes. One of the main advantages of such tiles over large-format tiles is that when laying, it is very often possible to do without trimming.
Tile 10x10 looks good in a small kitchen. It visually makes a small space look bigger and looks like a small kitchen set.
It is convenient to veneer an apron with a small tile in hard-to-reach places. It is easy to combine with decors and panels. Minus - laying an apron from such a tile will require experience and skill. There will be more seams than on medium and large format tiles.
In many collections, in addition to 10x10 background tiles, there are ceramic panels of various sizes and decors with a pattern - flat or three-dimensional. The most popular subject is pastoral still lifes, flowers, fruits.
An excellent alternative is 10x10 tile imitation. Many manufacturers offer medium-sized tiles (for example, 20x20, 20x30, 30x30 or 30x40 cm) with slotted recesses on the surface. Installing them is faster and easier.
Please note: for different manufacturers, the exact size of the tiles may differ from a few millimeters for small tiles to 1.5-2 centimeters for large ones. Take this into account when calculating the number of tiles you need for your backsplash.
2. Tile boar or brick-like ceramic tiles
A very popular lately option for facing a kitchen apron. The name boar was assigned to a rectangular tile with chamfered edges, very similar in shape to a brick.
Tile boar monocolor Biselado classic size 7x15 cm from Absolut Keramika This finish looks good in both modern and classic kitchens. In addition, it visually expands the space.
Manufacturers of ceramics offer boar tiles in different colors and sizes. Its dimensions can vary greatly. The classic version is 7.5x15 cm. Often 10x20 cm is also found. But do not be surprised if you see the name of a wild boar next to a 6.5x12, 10x25, 8.5x28.5 or 15x45 cm tile in the online store.
As a rule, a wild boar is a monochromatic tile, the so-called monocolor, with a smooth, shiny, glossy surface. The colors are bright, saturated, but calm. The most popular color is, of course, white. It is he who most often goes to the kitchen apron. In some collections, it is proposed to dilute the background tiles with beautiful decors with photo printing. The plots are simple - fruits, berries, cereals, flowers and other fantasies on a culinary theme.
As with other tile options, it is increasingly possible to buy medium-sized tiles with hog holes measuring 31.6x31.6 cm. It is much easier to install than small bricks, so it is better for those who decide to lay tiles on an apron with their own hands.
Decor tiles with boar recesses, Absolut Keramika 
Chocolate Cake boar tile size 10x20, Absolut Keramika - with such an apron in the kitchen it is impossible not to become a sweet tooth! 3. Mosaic tiles
If you like mosaic, check out our detailed guide to this finishing material. On a kitchen apron, it looks great, but it is capricious in styling and demanding in care. It can be replaced by ceramic tiles for mosaics - the material is beautiful, practical and inexpensive.
In fact, this is an ordinary ceramic tile, the front surface of which imitates a mosaic matrix. Some manufacturers achieve this effect with a convex pattern, but tiles with deep cuts between the “mosaic” cells look more authentic and beautiful. These slots are filled with the same grout as the tile joints, and a complete illusion of a real mosaic coating is created.
Keep in mind: keeping such an apron clean is more difficult than lined with simple smooth tiles.
4. Ceramic tiles of medium size
Medium-format wall tiles hit the kitchen apron much less frequently than a wild boar or a 10x10 tile. It often has to be cut when laying, so that it looks beautiful and fits well into the size of the apron.
When choosing a tile, you should give preference to a solid color or with an unobtrusive subtle pattern - as a rule, it is she who looks best on an apron. The monotony of the background will help to dilute the decors. What they are, read below.
As for the size, successful tile options for finishing an apron are 20x20, 20x30, 25x33 cm and formats close to them.
Large tiles will look bad in a small kitchen. Yes, it will have fewer seams, but visually it “clogs” a small kitchen set, and a small-sized kitchenette will seem even smaller.
How to dilute boring tiles - backsplash decors
To prevent ceramic cladding from looking too dull and monotonous, ceramic manufacturers supplement collections of background tiles with decorative elements. Decors are much more expensive than background tiles, but they really decorate an apron.
1. Insert tiles with a flat or embossed pattern- the most common decor option. Often they are exactly the same size as the background tile. They are laid either pointwise, evenly “scattering” them over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe apron, or they are made up of a small panel.
If desired, you can pick up an interesting and inexpensive decor from another collection from another manufacturer. However, in this case, carefully make sure that the dimensions and thickness of the tiles match perfectly - then the apron will look beautiful and uniform.
Background tiles and decors from the Toledo collection, Nephrite Ceramics (Russia) 2. Decorative panel
Small ceramic panels are a frequent element of tile collections in classic, country or Provence styles.
It can be a picture of one large insert tile (for example, 50x30, 60x40, 60x60, 80x60 cm) or a set of several small or medium tiles (usually 4 or 6 of them).
To make such a panel look good, it needs space and symmetry. The best place for it is a part of the wall behind the hob, a kind of visual center of your kitchen. If the length of the working surface allows, you can place the panel in the cooking area.
Popular subjects are quite traditional - pastoral still lifes and peaceful landscapes, views of Venice and cozy Italian courtyards, houses with tiled roofs and ivy-covered walls, cheese, grapes, olive oil, fruits and berries - in general, everything that is traditionally associated with cuisine and home comfort.
Boar tile with fruit decorations from the Tutti Frutti collection, Monopole Ceramica (Spain) It is more difficult to choose tile panels for a modern kitchen, but you can find beautiful collections with photo tiles with views of cities, abstract drawings or stylized images on traditional kitchen and culinary themes.
3. Tile border or frieze- a characteristic element of tiled collections in classic or country style. Rectangular tiles-borders come in different lengths and heights. They can decorate the upper or lower edge of the apron or put a beautiful strip of decor in its center.
4. Decor pencil- this narrow and long insert is convenient to use instead of "patches" between tiles instead of fiddling with trimming them. Of course, if the size of the tiles allows, and the color of the decors fits into the design of your backsplash.
How to choose tiles for kitchen design?
Modern style
Smooth modern tiles will suit you - plain or with an unobtrusive pattern, photo tiles and mosaic-like tiles. A good option is a tile imitating 10x10 facing, plain or with modern stylized patterns. Medium format tiles with photos or bright drawings look good.
Classic
In a classic-style kitchen, an apron decorated with natural stone tiles (marble, granite, travertine, etc.) or smooth wall ceramics with classic decors looks organic. For example, stylized antique ornament. A plain tile of 10x10 neutral shades without decors is also well suited. An excellent choice is a boar tile in white, beige, black or a calm saturated color.
Country, Provence, Mediterranean
Tiles with a relief surface and uneven edges, imitation of natural stone or old clay tiles are perfect for an apron in a traditional rustic kitchen. Such a kitchen will be decorated with a ceramic panel or antique-painted ceramics. A 5x5 cm ceramic mosaic with decorative inserts and embossed ornaments or a smaller mosaic of different shades of beige, blue, yellow and other natural natural shades is also good.
Tile manufacturers
Russia and Belarus
The bulk of Russian and Belarusian ceramic tile manufacturers operate in the economy and middle price segments. In recent years, the quality of Russian tiles has grown significantly. New interesting collections appear, high-quality equipment is used and European technologies are adopted.
The design of Russian and Belarusian tiles is dominated by neutral shades and traditional patterns. Of course, it is inferior to the Italian one in decors, palette, variety and dimensional accuracy, but for an inexpensive kitchen renovation, this is excellent value for money.
Popular brands: Kerama Marazzi and Atlas Concorde Russia, Azori, Cersanit, Kerranova, Kerabud, Nephrite-Keramika, Sokol, Ceradim, Uralkeramika, Shakhtinskaya tile (Russia), Keramin, Berezakeramika, Kerabel (Belarus).
Toledo Collection, Jade Ceramic China
Chinese ceramics are increasingly conquering the Russian market. The truth is more in the segment of mosaics and tiles for mosaics. Traditional wall tiles are rather poorly represented. The Chinese successfully copy the Italian and Spanish collections of ceramic tiles, using not only design, but also technology. Therefore, with a careful and deliberate choice, you can buy quite a decent and inexpensive Chinese tile, since the apron does not require super-strength and wear resistance from the tile.
Poland
Interesting options for finishing the apron are offered by Polish manufacturers.
Tubadzin, Paradyz, Opoczno are the three most famous brands in Russia that offer tiles in both modern and traditional styles.
Ceramic tiles for majolica are beautiful and affordable, Majolika from Tubadzin (Poland) 
Kitchen tiles 10x10 from the Inwencija collection, manufacturer Opoczno (Poland) Italy
Italian tiles are the most "designer" and spectacular, rich in color schemes, non-standard shapes and unusual imitations. The main disadvantage is the price. Tiles from Italy are the most expensive in the assortment of ceramics stores. But you don’t need a lot of it to finish the apron, so you should look for sales of leftovers - it may well stretch the entire interior of the kitchen.
Spain
A lot of good quality ceramics in calm neutral tones are offered by Spanish manufacturers. They are especially good at imitating materials - wood-like tiles or natural stone. The collections of Spanish tiles traditionally have a lot of decorative elements - inserts, borders and panels that can make an apron in your kitchen truly special.
