Stone effect tiles: luxury finishes at a bargain price. Stone tiles: the subtleties of decorating a house and apartment Tiled stone

Stone-effect gypsum tiles for interior decoration are used to decorate apartments, private houses, as well as restaurants, shops, offices, hotels and other premises. What is this material, what types is it and how to use it?

Compound

Decorative gypsum tiles for interior decoration are composed of gypsum, water, sand, modifier and surfactants. Modifiers improve the quality of the finishing material, making it stronger and more durable.

The tile is available in the form of imitation brick, wild stone or cobblestone, as well as smooth.

Advantages and disadvantages

Gypsum tiles, especially those imitating brick or stone, are widely used. Its advantages are:

  • ease of installation,
  • low weight, which allows you to stick it even on drywall,
  • relatively low price
  • environmental cleanliness,
  • small thickness,
  • the material is warm to the touch, has heat and sound insulating properties,
  • safety - it weighs little, does not conduct current,
  • fire safety,
  • the ability to apply decorative coatings on top.

It is also important that such an artificial stone can be restored and made independently.

Of course, it also has disadvantages:

  • strongly absorbs water, therefore it is used only in dry rooms,
  • does not have great frost resistance,
  • low strength, impact and abrasion resistance,
  • there is a risk of buying low-quality material that will quickly collapse,
  • difficult to keep clean due to the complex relief, therefore it is recommended to cover the surface with a special varnish after installation.

The hygroscopicity of the tile can also be a positive quality - it allows you to regulate the humidity in the room.

Application

Artificial stone or gypsum bricks can be used to decorate the entire room, as well as one wall or a small section of it. Often with the help of this material they create accents in the interior: they trim niches, fireplaces, columns.

Brick-like tiles are popular for decorating loft-style interiors, as in the photo, because it is not always possible to build a real brick wall in an apartment. Its rough texture is well suited for this direction. Stone effect tiles are used in various architectural styles.

Advice! Before laying the tile, lay a sample out of it and see how it will look.

For stone tiles, the direction from which the light falls is very important. Side lighting will be beneficial to emphasize the relief, and front lighting is best avoided.

As in the case of other finishing materials, light cladding visually expands the room, while dark cladding makes it smaller. In small rooms, such as small rooms, balconies, loggias, it is better to tile not the entire wall, but individual fragments. It is better to veneer large areas in large rooms: living rooms, halls. Most often, individual elements are decorated with stone-like tiles: niches, fireplaces, stoves (in this case, its refractory properties are very useful), ventilation ducts, stairs. You can see an example of finishing in the photo.

Mounting technology

Gypsum tiles are best glued on concrete, gypsum, brick, drywall, and plastered substrates. Facing is carried out at a temperature above +10 degrees.

If gypsum tiles are glued to some non-standard surface, for example, to an old tile, it makes sense to make a layer of a material that connects well with both the cladding and the base. For a tile base, this can be a high-quality strong tile adhesive.

To decorate a wall with gypsum stone, from the tools you will need:

  • level - water or laser;
  • drill with mixer attachment,
  • hacksaw or grinder for sawing,
  • miter box,
  • foam sponges,
  • spatula for grouting,
  • straight and notched trowel
  • tassels,
  • sandpaper or whetstone,
  • construction gun or a regular plastic bag.

Also useful materials such as:

  • glue - if it came with a stone, you need to use it; tile adhesive or gypsum compounds (Knauf Perflix, Volma Montazh) are also suitable,
  • wall primer,
  • grout for seams,
  • if necessary - paint for seams and the tile itself,
  • varnish (water-based).

As an adhesive, you can use silicone sealant, cement adhesive, gypsum plaster, PVA glue, mastic.

To stick the tiles, you first need to mark the wall. So the lining will turn out even. To do this, you need to mark the horizontal and vertical lines, relative to which the stone will be laid. Usually they start to mount it from the corner, so the markup is tied to it.

Gypsum tiles under the stone can be of different shapes, so when marking, select the elements so that they do not repeat. Brick-like gypsum tiles are simpler in this regard, they are the same in shape. In order to accurately mark out, you need a water or laser level. The latter is easier to use, including alone, but it is more expensive.

Next, start gluing. Before this, the base is primed. The glue is kneaded with a drill with a mixer nozzle according to the instructions; in terms of consistency, it should be close to thick sour cream. Apply glue to the base with a smooth trowel with a layer of about 5 mm, remove excess with a notched trowel. At one time, a plot is smeared for 3-5 elements. The stone is pressed tightly to the base, adjusting its position.

If the gypsum tile is made to look like a brick, then they must do the jointing. To do this, use special "crosses" or any suitable material at hand. For multi-format artificial stone, seams are not required.

Advice! The gypsum tiles under the brick are laid with an offset so that the vertical seams are not located one above the other.

Gypsum is quite easily sawn with both a regular hacksaw and a grinder. The latter is easier to give the elements the necessary shape, but this tool makes a lot of noise and dust. It is best to cut along the relief line, but if you use a grinder, you can cut the tile along any desired contour.

It is important to carefully arrange the connections of switches, sockets, floors, adjacent walls. To make external corners, the gypsum tiles are cut with a grinder at an angle of 45 degrees.

The seams are rubbed with gypsum glue or a special mixture. For this, a spatula or a construction gun is used, it can also be made from a plastic bag (dense, like milk) like a confectionery syringe, and squeeze out the glue with a strip 4-5 mm thick. The grout is poured into a gun or bag up to half.

Advice! Do not squeeze out a large amount of grout at once, otherwise it will seize before you have time to distribute it. Make sure that the composition does not get on the tile - porous gypsum is difficult to wash off traces of putty.

Some design choices involve a contrast between gypsum tiles and grouting. If the color of the tile is different from the color of the grout, and this is not included in your project, then the seams are painted over with dyes after the fugue has set. Also, dyes can mask chipped tiles. After the glue has dried, the tile under the stone is coated with a water-based varnish.

Independent production of gypsum tiles

Gypsum stone tiles can be made independently. For this you will need:

  • building gypsum, better grade GF10 - 6 parts;
  • slaked lime - 1 part;
  • water - 10:7 in relation to gypsum.

Watch the video on how to make your own gypsum stone for interior decoration.

You can cast it both in ready-made silicone molds, and in self-made ones. For example, you can make shapes in the form of a stone, as in the photo. Molds can be cast from liquid polyurethane. To do this, a matrix is ​​first made, and then a layer of liquid polyurethane is poured into it.

Gypsum mortar is prepared at one time and immediately poured into the mold. Gypsum is poured into the water and mixed with a construction mixer, then lime is added. The solution is not stirred for long so that the gypsum does not begin to set. The solution is poured into the mold, leveled with a spatula and left to harden. Forms are placed on a strictly horizontal surface. To release air bubbles, use a vibrating table.

Gypsum sets in 15-20 minutes, but it takes about a day to completely solidify. The tile under a stone has to be at the room temperature in the room without drafts. Then the gypsum tiles are removed from the mold and left to dry. You can use a drying chamber, but you should not expose products to the sun.

Gypsum stone can be painted. To do this, either color is added immediately to the gypsum mortar, or individual parts of the mold are painted with a brush before pouring. You can also apply paint with a spray gun to the finished tile, and this can be done both before laying and after. When the paint dries, the facing material is covered with acrylic varnish in two layers.

Conclusion

Brick or stone gypsum tiles are a finishing material that can be used in a variety of rooms. It can be painted, applied on top of other decorative coatings, you can make your own tiles of the desired size, shape and color. This gives ample opportunities for its use, but it is important to remember its weak points - fragility, instability to shock and moisture.

Most often, decorative stone-like tiles decorate the entrance hall, trying to create an original finish, and the living room in separate fragments. . Elements from natural minerals expensive - this is due to the complexity of their processing, and for the production of facing surfaces imitating nature, waste from stone crushing technologies is used, which significantly reduces the cost of production.

Varieties of slab artificial stones

Working with artificial stone is no more difficult than with ordinary ceramic tiles, and anyone who wants to master the craft of a tiler can comprehend the technology of laying a wall covering. The difference lies only in the adhesive compositions used for the installation of the cladding. The result of using decorative tiles under the stone will be an improvement in the hygienic conditions of the room, the beauty and durability of the coating.

Decorative plates p One natural stone is gaining more and more popularity for the interior decoration of apartments, and when there is a demand, there are many offers. This is expressed in various types of decorative tiles on the wall under the stone:

  • Acrylic - fake diamond is not afraid of moisture and is considered one of the most resistant to impact. The maintenance of such a cladding is quite normal: wipe the fragments of the coating with a cloth soaked in water without adding any chemicals.
  • Porcelain stoneware type of elements - obtained by high-temperature (over 1000 ºС) firing after pressing a dry mixture of clay and crumbs of natural rocks - granite, marble. Such an artificial stone easily withstands temperature changes and is suitable for exterior cladding of buildings. Often it is used as a floor covering.
  • Agglomerate type - similar in composition to the previous type of tiles, but the components of the dry mix are fastened into a monolith not by firing, but by polymer resins or cement. The range of rocks included in the composition is expanded by the inclusion of quartzite, and pigments are added for a bright color. Such decorative stone tiles are used for interior decoration.

From the latest technological developments, a liquid type of artificial tiles is known - it is obtained from polymeric materials. Plates made according to the new scheme are resistant to external influences, are presented in a variety of shades, wash well and are versatile in creating an interior of any style. From liquid stone, which has an external resemblance to granite, facing tiles for interior decoration, bar counters, sinks and countertops are made.

Do-it-yourself installation of a stone wall

To begin with, you should choose an artificial stone, the material of which is most suitable for the parameters of the room: in conditions of high humidity, it is better to use porcelain stoneware, for a living room - gypsum stone, and the hallway can be finished with acrylic decorative tiles. After that calculate the need for materials, including ready-made glue or dry mix for mortar preparation, as well as the number of facing artificial stones. The order of work is as follows:

  • preparation of the bearing surface;
  • stacking fragments;
  • filling of seams and final operations.

Specialists with experience in installing decorative tiles first mentally compose a composition, where and how to rotate individual fragments of the pattern. Some use design computer programs or a sheet of graph paper with a pencil for this. In any scenario, the thickness of the seam is taken into account: it can be very small (seamless installation) or reach a width of 1 cm.

Preparing the base for decorative stone

The surface for laying is leveled, but small caverns are allowed, which will be covered with lining. The wall is selected in such a way that it has sufficient strength for holding additional load from coverage. Preparation procedure:

Wooden walls are pre-coated with a waterproofing compound, primed and attached with a paint grid, plastered over it. Upon completion of surface preparation, proceed to the next stage of work.

Fixing decorative tiles

The elements of the rocky ledge are fixed on the surface of the partition to be finished by means of ready-made glue or a self-prepared solution. On drywall, artificial stones are attached to liquid nails. The tiles are laid in two ways - with the application of a binder composition on each individual plate or with the entire wall glued at once, and the stones are installed without spreading mortar on them. The laying rules are similar to work with tiles:

  1. On the surface to be decorated, markings are applied with a paint cord or pencil using a building level.
  2. Tiles are glued starting from the bottom row of one of the corners - some collections of decorative elements include samples with beveled edges for installation on mates or at the end of a line, with a painted end.
  3. Before laying the stone, inspect its back for the presence of a light foamy build-up. Remove plaque with a stiff brush.
  4. Tiles are moistened with water before gluing if the room temperature is high or the air is too dry. The fragment is pressed very tightly with the adhesive side and set in the required position by tapping with a mallet or rubber mallet. The squeezed out solution is removed from the front surface immediately, until it has seized.
  5. Distance between tiles kept constant with the help of plastic or wooden planks and crosses. If the leaving of the seams was not planned, the elements are laid end-to-end. The bookmarks are removed from the inter-tile space after the mortar has dried.

The final stage is the filling of the joints with a special composition, which can imitate the color of the masonry mortar or be in contrast with the general background of the decorative stone. To seal the gaps, use a large syringe with a needle of about 1 cm or a bag with a cut off corner of the same size. While the grout has not hardened, the jointing gives the mass embedded in the seam a flat, convex or concave shape. To make the lined wall more attractive, it is covered with a transparent varnish, which will also protect the artificial rock from contamination and accidental mechanical damage.

The interior decoration of the room with stone tiles is popular, because with the help of this facing material the room is given a unique appearance. Currently on the market finishing materials there is a huge selection of tiles of various textures, sizes, shapes, colors and imitations of natural stone.

Advantages and disadvantages of stone tiles

Such a facing material as natural stone tiles has both strengths and weaknesses. The main advantages that this tile has include:

  • Tile price. Imitation stone stands much cheaper than similar natural stone products.
  • High strength of the product, resistance to moisture, ultraviolet rays, mechanical and chemical damage. The strength of artificial stone is as close as possible to natural.
  • Lightweight material. When using gypsum and ceramic stone tiles for interior decoration, its weight will be about 30 kilograms per 1 sq. m. surface area, which is 3 times lighter than natural stone.
  • An impressive selection of products for cladding. When using this type of finishing material, various design ideas due to the variety of colors and shapes.
  • Possibility of partial finishing of the room with tiles. Stone, even artificial, will look appropriate and harmonious when highlighting part of the room. Thanks to the combination of colors and textures, a unique composition is created that adorns a specific section of the wall.

Despite their merits decorative tiles also has a number of disadvantages. These include:

  • Difficult material to process. Cutting plaster is more difficult than cutting smooth products. A special tool is required, for example, a grinder.
  • It will not be possible to mount hanging furniture (shelves, mezzanines, and so on) on a wall with decorative tiles.

While creating room cladding ceramic or gypsum tiles are used. Each of these materials has its own characteristics and properties. In order to decide which wall tiles under the stone to use in the repair of the premises, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the products.

Gypsum wall cladding

In the production of gypsum cladding, it is given the appearance of brickwork or the natural texture of stone. Most often this coating is used for interior decoration of the following premises:

  • Dining room.
  • Cabinet.
  • Kitchen.
  • Hallway.

Through the use of decorative gypsum coating, a specific relief is created on the wall from stone blocks, decorating, with their correct location, the appearance of the room. Gypsum is a whimsical material to use, as it absorbs moisture, and as a result, it cannot be used in rooms with high humidity and on building facades. When using gypsum products, you should pay attention to their properties:

  • Fire resistance. Products made of gypsum are non-combustible.
  • Heat and sound insulation.
  • Gypsum is an environmentally friendly material.
  • Maintaining a favorable indoor climate.

Ceramic wall cladding

The peculiarity of ceramic products is their strength, proximity to natural beauty and calm colors. With the help of ceramic cladding, the surface of the rock is displayed with the smallest cracks and breaks. This type of material can be used both for exterior cladding of the house due to moisture-resistant properties, and indoors when finishing bathrooms, kitchens, hallways. Ceramic finish has proven to be a hygienic coating because it remains sterile after cleaning and does not absorb harsh chemicals. Currently, the following technologies for the manufacture of decorative ceramics are used:

  • Porcelain tile. Porcelain stoneware in its characteristics is not inferior to natural material. The appearance of porcelain stoneware and its colors allow the implementation of various design solutions. Products are produced in the form of rectangles or squares with a side length of 30 cm, 60 cm, 90 cm. Due to the strength of the product and its resistance to moisture, it can be used both outside and indoors.
  • Catto. To create katto, clay is used, which is subjected to high temperatures. Products are issued in the form of a rhombus, a square, a hexagon. Catto is used in the decoration of the walls of the hallway. The range of colors of the material is limited to shades of red and brown.
  • Clinker tile. It is created from certain types of clay by extrusion, as a result of which it has good strength. When laying clinker tiles, they imitate the surface of brickwork. The material is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors.

Laying decorative wall coverings

Choosing the best one to use in a particular case decorative coating, proceed to its installation. When carrying out work, it is recommended to adhere to the following algorithm:

  1. Preparing the work surface for laying tiles. To obtain a high-quality work result, the walls will need to be pre-aligned and completely cleaned of dirt by any of the available methods. This will require a special tool (spatulas, brushes, and so on).
  2. An impregnating primer is applied to the surface of the finished wall with a brush or roller. In the future, this will ensure a strong connection of the adhesive to the wall.
  3. After drying, the primers proceed to the surface cladding. To do this, use a special glue for artificial stone. Glue is applied to the tile and pressed to the desired location on the wall. There are 20 seconds to correct the position of the tile, after this time the glue will harden, and the work will have to be redone. It is recommended to lay the tiles, starting from the lower left corner of the work surface, and then row by row, moving up. It is recommended to remove excess glue immediately to facilitate further installation.
  4. Seam grouting. For grouting, a special material is used - a fugue, to which dyes are added, providing the most approximate appearance of natural stone.
  5. After laying the tiles, the finishing of the coating is carried out. Remains of glue and grout are removed from the surface of the coating.

If you follow this algorithm, you will get a high-quality result of work, regardless of the type of tile used. On this laying process considered completed.

When choosing a finish that will give the interior a unique look, many often prefer stone-look tiles. This technique allows you to decorate the accent walls of the home in a stylish and fashionable way. Such surfaces are distinguished by their original texture, thanks to which the main idea of ​​the design looks special. The secret of the unique “decorative stone look” tile lies in the texture and appearance.

It is worth understanding the intricacies of this cladding, studying the features of luxurious finishes, differences from the classic material, methods of application.



Peculiarities

Stone tile is a luxurious type of building material that imitates the texture of stone quite realistically. This is an imitation of this texture, intended mainly for decorating walls. Depending on the composition and method of manufacture, the raw materials are different. It gives the surface a special relief, while reducing the width of the walls due to the thickness of each fragment, the dimensions of which are noticeably smaller when compared with classic tiles.

Externally, such tiles are small fragments of a rectangular shape., resembling a stone with uneven edges, while for credibility the front side is made of different shades. Against the general background of the cladding, the transitions of tones create the effect of versatility, which gives the space depth, deprives of simplicity with the obvious roughness of the material.

Each fragment can have a lot of irregularities. It is better if, during joining, it turns out that the thickness of two adjacent fragments is different. This will give the surface originality.




A feature of the decorative material is the laying method, which is not correct in the classical sense. Stone tile does not need to be adjusted, it is not just imperfect. It is specially made in different sizes. It is released in two forms. In one case, it consists of a single fragment of a rectangular shape, characterized by a noticeable curvature of the relief.

Another type is a fragment consisting of several stones. This tile does not fit like a regular tile, forming crosshairs. She has her own style of styling. Usually, a picture is made up of blanks by gluing fragments of different sizes, as closely as possible connecting the facing elements to each other.



Among the facings of each variety, you can find options with smooth edges, as well as those whose edges are wavy. If the edges are even, then in some types of material this is noticeable. In this case, it is worth choosing fragments for finishing, the relief of which at the faces is higher in height. This will hide the seams.

The laying of such material is not subject to geometry. The set often contains tiles of different sizes, so that the work resembles a mosaic layout.

It is not at all necessary to measure the middle of one fragment in order to glue another. This is convenient, although it forces you to select every detail to make the view as attractive as possible. In the finished canvas, such a difference in size looks impressive.


With relief or without?

A separate category of tiles "under the stone" is a variety with a pattern. It does not convey the required invoice in the proper volume. Here the emphasis is rather on shade and color. This is especially true for marble types of coatings. Nothing but the appearance of the marble surface and its coldness can be expected from such a tile. The same can be said about floor tiles without relief. The drawing, of course, can resemble masonry, the surface of natural stone, but it does not convey relief imitation.



The task of the “stone-like” tile with relief is to replace the stone, not a picture demo, so comparing two different materials is quite difficult. They are distinguished by their appearance, the way they are laid. Thus, fragments with an imitation of the pattern of stone surfaces are close to classic ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. If we consider them from this point of view, then, apart from the external texture, there is little similarity. One tile resembles masonry, the other - the surface. The assignment of materials to one type is based on the fact that in both cases stone is taken as the basis.



The variety with a pattern is distinguished by a smooth type of surface and a strict geometric shape. It has different sizes and colors. A distinctive feature is the variation of shades. So, shades of pastel colors are often used. In fact, this is an ordinary ceramic tile, the pattern of which is similar to a stone (for example, malachite, marble, wild stone).

It is easy to look after such tile: it is easier to clean it. It is also possible to quickly carry out laying, and, if necessary, to dismantle it.




Advantages

Finishing tiles imitating decorative stone have a lot of advantages. The range of textures is quite extensive. So, she can reproduce the texture of natural granite, basalt, wild stone and many others. Compared to the natural analogue, factory-made products are significantly cheaper (3-5 times). This allows you to carry out a luxurious surface finish, keeping within the budget planned for repairs.

This material is highly durable. Unlike wallpaper and ceiling tiles, it cannot be mechanically damaged unless done on purpose. Such a surface, with high-quality preparation of the base, will decorate the walls of the dwelling for a long time without the need for adjustment.

This is especially true if there are pets in the house. They will not be able to damage the surface of the cladding.



This finish is durable. The material will adhere to the surface of the prepared walls no less than ordinary tiles. The coating will get bored faster than it will move away from the surface. Subject to the laying rules, it will last at least 20 years, while the shape and color of the fragments will not suffer even from dry cleaning. In addition, this material is not exposed to sunlight.

This installation is noticeably easier than working with natural stone. The consumption of decorative tiles "under the stone" is 25-30 kg per 1 sq. m. When laying natural material, each square meter of the wall will become visually “heavier” several times. With external attractiveness, such an imitation will not allow the walls to settle or warp. This material is distinguished by a variety of shades of the color palette and textures used. This significantly increases the design possibilities, allows you to choose an accent place for such a cladding so as not to overload the room with an abundance of small fragments.

Due to the rich choice, it is possible to fit this finish into modern and ethnic stylistic trends.




A distinctive feature of stone-like wall tiles is the possibility of partial laying, which is not the case with other analogues. It can be laid out in the form of separate islands, original patterns on a smoothly plastered surface of the base, not limited to the method of laying in the form of a single canvas. Through it, you can finish the adjacent planes, which gives the space a touch of antiquity.

When simulating destroyed walls, the effect of antiquity is created, which is actively used by designers.

disadvantages

Due to the unusual texture, this finishing material has several disadvantages, so the purchase cannot be based solely on the attractiveness of the appearance. In order for the finish to be really what you need, it is worth considering its features. The problem may be the uneven relief of the fragments. During the laying process, trimming of the material cannot be avoided, which in this case is quite difficult.

A diamond glass cutter will not cope with the task, you will have to use powerful equipment (for example, a grinder). After trimming, it will take a long time to grind the cut so that it does not cause damage to the finished surface.




Despite the fact that this material strengthens the treated plane, it will not help maintain heat, since, regardless of the type of components, it is a cold material. It is unpleasant to lean on such a surface or just touch it. According to tactile sensations, it loses to the same wallpaper and ceiling tiles. This cladding does not provide for the placement of any objects on the walls or the fixing of furniture. It's not about the relief and complexity of installation, but about unaesthetic cracks that will be visible to the eye.

A picture or a mirror on such a surface will look difficult. The same goes for furniture: its placement creates the feeling of being in a cave, which, in turn, will lead to a “heavier” space.

For the same reason, facing two or more walls is not possible. Even if you really want to, the volume of the cultivated area cannot be more than one wall. It looks ugly outwardly, overloads the interior composition, calls into question the appropriateness of using many pieces of furniture. Restrictions apply to invoices. It is undesirable to use more than one - this will turn the relief into ordinary ripples.

It is also difficult to care for such material. It all depends on the composition of this tile. Not every type of cladding can withstand an abundance of moisture when cleaning. The terrain is also a problem. Unlike smooth wall tiles, which can be wiped with a damp cloth, the situation is different here. The dust settling on the surface will fill the areas of recesses and joints. Care is possible with a vacuum cleaner, however, it will also be problematic. This will take a lot of time. Cleaning the surface with your hands can be hazardous.



Kinds

To date, decorative tiles "under the stone" in the construction market are represented by two varieties: gypsum and ceramic. It can be decorative and facade (for finishing the walls of facades). Each material has its own characteristics. The main aspects should be considered.

Gypsum

Gypsum stone tile is a high-quality imitation of natural material. It is made from a gypsum-polymer mass, which is characterized by low frost resistance, so this material can be used exclusively for interior work. It is light, hygroscopic - it will absorb excess moisture and release it if the air is dry.



Such a tile is refractory and environmentally friendly, has no smell, and will not fade during operation under the influence of sunlight. It is not difficult to work with it, but it requires accuracy. The disadvantage of such a cladding is fragility, so chips should not be allowed to appear before laying. At the end of the finishing work, the surface must be treated with a water-repellent coating, otherwise the tile may be deformed.



ceramic

This finish is notable for the presence of several varieties. These include:

  • porcelain stoneware;
  • clinker;
  • cotto;
  • majolica.




Clinker is produced with and without glaze. It is suitable for facing rooms of any type, so if desired, it can even be used in the bathroom. Porcelain stoneware is characterized by zero moisture absorption and the absence of microcracks. Cotto is made from red clay. This variety is characterized by a beautiful natural shade. It is not covered with glaze, it is used in the corridor and the hall. Majolica has high quality characteristics.

Recently, stone-like tiles with a 3D effect are gaining popularity. Outwardly, it looks voluminous due to the use of a special film that guarantees the three-dimensionality of the material. This material may be embossed or may be completely smooth. It looks especially realistic from afar if it has a matte texture.




Location

You can use this material in different rooms of the home, if the design requires it. However, there are spaces where it is inappropriate. Such a technique is unacceptable in the toilet, when finishing the balcony, loggia and children's room.

With regards to the toilet and balcony ledges, the inadmissibility of use is explained by the fact that these spaces are already small in size. The “stone-like” cladding will not look beautiful on their walls.

The same can be said about the children's room. This decoration requires a certain style, and this style has nothing to do with children. She is good in the directions of loft, grunge, modern, brutalism.

Even with an open-plan apartment, this technique is inappropriate if a child lives in it:

  • The finish is rough. It deprives the room of airiness, significantly reduces the volume of the room. This can be seen in the case of a spacious type of space reserved for the nursery.
  • She's dangerous. In case of an accidental fall, you can be injured on the imitation of stone material.



There are two options for a suitable place for such a space: an adult's bedroom and a living room. In the first case, this technique is ideal for facing the area at the head, in the second - there are a lot of techniques, among which they look especially harmonious:

  • finishing of a chimney protrusion;
  • decorating a niche for a video system;
  • allocation of a dining area during zoning;
  • decoration of the accent wall of the guest space;
  • decoration of walls selectively with giving the texture of destruction.