Floor tiles in a modern interior. Tiles for the kitchen floor (45 photos) - the basic rules for a successful and profitable purchase. Cork tiles

Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular materials for decorating floors in hallways, kitchens and, of course, bathrooms and toilets. When deciding which tile to choose for the floor, you need to study the wide range and main characteristics of each type of tile flooring.

Features of ceramic tiles

How are ceramic tiles made? The principle is simple: crushed kaolin, mica, quartz, sand and various mineral oxides are baked under pressure or a press.

The tiles produced in this way have a whole range of useful qualities:

• has a high degree of wear resistance and abrasion resistance;
• has a long service life - up to 20 years;
• durable;
• Some types of tile coverings have additional properties, such as frost resistance, resistance to high temperatures and chemicals.

On a note! Ceramic tiles are easy to install, look beautiful, and are low maintenance, which is why this type of flooring is used in many areas, from residential to industrial.

Distinctive properties of floor tiles

When determining which tile to choose for the floor, you should take into account the following indicators:

• thickness - for floor slabs it is increased and is at least 0.9-1.2 cm in order to adequately withstand dynamic loads (for example, the fall of a heavy object);
• dimensions - they are also increased to simplify the installation process and reduce the weight load;
• wear resistance must have the highest REI 4 or REI 5;
• if increased moisture resistance is required, the moisture resistance indicator should not exceed 3%;
• — anti-chemical protection of the tiles is marked with indicators A and B, which allows you to clean the floor using various household chemicals;
• the presence of additional anti-slip treatment in the marking is indicated either by coefficients R10-11, or by a drawn boot with numbers from 1 to 4 (the lower the number, the more slippery the tile).

For the floor, clinker or porcelain tiles are used. These are especially durable types of tile coverings created using special technologies.

Different rooms - different tiles

The functional purpose of the premises in a house or apartment determines which tiles to choose for the floor. For a kitchen or bathroom, you need to select tile floors of different performance characteristics, sizes and colors.

When choosing a tile style, you must proceed from the area of ​​the room: with a large footage, you can lay large-sized tiles, while with a small one, such tiles will be cut off: the amount of waste is large, and therefore unprofitable. Ideally, the size of the tiles is proportional to the dimensions of the room - then there will be little waste.

In addition, the aesthetics of the floor pattern are important: large patterns look beautiful only on large tiles, but small tiles can be combined in a patchwork style. Ceramic tiles with hexagonal shapes or with original inserts provided by the design look interesting. You can lay tiles not only in a geometric order, but also in a wave-like, diagonal, herringbone pattern, creating a visual delimitation of space.

The design of the room determines the style of the flooring and its color. Monochrome walls can be diluted with a splash of color on the floor using bright tiles.

Manufacturers offer tiles that imitate wooden floors, marble, and leather.

Hallway

The first thing you see in the house is the hallway area. Whatever the hallway: narrow or spacious, small or huge, the flooring should be not only beautiful, but also functional. Due to its ease of maintenance, tile flooring is the leading choice for flooring in hallways.

Which tile to choose for the floor in the hallway? It must meet a number of requirements:

1. Safety is extremely important, so to avoid injury, it is important to use non-slip tiles. Such tiles are matte, rough to the touch or covered with thin grooves. Before purchasing, you need to study the marking - there must be an anti-slip sign R 10 or R
2. For the hallway you need ceramic tiles with wear resistance class 4; they are suitable for rooms with a high level of traffic.
3. The tiles should not be very porous, because this affects moisture resistance and hardness.

On a note! For hallways, tiles are most often chosen in dark colors: chocolate, coffee, gray, so that dirt is less noticeable.

Tiles that imitate parquet look beautiful.

Kitchen

To choose which tiles to put on the kitchen floor, you need to remember that the kitchen is a place where there is fire, water, people often walk there, chairs move, sometimes dishes fall...

Thus, in the kitchen, tiles should have the following characteristics:

• wear resistance class 4;
• increased hardness;
• anti-slip coefficient 4.

When determining which tile to choose for the kitchen floor, you can use ready-made designer selections of ceramics so that the floor looks harmonious with the entire room and furniture. In the kitchen, marble or natural stone tiles are often used.

Bathrooms

When deciding which tile to choose for the bathroom floor, you must proceed from the fact that the bathroom is a room with a high moisture content. Therefore, the floor must have increased moisture resistance.

In addition, the larger the size of the slabs used, the fewer joints between tiles are required, into which moisture gets in, which over time corrodes the grout. Therefore, if the size of the bathroom allows, it is better to choose large floor tiles.

Designer ceramic series are usually chosen for bathrooms. They include floor and wall coverings, narrow and wide borders, baseboards, corners, individual decorative elements, and colored grout.

Traditional colors of tiles in bathrooms: blue, turquoise, green, light green, beige, coral.

Bath

When arranging a bathhouse, the correct floor is of great importance. Ceramic tiles have increased heat transfer, heat up quickly, and are easy to install on a heated floor of any design; it is indispensable in a relaxation area, washing room and steam room.

Which tile to choose for the floor in the bathhouse?

The tile must have the following characteristics:

• matte rough surface;
• water absorption coefficient 3-10%;
• abrasion resistance PEI2-PEI4;
• increased frost resistance.

Warm floors and ceramic tiles

What kind of warm floor to choose for tiles in residential premises to make walking on the floor comfortable at any time of the year? There are 2 types of underfloor heating:

• water system;
• electric (cable or film floors).

Which is better to choose a warm floor for tiles is determined by the purpose of the room. In the bathroom, water floor heating is more often used, while in the kitchen or hall, electric floor heating can be used.

A water floor is economically beneficial when used on an area of ​​at least 30-40 sq.m. and runs on an autonomous boiler. In apartment buildings with central heating, the installation of water floor heating systems is prohibited by law, this is due to the peculiarities of the water supply and the need to make a large concrete screed during installation, which makes the inter-apartment floors heavier.

Attention! When installing an electric floor, it is necessary to provide good water insulation, as well as connect the power to the entire network through an RCD.

Film electric floor is a special film consisting of carbon strips. Such floors, due to the fact that the heating elements are laminated, provide a high degree of fire safety and water resistance. They can be used in bathrooms and other rooms with high humidity or temperature changes. However, they are beneficial over large areas.

An electric floor, operating on the basis of a self-regulating cable laid as a heating element, is completely safe. In addition, tiles can be laid on such a system without fear that over time the seams will begin to crack and crumble.

Now we can conclude which electric heated floor to choose for tiles is more profitable and reliable.

Features of laying tiles on a “warm floor” system

Having decided which heated floor to choose for the tiles, you need to correctly lay all layers of the heated floor, because In case of technological violations, the finishing coating will be the first to suffer: the seams will begin to crumble, the tiles will become brittle and brittle.

Sequence of laying heated floors:

1. Leveling the base, differences of more than 1 cm per 1 sq.m are unacceptable.
2. Waterproofing.
3. Thermal insulation.
4. A heating element.
5. Screed or adhesive solution.
6. Tile.

It doesn’t matter which tile to choose for a warm floor, the main thing is to choose the right tile adhesive.

The adhesive for tiles placed on a “warm floor” system must be heat-resistant thanks to special additives.

A beautiful heated floor will help make your home cozy and beautiful regardless of the time of year!

Which tiles are suitable for the kitchen floor, how to choose the right size, format and read the labeling, the nuances of laying tiles on the floor, manufacturers, prices and photos of floor tiles in the kitchen interior - here.

Ceramic floor tiles have many advantages. The main one is that tiles will last in the kitchen much longer than laminate or linoleum, and are much more practical to clean. But it also has plenty of disadvantages.

Ceramics is a very cold material. You can only walk on tiles in indoor shoes. Therefore, if you want to make your kitchen more comfortable, you will have to invest in a heated floor system. Due to its excellent thermal conductivity, ceramic tiles are ideal for its construction. Unlike the same linoleum.

Another disadvantage of tiles is poor sound insulation, so a soundproofing layer may be needed. An active child can injure their knees on hard tiles, and cups or plates that accidentally fall on the floor are guaranteed to break. And the tile itself can crack from a strong blow. Laying tiles requires time, experience or money, and the work is quite messy.

Don't these disadvantages scare you? Then let’s figure out how to choose the best tiles for your kitchen.

Which tile to choose for the kitchen floor

• Wall tiles cannot be placed on the floor (its surface will quickly lose its beautiful appearance, and the tiles themselves may crack), but floor tiles can be placed on walls. Floor tiles are much stronger and more durable thanks to special production technology. Look for the foot marking on the box. Wall tiles are indicated by an icon in the shape of a palm.
• For the kitchen, it is especially important that the floor surface is not slippery. High-quality ceramic tiles must be marked with a coefficient of friction. If it is more than 0.75, such tiles are non-slippery and quite safe; they can be safely placed in the kitchen. Do not choose tiles with a friction coefficient of less than 0.4 - if water spills on the floor, someone in your household may slip.
• The floor in the kitchen is subject to the heaviest loads, so experts recommend laying durable and wear-resistant tiles - hardness class III according to the PEI classification or class 5 according to GOST. If you don't use your kitchen very often, PEI II class is also suitable, but such tiles are less durable. Some manufacturers designate wear-resistant tiles with a shaded foot icon.
• If you like your kitchen to be sparkling clean and often wash your floors with strong detergents, you should give preference to ceramic tiles labeled AA. The surface of such ceramics has maximum resistance to chemicals. This means that she is not afraid of the most aggressive household chemicals. The protective layer of such tiles repels dirt and is easy to clean.
• For a kitchen floor, matte rather than glossy tiles are better suited. Scratches and abrasions are much less noticeable on matte and semi-matte surfaces. However, keep in mind that if the tiles are too rough and porous, all the dirt will stick to them and the floor will always look dirty. For the same reason, you should not place tiles that are too textured in the kitchen.

Sizes and formats of kitchen floor tiles

Square and rectangle are the most popular floor tile formats. Less common are ceramic or cement tiles in hexagonal or octagonal shapes. As a rule, it is used in classic or traditional kitchen interiors.

As for the sizes, most often tiles of 20x20, 30x30, 40x40 cm and their variations are laid on the floor. For example, 31.6x31.6 or 33.3x33.3 cm. Sometimes on the kitchen floor you can also find small tiles in the format 10x10 or 15x15 cm. They look best in a kitchen in Provence or country style, but sometimes they fit perfectly into a modern interior . Floor tiles are thicker and stronger than wall tiles. Its average thickness is from 6.5 to 11 mm.

3 important nuances

1. The ideal option is when the width of the tile is a multiple of the width and length of the room. For example, nine tiles measuring 33.3x33.3 cm fit perfectly into one square meter of floor. Then most of the tiles will not have to be cut. This means installation will be easier, faster and cheaper.

Before purchasing tiles, carefully measure the length and width of your kitchen. Explore the assortment of several online stores or visit a construction hypermarket. Select several floor tile options that you like best and write down their sizes. Now take a calculator and calculate which tiles will fit your kitchen exactly.

If you really like a particular tile, but its size doesn't fit well with the dimensions of your kitchen, be sure to check: there may be a similar design in a different size in the same collection. Many ceramic collections are produced in several sizes and formats, and if they are not in stock, in many cases the seller can bring the tiles you need to order.

2. When choosing ceramic tiles, be especially careful - remember their caliber! The fact is that the actual size of the tile may differ by 5-7 mm, plus or minus, from the nominal, approximate one, which the manufacturer indicates on price tags and in catalogs. You chose a 30x30 cm tile, but its actual size is 29.5x29.5 or 30.5x30.5 cm.

This is not a defect, but a feature of ceramic production.

Serious tile manufacturers, European and Russian, always sort tiles by caliber and indicate this parameter on the packaging. Chinese factories often neglect sorting. Therefore, when purchasing Chinese tiles, be prepared for the fact that there may be ceramics of different sizes in one box. You will have to sort it and, if necessary, trim it yourself.

A good solution to the caliber problem is the so-called rectified tiles, which are specially cut at the factory to uniform, precisely specified dimensions. In addition, it can be laid practically without seams. This means that dirt will not accumulate in them, and such a floor is easier to clean. But rectified tiles are noticeably more expensive than regular tiles.

3. When deciding on the size of floor tiles, keep in mind the evenness of the base. If the floor in the kitchen has defects, and the work of carefully leveling it does not fit into the budget of your renovation, give preference to small tiles 10x10 or 20x20 cm. They visually hide unevenness in the floor, and there will be fewer voids underneath, which will cause the tiles to wear out after some time. may crack.

Color and tone

Ceramic tiles from the same collection, but from different batches, differ not only in size, but also in tone. For example, the color can be darker or lighter, brighter or, conversely, muted. Manufacturers sort the tiles by tone and apply the appropriate markings to the box. As a rule, this is a combination of letters and numbers or some kind of symbol.

For example, A45 or 12.

Before paying for your purchase, make sure that all the tiles you have chosen are from the same batch and the markings on the boxes completely match in all respects.

Designer's advice
If a tile of one tone is not enough for you, take a tone that is as close as possible to the chosen one. For example, if you need a B12 tone, B11 or B13 will do. If there are none, take any tile marked with tone B.
But be sure to take the tiles out of the boxes and make sure that the differences in tone are not critical. If the tones of the tiles differ too much, you can use a trick. A significant part of the floor in the kitchen is occupied by the kitchen unit, and no one will see the floor underneath it.
The main thing is to lay out the tiles when laying them so that the central, visible part of the floor is as uniform in color as possible.

Choosing a floor tile design for the kitchen

• A light tile floor will make your kitchen brighter and visually more spacious, so this option is well suited for a small space. Dark tiles will only emphasize the small size of the kitchen. But even if the space allows, you should definitely compensate for the dark floor with light furniture and wallpaper.
• If your kitchen windows face north or west, choose a solid finish in warm, light colors for the floor. And a warm “southern” kitchen will also respond well to tiles of rich, cold shades.
• In a kitchen in a modern, high-tech or minimalist style, the best choice is a plain floor or tiles with the most neutral and unobtrusive pattern. A classic-style kitchen will be perfectly complemented by marble-effect tiles or ceramics with antique ornaments. A country or Provence interior will be completed by a floor laid with artificially aged ceramics, imitation cotto tiles, or a patterned ceramic “carpet” made of Metlakh tiles or its imitation.

Among the floor tiles, there are many collections in natural colors - different shades of brown, beige, gray. These flowers have an important advantage - they do not stain and are therefore well suited for the kitchen.

Wood-effect floor tiles or ceramic parquet

You can read in great detail about this finishing material in this special review. Keep in mind: most wood-look tiles are not tiles, but porcelain tiles. Long ceramic tiles, reminiscent of boards or laminate, break easily, so short “planks” or square tiles with a wood pattern, imitating type-setting parquet, are often made from tiles.

Wood-look tiles are often rectified and laid without visible seams. This creates a very authentic illusion of a real wood floor, parquet floor or solid wood surface.

The simplest and most unpretentious wood-effect floor tiles can be bought in online stores in Moscow and the region for about 470-700 rubles per square meter (for example, the Dublin collection from Uralkeramika, Karelia from the Kharkov Tile Factory). Russian wood-effect tiles and parquet from the Kerama Marazzi factory cost approximately 650 rubles per square meter (Wonderful Garden, Cassia, Glasgow collections).

Prices for Spanish ceramics that imitate a wooden floor start from 1300-1500 rubles per square (Wood collections from Monopole Ceramica, Brilliant from Absolut Ceramica, Lignum Natural and Savage from the Cifre factory, Bosco from Gaya Fores, etc.)

Stone effect floor tiles

In many cases, a good ceramic imitation can only be distinguished from natural stone by its appearance only by professionals. Modern production technologies make it possible to convey the characteristic pattern and texture of granite, quartzite, marble, basalt or other rock. In most cases, stone-look tiles are also not tiles, but porcelain tiles - they are stronger and more durable than ordinary ceramics. But even among ordinary ceramic tiles you can find very interesting solutions.

For inexpensive options (on average 500-700 rubles per square meter in Moscow online stores), pay attention to the collections of the Volgograd Ceramic Factory (Allegro), Kerama Marazzi (Transbaikalia, Cameo, Still Life, Aurelia, Sella, etc.), Shakhtinskaya tiles ( Pietra), Atem, Jade Ceramics (Watercolor), Uralceramics (Adagio).

The average price option is Polish “stone” tiles for 1000-1200 rubles per square meter (Samaria from Tubadzin, etc.) and Spanish ceramics for 1000-2700 rubles per square meter (collections from factories Europa Ceramica, MYR Ceramica, Venus Ceramica, Mainzu, Argenta Ceramica, Pamesa, Keros Ceramica, Dualgres, etc.).

Italian stone-look floor tiles vary greatly in price - depending on the factory, their cost varies from 1200 to 4000 rubles per square meter (factories Imola Ceramica, Serenissima Sir La Faenza, Del Conca, Majorca, etc.

Important!
Not original, but very important advice - be sure to buy tiles with a reserve. Some of the tiles may break during installation, get “lost” when trimming, or your floor will require repairs over time, and you will no longer be able to find tiles that are exactly the same in tone and size.
If the styling pattern is simple, 5% is enough. For complex modular or diagonal installations, it is better to add at least 10% on top.

Laying tiles on the floor - 3 things you need to know

1. If you are planning to renovate the kitchen yourself or save on the services of a tiler by inviting a cheaper specialist, keep in mind: the slightest deviation from tile laying technology can have dire consequences. If the subfloor is not level enough and there is an air gap between the floor and the tiles, the tiles can easily crack if something heavy falls on them and will have to be replaced. Make sure that such voids are no more than 10% of the floor area and that they are not concentrated in one place.
2. It is highly advisable to remove the old flooring. A tiled floor will last a long time only if the base is well prepared. It should be smooth, hard and dry. If the floor is cement, remove any bumps and uneven spots and seal cracks and holes. If it is old wooden, properly fix the “loose” boards and strengthen them with additional spacers.
3. Thoroughly clean the floor of dust and debris. All this is necessary so that the tiles and glue can adhere to the surface as best as possible.

There are several positive and negative qualities of this cladding.

Which tile to choose for the kitchen floor?

Depending on the composition, tile products are divided into the following types:

• Ceramic. It is a classic version on a clay basis, made by firing. Ceramics retains its presentable appearance for a long time, does not electrify, does not accumulate dust and is not afraid of temperature changes. It can have several varieties, for example, glazed, unglazed or small-format metlakh.
• Porcelain tiles. It is very durable, wear-resistant, easy to clean and resistant to various types of stains. Porcelain tiles fit perfectly into any style and have an elegant, luxurious appearance; they can imitate stone patterns and have a matte, polished or rough surface.
• Quartz vinyl. A modern type of tile consisting of several layers with the addition of quartz sand and fiberglass. Quartz vinyl products are non-slippery, perfectly protect against moisture, and are characterized by high-quality noise insulation and fire resistance.

Aesthetically attractive and functional tile cladding, thanks to the huge range, colors and variety of shapes, can satisfy any financial capabilities and stylistic preferences.

The photo shows a kitchen interior with multi-colored hexagon-shaped ceramic tiles on the floor.

Floor tile colors

The tint solution is very important in interior design. Floor finishing can be equally well done in both bright and more muted colors.

Black

It perfectly combines practical and artistic components, allows you to show limitless imagination and gives inexhaustible inspiration in interior decoration.

The photo shows square black tiles on the floor in a loft-style kitchen interior.

White

It has a strong reflective effect, due to which sunlight and artificial light multiply in the room, giving the space lightness, radiance, airiness and freshness. This light cladding will be especially relevant for a small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building.

Beige

Such combined materials complement each other perfectly and create a harmonious transition. Tile with a glossy surface goes well with both wood flooring and linoleum and forms a special eclectic design.

The photo shows a work area with a wall and floor lined with diamond-shaped mosaic tiles.

Under the tree

Wood-look ceramics easily tolerate moisture, fire, and aggressive chemicals and do not require complex maintenance. It also combines well with other facing materials and always gives the environment a more solid and respectable look.

Marbled

A finish that can imitate marble has properties and characteristics that are in no way inferior to natural stone. This finishing material undoubtedly gives the interior aesthetics, luxury and a special gloss.

Matte

Due to the matte surface, the environment takes on a calmer, stricter and more stylish image and a welcoming and warm atmosphere is created in the kitchen.

Patchwork

Each patterned tile in the patchwork style has its own uniqueness, which allows you to create an original floor covering that looks similar to a colorful oriental carpet.

With inserts

A huge selection of tiles with decor in the form of inserts is distinguished by a variety of installation options and provides the opportunity to experiment and bring to life any design ideas.

Panel

Large or small panels create a unique floor composition and become the main stylish decorative element of the kitchen.

With a pattern or ornament

Tiles decorated with painted floral, geometric or abstract patterns and ornaments will give the interior exclusivity and originality, and products with patterns with a 3D effect will undoubtedly become a real art object in the room.

What do different styles of floor tiles look like?

Tiled flooring can be an excellent solution for a kitchen designed in any style direction, for example, loft, Provence, hi-tech, Scandinavian, oriental, classic or modern style.

The photo shows a kitchen-living room in a classic style with a floor decorated with tiles with monogram patterns.

• For classics, they often prefer marble finishes or plain products with a restrained, discreet pattern, for example, monograms or stripes that organically complement the overall interior.
• Tiles imitating aged brick or stone in dark colors will perfectly complement a loft room, and tile modules with imitation wood with a patina or plain tiles in pastel colors will decorate a kitchen in the Provence style.
• In a modern or high-tech style, a glossy or matte tiled floor in a plain gray, black, white or beige would be especially appropriate.

Photo gallery

Thanks to finishing materials such as floor tiles, it is possible to place the necessary elegant accents in the kitchen space and emphasize the overall design, making it much brighter or, on the contrary, calmer.

There is a huge variety of floor coverings, such as: linoleum, cork, parquet, board or solid wood. But the best choice for the kitchen will be ceramic tiles. And here's why: The kitchen is the busiest place in the house, and any beautiful coating on it loses its color over time.

The kitchen requires increased care and impeccable cleanliness. Wet cleaning of its floor covering is usually carried out more often than in other rooms. Therefore, tiles, due to their properties, are an ideal option for the kitchen. Let's take a closer look at them.

Properties that kitchen tiles should have

To make the right choice for kitchen flooring, you need to pay attention to the following properties:

Slip level. You should choose tiles with a low slip level, this will ensure the safety of the floor. This parameter is usually indicated on the packaging with a numerical value.

Strength and wear resistance. Floor coverings, unlike wall coverings, are subject to various types of mechanical damage. Therefore, the strength requirements for floor tiles are higher. This parameter is also indicated on the packaging according to the PIE scale and should not be lower than third class. Such tiles will be less susceptible to chips and cracks.

Protection from chemical exposure. As a rule, the floors in the kitchen are washed somewhat more often than in other rooms. In addition to dust, greasy marks from cooking remain on it, which require special detergents to remove them. Therefore, you should choose tiles that are resistant to aggressive environments and abrasive effects. On the packaging this property is indicated by its class - “A”.

Types of tiles for the kitchen

There are quite a few types of tiles for flooring; they come in different sizes, geometric shapes and thicknesses; with different textures and colors. The material it consists of mainly is ceramics.

The ancient Greek word "keramos" literally means fired clay. From this it is clear that it contains clay in its composition. But depending on the manufacturing method, it may have different qualities.

It can be either brittle or hard. Therefore, only a few of its varieties are suitable for the floor. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

Monocottura- tiles with high strength characteristics, having a thick layer and enamel with high wear-resistant characteristics;

Porcelain tiles. In addition to clay, its structure contains feldspar and quartz, which give it extremely durable properties. Its texture is very similar to stone, and is not inferior to natural stone in strength. This is one of the most expensive ceramic flooring materials.

Cotto tiles. It has a porous composition and does not have glaze. Perfectly imitates the natural quality of the material. And it will fit perfectly into. Due to the fact that the tile does not have a glazed surface, after installation it must be treated with a special water-repellent compound. Most often, wax is used for this.

Cottoforte tiles. Unlike the previous one, it has glaze on its surface, and in all other respects it is similar to it.

Polymer materials are becoming increasingly popular in the modern world. They did not ignore floor coverings either. Now you can find tiles made of polyvinyl chloride.

This material can imitate any type of stone or wood. It is highly resistant to aggressive environments and grease. However, in terms of its environmental properties, it is inferior to ceramics.

Choice of shape and size

Before choosing the shape and size of floor tiles, you should calculate the area of ​​the surface to be laid. It is advisable to draw a schematic diagram of the future tile to understand how it will lay and how much it will be needed.

The shape of floor tiles is rich in variety. The following types are available on the market:

• Traditional square. The size of the square can vary from small to gigantic.
• Rectangular in various sizes.
• Triangular.
• Multifaceted. The most interesting and varied in their execution. Laying tiles like this on the floor will look great if used in a variety of colors.

Popular types of tiling in kitchens

You can lay tiles on the floor in a variety of ways. The most popular of them are:

Traditional. It is acceptable to use square tiles for this installation. It can be laid on the floor either in a straight position or diagonally.

With offset. With this installation, the subsequent layer is shifted exactly half. Ultimately, the drawing becomes like a brick wall.

Herringbone. Rectangular tiles can create such a pattern. The flooring pattern will be similar to parquet.

Modular. This installation method can be done in many variations thanks to the use of different tile sizes.

The color of the floor tiles should be harmoniously combined with the overall interior of the kitchen. It is advisable to choose it in the same shade as the walls. The option of a contrasting color is not excluded, but it must be compatible. For example, beige with chestnut or chocolate.

The huge range of colors of this material contributes to the embodiment of any design idea. The design of kitchen floor tiles can be made in the following modern styles:

• In the form of a panel or carpet;
• With contrasting highlighting of different zones;
• With the intersection of diagonal or longitudinal stripes;
• Creation of an original author's drawing.

Before laying tiles on the floor, make sure the surface is level. To do this, it is recommended to pre-fill the screed. And after it dries, start working.

Use larger tiles, this will greatly reduce the work time, and there will be much fewer seams between the tiles.

Do not opt ​​for white colors; as you know, this color is not practical and gets dirty quickly. However, the easy-to-clean tile surface will not make this job difficult. The most practical surface for the floor is a dark matte one with some kind of ornament. It will be the least visible of grease and other contaminants. The same can be said about the color of the grout for the joints.

If you want to visually expand the kitchen space, use a simple pattern on the floor. Complex, on the contrary, will reduce its size.

So, having understood the properties of tiles, their types and modern styles of installation, it becomes obvious that this material is an ideal option for flooring.

Firstly, because ceramics is the most durable and wear-resistant material, unlike other types of finishes.

And secondly, a huge variety of shapes and colors will allow you to create a unique combined floor in the kitchen with various texture and color combinations.

Photo of kitchen floor tile design ideas

You need to approach home design seriously, paying attention to every detail. A popular finishing material in kitchens and bathrooms is tile. This option is chosen due to the characteristics of the premises. Floor tiles are easy to maintain, wear-resistant, highly durable, and have a long service life.

There is a wide range of products on sale, the consumer can easily choose the desired color and texture.

Types of ceramic tiles

Manufacturers produce rectangular and square specimens. Floor coverings are also made with hexagonal and octagonal elements. The choice of form depends on the wishes of the property owner and the design of the premises.

There are several types of ceramic tiles, which differ from each other in appearance and production technology:

• The cotto model has a rough surface and is made from red clay using the extrusion method. Its colors vary within the terracotta palette.
• The cottoforte type has a glazed surface. It is subjected to pressing and double annealing. The high strength of the product is obtained by combining two types of clays and adding fireclay.
• Metlakh tiles are resistant to cold and humidity. She is not afraid of exposure to strong acids. A wide variety of colors and shapes ensured its high popularity.
• Dimarmi products are purchased for luxury mansions and small apartments. Its surface resembles the weaving of a grapevine.
• Clinker is produced by extrusion and firing. Thanks to this, the material acquires the properties required for intensive use in areas of high load.
• Porcelain tiles are highly durable and able to withstand significant loads. It has a low degree of water absorption.

A photo of floor tiles will help you see what this design will look like, will help the customer make a choice, and find the best option for their home. Before purchasing, the consumer studies prices for similar products, is interested in the properties of the material, and pays attention to the colors.

Tile laying methods

To arrange the space, you can use a monochromatic option or choose elements with the same pattern. By choosing a material of an unusual color you can achieve an interesting effect. Plain tiles of different sizes will allow you to create a unique bright design.

Decorating a room is easy by choosing an original combination of colors and patterns. The simplest option would be to use two shades of kitchen floor tiles in the interior.

An unusual design is obtained by using components of different colors and formats. Modern designers offer unique interior design options using the latest materials.

3D tiles

Modern coating looks unusual and interesting in the interior. Upon contact with the surface, the 3D tile pattern changes. It is made from a durable base and tempered glass. Some manufacturers use polymer.

There is a gel-based compound inside the products. A change in color and pattern in the capsule occurs as a result of pressure on its surface. The size range of modern products is quite diverse; you can choose tiles 30x30, 50x50, etc.

Modern material allows you to get an amazing effect. This type of tile is highly durable, wear-resistant, and scratch-resistant. It is often used when installing heated floors.

To install such a covering, you must have a flat, horizontal base in the room. To lay tiles you will need the services of professionals.

PVC tiles

The vinyl type is available in square and rectangular shapes. These products consist of polyvinyl chloride and special additives. A pattern, a transparent PVC layer and protection are applied to the base. This coating has good strength characteristics, is resistant to moisture, and is safe for human health.

The elements are flexible, you can choose the desired shade and pattern. Floor tiles can be laid on any base. Despite its positive characteristics, tiles also have some disadvantages.

If the coating is laid on concrete, it will be cold. There are cases of its detachment from the base, since it has low resistance to temperature changes. Installation of PVC tiles must be carried out by specialists.

Cork tiles

Natural materials are environmentally safe. Cork products are resistant to rotting processes and are not afraid of rodents. The hypoallergenic material has good sound insulation, excellent elasticity and resilience. It is lightweight and durable at the same time.

When installing it, a non-slip surface is formed. To find the right option, you should look through the catalog of floor tiles.

These tiles are made from oak bark; this tree grows only in warm countries. It is used to decorate various residential premises. Cork material does not absorb odors, so it can be used for kitchen space.

This floor has internal warmth, it will warm you up in the winter cold and help create coziness in the room. With proper installation and careful handling, the coating will retain its original appearance and unique qualities for a long time.

Tile selection

If you decide to purchase a reliable and durable coating for your home, you should pay attention to its structure. To ensure safety in rooms with high humidity, you should not purchase material with a glossy surface. It would be appropriate in a cozy bedroom or spacious living room.

Thanks to the huge range of products on the market, you can order cheap tiles or choose a more expensive option with an original design. The material allows you to implement any design project. A person’s perception of the interior depends on the size of the components.

You should not buy large elements for the floor of a small room; the room will visually become even smaller. Such models are suitable for spacious square-shaped apartments.

The floor occupies a large area, so it influences the formation of the interior. It should be in harmony with the design of the room or contrast with other elements. White tiles will visually expand the space and make the room brighter. The color saturation depends on the brightness of the lighting.

Tiles are considered a cold surface, so they are mainly used in the bathroom, kitchen, and hallway. Modern technologies make it possible to produce new products that have a special structure, which allows you to protect the coating from the cold without changing its strength characteristics.

To choose the right cladding, pay attention to the markings indicated on the packaging. All necessary data is encrypted in these signs. Many products are complemented with decorative elements. This material looks impressive in the interior.

When covering a large surface, make sure that the elements are from the same batch. If they were made at different times, they may differ in tone, which is immediately noticeable. When selecting flooring material, take into account the room in which it will be installed. The characteristics of the tile depend on the characteristics of the room.

Photo of floor tiles