Tiles are still the most popular way to finish walls and floors in kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms etc.

They are durable, resistant to moisture.

Tiles come in many fashionable patterns and colours, therefore we have almost unlimited arrangement possibilities.

Which bathroom tiles to choose and what to pay special attention to?

Arranging a bathroom or kitchen is a real challenge that involves many decisions.

One of them is the choice of tiles. The market offers us many types of tiles that come in different colours and surface structures. Remember that the tiles should match the overall style of the room.

Do you want your bathroom to be modern? Or maybe you want it to be cosier?

Do not forget that when choosing tiles, in addition to their appearance, their parameters are also important. Therefore, it is worth bearing in mind their water absorption, anti-slip and abrasion resistance.

Types of tiles

For many years, ceramic tiles have been the most popular choice.

No wonder – they are relatively cheap, accessible, durable and easy to install.

They come in various sizes and are suitable for both floor and wall placement. Ceramic tiles come in 3 basic types:

Terracotta
Stoneware tiles, covered with a special glaze, which makes the surface of the tile remain smooth. Terracotta can be matte or glossy, but most importantly, it is very absorbent – so it will be perfect as a wall tile or a floor tile in a bathroom.

Glazed
This type of tiles is made of ceramics resembling porcelain. Their surface is covered with glaze, which makes them impermeable to water. However, glaze tiles are very fragile, so they work best on walls. They can come in many patterns and colours

Gres
They are also ceramic tiles, but pressed, of a good strength and hardness. Contrary to glaze, stoneware is frost-resistant and resistant to water absorption, and is more durable – thanks to this, it will be perfect not only on the wall, but also on the bathroom floor. Gres is divided into two categories: porcelain and technical. The latest arrangement hit are porcelain bathroom tiles, which imitate wooden boards.

The most important parameters of bathroom tiles
If you are wondering what tiles to choose, you need to take into account their most important parameters.

Experts in laying tiles will help you to choose the right tiles. Contact us if you need an advice.

These parameters are most important when when purchasing tiles.

Anti-slip
This marking determines the user’s safety when walking on tiles (also wet) and the degree of user’s adhesion. The R9 and R10 symbols are the optimal solution for domestic bathrooms.

Water absorption
This parameter determines the absorbency level. For bathrooms, choose tiles that are resistant to moisture absorption (less than or equal to 3%). This way you will be sure that the tiles will not crack or discolour due to water penetrating into their structure.

Abrasiveness
This indicator proves the resistance to discoloration and damage to the top layer of tiles. There are 5 abrasion classes. Among them, for bathrooms, it is best to choose those that are in the 2nd or 3rd class. They are recommended for rooms with intensive use.

Those are the most important things to consider when purchasing the tiles.

Please remember to always seek for advice if needed.

Introducing “Set the mood” by Mapei is a new range of grout and silicone colours.

There are five collections: Serene, Traditional, Natural, Romance and Glamour, making it easier to choose the right grout according to the requirements of each tiling project and personal preference.

You can view the samples on the free quotation visits with us.

Introducing “Set the mood” by Mapei is a new range of grout and silicone colours.🟥🟧🟨🟩🟦🟪🟫⬛⬜ There are five collections:…

Opublikowany przez Billy The Tiler Wtorek, 22 września 2020

Sandstone is a type of low-grain sedimentary rock that can come in a wide variety of colours, ranging from red and yellow to dark grey.

This type of stone is used to produce fencing elements, cladding, as well as wall and floor finishes (slabs).

There is a wide choice of sandstone slabs of various sizes and thicknesses, as well as a matte or glossy finish, depending on our preferences.

Natural sandstone is softer than granite and less resistant to chemical factors and water absorption, therefore the slabs made of it are in need of impregnation. Sealants* significantly reducing sandstone’s water absorption and increasing it’s strength, so we can be happy with our floors year after year. Depending of the traffic the impregnation has to be done between 6 months and a year.

In addition, sandstone slabs can also be laid on balconies, and patios, because sandstone is resistant to low temperatures and frost.

Although sandstone is not as durable as granite, its price is lower. As previously mentioned there are different colours and shades of yellow, brown and grey to choose from, which will give the interior of our home an impression of warmth and cosiness.

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Granite – deep-sea acid rock with open-crystalline structure, composed of quartz, potassium feldspar, plagioclase and biotite.

source Wikipedia

Due to the availability of large blocks, ease of cutting and polishing, aesthetic value, strength and acid resistance, granite is used in construction as building stone (blocks, curbs, paving stones, grit) and decorative (cladding boards, flooring, worktops).

If you’re thinking of granite as a flooring, together with marble both floors are the most appropriate choice for underfloor heating.

Stone is an excellent heat conductor, which allows to maintain and reflect the accumulated temperature inside buildings for a long time.

In addition, the unique texture and drawing of a single granite or marble tile create a completely unique design surfaces of timeless beauty and quality.

Additionally, you can create floor patterns in the form of e.g. rosettes, combining several colours and forms of stone tiles on one surface.

A floor made of stone, in particular a granite floor, is a one-time investment that pays for itself in just a few years after its installation.

Granite is one of the hardest, least abrasive types of natural stone.

Thanks to high technical parameters, granite tiles look great even after several dozen years from their placement.

In exteriors, especially on patios, sidewalks, landings etc. non-slip structure granite should always be laid.

Stone impregnation and care
Due to the fact that stone is a natural material, in nature it occurs in a more or less porous structure, it should be protected against soaking and penetration of dirt.

Polished granite is the least susceptible to the above-mentioned effects, but it can also absorb liquids, depending on the type.

In order to prevent discoloration of the stone, it should be periodically impregnated with appropriate sealants*.

Daily care of a stone is no different from the care of other surfaces at home.

How to take care of your granite flooring? 

Whether it’s a real granite or granite effect flooring we do recommend taking a good care of it to make sure the floor lasts a long time looking beautiful as new.

Dusting the floors and walls frequently with a soft cloth definitely helps however cleaning the floors should definitely be on your “to do” list on a weekly basis.

Make sure you use neutral, chemical free detergent. I do recommend this cleaner* suitable for all natural stone. It can even be used daily. It does not contain acids, alkaline or other chemicals. The cleaner does not affect surface treatments such as seals, waxes polishes or surfaces which have been crystallised. It comes in a size of 5L bottle, is concentrated and the price is reasonable.

To achieve best results and get the cleaning job done as efficient as possible use soft, flat mop. Commonly used is Vileda* flat mops and bucket system.

Stone flooring should be impregnated using sealant* from every 6 to 12 months depending of the traffic area.

Do not use vinegar or harsh or containing acids chemicals as it can stain the marble and however it is not impossible, it is very hard to remove the staining.

One of a kind…

Marble is a natural stone, made mainly of calcium, mined, among others, in Poland, in the Sudety mountains. Polish marble is characterised by white and gray – green – pink colours, although these are not the only variations.

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The world-famous marbles are also mined in Cannara in Italy and in Croatia on the Brač Island.

We usually associate marble finishes with luxury and timeless designs. Marble is also associated with Greek monuments, with splendour and wealth.

Granite and marble floors are the most appropriate choice for underfloor heating.

Stone is an excellent heat conductor, which allows to maintain and reflect the accumulated temperature inside buildings for a long time.

How does marble relate to contemporary interiors? And above all, how will it work in everyday use?

Types of marble. As you have probably seen more than once, marble comes in many colours and you will not find two exactly the same pieces. There are many patterned, unique proposals on the market, and the most characteristic feature are ribbons emphasising the veins of the stone, occurring naturally.

The colour palette of marble includes white, shades of yellow and orange, green, blue, navy blue and black.

When browsing the market offers, we are sure that even the most demanding of you will find one that will meet your expectations and preferences.

Marble is used to make tombstones, stone counter-tops, stone stairs, window sills, heaters, fireplaces, kitchen accessories and many other things, depending on the talent of the stonemason.

Advantages and disadvantages of marble finishes. As already mentioned, marble is made of calcium, which makes it very susceptible to factors such as fruit acids, bleach, vinegar, chemicals, and a variety of household fluids.

Due to the fact that the stone is not too hard, it may become discoloured when exposed to water for too long.

If you are thinking about using marble in your apartment, you should know that it will definitely not work in the kitchen as a kitchen worktop, mainly because it is not resistant to the above-mentioned substances.

Marble, despite its rugged appearance indicates durability.

Eventual stains and damages caused by above are known as etching on marble. These stains can be difficult to remove, but not impossible. Professional marble restorer may be very costly.

Marble surfaces are elegant, look beautiful and if properly maintained, they will please your eyes for many years. Despite it’s time consuming care, it cannot be denied that marble is phenomenal.

Often used, it can wear out, but thanks to good maintenance and renovation from time to time, we can be always proud of our piece of luxury.

How to choose marble? The most important parameters that you should pay attention to when buying a natural stone is it’s hardness, which is determined on the (measurement of hardness) MOHS scale.

Marble hardness is measured on a 10-point scale from 3 to 5, which means it is relatively soft. For comparison, in the first place of the mentioned scale is the hardest stone – diamond.

It is very important to be aware that each marble tile is different, has different veins, often with a different shade.

Before you start arranging them on the surfaces you choose, remember to look at it carefully, choose the right one and connect it correctly.

Marble slabs and tiles are expensive and it is worth spending a lot of time laying them. It is also a good idea to go to the nearest or recommended stonemason’s workshop, talk to a competent professional and choose an really experienced renovation team. If you need a professional and trusted person to discuss your natural stone needs, contact Billy for no obligation advice and quote.

When it comes to marble, you should definitely focus on quality, not price.

How to take care of your marble flooring? Whether it’s a real marble or marble effect flooring we do recommend taking a good care of it to make sure the floor lasts a long time looking beautiful as new.

Dusting the floors and walls frequently with a soft cloth definitely helps however cleaning the floors should definitely be on your “to do” list on a weekly basis.

Make sure you use neutral, chemical free detergent. I do recommend “HG” cleaner* suitable for all natural stone. It can even be used daily. HG does not contain acids, alkaline or other chemicals. HG cleaner does not affect surface treatments such as seals, waxes polishes or surfaces which have been crystallised. It comes in a size of 5L bottle, is concentrated and the price is reasonable.

To achieve best results and get the cleaning job done as efficient as possible use soft, flat mop. Commonly used is Vileda flat mops and bucket system.

Any spillages may soak in and stain the marble so immediately blot up spills – never wipe them.

Do not use vinegar or harsh or containing acids chemicals as it can stain the marble and however it is not impossible, it is very hard to remove the staining.

Author: Marzena

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