Do-it-yourself paving slabs for home production. How to make ceramic tiles at home: do-it-yourself manufacturing technology

Planning the arrangement garden paths on his own personal plot, you always want to create functional and at the same time beautiful elements landscape design. The material for garden paths can be wooden cuts, a natural stone, gravel... But still the most popular among owners suburban areas Paving slabs, which have an attractive appearance and excellent quality characteristics, are used as a covering for platforms and paths. Paving slabs with your own hands will be an original addition to the design of the site, in harmony with the style of the house and garden.

What are the advantages of homemade tiles?

Making paving slabs with your own hands is a rather labor-intensive and quite time-consuming, but at the same time quite exciting process. The result of the work is exclusive products, successfully combined into picturesque paths.

Interesting ideas for designing garden paths can be found in the material:

Such unusual paths serve as a worthy frame for flowering plants garden

In addition, making paving slabs with your own hands will allow you to significantly save money in the family budget, because purchasing a ready-made covering costs many times more.

Home-made tiles may not be suitable for covering areas that are designed to accommodate heavy structures or vehicles, but they will be an excellent solution for pedestrian paths in the garden. At correct production concrete mixture and maintaining all stages of production technology, you can get a product with 100% durability.

Using colors and pigment dyes, you can create tiles of a wide variety of shades

By experimenting and coloring solutions with colors, you can get incredible combinations and patterns. Myself - interesting activity, allowing you to unleash your creative potential, bringing a lot of pleasure and positivity.

Manufacturing process step by step

In order to make original paving slabs with your own hands, you first need to purchase the manufacturing material and stock up necessary tool. The tile is created based on a mixture of cement, sand and water, maintaining proportions that depend on the purpose of the product and the brand of cement used. To make durable garden paving slabs, it is advisable to use cement grade M 500. You should not skimp on the quality of the material, so as not to stumble on a crumbling path later.

Sand and water for the solution must be free of dirt and leaves. It’s not scary if the sand contains small pebbles. Their presence will not affect the quality of concrete. But the product will acquire an unusual texture.

Advice! Using plasticizers, you can increase the strength of paving slabs and their resistance to temperature changes.

A wide range of plastic molds for filling are available in specialized stores. They can have absolutely different shapes and sizes. Each of them is designed for 200 fills. To speed up the manufacturing process, it is advisable to purchase ten pieces of each type of shape.

By combining 2-3 product configurations you can create unusual ornaments and fancy “snakes”

It is quite possible to use them as molds plastic containers For food products, which have sufficient flexibility, softness and strength. Using containers of simple shapes with straight sides and right angles, you can make rectangular “bricks”.

These tiles fit together easily when laid.

Preparation of the solution

The necessary components are ready, we can safely start making exclusive paving slabs with our own hands. You can mix the sand-cement mixture either manually or using a hammer drill with a mixer attachment. When planning to create coatings amounting to several dozen or even hundreds of tiles, it is advisable to stock up on a concrete mixer to facilitate the process. It’s great if the owner already has it in his arsenal. After all, this is construction equipment can be used for many purposes, from concreting a stream bed in the garden to mending fence posts.

1 part cement and 3 parts sand are poured into a container, which can be a basin or bucket.

When mixing the solution in a concrete mixer to obtain a homogeneous mass, you first need to add sand, and then cement is poured into a continuously rotating container.

Add water to the mixture gradually, without ceasing to stir the solution. Exceeding the amount of water in the solution can lead to a decrease in the strength of the finished concrete. To prevent this, water-repellent additives and reinforcing fiber are added to the solution at the mixing and pouring stage.

The consistency of the solution should be dough-like: slightly liquid, but not slipping off the trowel

Tiles can be painted in the most unusual colors using inorganic pigments, which have increased resistance to light and atmospheric conditions, as well as an alkaline environment. The amount of dye for the solution is selected using the “sample method”, starting from 30-50 g and gradually increasing the proportion. The composition acquires a uniform color after 5-7 minutes. The readiness of the composition is determined by the absence of lumps and uniform coloring of the entire volume of material.

Pouring into molds

Before filling the mold, it is advisable to lubricate it with emulsol or any oil (you can even use used machine oil). This will make it easier to unmold the frozen product in the future.

The molds are filled with mortar and compacted with a trowel.

You can increase the strength of the product by laying a metal mesh, rod or wire into a mold half filled with concrete, and then filling it with the remaining mortar to the edges.

In order to compact the cement mass and expel excess air bubbles from the solution, it is necessary to create vibration in the concrete. A vibrating table is used for these purposes. In the absence of such a design, a rack or shelf can serve as an alternative. To create vibration, just tap the mallet a few times on the table.

Drying and removing products from containers

Forms filled with concrete are covered plastic film and aged for 2-3 days. During this period it is important to support enough level moisture. To do this, it is advisable to periodically moisten the hardening products.

The place where the workpieces dry must be hidden from direct sun rays

After 2-3 days after casting, the tiles can be unmolded by slightly moving the sides and shaking. The product needs to be dried in the shade for another 3-4 weeks. During this time, the tiles will acquire sufficient strength and can be used as a covering for garden paths and recreation areas.

The technology for producing paving slabs with your own hands has been mastered for a long time and is improving every year. Finished products in terms of its characteristics and quality, it is in no way inferior to store-bought, and sometimes even surpasses it. So why overpay a considerable amount of money for a pig in a poke when you can make good quality paving slabs at home. This does not require the purchase of expensive equipment and tools, of course, if you do not want to produce it on an industrial scale. The key to quality paving stones is the “correct” solution and skillful hands.

Paving slab production technology

Despite the simplicity of the production technology, there are some nuances that should be studied before you start making tiles yourself. First of all, you need to choose and master the method of making it that is suitable for you.

Vibro-cast paving slabs

This tile production technology involves a continuously operating vibrating table on which the sand-cement mixture, placed in special molds, hardens.

After complete compaction and hardening of the mixture, the forms are transferred to a warm place where they must stand for at least 12 hours.

The finished product is even and smooth. These tiles are easy to remove from snow and sand. It has a bright, rich color, and the form of its manufacture is practically unlimited.

For paving paths, it can be used to implement any design idea on your site. High-quality laid tiles can add emphasis to any of your buildings on the site, especially since perfect solution get away from the boring asphalt.

From a production point of view, the production of vibro-cast paving slabs is a fairly cheap process, ideal for private use.

Vibropressed paving slabs

The manufacturing technology of vibropressed paving slabs is as follows.

1. The concrete mixture is placed on a continuously vibrating bed in a special form (matrix).
2. Then a special blank (punch) made according to the shape of the matrix high pressure, like a piston, begins to put pressure on the mixture.
3. After complete compaction, the die and punch rise up, and the finished product remains on the bed. This method is fully automated and requires minimal human intervention.

The surface of the product becomes rough and porous. Such tiles can withstand heavy loads, are resistant to severe frosts, and are suitable for places with large crowds of people and vehicle traffic.

Despite the fact that there are compact installations allowing such equipment to be placed on a home site, their cost is still high.

Based on the above, we can conclude that for private needs, vibro-cast paving slabs will be sufficient.

There is no need for the ability to withstand heavy loads, since neither crowds of tourists nor vehicles will move along it. Therefore, in this article we will look at the production of paving slabs using vibratory casting technology.

Technologies for manufacturing paving slabs

The feasibility of purchasing equipment or leasing it depends on the scale of the planned production.

If necessary, tiling small areas it makes sense to take your site necessary equipment for rent, but if there is major work to be done on laying paved paths, blind areas, and various platforms, then it makes sense to think about purchasing it. In a word, it’s up to each of you to decide.

Necessary equipment for work

It is very difficult to bring the concrete mixture to the desired consistency manually. An alternative is a powerful drill with a special attachment for mixing the solution.

However, it is not advisable to work with such a tool for a long time; periodically you need to give it time to rest from the load. Ideal option will be a time-tested electric concrete mixer.

The main element of production that cannot be avoided. Today you can purchase a vibrating table in any store that specializes in the sale of construction equipment.

Their initial price starts from $300. But don’t rush, it’s very easy to make from scrap materials. For this you will need (an electric motor, a sheet of metal, corners, metal plates and springs).

Local Kulibins manage to use ordinary washing machine, putting it at high spin speed.

Forms for the mixture. You can also make the necessary forms using material that almost everyone has on their site (plywood, metal plates, plaster, and so on).

Options for making molds for paving slabs

Can ready-made forms purchase at any construction market, their price is not very high, so this will not significantly affect the budget.

DIY vibration table

We will describe step by step the production of a vibrating table for future shapes. The main task is to get flat surface upper platform. Required material and the tool you will need:

• Vibration motor;
• Sheet of metal with a thickness of 5 mm. (upper platform);
• Metal corner or profile pipe(frame);
• Springs (depreciation);
• Welding machine, electrodes and grinder.

Frame

From metal corners or pipes we weld a regular frame of suitable sizes. It is important to ensure that opposite pipes are the same size.

Using the same material, a rectangle is welded. A sheet of metal is welded onto it on one side, and on the other there is a reinforced platform for a vibration motor with slots for fastening.

Vibration motor

For vibrating tables, it is better to use a platform-type vibration motor. It is installed on the prepared base and tightly clamped with bolts.

Installation

The final stage is to connect the platform to the frame, after inserting springs into the landing cups between them. The table is ready for use.

Composition of mortar for paving slabs

The composition of the mortar for the manufacture of paving slabs must contain the following components:

• Cement M-500;
• Seeded river sand;
• Crushed stone (fractions no more than 10 mm);
• Fiber fiber;
• plasticizer;
• Concrete dye (optional);
• Pure water without impurities.

It should be crumbly without lumps or foreign impurities. Remember that cement is a binding component, so the strength of the tile will depend on its quality.

Sand Just like cement, it should not contain foreign impurities such as clay or algae. There is a simple way to test sand for clay content.

The sand needs to be tightly squeezed into a lump with your hands, fixed for a few seconds and unclenched, and monitor its condition. If the sand does not crumble, this is a clear sign of the presence of clay components in it.

It is advisable to purchase crushed stone in fractions 5-10 mm.

Fiber fiber acts as concrete reinforcement. The most common fiber material is polypropylene. Purchasing this component on the construction market will not be difficult.

The component that gives concrete strength and moisture resistance is - plasticizer. Pigment dye is used as needed.

Important! When mixing all of the above components, you must adhere to strict dosage and sequence.

The ratio of components in the solution

Components	Proportions in %	Per 1 m² tiles	Per 1 m³ of tiles
Cement (M 500)	20%	28 kg.	490 kg.
Crushed stone (fractions 5-10 mm.)	22%	30 kg.	520 kg.
river sand	55%	73 kg.	1300 kg.
plasticizing additive	0.5% by weight of solution	45 gr.	1.7 liters
Dye (pigment)	7% by weight of solution	650 gr.	9 kg.
Fiber fiber	0.04 by weight of solution	55 gr.	0.8 kg.
Water	6% by weight of solution	8.5 liters	135 liters

How to mix the solution correctly

We mix the mortar for paving slabs in the following sequence:

1. To the drum with no big amount water (1-1.5 buckets) add plasticizer and dye;
2. Start the concrete mixer and stir the added components for one minute. From this time on, the mixer must work continuously until the solution is completely mixed;
3. Then, observing the above proportions, first cement is added alternately, and then sand and crushed stone.
4. We carefully monitor the consistency of the solution in the drum. The solution should be viscous, but in no case liquid.
5. The final step will be to add ready solution fiber fiber. Stir for another 2-3 minutes. The solution is ready.

Casting and vibration processing

1. The solution is poured into pre-lubricated molds (with soap or oil solution) placed on the vibrating table platform.
2. The vibration processing process must be carefully monitored. As soon as foam forms on the surface, this is a signal that degassing of the liquid is complete and the machine can be turned off.

Typically this process lasts 4-5 minutes. It is impossible to overexpose the solution on the frame; the process of its delamination will begin.

Some people wonder why vibration treatment of the solution is needed, why it is not possible to simply pour the finished mixture into molds.

The answer to this question lies in the tiny air bubbles that are found in hardened concrete. In severe frosts, they contribute to the splitting of paving slabs.

Drying and stripping of forms

In summer, drying of castings should last at least 24 hours, in cool weather for at least 2 days. In order for the tile to come out of the mold more easily, it should be immersed in a container with hot water for 10-15 seconds. The molds are rinsed well with water and they are ready for use again.

Important! It is not recommended to put freshly cast tiles into work right away. To gain strength, it must be kept in the fresh air under the sun for another week. Only after this the paving slabs are ready for use.

If you have decided to make paving slabs with your own hands, we hope that this article will be of great help and assistance in your work.

The only reason that makes you think about this paving method from a negative point of view is the high cost of the material in retail networks. However, there is an available option to significantly reduce costs. Tiles can be made at home and then their cost will be significantly lower. Therefore, this article will discuss the question of how to make paving slabs at home.

Factory technology

Vibro-cast, vibro-pressed and clinker tiles for paving sidewalks are produced on an industrial scale. At the same time, depending on the manufacturing technology, the quality of products varies greatly.

The technology is quite easy to use. It is built on the fact that a cement-based solution is poured into shaped molds and compacted on a special surface by exposure to vibration.

Vibropress.

Such products are distinguished by rich colors and are sold at a low price. However, the strength and frost resistance of such paving slabs is an order of magnitude lower than that of other types.

Vibropressed tiles made using special equipment that compacts the concrete mixture with high pressure. Such paving stones are stronger, but also more expensive due to the use of a press and increased energy consumption.

The most best tiles- clinker. Clinker production of paving slabs occurs by firing specially prepared clay in a kiln at very high temperatures. high temperature. The final product is very durable, frost-resistant and beautiful, while not inferior in durability even to hard natural stone.

But the high energy consumption for the production of paving slabs and the need to use expensive industrial equipment raises the cost of this material several times.

Equipment and supplies for work

In homestead farming conditions, special industrial equipment, of course, is absent, and therefore the technology for making paving slabs at home is based on vibration compaction of concrete. To complete the work you will need the following equipment and supplies:

• small;
• wide container for receiving ready-made concrete;
• sieve for sifting sand;
• or other flat vibrating surface;
• forms for pouring concrete mixture;
• rubber hammer;
• shovels, buckets, spatulas.

In addition, you need a strong, stable rack for drying tile blanks in molds.

Necessary materials

From building materials required:

• cement grade PC500 or PC400;
• washed or river sand, preferably medium fraction;
• gravel fraction no more than 10 mm;
• natural or mineral pigment;
• lubricant for molds.

If the gravel is dirty or contains a lot of dust, it must be washed, since impurities can adversely affect the quality of the products and their color shade.

Organization of the work site

First of all, it is necessary to correctly install the concrete mixer, vibrating table and rack for placing forms with concrete. These are the largest objects and all actions will take place near them.

A concrete mixer, as the main equipment for the production of paving slabs, should be positioned so that there is enough space to place a pile of sand and gravel near it.

You should also leave room for buckets of water or a watering hose. The best place for the vibrating table is located in a straight line between the concrete mixer and the rack for storing forms with concrete.

The rack can be placed indoors or outdoors, but in a place where it will be reliably protected from direct sunlight. Cement can be stored near the rack.

Molds for production

Manufacturers offer forms of various configurations and sizes, made from different materials. You can buy standard square or rectangular, composed of several elements or monoblock shapes. These can be cups for making each product separately and for simultaneous pouring of several slabs.

If desired, molding equipment will not be difficult. In this case, you can get exclusive products that no one else has. For this they use various materials- from wood and polystyrene to metal and plaster.

It is important to remember that tiles made by vibration casting have a reduced strength and frost resistance. Therefore, an important factor when choosing molds is their depth, which determines the thickness of the future product.

When homemade its thickness must be at least 40 mm for pedestrian paths and sidewalks and at least 60 mm for passage or parking areas for a passenger car. The movement of freight transport on such tiles is extremely undesirable.

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Manufacturing instructions

The production of paving slabs by vibration casting is carried out in several stages, which include:

1. preparation of concrete mixture;
2. preparing forms before laying concrete;
3. pouring concrete mixture into molds and operating the vibrating table;
4. concrete hardening period;
5. unmolding and storing finished paving stones.

Each stage has its own technological features, some of which may have several versions.

Requirements for concrete mixture

There are certain requirements for materials for making concrete. The sand must be sifted through a sieve to remove particles of clay, earth and other unwanted impurities that reduce the quality of concrete. The gravel must be clean. Otherwise, it must be washed with water. The use of PC300 cement is unacceptable even when added in increased proportions.

In order to increase the strength of the tiles, you can add to the concrete composition synthetic fibers(fiber fiber).

Expensive industrial plasticizers can be replaced with liquid detergent. The pigment dyes used must be resistant to ultraviolet radiation and intended for outdoor use.

Fiber fiber.

• According to experts, the ideal ratio of mixture components for making tiles is:
• cement PC500 – 21% or 30 kg;
• gravel or granite screenings - 23% or 32 kg;
• sifted sand - 56% or 75 kg;
• pigment dye - no more than 7% of the mass of concrete or 700 g;
• industrial plasticizer C-3 – 0.7% by weight of the mixture or 50 g;
• water - 5.5% of the mass of concrete or 8 liters;

fiber fiber up to 0.05% by weight of concrete or 60 g.

• Since it is almost impossible to maintain such exact proportions at home, the solution is usually prepared based on the following calculation:
• 1 part PC500 cement, 1.5 parts gravel, 3 parts sand;

1 part PC400 cement, 1 part gravel, 2.5 parts sand. Liquid is added as a plasticizer detergent

at the rate of 1 glass per batch. Water is added gradually until the mixture becomes homogeneous and the density resembles thick sour cream.

If dry pigment dye is used in the work, it must first be dissolved in water and then added to the concrete in an amount of no more than 1.2 liters per batch.

Initially, dry components are poured into the mixing equipment for the production of paving stones, and after mixing them, water is gradually added. In this case, it is recommended to first fill in half of the required sand and gravel, and then pour out the cement, mix and add the rest. In this case, the cement will not stick to the walls of the mixer.

Solution mixing mode.

Mixing the concrete mixture with added water should not be less than 15 minutes. The finished batch is poured into a trough or other similar container, and from there it is transported or loaded directly into molds.

Lubrication of molds.

The types of forms and their possible choice or making with your own hands were discussed above. Therefore, the process of filling them and compacting them on a vibrating table will be described here.

In order to make the finished tiles easier to remove after the mold has hardened, it is necessary to carry out pre-treatment. To do this, they are lubricated from the inside with light machine or vegetable oil. In extreme cases, it is permissible to use a thick soap solution.

If they let you financial resources, then you can buy it in stores special composition for lubrication. It will provide easier unmolding, but will require additional costs.

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To quickly fill molds, it is recommended to install a low table near the vibrating table. It will be possible to place forms on it and fill it there. This will reduce the amount cement mortar spilled onto the working vibrating surface.

The filling process can be done in three ways:

1. The concrete mixture, pre-painted throughout the entire volume, is poured into molds in one go, the surface is leveled with a spatula and placed on a vibrating table.
2. Initially, a colored solution is poured into a quarter of the volume, and the rest of the volume is filled with ordinary gray concrete.
3. The colored layer occupies approximately 15-20% of the volume, and between the colored and gray layers a reinforcing mesh or pieces of wire are placed to increase the strength of the products and better connection layers.

The first option will be the simplest technologically, but a concrete mixture with a large amount of dye may have reduced strength.

In the second case, pure concrete will act as a solid base, resulting in a stronger tile. In addition, the cost of purchasing dye is reduced. However, you will have to cook two at the same time different solutions– colored and gray, which complicates the production technology.

The third option allows you to get the strongest and most beautiful tiles, but it is even more difficult to implement. Ultimately, the choice of technology in this case depends only on you.

Methods for painting tiles

To obtain colored shades on the surface of paving slabs, four different methods are used:

1. The tiles are made of colored concrete throughout the entire volume;
2. The products are made of two layers, where the top layer of tiles is made of colored mortar, and the rest of the mass is made of ordinary gray concrete mixture;
3. Before pouring concrete into molds, their inner surface is coated with a water-based paint;
4. Superficial.

The most stable color in the manufacture of paving slabs can be obtained by using the first two methods, but they are quite expensive from a financial point of view. The fourth option allows you to save money, but the paint on the surface will be easily erased, as a result of which it will have to be repainted periodically.

Forms filled with concrete mixture on a vibrating table.

Placing filled forms on a vibrating platform

After the required number of forms has been filled, they are placed on the surface of the vibrating table. In this case, it is allowed to place the forms one on top of the other, but not more than in 2 rows.

Vibration treatment of paving slabs allows you to displace all the air and efficiently compact the concrete mixture.

If during the vibration process there is a strong subsidence of the solution, then you need to add it to the bowls that are not completely filled and level the surface with a spatula.

The strength and frost resistance of products, and, therefore, their durability, directly depend on the quality of compaction of the concrete mixture. Therefore, the vibration treatment process must continue for the required time. The exact duration depends on the oscillation frequency and engine power and is determined experimentally (on average it is 40-120 seconds).

Homemade vibrating table.

Concrete hardening process

After processing on the vibrating table, the completed forms must be transferred to a storage rack. The shelves of the rack must be able to withstand a large weight load, and the rack itself must be in the shade, excluding direct sunlight from hitting the surface.

The process of initial setting of concrete during the manufacture of paving slabs occurs in 12-18 hours, but complete hardening will end only after 72-96 hours, depending on the temperature and humidity. Only after this can you begin to remove products from the molds and store them.

Unmolding and further storage of finished products

Unmolding. The process of removing finished products from molds after the concrete has hardened is called demolding. It must be done carefully, trying not to damage the slabs and maintain the possibility reuse

forms If before pouring concrete internal surfaces

forms have been processed, then unmolding will not be so difficult, especially in the case of using soft models. If complications occur, treatment can be recommended outside forms with hot water. Plastic or silicone materials will expand from hot water

The removed tiles are stored on pallets, observing the dressing between the individual products when laying. The height of the stack on a pallet should not exceed 1.2 meters. This condition allows you to protect the tiles of the lower rows from destruction due to weight load.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is quite possible to make paving slabs with your own hands, since this technological process is not very complicated and does not require special knowledge from the performer.

Cost of making tiles yourself.

True for successful work you need to have equipment for the production of paving slabs such as a concrete mixer and a vibrating table, but you can buy, rent or make them yourself. The most important thing to obtain a high-quality result is strict adherence to technology and the use of high-quality raw materials.

Self-production of paving slabs gives the developer the following advantages:

• financial costs for landscaping a personal plot are reduced;
• it becomes possible to choose any shape and color of the material;
• you can prepare any amount of paving material;
• independent quality control of manufactured materials.

By laying homemade vibrocast tiles, each owner can fully express their Creative skills and arrange the site according to your taste and desire.

What are ceramic tiles and what are they made of?

Ceramic tiles are plates made of baked clay. Most often they are square and rectangular shapes, but can be made in the form of a complex geometric mosaic. It can be used to decorate walls and floors both indoors and outdoors.

1. Wear resistance is one of the most important qualities floor tiles, which characterizes the tile’s resistance to abrasion and ability to maintain appearance without changes. There is a PEI classification that includes five groups: PEI I - for walls in bathrooms, PEI II - for walls/floors in bedrooms, offices, bathrooms, PEI III is installed in any residential premises and in small offices that do not have a direct entrance from streets, PEI IV is suitable for any living rooms, as well as for covering stairs, halls, corridors, PEI V is used in both private and public interiors with above average traffic (offices, shops, cafes, restaurants). For places with heavy traffic (traffic), it is recommended to use unglazed porcelain tiles (airports, train stations, shopping centers).
2. Water absorption is the ratio of the mass of water absorbed by a sample during its complete immersion into water, to the mass of dry matter. The ratio is expressed as a percentage. The water absorption of glazed ceramic floor tiles should not exceed 3%, while tiles with a water absorption of more than 10% can only be used on indoor walls. The water absorption rate of tiles plays an important role when tiling pools. To do this, you need to use only special tiles, such as porcelain stoneware or clinker.
   
   
3. Frost resistance - the ability of tiles to resist temperature changes. The durability of ceramic tiles is determined by two parameters: the presence and number of pores. Double-fired tiles are quite porous and therefore not frost-resistant. And single-fired tiles with a water absorption of less than 3% are considered frost-resistant. Porcelain tiles, unlike ceramic tiles, have a minimum level of water absorption - less than 0.05%.
4. Cracking is the appearance of fine cracks in the enamel coating. This happens with low-quality or incorrectly selected tiles under the influence of sudden temperature changes. This defect is sometimes present on the tiles before installation. When tiles crack some time after installation, the cause may be improper installation of the tiles: the use of poor mortar or glue, or a layer of these materials that is too thick or thin.
5. Slip resistance is a characteristic that determines the ability of a surface to prevent an object placed on it from sliding. This property is a basic requirement for the safety of residential and industrial premises, as well as for external floor coverings. In bathhouses, saunas and swimming pools, ribbed tiles with grooves are usually laid.
6. Chemical resistance is a characteristic of tile enamel, reflecting its ability to withstand contact with acids, salts, household chemicals at room temperature. She must resist aggressive or mechanical impact these substances without undergoing external changes. Tiles can be protected by filling them with epoxy materials that are highly resistant to chemical attack.
7. Tone and caliber. Tone is the color saturation of the tile, which may slightly differ from the declared color. It is indicated on the packaging by a number or letter. Caliber is the actual size of the tile, which sometimes differs by a couple of millimeters from the nominal one. The caliber is indicated on the packaging next to the nominal size. During production, tiles are sorted into batches of the same size and tone with the tolerance for differences established by the standards.
   
   
8. Bending resistance. The higher it is, the lower the water absorption of the tile. Porcelain tiles have very high bending resistance, while porous tiles have lower ones.
9. Tensile strength - the level of possible load that the tile must withstand. It directly depends on its thickness. The ability to withstand loads is especially important for floor tiles. The tile covering should be able to withstand loads such as the weight of a person or furniture easily and not break.
10. Surface hardness is a characteristic that expresses the ability of a surface to be resistant to scratches and damage. Scratches are clearly visible on a shiny tile surface, but on a matte surface they are less noticeable.