Ceramic and stone floors are becoming more and more popular due to their aesthetic qualities and extraordinary durability. A wide selection of designs, dimensions and textures allows you to adapt these cladding to any interior, balcony or terrace. Both ceramic and stone tiles are almost indestructible, which makes them an excellent choice for people who value quality for years.
Nowadays, materials for making mineral floors can be divided into three main groups: stone, fired ceramics and stoneware. Natural stone tiles have been used for centuries and continue to be popular today. The most commonly used are marble, granite, basalt, limestone and sandstone. Each of them has its own unique features, patterns and colors that allow you to customize the floor to your individual needs.
Ceramic and stone floors
Natural stone, although more expensive than ceramic tiles, can be used for generations. It can be renewed many times by removing the worn top layer. Therefore, stone floors can be considered an investment for years.
Ceramic tiles are made of clay, silica, fluxes and other mineral raw materials. We can choose from different types such as glazed, engobed or unglazed. All versions are suitable for laying on the floor, but it is important to remember about the water absorption of the tiles. The lower the water absorption, the greater the resistance to temperature changes and moisture.
Porcelain tile is another popular material. It is made by sintering white kaolin granulate, which gives it exceptional durability and chemical resistance. Porcelain tiles can take on different colors, patterns and textures, allowing you to create a variety of arrangements.
Laying materials
When laying mineral floors, it is important to properly prepare the substrate. Primers and contact preparations help level the substrate and improve its strength, adhesion and water absorption.
Currently, only adhesive mortars are used as a binder, which not only bind the tiles to the substrate, but also create a structural layer that cushions floor deformations. Depending on your needs, you can use different types of mortar, such as quick-hardening, white or flexible.
To finish mineral floors, joint mortars (joints) are used, which fill the gaps between the tiles. It is important to pay attention to their anti-slip properties, especially in places exposed to getting wet, e.g. in the bathroom.
Laying and designing
When laying tiles, the layout should be properly designed to minimize material waste. Cutting the tiles to size is inevitable, especially with larger sizes. Therefore, it is worth choosing a layout that minimizes the number of unnecessary fragments.
You should also remember about the expansion joints, which should be recreated in the tile covering. You should also remember about the expansion joints, which should be recreated in the tile covering.
Summary
Ceramic and stone floors are a perfect solution for people who value durability and aesthetics. By choosing the right materials and properly designing the layout, we can enjoy a beautiful and durable floor for many years.
