Granite tile deservedly enjoys great popularity. It is one of the most practical, durable, versatile and aesthetic building materials of natural origin.
Application
Granite tiles are used in various fields due to their qualities:
- for cladding facades of houses, walls, stairs;
- decoration of flowerbeds and fountains;
- pavement laying;
- decorating fireplaces, countertops;
- creating floor coverings or individual decorative elements;
- granite bathroom tiling.
To obtain the required texture, various methods of surface treatment are used. The tile, polished to a mirror finish, is perfect for cladding and decoration. And laying granite paving slabs with a polished surface is a great option for decorating pedestrian paths.
Material advantages
Granite tiles, which can be laid both independently and with the help of professionals, have many advantages. Granite is very durable,wear-resistant and resistant to many negative factors material. Because the tiles made of this stone are different:
- high strength, including impact resistance, which is important for sidewalks and floors;
- durability, because granite tends not to collapse for many decades;
- weather resistant (outdoor granite tiles can retain their attractive original appearance for many years);
- wonderful decorative qualities, variety of colors and textures.
In addition, granite tiles are considered a versatile finishing material, practical and in demand in many construction areas.
The undoubted advantage of using granite products in cladding is that the material is not afraid of washing with various chemicals, and also does not absorb dirt. In order for a granite floor or other surface to last for many years and not lose its original appearance, it is recommended to use special polishes, stone impregnations, etc. for maintenance. In addition, it is possible to restore paving or other granite tiles, in which the surface is re-sanded, cracks and chips are masked, and covered with a protective layer.
Material imperfections
The main disadvantage of this material is that the minimum plate thickness is 20 mm. And this means that they have a fairly large weight, because of which:
- the cost of transporting building materials is higher;
- vertical surface cladding requires more consumables;
- Laying such tiles on the floor exerts a heavy load on the supporting structure, which must be taken into account.
Varieties of material
For the classification of granite tiles, GOST 9480-89 is used, which describes all types of stone texture and the main features of its processing. As a rule, depending on the surface treatment, five types of this material are distinguished:
- Polished granite slabs, characterized by a mirror surface and a well-developed natural stone pattern.
- Glossed, which, like polished products, have a surface with a perfectly visible pattern and color of granite, but they do not have a shine.
- Sawn granite slabs with uneven cavities imitating natural splits and damage to stone.
- Heat-treated granite slabs, the surface of which is treated with a high-temperature gas jet, due to which the surface acquires roughness and peeling marks. Due to this treatment, the material is very practical for laying outdoors, so it is not too slippery in winter.
- Bush-hammered, which have a more uniform rough surface. It was specially damaged with small drops in depth.
All types of surface treatment of granite slabs are primarily aimed at making the pattern of the stone more noticeable. A different texture adds functionality and aesthetics. For example, roughThe surface is ideal for outdoors or flooring as it is non-slip. Slabs that simulate damage add visual volume to the walls. The cost of granite tiles varies depending on the processing method and the rarity of the type of granite.
Granite tiles: sizes
Standard tiles are:
- 300 x 300mm;
- 300 x 400mm;
- 300 x 500mm;
- 300 x 600mm;
- 400 x 400mm;
- 400 x 500mm;
- 400 x 600 mm.
In addition to standard sizes, manufacturers custom-made slabs of various sizes or make them with figured ends or rounded corners.
Laying
For high-quality laying of granite tiles, you will need special tools and tools that are available in the arsenal of almost all qualified tilers. The installation is carried out in several stages:
- the necessary preparatory work is being carried out, in which the surface is cleaned of old finishing materials, leveled and covered with a primer layer;
- Adhesive composition is applied to the surface of the area to be lined;
- granite tiles are laid;
- seams are frayed.
It should be remembered that granite tiles are quite heavy, so laying it alone is very difficult. Do not overestimate your strength and try to bridge it yourself, as there is a risk of spoiling expensive material.
It is also important to prevent education undergranite slabs of voids. Otherwise, some elements may simply come off, and the floor or walls will have to be repaired.
