Ceramic tiles

What should I take into consideration when buying ceramic tiles?

When deciding to buy ceramic tiles, one should take into consideration several aspects. First of all, it is recommended to consider the aesthetic and technological aspects of the tiles.
Then, one should determine the conditions in which the tiles will be used (inside or outside the building, traffic etc.)
 The ordered amount of tiles should be ca. 10% higher than the surface to be covered, in order to have material from the same party in case of any defects

How to calculate the required amount of tiles?

After determining, what tiles we wish to use, we should calculate how many of them are needed. The starting point is the measurement of the surface (in square meters) which is to be covered with tiles. In order to properly calculate the number of required square meters of tiles, the following should be considered:
the method of laying – with or without welding – and the width and placement of weldings,
losses that may occur while drilling or cutting the tiles, the fact that some part of the tiles may be defective (even for highest quality tiles),
leaving some amount of spare tiles (for possible later repairs). Tiles bought later, which come from a different party, may have a different shade.

Experience shows, that on the average, one should buy ca. 10% more tiles than calculated by measuring the surface to be covered.
sample calculation:
Side A - 2m
Side B - 3 m
Side C- 2 m
Side D - 1 m
Taking into consideration the above mentioned factors, we add 10% and the result is ca. 8,8 m2. So, this is the amount of tiles that are required to avoid the situation when there are insufficient tiles.
Surface = (BxC) + (AxD) = (3x2) + (2x1) = 8 m2

What are the differences between glazed and polished porcelain tiles?

There are many differences:
Extremely hard porcelain tiles are divided into technical, decorated and glazed tiles.
Technical and decorated porcelain tiles are tiles, which are produced from a homogenous mass on the whole cross-section (thanks to different production processes they have different designs).
technical and decorated porcelain tiles come in two versions: satinato (matte) and polished (their surface is polished)
On the other hand, glazed porcelain tiles consist of a basis which is the same as for technical porcelain tiles, and, additionally, a glazed surface such as in ceramic tiles.

What is the role of joint?

Tiles are non-elastic material, so the joint is a kind of a security valve for them (it prevents the tiles from breaking). The joint emphasizes the divisions, attracts attention to the shape, pattern and surface. Its colour may influence the perception of floor colour, by attracting attention to the colour and surface of the tiles, blurring it or adding a different shade. It is also possible not to use joints and to fix the tiles (of specially designed kind) without weldings. Then, the tiles will create a uniform surface without any divisions. It is a good solution for kitchens and halls, where the joints get dirty and it is difficult to keep them clean at all times.