Today, the range of flooring is simply huge, but everyone who intends to purchase the most unique option chooses metlakh tiles.
Its main advantage is that it is able to harmoniously fit into any stylistic design, but at the same time it will attract attention. Today we will consider the main features of this material, and also talk about the features of its installation, which are many.
Origin story
This flooring was invented by the Germans in the city of Metlach in the Middle Ages. Even then, the industrial production of small tiles was established, through which it was possible to form unique patterns of their kind, reminiscent of something remotely familiar to many mosaics.
Metlakh tiles
It is worth noting that the strength indicators of this finishing material are quite high, so many preferred it. Today it can act as a full-fledged competitor to porcelain stoneware. Nowadays, such tiles can be made in any design to order, so even the most demanding client will be able to achieve the desired result. Now it is one of the most expensive materials, perfect for finishing not only houses and apartments, but also public spaces. Despite the costs when buying a tile, it will pay off over time, as it can last for many years.
Metlakh tiles are strong and durable
Basic characteristics
To fully understand this issue, we first pay attention to colors, shapes and patterns. It is these criteria that contribute to such a widespread use of this finishing material. If we talk about modern analogues, then they are able to have a different size, as well as differ in any shade. Those that have a smooth matte and corrugated structure are in demand.
Modern metlakh tiles
The design can be pressed into the surface, which makes this tile unusual. If we consider individual fragments of the tile, then they can be from 3.5 to 15 centimeters, but no more. The most common shapes that are basic geometric shapes, that is, a triangle, rectangle and square. More complex options, which are polygons, can also be produced, but difficulties may arise at the stage of their laying.
Relief metlakh tiles
If you use different options, then it will not be possible to form a combined pattern in the floor area that attracts attention. You need to understand that this type of tile was invented when the church was much higher than kings and kings, so the aesthetic qualities of the material correspond to that era.
back to index ↑Technical features
Metlakh tiles are made today from porcelain masses using high-temperature sintering technology.It is possible to achieve good results largely due to the unusual nature of the initial mixture. It is noteworthy that for several centuries the Germans have successfully hidden the composition of the raw materials from which these tiles are made. As a result of baking under the influence of high temperatures, it is possible to achieve excellent strength characteristics. The overall density and abrasion resistance index increase. It is currently the hardest floor tile available and cannot be compared to other common materials in this category.
Metlakh tile is the most durable floor tile
It should be noted the high parameters of environmental cleanliness, since the composition contains strictly natural components. Even dyes and other additives of organic origin. This material is not afraid of excessive moisture, and water absorption does not exceed 4%. It is the dense sintering of all components of the raw mixture that makes it possible to achieve ultimate strength indicators. If properly installed, this tile can withstand enormous loads for hundreds of thousands of years.
Metlakh tiles withstand loads for hundreds of thousands of years
Also, she is not afraid of negative temperatures and exposure to chemical components. Designers often note the fact that the original color of the design of this finishing material remains in its original form for several centuries. Manufacturers manage to achieve such a result largely due to the unique painting technology of its kind. They do not use glaze and other effective components, but resort to coloring the entire body, and not just the upper front part. The peculiarity of the technology is that pigments are added to the raw mix even before baking. Even if the level of wear of this flooring is critical, this will not particularly affect its aesthetic qualities.
Metlakh tiles are resistant to chemical compounds
About the complexity of styling
It is known that all small types of tiles, including metlakh, are much more difficult to install than traditional larger tile counterparts. A large number of small objects is much more difficult to lay so that they eventually form a single plane. It is because of this circumstance that qualified specialists pay special attention to the stage of preparing the foundation. If you need to perform some kind of pattern, then you have to be much more careful about the matter, since there will be even more difficulties. We can safely say that the success of the work will depend largely on how well the preparatory stage of the work will be completed.
It is better to entrust the laying of metlakh tiles to specialists
At the initial stage, you should achieve maximum evenness of the base. It must be almost perfect, otherwise it will not be possible to lay the tiles properly. This type of tile is placed strictly under the comb, since otherwise it is simply impossible to attach fragments in a horizontal level. You also need to pay attention to ensure that there is no dust or debris on the surface of the base. It is advisable to use a high-quality primer, as it is necessary to achieve maximum adhesion to the floor surface. It will be necessary to make markup, otherwise it will not be possible to recreate a clear and accurate drawing. At the initial stage, you should determine the center of the room, and only after that draw the guide lines. Everything must be measured as accurately as possible. When a decision is made to install this floor material with a carpet, it is also necessary to identify the edges of the pattern. You can determine them by taking into account the size of the tiles used.
back to index ↑Why is pre-layout necessary?
This stage of the work is largely necessary in order to be able to determine the order of laying different fragments and to form a certain decor. It may take a lot of time to complete this work, but the result will be worth it.
You need to lay out the tiles without the use of an adhesive mixture. The main goal is to make sure that the markup is applied correctly, and that at the end of all stages of work you will get exactly the result that you originally wanted to achieve. The layout should be carried out taking into account all the nuances, for example, the thickness of the seam.
Preliminary layout of metlakh tiles
If, after laying out, you are satisfied with the result even after checking the symmetry of the arrangement of all tiles, then you can start laying metlakh tiles using the appropriate adhesive. It is not necessary to assemble the entire layout at once, since it is much more convenient to do this sequentially. You can shoot a couple of squares of material, and after laying them, move on in this way.
back to index ↑Important nuances
If we comprehensively consider the technical features of the installation of metlakh tiles, then there are no cardinal differences from the installation of ordinary tiles on the floor, however, given the size of this finishing material, we can compare this work with laying mosaics.
Laying metlakh tiles is similar to laying mosaics
It follows from this that a number of features will still be present and they will definitely have to be taken into account, since it simply will not work to achieve the desired result in another way. Initially, you need to make sure that the adhesive is applied in an exceptionally even layer, and for this you will have to use a notched trowel. It is through this tool that glue will be applied to each element in an even layer.
The adhesive is applied with a notched trowel
The base must first be puttied and devoid of any significant defects. The main thing is that the putty layer is as thin as possible, because otherwise it will not be possible to achieve high adhesion. Glue does not need to be applied in a thick layer, but simply smooth out all existing pores and this will be enough.
back to index ↑About leveling tiles in the plane of the horizon
This process is very complex and sensitive, so you will need to concentrate as much as possible. The main task will be to take into account different indicators of the thickness of the tiles and take this into account in the course of the work. The discrepancy will have to be compensated by changing the thickness of the adhesive layer. Many craftsmen resort to using a flat, wide board, with which you can press different sections of the mosaic if necessary. As a result, the protruding fragments of the finishing material can be immersed to the desired level in the adhesive mixture. It is also important to remember about the level of the floor, so it is unacceptable to put excessive pressure on the tiles, otherwise a recess in the floor may be formed. At the stage of this work, it should be ensured that the adhesive mixture is not on the front side of the floor for a long time, since it may not be possible to remove it in the future. Professionals recommend immediately during the work to remove excess glue with a dry cloth. It is because of this circumstance that it is required to immediately clean the joints between the tiles.
When laying it is very important not to put much pressure on the metlakh tile
As for the grouting stage, it is produced using the most common technology. The main thing is that the mixture used can completely fill the seam throughout the entire depth. You should also pay attention to the type of grout, since for metlakh tiles it is necessary to use unpigmented grout of gray or beige color. You also need to know how to properly care for this type of floor.In fact, this finishing material can be safely called unpretentious, since its technical characteristics are very high. This is an important advantage that cannot be ignored. You can safely use household chemicals with different concentrations without fear for the aesthetic qualities of the flooring. You can wash and clean the floors as you like and with anything at your discretion. In practice, you can use abrasive and other components to clean the floor, so no difficulties will arise in principle.
Metlakh tiles can be cleaned with any floor cleaner
Metlakh tile is an excellent material that is made almost according to the traditional scheme. Earlier we already talked about the fact that it is quite expensive, but it still makes sense to put up with the costs, since in the end you will get a floor covering that can last for several centuries, fully preserving its original appearance. Please note that this finishing material is produced and fired in special muffle-type furnaces. You can always choose the right color scheme and tiles of any shape. At the stage of laying this material, you need to be as careful as possible. If you make even the slightest mistake, then the evenness of the floor will be disturbed, and the service life of the finishing material will become shorter.
It is very important to follow the technology of laying metlakh tiles
The process of leveling the floor area is difficult, since in the case of laying metlakh tiles, it should be practically free of defects. All bends, doorways should be measured with high accuracy and the center of the room should be correctly marked. This is necessary in order to be able to mount the tiles properly. To make sure that all calculations are correct, you can carry out a preliminary layout of the tiled elements, as we have already talked about earlier.
The floor must be carefully leveled before laying the metlakh tiles.
Metlakh tile is positioned as an excellent finishing material, which is suitable for decorating the floor area. As a result, such a floor will harmoniously complement any interior and will attract attention, since it will be impossible not to look at the chic patterns. If in the course of the work two-color tiles of different sizes will be used, then the first step is to lay tiles of a larger size. It is important to understand that this material is mass-produced and each fragment has certain differences in height and width. The proper similarity can be achieved only by using the adhesive mixture in the right proportion. Places where the tiles are thinner need to be improved by increasing the amount of adhesive applied. Near the walls, you also need to perform similar operations in order to achieve the utmost similarity of the entire floor covering.
Floor with metlakh tiles will decorate any interior
After laying all the large elements, it will be possible to proceed with the installation of small parts. It is noteworthy that the seams can be different and, depending on the overall pattern, you need to adjust them in the range from zero to seven millimeters. Immediately after the adhesive mixture hardens, it will be possible to begin finishing the seams. Professionals agree that it is best to use non-pigmented grout at this stage. At the stage of laying such tiles, it is necessary to ensure the maximum accuracy of all work. The main thing is not to rush and do everything consistently. The tile is quite expensive, so you need to monitor its safety during operation. If you understand that you will not be able to properly perform this work on your own, then it makes sense to seek help from an experienced specialist.
Experts recommend using non-pigmented grout for metlakh tiles
Metlakh tile is a very beautiful and at the same time durable flooring material.This is an advantageous element at the stage of arrangement of any housing or public premises. Note that this material is quite easy to clean, and the implementation of this work will not take much time. If the tile is slightly dirty, it will be enough to simply rinse it in warm water with the addition of a small amount of vinegar to the solution. Any cleaner that is oriented towards cleaning floor coverings can be used. If washing will be done with an vinegar solution, then make sure that its amount does not exceed one hundred grams per liter. If you regularly clean the flooring with such a mixture, then this will allow you to maintain it in its original form for many years. Some use tile floor cleaners and other products for cleaning sinks and bathrooms. Often such tiles are cleaned with a cork lubricated with paraffin.
To care for metlakh tiles, you can use any cleaning agent.
As mentioned earlier, there are no secrets to laying this material. It is necessary to carefully prepare the base and check that at the time of laying it does not have any contamination. Small pores on the base surface are allowed, as they will eventually simply be filled with adhesive and provide higher adhesion. If the work will be done with a small tile, then you should especially carefully monitor the level. Tiled elements may differ slightly from the declared dimensions and this circumstance must also be taken into account. If you correctly calculate the thickness of the seams and glue, then it will not be difficult to maintain the ideal level. The larger the tile, the easier it will be to work with. If you have never encountered such work before, then it makes sense to entrust its execution to qualified specialists. The cost of this finishing material is quite high, so it is not advisable to take risks, because you can damage it and face considerable additional investment. Today, many companies provide services for laying metlakh tiles at a bargain price.
Entrust the laying of metlakh tiles with a complex pattern to specialists
As for stylistic and interior solutions, here everyone can choose the option that they like more than others. As a rule, floor finishing is carried out at the initial stage of repair, so it is tiles that can set ideas for further decorating the room. This material has excellent strength characteristics and is able to serve for hundreds of years. You can buy it in hardware stores in major cities or in online stores. The cost may depend on the manufacturer, size and type of finish of this product. It is much more convenient to use a large tile without a pattern, which will then need to be combined. In general, the laying technology here is common and no different, but all the nuances must be treated with full responsibility. If at the layout stage you were not satisfied with the result, then do not start gluing the tiles, because otherwise the result will not satisfy you even after completing all the work. Make sure that the seams are matched correctly, and the markings are applied with due precision. If all these little things are observed, it will be possible to create a high-quality and bright floor covering that will last for hundreds of years. We hope this article has helped you to fully understand what Metlakh tiles are and how to lay them.
back to index ↑Photo gallery - metlakh tiles
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