TILING BASICS

One tile is not the same as any other.

There are both glazed and unglazed tiles, which are mainly manufactured from earthenware or stoneware.

Earthenware tiles are dry-pressed, and the water absorption is relatively high, at > 10%. The upper side of the tile must therefore always be glazed. Due to their lack of resistance to frost, they are classified as a typical wall covering for interiors. Use as a floor covering is only possible if suitablility is assured by the manufacturer.
Special characteristics: high dimensional accuracy and consequently narrow joint formation, outstanding decorative qualities, filigree and elegant impression.

Stoneware tiles are dry-pressed and densely fired. The water absorption is therefore low (0,5 to < 3%). They are frost-resistant, suitable for both interior and exterior use, and are classified as a typical floor covering, but can in principle also be used on the wall. Special characteristics: high dimensional accuracy and consequently narrow joint formation, wide range of colours, designs and finishes, "through-dyed" with or without glazing, and therefore particularly hard-wearing.

Fine stoneware tiles are also dry-pressed and very densely fired (water absorption < 5%). Hardened and tempered mortars and adhesives are therefore used for laying. Due to the dense joint structure, the tiles are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Range of application and special characteristics: see stoneware tiles.

Borders are narrow, rectangular decorative tiles (usually the same width as the base tiles), which are laid like a band, e.g. in the upper area of a tiled wall, in order to increase the effect of the space.

Split tiles are extruded and have standart water absorption of 3 to < 6%. In frost-resistant design, they are particularly suitable for exterior use (can also be laid in the mortar bed). Special characteristics: broad range of plastic pre-forms such as, e.g. "Florentine steps", nosing tiles, mouldings, covings etc., natural impression.

Stoneware slabs are also extruded and have low water abosprtion of < 3%. Since they are frost-resitant, they are suitable for both exterior and interior use, on walls and floors. Special characteristics: versatlle, wide range of colours, sizes and pre-forms.

Joints are an important constituent of ceramic tiling. Their purpose is both functional, e.g. to compensate for unaviodable small dimensional tolerances of the tiles, and aesthetic: the visual-tactile grid pattern avoids unattractive monotony. The overall impression is essentially characterised by the colour of the joint and the colour of the tile. The more harmoniously the joint combines with the tile, the more extensive the effect of covering. The richer in contrast, the more the grid pattern is emphasised. The classic neutral joint colours include all shades of grey and white. There are special water-repelllent grouts for bathroom and kitchen. A much-discussed issue is the width if the joint. This is dependent on the manufacturing technique, on the one hand and, on the other, on the style of the tile: a rustic flooring can take a broader joint. Ultimately, like so many other things, it is a matter of taste, although expansion and edge delimitation joints are a technical necessity.

Floor heating and ceramic tiles are an excellent combination: as ceramic tiles are excellent heat conductors, the heat is dispersed quickly and evenly. In addition, tiles store the heat, like a tiled stove. Tiles are therefore the ideal covering for floor heating, whether low-temperature hot water systems or electrical direct heating. Warm feet are guarenteed, and a comfortable, healthy room climate is ensured. An attractive side effect is the energy and cost savings, as even low temperatures are sufficient to create a cosy, warm environment.