Wall cladding with porcelain tiles: make a choice
Wall cladding with marble is less common. This is probably an expensive material, but porcelain stoneware is used more often and there are reasons for this.
Let's try to understand these materials and decide which is best. Marble for wall cladding is without a doubt prestigious, but natural materials are increasingly replaced by artificial ones.
The content of the article
Differences between porcelain and marble
Granite for wall cladding applied for a long time.
It is perfectly preserved in the process of time, but it also has its drawbacks:
- Raw materials for manufacturing. Marble wall cladding is made with slabs that are made of calcium.
Marble is a natural material that is formed in nature under high pressure and at high temperature. In many respects, this determines its durability.
In turn, porcelain stoneware for wall cladding is made in the form of plates of dry clay which is pressed under high pressure, then processing is also carried out using high temperature. After that, the plate can be polished, the desired texture can be made on the surface, or covered with glaze; - Now in appearance. Granite slabs for wall cladding cannot be of the same color and shade, although a little, but there is a difference.
There cannot be the same picture. It is created by nature.
There are polished, dull and semi-polished plates. Porcelain tiles for wall cladding more controlled in production can be made with almost the same pattern and shade.
On the surface of manufacture, it has exactly the same as the previous version; - By strength. Marble is a hard rock that can perfectly finish walls and floors. But there is a drawback, it can easily be scratched.
Porcelain stoneware is more practical in this matter, and in terms of durability it probably will not yield to the first material. It is used for facing almost any room; - Surface care. For marble, only mild detergents can be used, while porcelain stoneware can be cleaned by almost everyone.
From this series you can also look at granite. Facing walls with granite is also not done so often, but sometimes it is also used.
Facing walls with granite slabs just like marble, a rather laborious process. Which is not only expensive, but the material is quite difficult to process.
And in strength, perhaps porcelain tiles are not inferior to him. And the price is much lower.
And if the decoration is done with your own hands, then it is easier and easier to do and, importantly, cheaper. And in this matter, facing the wall with granite loses.
Facing walls made of granite is not very simple and easy work, the material is not so easy to process.
Now let's take a closer look directly at porcelain stoneware. With its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and disadvantages of porcelain stoneware
This material has its pros and cons:
- Such a coating will perfectly protect the facade from mechanical damage and destruction. It tolerates temperature extremes and high humidity. It is used in the decoration of almost all types of premises;
- The price of porcelain tile is not so small, but much lower than the granite wall cladding. And it attracts many;
- Using this material you can completely change the appearance of the building.In retail, there is a large selection of this material in both size and color;
- The disadvantages include its weight, which is not small.
Caution: Before using this material, consult a foundation specialist. It is likely to have to be strengthened. After all, the load will increase significantly.
Porcelain tile - installation methods and subtleties
Facing walls with porcelain tiles is carried out in one of two ways - fixing to glue and installation of ventilated hinged facades.
Gluing
This installation method is very similar to the technology of fastening porcelain tiles on the inside of walls and floors. The main difference is that various adhesive compositions are used.
They must be resistant to weather, humidity and temperature.
Caution: This option is applicable only at air temperatures above zero. This installation method is usually used for finishing the basement; for walls, the second method is more suitable.
What is important with this method of decoration:
- Correctly and efficiently prepare the base plane. Otherwise the material will not stand idle for a long time.
Prepare the solution correctly. If you use ready-made mixtures, then you should carefully study the instructions.
The mixture should be for external surfaces and pay attention to the temperature of use; - Apply a primer coat and then make the correct marking. She must be perfect. Especially the lower starting line.
It should be marked with a hydraulic level and then the line is broken off with a cord. This will be the most accurate work option.
Porcelain ventilated facades
This method is easier for self-installation. Moreover, it allows you to additionally insulate the building, which is the main advantage of all types ventilated facades.
The technology of this finishing method has long been verified and worked out, so only briefly recall the main nuances:
- The basis of the design is the frame, which is the supporting element for fastening porcelain tiles to the walls. If it is necessary to warm the house, a couple of layers of insulation are additionally fixed.
In this case, you need to leave a gap between it and the cladding; - Porcelain wall cladding is quite a heavy construction, so the frame must be reliable. It is better to make it from a metal profile. Which is more rigid and reliable;
- Due to its severity, only base trim. In this option, you can apply and gluing and not be afraid that the material will come off on the passers-by;
- When installing the frame, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the insulation, which should not be pressed by the lining, otherwise it will lose its properties. Therefore, it is worth providing a gap of a couple cm. Then the ventilation will be excellent;
- With this installation, special attention should be paid to the mounting of the frame. Rather, on its markup.
Carefully everything should be measured. The edges of the panels must be fixed on a solid surface. Therefore, make sure that the markup is done correctly.
Attention: Without air gap, air circulation will become impossible, and it is precisely the air flows that provide protection in frosty weather and remove excess heat in the hot season.
Porcelain tile for wall cladding is attached in two ways:
- Hidden, in which the fasteners are not visible;
- With an open view - protrude beyond the boundaries of facing slabs.
The metal T-shaped profiles that make up the frame, to which the porcelain tiles are attached, allow the lining to be fixed with clips, self-tapping screws, kleimers or rivets.
Types of Flush Mount
Porcelain wall cladding has several types of installation.
They are different in the way of fastening:
- Concealed mechanical mount.Holes are pre-drilled in the plates through which they are attached to the facades with screw anchor dowels.
- Hidden mounting on pins is similar to mechanical with the only difference being that pins are used instead of dowels.
- Mounting on profiles. The difference between this method and the above is that the holes for fasteners are sawn at the ends of the facing plates.
- Combined mount. This mounting option combines the adhesive and mechanical method. Each porcelain stoneware plate is attached to the profiles with an adhesive, and additional fixation with double fasteners is performed.
Porcelain cutting
In the process, you will have to cut the material.
This can be done in the following ways:
- Using a tile cutter. In this option, you have to purchase it.
Included are several discs. But remember that cutting is best done with a diamond blade.
If it is not included, then it is better to purchase separately. With it there will be much less chips; - Using a grinder. With this option, the most important thing is to make a reliable and rigid fixation, with the back side up. There should be no play. And do not forget to wear glasses when doing work.
If you have a desire to make the cladding of the house on your own, you will definitely not be bothered by the detailed installation instructions. Additionally, you can watch a video from which you will learn the intricacies of all stages of decoration.
Porcelain tiles are more suitable as a lining for the installation of ventilated facades. They will protect the walls from unnecessary environmental influences.
Insulation, additionally added during installation, will allow the walls to "breathe" and remove excess moisture. So, living in such a house will be much more comfortable.
