Stone-like tiles: subtleties of home and apartment design. Exquisite tiles imitating natural stone: texture features (35 photos) Tiles imitating natural stone

Natural stone tiles are one of the varieties building material, used in finishing works Oh. Its popularity is due to its beautiful appearance, reliability, functionality and durability, as well as the ability to add uniqueness to any interior design.

Usage tile finishing“under the stone” when arranging a home is not only following fashion, but also an opportunity to create a peaceful atmosphere of luxury and wealth.

Advantages and disadvantages

Decorative tiles imitating stone have the following advantages:

• It is affordable. Its cost is significantly lower than analogues made from natural stone.
• Such products are resistant to sun exposure.
• Moisture resistance.
• Impact resistance.
• Chemical resistance.
• Ease. Such tiles weigh much less than natural stone.
• A huge variety of species, differing from each other in color and texture.
• Stone-like ceramics allow you to decorate even the most small plot situation. In this situation, tiles are much more convenient than other finishing materials. It can be used to cover a separate wall or any part of it, as well as make an accent on it.
• Long service time.
• Safety from an environmental point of view.
• Easy to install.

The disadvantages of stone-look tiles are

• Difficulty cutting material. Regular tiles cutting is much easier and takes much less time.
• Also in this situation, special tools are required.
• The tiled surface has quite a lot of roughness and unevenness, as well as wide seams between individual tiles. As a result, it will not harmonize well with various decorative elements.
• Because of its coldness, finishing with stone-like tiles is only appropriate for the kitchen, hallway, and bathroom. It is not suitable for a bedroom, living room, and especially for a nursery.

Types of stone tiles

Photos of stone-look tiles clearly demonstrate that there are the most different types of this finishing material. They differ from each other in design solution, purpose, structure, texture, color, size, etc.

Typically, stone-style tiles are used to finish the base. This is explained by the fact that it is this part of the walls that is most exposed to various types of influences, and therefore it simply must have a reliable and durable cladding coating. The stone is best suited for these purposes.

But nowadays, quite often you can see stone-like tiles inside the home. It, which has different relief and texture, is increasingly used for cladding fragments of walls or entire rooms. It can be used to decorate the corners of a room, playing in contrast with a smooth and even wall surface.

The scope of application of stone-look facade tiles is cladding work on the design of walls and the basement of a house. This material is resistant to temperature changes and various types of precipitation.

Tiles with the so-called wild stone look will appeal to people who love furnishings in a natural style. This facing material has the appearance of natural untreated stones.

The decoration of the room with tiles looks original, imitating old stone that has lain for several decades and has changed its color during this time. Such products are covered with a network of specially formed cracks and chips.

Facing under torn stone, i.e. under a stone that has lost its integrity, it is usually used in the design of external walls of buildings.

The most unusual type of decorative tile is considered to be an imitation of rubble stone. This finish is characterized by heterogeneity, relief and original appearance.

Most suitable for the bathroom mosaic tiles. It can be stylized as pebbles or small stones. This material is suitable for both floor covering and wall finishing. It is usually used in conjunction with smooth tiles and wallpaper.

Flexible tiles will help realize the most daring ideas. It is used to decorate architectural structures of complex configuration.

What are tiles made from?

It is customary to distinguish between tiles of natural and artificial origin.

The advantages of the first are high strength, practicality, durability, resistance to temperature changes, natural precipitation and chemicals. Its surface can be glossy or matte, smooth or textured. Granite, marble, basalt and other materials are used for its production.

Artificial tiles are made from conglomerate. Its qualities are in many ways similar to those of natural stone. The main advantage is the variety of colors and textures. To create it, acrylic, special substances of synthetic origin and natural stone chips are used.

Ceramics are the most budget method decorate the room. It is characterized by strength, durability, practicality and aesthetics. The tile can be matte or shiny. Porous varieties are also available.

Stone-like gypsum tiles are usually used for cladding arches, corridors or hallways. It is also used to decorate fireplaces. The unique plastic structure of gypsum allows the texture of natural stones to be conveyed much more naturally.

The disadvantage of this finishing material is that it can only be used in dry rooms. Pros include: attractive appearance, high performance sound and heat insulation, light weight, environmental friendliness.

Porcelain tiles are similar in creation technology and appearance to artificial stone. But its strength and performance characteristics are the same as those of natural stone. It is produced in square or rectangular blocks and is usually used as flooring.

PVC tiles are most often used to cover the floor. It looks like linoleum. Its advantages include low cost, practicality, ease of installation and subsequent operation, environmental friendliness and fire safety.

Plastic tiles will optimal choice for bathroom decoration. Its main characteristics are unpretentiousness, variety of colors and textures, ease of care, and beautiful appearance.

In conclusion, we will say that stone-look tiles will add originality to your interior and will definitely become its highlight. It has many advantages, so feel free to use it when decorating your home.

Photo of stone tiles

Hallway decoration decorative stone is a simple technology and it is quite possible to add originality to the interior with your own hands. Creating a design in the hallway requires special attention no less than in other rooms, because this is the first room that guests see. Decorative stone will give the hallway a stylish look, no matter whether it is used as the main material or as an additional accent.

Types of coating

Before you start working, you need to choose the right finishing material. It is made on the basis of concrete and gypsum with the addition of dyes. Both types have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is better to study their characteristics first.

The advantages of concrete products include:

Walls decorated with such stone can be easily cleaned of any dirt, and the worn surface can be quickly restored with paint. If you accidentally touch the finish with something hard, there will be no marks left on it and no cracks will appear.

Flaws:

• heavy weight;
• high price;
• processing complexity.

To cut individual fragments when laying, you will need a grinder and a diamond wheel, as well as some effort.

Advantages of gypsum coating:

This stone is chosen for finishing plasterboard walls, which cannot be subjected to heavy loads. If you can’t find the right color, there are unpainted products on sale that you can paint at your discretion.

Flaws:

When dirty, this finish should not be wetted or rubbed vigorously so as not to damage the surface. Treating the stone with a special impregnation or acrylic-based varnish will help to avoid such damage. Also on sale gypsum stone With polymer coating– it’s a little more expensive than usual, but it’s not at all afraid of moisture.

Preparation for finishing

First you need to calculate the amount of material. If the stone will cover the entire area of ​​the walls in the hallway, you should subtract the area of ​​the openings and add 10%. If the decor will be located around openings, niches, in separate fragments on open walls, draw a rough sketch of the decoration and take measurements of each area. Then add up the area and add 10-15% for trimming. When purchasing material, you should remember that the amount of stone with an angular shape is calculated in linear meters, and of a regular shape - in square meters.

Additionally you will need:

Artificial stone can be fixed using liquid nails, glue on cement or gypsum base. The glue consumption must be indicated on the packaging, so when purchasing, you should know exactly the finishing area and take it with a small margin.

If you use gypsum stone, you will need a special miter box with high sides for cutting.

When everything you need has been purchased, you should start preparing the surface.

Step 1. Dismantling the coating

If the stone covers the hallway walls completely, the old coating is removed completely to the base. If separate areas are intended for decoration, the coating must be dismantled very carefully. On the wallpaper, mark the boundaries of the finish with a pencil and carefully trim it stationery knife, leaving a reserve for stones 1-2 cm wide. Wallpaper glue is soaked in water and removed with a spatula, the walls are thoroughly washed. They also remove the paint if it is peeling or cracked, and clean off any loose plaster.

Step 2. Leveling the walls

The stone should be laid on a flat, smooth surface - this will facilitate the work process and increase the strength of the decorative coating. Therefore, all small cracks, gaps, and depressions are rubbed down, and if there are differences of more than 5 mm, the entire area is better. Particular attention should be paid doorways: deep cracks may form around the perimeter of the box, to seal which it is recommended to use a cement solution.

Prices for mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings

Mixtures for leveling walls and ceilings

Step 3: Priming

Dry walls must be lightly sanded to smooth out the unevenness of the puttied areas, and then wiped with a rag to remove dust. After this, the surface is treated 1-2 times with an acrylic primer. If there is wallpaper around the perimeter of the areas to be treated, the primer should be applied so as to cover an edge 1 cm wide - what will be hidden under the cladding.

Laying stone

Decorative stone has uneven edges and consists of different sizes. Laying must be done in such a way that tiles of the same size are necessarily interspersed with larger or smaller fragments, and the seams do not coincide either horizontally or vertically. This way the coating will look most natural and attractive. To understand how best to join the stone, you need to lay out the tiles on the floor, selecting the fragments in a certain order.

Step 1. Preparing the glue

Pour dry glue into a container of water and stir well. The ratio of water and glue is indicated on the package, so there is no need to mix “by eye”. Failure to comply with the proportions reduces the strength of the connection or increases the consumption of glue. It is best to mix with a construction mixer, then there will be no lumps left in the mixture. The finished glue should be homogeneous and resemble a thick paste in consistency.

Step 2. Laying the first row

You need to lay out the tiles from the corner of the wall, and this can be done both from above and from below. When laid from top to bottom, the stone is less dirty with glue, and the coating is more accurate. If only the area around the opening is covered, start from the corner of the door. For convenience, the wall can be marked by level with horizontal lines every 10-15 cm.

Now you can start installation:

Between the fragments you can leave seams of 5 to 8 mm, especially if the stone is large.

After facing, the joints are filled with putty and jointed, which makes the masonry more attractive. Small tiles can be attached closely, the main thing is that the joints do not coincide.

Step 3: Finishing the corners

For cladding interior and external corners You can purchase special corner tiles, which are more expensive than regular ones, but significantly simplify the work process. If your budget is limited, you will have to adjust the stone yourself using a grinder or a hacksaw. There are 2 options here - laying the stone overlapping or grinding the edges at an angle of 45 degrees. When using the first option for external corners, the open ends must be filed and tinted, otherwise they will stand out too much. In the inner corners, both ends are closed, so processing is not necessary. The second option is more suitable for gypsum products, which are convenient to trim using a miter box.

So, first determine required quantity fragments, cut them from a certain side, process the sections with a file. Next, the stones are smeared with glue and alternately attached to the walls on both sides of the corner, carefully aligning the joints. When the vertical corner is laid out, you can expand the masonry onto the walls.

Step 4. Decorating the edges of the masonry

The edges of the masonry will look more attractive if the tiles are cut beautifully. The surface of the decorative stone has a clear texture, which makes it easier to trim the outer fragments. You should cut with a hacksaw directly along the contour lines to ensure the most natural cuts. All cuts must be sanded with sandpaper.

Step 5. Sealing joints

Dilute the gypsum putty and carefully apply it to the joints, corners, and around the perimeter of openings and switches. For convenience, you can use a thick bag, for example, a milk bag. One edge of the bag is cut completely, and a small incision is made on the other side. Fill the bag with putty mixture and squeeze out an even thin strip onto the seams. If the solution is applied with a spatula, you should immediately wipe off the excess from the surface of the stone to avoid drying out. After filling the joints, the putty is rubbed with a damp foam sponge and left to dry.

Step 6: Finishing

Dried putty is white, and therefore the treated areas will stand out against the background of the stone. Paint will help get rid of light spots: in a small container, dilute the pigment to match the color of the main coating and use a small brush to paint the putty areas. When the paint dries, the stone is coated with acrylic varnish. In places where the walls are constantly touched, it is better to apply varnish in 2-3 layers.

To make the coating more voluminous, you can highlight the edges of the masonry with gold or bronze dye. There is another option: a coating of the same color, but more saturated in tone, is applied to the artificial stone at an oblique angle. In addition, you can use lighting: light directed from above or from the side makes the masonry much more textured and clearer.

Calculation of decorative stone	Formulas	Explanations
Calculate the surface area intended for cladding with artificial stone	S (wall) = AxB	A – wall length, B – wall height
Calculate the surface area that the corner elements of the decorative stone will occupy	S (angles) = Lx0.2	L – angle length (linear meters), 0.2 – coefficient
Find total area, which is occupied by all corner elements	S (angles total) = S (angle 1) + S (angle 2)	-
Calculate the area of ​​window and door openings	S=AxB	A – window/door width, B – window/door height
Calculate the surface area intended for facing decorative stone, taking into account the area occupied by corner elements, window and door openings	S (stone) = S (walls) – S (corners) – S (windows/doors)	Increase the resulting area by 10%
How to calculate required amount corner stone elements.	Measure and add the height of the corners to be faced with decorative stone. L (total angles) = L (angle 1) + L (angle 2), etc. Increase the resulting length by 10%	L – length of corners (linear meters)

Video - Decorating the hallway with decorative stone

Gypsum

The most the best material For stone finishing in the interior, artificial stone made of gypsum will be used. This material not only has an affordable price, but also great amount mastered forms, light weight and simple installation. Gypsum decorative stone can be painted and also laid on plasterboard walls. It goes very well in the interior with wallpaper.

Decorative materials for renovation and interior design are now very large. One of the most popular types of coating that creates an excellent appearance for any room is stone-look wall tiles. This coating is distinguished by the fact that it has many varieties, both in terms of design, texture and color, and in manufacturing materials, so anyone can choose for themselves suitable option according to price, preferences and required type of premises. This is a strong, beautiful, durable coating that can withstand most aggressive influences while maintaining its great view. We will tell you how to select finishing tiles for stone, what is needed for installation, and, of course, how installation is carried out.

What is this article about?

What is it made of?

Decorative stone tiles are created from a wide variety of materials, which can be divided into natural and artificial. The first ones are distinguished by their price, which is several times higher than that of the second group, and, of course, by the natural appearance, color and texture of the stone. The second group includes a large number of materials that do not cost as much as natural ones, but their appearance is different from real stone. This difference in appearance is not very noticeable, but natural stone can still be distinguished with the naked eye.

We want to talk about the main materials from which stone tiles are made. Let's divide them into groups to make it easier to understand. Each material has its own characteristics, pros and cons, which you need to know in order to choose for the room. suitable material, which will withstand all operating conditions in a given location.

Artificial materials

Gypsum

A coating made from this material can be found in almost any store, as it is quite versatile, easy to use, and suitable for most rooms. We can say for sure that such decorative coverings They will be afraid of water, since it is plaster, so under no circumstances should it be placed in the kitchen or bathroom. It is also not very durable and can easily crack, but if installed correctly, it can last for decades.

Gypsum stone tiles have many advantages, which include their weight. It is very light, which allows you to use any type of glue for its installation. Its low weight makes it possible to lay it on almost any surface, since it will be very, very difficult to fall under its own weight. This environmentally friendly material, it doesn't highlight harmful substances If there is a fire, nothing will pass through it, so it can be used in most types of premises.

Ceramics

Many people know that ceramics is a natural material that has considerable cost and looks great. But we are talking about stone tiles, and ceramics are not stone. Natural types of stone include only natural minerals.

Ceramics will provide you with just perfect cleanliness in the room, as it is very difficult to get dirty and easy to clean, it’s just a housewife’s dream. Stone effect ceramic tiles for interior decoration ideal for the kitchen interior, since that is where the most high level contamination and rather difficult operating conditions. This is a very durable coating that is difficult to damage, but quite easy to break. But once it is installed, its durability will allow it to serve you for several decades.

Exposure to acids, water, steam and unstable temperatures has absolutely no effect on tiles made from this material. Based on this, you can understand that you can use the ceramic version of stone tiles in many places. It has noble cracks and abrasions, a pleasant texture that can only be created on ceramics. This is definitely best tiles for the floor, specifically for this surface ceramic tile most often purchased.

Porcelain tiles

This coating is not much different from the previous one. Its most obvious difference is its strength, which is several times higher than that of pure ceramics. Natural stone tiles made from porcelain stoneware are very often used outdoors, since this material can easily withstand outdoor conditions; you just need to choose an adhesive that will also not be exposed to cold, different temperatures and other aggressive outdoor factors.

It is also very convenient for laying on the floor, as it is thick and large. Porcelain tiles are most often supplied in fairly large pieces that can be easily used to create outdoor paths and indoor floors.

Clinker

Decorative clinker stone is undoubtedly the most durable covering element in a room. This is a special type of clay that is processed at very high temperatures. high temperatures, due to which it acquires incredible strength and durability. Clinker tiles will withstand not tens, but hundreds of years, even without maintenance, in difficult operating conditions. If you need to create a coating that you will not change at all or worry about in any way, then choose a stone for the interior that will be made from clinker.

Natural materials

This is a real stone, which is mined in different parts of the world, then processed, and given the desired shape. Most often, natural stone is not cut, but split, it is faster, and the appearance of the crushed stone coating is more stylish. If necessary, the stone is fired to slightly change its shade. After all the procedures, the stone is given the necessary texture, sorted by size, and then collected into single coating collections.

Stone tiles are also divided into those for interior decoration and those for exterior decoration. It is worth noting that natural stone is most often used for exterior finishing, since it looks stylish and gives nobility general appearance at home, not exposed to any natural elements.

These types of materials are used for interior decoration:

• Natural stone tiles are made in most cases from marble. This is a very expensive material, which is most often used to create a coating on a small, most visible surface area in a room. It is durable, has a noble appearance, which gives any room an atmosphere of high cost and luxury. We note that marble has many varieties; there are those that have a cost comparable to ceramics, so it is quite possible to replace ceramic tiles with marble ones.
• Many people are familiar with the unique shade of this material. It is very often used when decorating indoor floor areas. It is often used in the kitchen, and even more often in the living room, to show the luxury of this material as much as possible. more of people.
• A material that has an even greater variation in different textures than marble is onyx. This tile is made of stone that has a pleasant shine and smooth texture. It can be used to decorate columns or walls, since it is too slippery for floors, but there are other variations that are great for floors. Its cost is not much different from the cost of marble, so you should choose only by appearance, although, as already written, there are enough variations to choose a tile for everyone for any room.

Areas of use

Stone-look wall tiles for interior decoration are used in various areas of renovation and design. First of all, such a huge selection is provided by different materials, various ways product processing and a wide range decorative solutions. Proper combination of all this allows you to produce decorative stone for any room.

Also, the area of ​​use determines the purpose of the tile itself. There are stone coverings that are made specifically for flooring. This includes natural marble and onyx, as well as ceramics, since they all have a smooth texture and are intended for interior decoration. The clinker material from which tiles are made is especially good for use on the floor.

It is worth noting that the floor stone should have a very smooth, non-rough surface so that the feet are comfortable, but the tone should not be slippery. For this purpose, there are special types of tiles, which often indicate that they are made for the floor. Marble is ideal for walls, columns and ceilings; although it has sufficient weight, it looks very attractive. It is most often supplied in the form of large sheets, for which you need to select the appropriate adhesive, but if the installation is carried out correctly, this coating will withstand any impact and will serve you for at least 40-50 years.

Gypsum facing material also performs well on walls. It is simply not suitable for the floor, as it has a very uneven texture and many sharp corners. But it works great on walls and gives the necessary atmosphere to the room. If you need to create a stylish and beautiful coating, which will be very reliable and of high quality, then we advise you to use stone tiles.

Now that we have given you all the necessary information to choose a covering, we can explain the process of laying it. It is not very different from the standard procedure, but there are some points that you need to know in order to make a really high-quality coating that will last you a very, very long time.

Laying

It is worth understanding that laying decorative tiles under stone is a rather complicated process, and since the tiles are also heavy, you have to additionally strengthen the base. As always, it is necessary to clean the surface of all dirt and old coating, if any. Treat the base with antifungal agents, then apply a deep primer to improve the adhesion of the adhesive and prevent moisture from absorbing into the base. But before that, if the surface is not level, you need to level it with putty or cement mixture.

Also very uneven surface you can apply drywall, on which you will need to apply a PVC mesh. PVC mesh must be applied to any other base so that the glue can reliably hold heavy stone. It is necessary to use cement or polymer based glue. It is applied both to the base, in a thin layer, and to the tiles. Excess amounts of glue must be removed using a rag and sponge.

In general, all excess layers must be removed immediately, otherwise they will simply dry out and it will be very difficult to separate them from the valuable tiles. Apply a thin layer of glue to the base, then a slightly thicker layer to the tile itself. Try to alternate the color and size of the tiles so that there is no concentration of coverage of the same size in a certain place. You need to distribute them wisely. After a day, you need to seal the seams with sealants or putty. To make them have a certain size, use crosses.

The catalog presents branded products to buyers. The Russian factory White Hills has long been recognized as a leader in the production of high-quality and attractive clinker for facades and interior work. Let's note the advantages:

• Environmental friendliness is due to production based on gypsum, cement and natural minerals;
• Decors, textures, color solutions presented in a variety of options;
• The texture and uniform coloring make chips unnoticeable if and when they occur;
• Designed for use under normal conditions, high humidity and variable temperatures.

We invite you to buy the best for your home!

Artificial finishing stone accurately imitates natural building material or brickwork. But the price is better: even luxury items can be purchased inexpensively during sales periods. Each product card on the site is accompanied by a photo, the price is indicated for square meter.

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When choosing a finish that will give the interior uniqueness, many often prefer stone-look tiles. This technique allows you to arrange accent walls homes are stylish and fashionable. 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 tiles lies in the texture and appearance.

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

Peculiarities

Stone-look tiles are a luxurious type of building material that imitates the texture of stone quite realistically. This is an imitation of this texture, intended primarily for decorating walls. Depending on the composition and manufacturing method, the raw materials vary. 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 rectangular shape , reminiscent of a stone with uneven edges, while for the sake of plausibility the front side is made of different shades. On general background cladding transitions of tones create a multifaceted effect, which gives depth to the space and deprives it of simplicity with the obvious roughness of the material.

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

Feature decorative material is a laying method that is not correct in the classical sense. Stone-like tiles do not need to be adjusted; they are not just imperfect. It is specially made in different sizes. It is produced in two forms. In one case, it consists of one rectangular fragment, characterized by a noticeable curvature of the relief.

Another type is a fragment consisting of several stones. These tiles do not fit together like regular tiles to form crosshairs. She has her own styling features. Typically, a picture is made up of blanks by gluing fragments of different sizes, connecting the facing elements as closely as possible 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 smooth, 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 edges is greater in height. This will hide the seams.

The laying of such material does not obey geometry. The set often contains tiles of different sizes, making the work reminiscent of laying out a mosaic.

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 look as attractive as possible. In the finished canvas, this variety of sizes looks impressive.

With or without relief?

A separate category of stone-look tiles is the variety with a pattern. It does not convey the required texture in the proper volume. Here the emphasis is rather on shade and color. This is especially true for marble types of coatings. You can’t expect anything other than the appearance of a marble surface and its coldness from such tiles. The same can be said about floor tiles without relief. The pattern, of course, can resemble masonry, the surface of natural stone, but it does not imitate the relief.

The purpose of stone-like tiles with relief is to replace stone, not a demonstration of the picture, so compare the two different materials pretty hard. They are distinguished by their appearance and method of installation. Thus, fragments imitating 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 a surface. The assignment of materials to one type is based on the fact that in both cases stone is taken as the basis.

The patterned variety is distinguished by a smooth surface type and strict geometric shapes. It is inherent different sizes and colors. Distinctive feature is the variation of shades. Thus, pastel shades are often used. In fact, these are ordinary ceramic tiles, the pattern of which is similar to stone (for example, malachite, marble, wild stone).

These tiles are easy to care for: they are easier to clean. It is also possible to carry out installation faster and, if necessary, dismantle it.

Advantages

Finishing tiles that imitate 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 products are significantly cheaper (3-5 times). This allows for a luxurious surface finish while staying within the budget planned for the renovation.

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

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

This finish is durable. The material will adhere to the surface of the prepared walls no less than ordinary tiles. The coating will get boring faster than it will move away from the surface. If the installation rules are followed, it will last at least 20 years, and the shape and color of the fragments will not be affected even by dry cleaning. In addition, this material is not susceptible to sun rays.

This installation is noticeably easier than working with natural stone. The consumption of decorative stone-like tiles is 25-30 kg per 1 sq. m. m. When laying natural material Each square meter of the wall will become visually “heavier” several times. While visually attractive, 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 design possibilities and allows you to choose an accent place for such cladding, so as not to overload the room with an abundance of small fragments.

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

Distinctive feature wall tiles“under the stone” is the possibility of partial installation, which other analogues do not have. It can be laid out in the form of separate islands, original patterns on a smoothly plastered surface of the base, without being limited to the method of laying it as a solid canvas. Using it, you can finish adjacent planes, which gives the space a touch of antiquity.

When simulating destroyed walls, an antique effect is created, which is actively used by designers.

Flaws

Due to the unusual texture, this finishing material has several disadvantages, so the purchase cannot be based solely on the attractiveness of the appearance. To ensure that the finish is truly what you need, it is worth taking into account its features. The problem may be the different-sized relief of the fragments. During the installation process, it is impossible to avoid cutting the material, 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, you will have to grind the cut for a long time so that it does not cause damage to the finished surface.

Despite the fact that this material strengthens the surface being processed, 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 simply touch it. In terms of tactile sensations, it is inferior to the same wallpaper and ceiling tiles. This cladding does not provide for the placement of any objects on the walls or the fixation of furniture. It's not about the relief and complexity of installation, but about unaesthetic cracks that will be visible to the eye.

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

For the same reason, it is impossible to cover two or more walls. Even if you really want to, the volume of the treated area cannot be more than one wall. This looks ugly from the outside, overloads the interior composition, and calls into question the appropriateness of using many pieces of furniture. Restrictions also apply to invoices. It is undesirable to use more than one - this will turn the relief into ordinary ripples.

Caring for such material is also difficult. It all depends on the composition of the tile. Not every type of cladding can withstand a lot of moisture when cleaning. The terrain is also a problem. Unlike smooth facing tiles, which can be wiped with a damp cloth, the situation here is different. Dust settling on the surface will fill the areas of recesses and joints. Maintenance is possible with a vacuum cleaner, but this will also be problematic. This will take a lot of time. Cleaning the surface with your hands can be dangerous.

Kinds

Today, decorative stone-like tiles construction market presented in two varieties: gypsum and ceramic. It can be decorative and facade (for finishing the walls of facades). Each material has its own characteristics. Key aspects should be considered.

Plaster

Stone-like gypsum tiles are a high-quality imitation of natural material. It is made from gypsum polymer mass, which has low frost resistance, so this material can only be used for interior work. It is light, hygroscopic - it will absorb excess moisture and release it if the air is dry.

Such tiles are fireproof and environmentally friendly, odorless, and will not fade when exposed to sunlight during operation. It is not difficult to work with, but it requires care. The disadvantage of such cladding is its fragility, so chips should not be allowed to appear before installation. Upon completion of the finishing work, the surface must be treated with a moisture-repellent coating, otherwise the tile may become deformed.

Ceramic

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

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

Clinker is produced with or without glaze. It is suitable for tiling any type of room, so if desired, it can even be used in the bathroom. Porcelain tiles are 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 and is used in the corridor and hall. Majolica has high quality characteristics.

IN Lately Stone-look tiles with a 3D effect are gaining popularity. Externally, it looks three-dimensional due to the use of a special film that guarantees the three-dimensionality of the material. This material can have a relief or can be completely smooth. It looks especially realistic from afar if it has a matte texture.

Location

This material can be used in different rooms home, if the design requires it. However, there are spaces where it is inappropriate. This technique is unacceptable in the toilet, when decorating a balcony, loggia and children's room.

Regarding the toilet and balcony ledges, their use is inadmissible due to the fact that these spaces are already small in area. Stone-like cladding will not look beautiful on their walls.

The same can be said about the children's room. This finish requires certain style, and this style has nothing to do with children. She is good in the loft, grunge, modern, brutalist styles.

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

• The finish is rough. It deprives the room of airiness and significantly reduces the volume of the room. This is also evident in the case of the spacious type of space reserved for the nursery.
• She is dangerous. If you accidentally fall, you can injure yourself on the imitation stone material.

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

• finishing of the fireplace ledge;
• decorating a niche for a video system;
• allocation dining area when zoning;
• decorating the accent wall of the guest space;
• decorating the walls selectively, giving the texture of destruction.

Using stone tiles allows you to add luxury to the design, while you can vary the tile layout. It can occupy part of the wall in the form of a monolithic canvas, be laid out in the form of a small ladder, or imitate torn edge on a small part of a ledge or two adjacent walls, located perpendicular to each other.

In order for this decoration to look harmonious, it is not repeated everywhere, otherwise the technique will lose its expressiveness.

Color solutions

The color palette of relief tiles imitating natural and artificial stone is varied. In general, they stick mostly to natural paints. One tone is undesirable. Multifaceted color compositions are a priority. Sometimes you can see white and black colors in them, but More often you can find the following combinations:

• gray + marsh + beige;
• beige + marsh + brown;
• sand + light gray + marble + black-gray;
• light gray + brick + beige + brown-red;
• light gray + beige + cold sand;
• marble gray + beige;

• dark wenge + terracotta + beige;
• light gray + dark gray + sand;
• brick + cool brown + light gray;
• yellow-beige + gray + sand;
• warm beige + orange-brown + terracotta.

In addition to warm colors, the combination can be cold, but using exclusively gray contrast with a black tone does not give the desired effect unless a colored companion is added to them. The same beige makes the texture not boring. White color, diluting gloomy tones, makes them more pleasing to the eye. It allows you to give the tiles a multifaceted effect. Often the shade of the tile is complicated by the heterogeneity of contrasts. This gives it a greater resemblance to stone.

Sizes and shapes

The parameters and appearance of relief tiles glued to walls are different. In addition to the basic rectangular shape, they can be conditionally square. Moreover, the edges of these fragments are replete with figured lines reminiscent of refracted waves. For ease of cladding, a distinction is made between regular and corner tiles. The dimensions of the first are usually 24x7 cm, 24x14 cm, the corner variety can be 24 cm in length, 12 or 14 cm in width. In this case, a fragment of 15 cm extends around the corner.

Sizes are relative. Each brand adheres to its own standards, directly related to the characteristics of the overall fabric. Fragments can be traditional or very narrow. You can often find products 20x20 cm, 30x30 cm, 33x33 cm, 20x12 cm on sale.

As for varieties with a pattern, everything is simpler here: their shape is rectangular or square, the dimensions depend on the type of material and the country of manufacture.

• Wall cladding can have dimensions of 10x10 cm, 15x15 cm, 20x25 cm, 25x45 cm, 20x30 cm, 25x30 cm, 25x35 cm, 25x40 cm, 20x50 cm, 30x30 cm.
• Options floor tiles can be 15x15 cm, 20x20 cm, 20x30 cm, 30x30 cm, 40x40 cm, 45x45 cm, 50x50 cm.
• Porcelain stoneware has its own standards: 20x20 cm, 30x30 cm, 15x60 cm, 30x120 cm, 30x60 cm, 40x40 cm, 45x45 cm, 60x60 cm.

Review of manufacturers

Today, there are many companies engaged in the production of decorative stone-look tiles. It is worth noting the products of Italian and Spanish companies. These tiles will make any home special.

The most interesting samples include tiles of the following brands:

• "Canyon". Eco-friendly facade tiles, imitating masonry, resistant to temperature changes and dampness.
• "Ceramin". Material for interior decoration with a matte texture in a wide range, presented in white, beige, brick, sand, olive and gray tones.
• "Intcam." Manufacturer of “wild stone” tiles made of gypsum, made in noble and soft tones of the color palette.
• Kerama Marazzi. Reliable imitation of natural stone in every fragment.