Among the huge variety of tile materials, Metlakh tiles occupy a special place. If you are looking for a unique floor or wall covering, capable of decorating almost any style of interior, Metax tiles or its imitation are exactly what you need.

History of creation

Mettlakh ceramic tiles were named after the German city of Mettlach, where they began to produce this material in the 19th century. finishing material. At first, the ceramics manufacturing company was called Villeroy & Boch, when these two names, having opened a family business, created a partnership with the board in Mettlach. Metlakh tiles quickly became a household name thanks to original design and unique strength.

Tiles were especially popular in the Victorian era; it was not for nothing that they were then called “Victorian tiles” and were used to cover the floors of cathedrals, public buildings and private residences. Coverings from Metlakha were also brought during the construction of the famous Titanic, and are also present in the decoration of many architectural monuments to this day.

At the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century trademark Villeroy & Boch became a supplier of ceramics to the Russian imperial court.

This finishing material was especially actively used in St. Petersburg, where at the beginning of the 20th century there was even a specialized store of this German company on Nevsky Prospekt. Visual confirmation technical properties of this tile are vintage interiors historical buildings northern capital– in the decoration of St. Petersburg palaces this particular finishing material was often used, which decorated not only interior interiors, but also picturesque front doors.

In our country, the peak of popularity of Metlakh ceramics occurred in the second half of the twentieth century, when it was used in the construction of multi-story residential buildings and cladding plinths.

Currently, Metlakh tiles are produced in several countries (most factories are located in France and Portugal), including tiles and Russian production(EuroCeramics plant).

The French plant “Winckelmans” is one of the oldest, which still operates to this day. It is here that ancient techniques have been preserved. By adding modern design ideas, the company’s specialists create a unique “piece” product, which has such characteristics as reliability, impeccable quality, natural texture, the most natural shades and patterns, as well as a pleasant matte shine.

Peculiarities

Main material for the manufacture of Metlakh tiles - refractory clay. Factories are located, as a rule, in clay mining areas, in Russia this is the Dmitrovsky quarry. Metlach is the hardest tile compared to others. Even after a fall or impact, there will be no scratches or chips on it, because such material can withstand pressure from 3200 to 5550 kg.

In fact, Metlakh tiles are endowed with all the properties natural stone– withstands heat and frost, and is absolutely acid-resistant.

The peculiarity of the design of such tiles is the use of a unique decorative technique “brooms”, when the tile is first painted with a natural pigment, and only then it is sent to the oven to be fired at a temperature of about 1100-1200 ° C. The result is a durable tile of a natural shade. It is thanks to firing and pressing that the ceramic coating acquires high performance characteristics, In terms of strength, it is not inferior even to porcelain stoneware.

This monolithic and durable coating is used not only in apartments, but also for finishing facades, terraces or paths in front of the house.

Sizes and shapes

Metlakh tiles are usually small in size, about 10x10 cm, although there are a variety of shapes and appearances. Sizes can vary from 3.5 to 20 cm. At the same time, the shapes of the tiles can be completely different - these are squares, rectangles, crosses, triangles, octagons. There are also additional decorative elements for decoration of floors and walls.

Most often, tiles of different sizes are used within the same composition. First, a pattern is laid out from large tiles, and then from small ones. Since the thickness of the tiles varies, when laying, make sure that the ceramic surface is at the same level.

And be sure to make a drawing on the surface: to avoid mistakes during installation, you will need special markings.

Advantages of Metlakh ceramics

Metlakh ceramics have many features and advantages over other finishing materials:

• Versatility(tiles are used both in the interior decoration of floors and walls in the house, and for terraces and paths in front of the house, as well as public buildings).
• Original design(many shapes and patterns will help create a unique pattern “not like everyone else”).
• Natural composition made of high-strength clay, as well as its environmental friendliness.
• Hardness and strength(it is very difficult to damage brooms, and even if you drive a car over the tiles, they will not crack).

• Durability(the service life can be not only decades, but also centuries, which has been proven in practice), and the color does not fade over time. This is achieved by impregnating the tiles with pigments, when after firing the product becomes even more monolithic.
• Wear resistance(resistance to humidity and temperature changes, therefore suitable for exterior decoration, whether it is hot, snowy, wind or rain outside).
• Defence from chemical exposure cleaning agents, acids and alkalis.

Of the minuses, we only note the complexity of installation, problems with cutting and the fact that creating a competent drawing yourself without professional designer it will be very difficult.

Design features. Interior use options

Of course, not everyone will “understand” Metlakh tiles. This must be a person with artistic thinking, because you need to have mature taste in order to choose an interior with complex ornaments. The use of such ceramics is acceptable in both modern and vintage interiors. Ethnic and oriental themes go well with such tiles.

Metlakh tiles will help create a decorative accent in the room - for example, make a plain floor and decorate it with elegant skirting boards.

This coating is suitable for decorating a bathroom, as it does not slip and does not absorb moisture. You can also use broom to make a luxurious carpet for a living room or spacious kitchen. A rather unusual but effective technique would be a decorative panel made of broomsticks on the wall.

Also, small-sized Metlakh tiles will fit perfectly into the interior of a kitchen of any design - with the help of such ceramics you can decorate a kitchen apron or work surface.

Mettlah is also suitable for decorating terraces in front of the house, because it is not afraid of snow, rain or frost. And with the help of rounded elements you can effectively design steps on stairs. A great idea would be to tile the fireplace, as well as the area in front of it, with such tiles. You can even regular doors decorate the perimeter with broom tiles in the form of a mosaic.

Agree, such a finishing material is truly a godsend for the designer. Metlakh tiles can be used literally anywhere.

Choosing the color and size of Metlakh tiles

Modern collections of Metlakh tiles offer a huge variety of shades and patterns. It's not so easy to settle on something without the help of a professional designer.

Therefore, use the following useful tips:

• Larger tiles in non-marking shades are suitable for lining paths.
• To decorate the interior of the room, use medium-sized tiles in beige and pastel shades. This will visually enlarge the room and add space.
• When choosing tiles, take into account the lighting in the room, because artificial light sources can change the shade of the coating. For example, under yellow lamp blue tiles will appear greenish.
• To emphasize the pattern of Metlakh tiles on the floor, lay them around the perimeter flooring uniform tiles without a pattern, which will add an interesting accent to the interior.

Metlach is a decorative technique that can add artistry to the interior, become a spectacular accent of the room, not only aesthetically pleasing, but also completely practical solution for street areas. We learned from the founder of the Faktura studio, designer Ekaterina Lovyagina, in which interiors and in combination with what materials Metlakh tiles will reveal themselves in all their glory, and why they are not suitable for everyone.

Metlah is different from other species ceramic tiles in that it is painted before firing: natural pigment is added to the mixture, then it is shaped and sent to the oven. As a result, the color turns out more natural, “honest”. The design is applied to the tile in two ways: either by a method reminiscent of cloisonne enamel (the form is immersed in a die and another pigment is poured into it), or by a more accessible technique like silk-screen printing.

The video below shows how a French factory produces brooms.

Typically, broom shapes are geometrically simple and regular - multi-format squares, rectangles, triangles, hexagons and octagons, crosses, “candies” (in addition, the palette includes details for decorating steps, baseboards, sides and corners). When joining tiles different forms And different colors The result is stacked carpets. The number of possible patterns can hardly be counted.

3 facts about Metlakh tiles

Thanks to firing at high temperature(at least 1200 °C) brooms have high strength. It is resistant to moisture, natural acids, high and low temperatures. Therefore, the material can be safely used in residential and public buildings, as well as outdoors.

Tile sizes vary from 3.5 to 20 cm (length of one side). The smallest element is a triangle 3.5x3.5x5 cm, the largest is a square 20x20 cm.

The color of the broom is determined by natural pigments that are added to the clay mass. In the 2015 catalog of the French brand Winckelmans, the main palette includes 16 colors. Plus, the collection contains several patterns.

We asked designer Ekaterina Lovyagina from, who uses this material in almost every project, to talk about the features of using Metlakh tiles in the interior.

The material is not for everyone

Metlakh tiles are not suitable for everyone. It is a rather bold decorative technique that allows you to achieve the so-called wow effect and add artistry to the interior. To live in an interior with ornaments, you need to have mature taste. This is the choice of an educated, accomplished person who understands how the material will manifest itself in the space of the house, because he has already seen similar solutions while traveling.

Private interior country house. Project by Svetlana Galfayan and Marina Volkova

For what interiors?

The use of Metlakh tiles is acceptable wherever we like to see some kind of geometry. It could be modern interior with graphic patterns (zigzags, herringbone, squares), and historical European classics with English carpets, medieval castle ornaments. It's great to create with brooms oriental interiors- in general, any ethnicity. Unless we are unlikely to use it in completely minimalist interiors, although even in this case we can take tiles gray and line the wall with it - it will turn out beautifully and delicately.

Today, Metlakh tiles are a decorative accent; they do not create any tense atmosphere around them. On the contrary, if we strive to somehow express a room, we decorate it with a pattern. And if we want to move a person’s gaze from the floor to the walls, then we can make the central plane - the floor - dark and empty, and go out to the elegant ones through a frieze and plinth made of broom.

In which areas is it best to use?

Metlach is also ideal for the bathroom, as it does not absorb moisture and does not slip.

In my decorating practice I love and often make beautiful rich carpets, mainly for spacious halls, living rooms, and large kitchens.

A non-standard move would be to use tiles in the corridor as decorative panel all over the wall.

Apartment in Paris, designed by architect and decorator Alirez Razavi

Due to their high strength and wear resistance, brooms are perfect for decorating kitchen aprons and work surfaces.

Metlach is suitable for outdoor terraces, as it withstands rain and dirt, snow and frost.

The broom has special rounded elements on the steps, which allow you to form very beautiful stairs. In my projects I regularly create decorative risers from broomstick.

Metlakh tiles are suitable as external cladding fireplaces. And if it’s a potbelly stove that lags behind the wall, then with the help of a broom you can create an apron-heat breaker behind the fireplace and lay out an area in front of the fireplace.

We can make baseboards from broom - no problem. If a person has ordinary doorways, but wants to achieve decorativeness, you can put a mosaic strip of broom around the perimeter of the door frame.

What materials can it be combined with?

Brooms interact best with natural materials - stone, wood, including thin parquet. In one house, I joined three trees in the hall - from the living room, the kitchen and the staircase, and in the middle I placed a beautiful broom carpet, above which I hung a lamp. It is closed on all sides except the bottom - the lamp effectively illuminates only the carpet.

Interior of a private house in Krasnodar. Project by Ekaterina Lovyagina

Which brand of broom should I use?

Today there are few traditional factories for the production of metlakh tiles left. One of these factories is Winckelmans in France, operating since 1894. Its official representative in Russia is the Greta Wulf company. We have been working with them for more than 10 years. When a client comes to us, we first show him a large book of patterns from Greta Wolf. This is a kind of rubricator, which presents the key patterns characteristic of each style. Then, based on these graphic diagrams, we assemble color scheme. You can view some samples of Metlakh tiles available in the Faktura studio here.

It is curious and paradoxical, but even a professional environment can give rise to “segmented” laymen. Most tilers (and even good ones!) are confident not only in their own skill, but also in their theoretical knowledge, which includes, among other things, an understanding of ceramic classification. Ask any craftsman if he knows about Metlakh tiles. The answer, most likely, will be a puzzled look: “Who do you take me for?”

Meanwhile, by provoking you to go deeper into details, you can run into the exposure of a blatant gap in this area. In fact, even many experts know quite little about Metlakh tiles. Perhaps this is forgivable. Today, “metlah” is an alternative to popular solutions: the usual tiles and relatively young porcelain stoneware. True connoisseurs are increasingly giving preference to the brightest representative of more than one era. But there were times when factories and palaces were “paved” with Metlakh tiles...

However, the story is rounded. The example of Metlakh tiles is very clear in this sense. The technology of its production has been developed and lost over the centuries, restored and again faded into oblivion. Today there are many manufacturers specializing in tiles that have survived more than one mass “sclerosis.” It is quite possible to expect another similar mass reincarnation of the “broom” in the minds and abodes of Russians. Therefore, both tilers and consumers would do well to familiarize themselves with the history and technological nuances a wonderful example of ceramic art and craft.

A little history

Roots of the name

Why exactly “metlakh”? The history of the origin of the name is akin to the history of the naming of the copier - the Russian-language historical version. Similar to the case of the photocopier, the name of which migrated from the name of the company that first launched it on the market, Metlakh tiles received their name thanks to German city Mettlach, where the Villeroy & Boch factory started producing tiles.

In fact, Russia also had its own production facilities that produced “brooms.” But at that time, the attitude towards foreign products was reminiscent of the attitude towards those in the USSR in the Brezhnev and post-Brezhnev era. And since imported Metlakh tiles were supplied to Russia mainly by the indicated company, the name turned out to be appropriate.

If you think that only our ancestors “suffered” from confusion in this regard, you are very mistaken. Today, “broom” is the name given to anything that resembles the “carpet” original. Here we will digress a little from history and remind you that the visual distinctive feature of Metlakh tiles is their small format and diversity - countless compositions are built from small-sized ceramics of completely different formats and shades, achieving similarity with the best examples of carpet products.

So, it was precisely this visual nuance that became the reason for not bothering oneself and calling any tile of a similar design “metlakh”. Very often, cement tiles are included in this category. Indeed, this material is very similar to the original, but the desire to European manufacturers fifties of the 19th century to reduce the cost of Metlakh ceramics, which was gaining popularity.

Sometimes clinker suddenly becomes a “broom”. It happens that they “call” any large mosaic made from colored clays. Less often, but it also happens - ceramics with color printing applied to the canvas also become the object of tile “mythology”. Here it is appropriate to clarify what falls under the definition of “metlakh tiles”:

• ceramic tile;
• plate not covered with glaze;
• has a very low water absorption coefficient;
• made using high temperature firing;
• tonally homogeneous - the tile is completely, to the entire depth, painted with one color.

In order for ceramics to be classified as “metlakh”, all the described characteristics must be present. Therefore, if in houses built during the Soviet period, someone shows you glazed ornamental tiles in the 20x20 format, which were very common in that period, calling it Metlakh, know that this is another victim of myths.

With a shovel of research we will turn up the layers of history

We doubt that you will be interested in a dissertation on the topic, because the roots of “broom” go back to the ancient Roman and Greek eras. Already there you can find a prototype of what has become a successful find in tile stores today.

As for the period closer to modern times, here the history of Metlakh tiles branches out. In Great Britain, both in the mid-19th century and today, the industry leader is the Minton company. America today can no longer boast of manufacturers (the Great Depression “killed” all the tile manufacturers of that time), but 150 years ago the leading company had about 20 thousand employees! This is three times more than that of the already familiar German company Villeroy & Boch. The latter, by the way, is still doing well.

And again a small digression. We are not the only ones who have become victims of naming nonsense. Our Western “colleagues”-consumers are no less mistaken than we are - they call Metlakh tiles “encaustic tile”. This is because “encaustic” literally means “scorched”, and in the Victorian era - another period of restoration of lost technologies - the ancestors of our foreign brothers decided that even more ancient craftsmen burned the image onto the tiles.

It’s not for nothing that we made it short historical excursion. It will help get rid of misconceptions regarding Metlakh tiles. Next, let's talk about the characteristics of this ceramics.

Characteristics of Metlakh tiles

Despite a certain oblivion, Metlakh tiles are famous and are still in high demand in some circles. Of course, this would not have happened if this ceramics had not had excellent technical characteristics. Indeed, “metlah” is in many ways similar to ceramic granite, which has earned popularity due to its performance qualities. Below you can familiarize yourself with the advantages of good old ceramics from one of the companies in an organized format.

• Water absorption – 0.1-0.5%. Despite the fact that European standards allow for such tiles a coefficient of up to 0.6%.
• Hardness. The parameter is determined on a ten-point Mohs scale. “Metlah” takes seventh position (and, again, the norm is 6). Note that the highest hardness is given to the tenth line, and we are talking about assessing materials in general, and not strictly ceramics. By the way, there is a diamond at the very top, so seventh place is impressive.
• Frost resistance. The tiles can withstand up to fifty cycles of transition from sub-zero to positive temperatures (-15 – +20). This indicator corresponds to European standards. Such a high figure was made possible due to the density of the tiles and its, as a consequence, low water absorption.
• Chemical resistance. According to the standards, the reaction with active substances should not cause a change in the weight of the product by more than 1%. In the case of Metlakh tiles, we observe weight fluctuations within 0.2%.
• Flexural strength. Standards require the ability to withstand loads of up to 250 kgf per cm². The plates can withstand from 380 to 450 kgf per cm².
• Pressure resistance. The norm is more than 1500 kgf per cm². Fact – 3200 to 5500 kgf per cm².

In addition, or rather, precisely thanks to the described characteristics, Metlakh tiles are a heat-resistant material that is resistant to potholes and scratches. Let us remember the homogeneity of the product - this quality determines its immunity to abrasion. Crowds of human feet are not able to wear ceramics down to a state of unusability over a reasonable period of use.

It is curious that the Metlakh tiles, which were laid in churches in the Middle Ages (and then, mainly, religious institutions were decorated with ceramics of this type) in many places have still retained acceptable quality. True, the “brooms”, which were produced in the 19th century, no longer had such parameters - the production technology was deliberately simplified (and the tiles, accordingly, became cheaper), and along with this came a decrease in the properties of the ceramics. But even so, the tiles were able to last for many decades. Modern tiles are not inferior to their predecessors.

Metlakh tiles owe their impressive characteristics to the high-quality refractory clays from which they are produced and the high firing temperature (about 1200 degrees). Summarizing the properties of the plates, we note that for the consumer they result in the ability to use facing material for both internal and external cladding, both for laying on walls and for decorating floors. Most often, Metlakh tiles are used as flooring.

The sizes of the slabs vary from 3 to 20 cm. In this range you can find a variety of formats and shades, allowing you to create intricate compositional illustrations. The range of Metlakh tiles includes not only banal rectangular ceramics, but also polygons. All this serves a wealth of possibilities for laying colorful ornamental “carpets”. These “brooms” conquered many generations. For registration non-standard places there are additional elements: corners, sides, baseboards...

Calculation and installation

We will not touch upon the general principles of cladding. Let’s touch on the nuances of laying Metlakh tiles directly.

• This type of ceramic is not characterized by ideal uniformity of tones and sizes, so before cladding it is recommended to “shuffle” the slabs to avoid spotting of the final coating.
• Facing with Metlakh tiles is not an easy process and requires high qualifications. The problem is caused by the very essence of the tile, which, from a decorative point of view, must form mosaic panel. Of course, you can get by with monocolor, but in this case, only the technical part remains of the tile. In order for the installation to correspond to the idea, you must first make a “dry” layout of the tiles. An accurate calculation will help to avoid discrepancies with the project.
• If the floor contour does not have right angles, it is advisable (and if there is a significant departure from 90 degrees, it is mandatory) to “walk” along the perimeter of the floor rectangular tiles. Usually this is a tile 15x15 or 10x10 cm.
• The calculation should take into account seams, the width of which varies between 1-7 mm. The size of the joints is determined based on the size of the tile.
• The usual situation is a combination of large and small tiles. It is correct to start laying with larger tiles.
• Metlakh tiles are not an option that can be worked with on an unprepared base. The surface must be leveled; without this, preliminary layout is impossible and the laying of small items is very inconvenient.
• A fugue of neutral shades is better suited for grouting. Not all putties are suitable for wide joints, so if the composition involves voluminous joints, check this point with the seller.
• The presence of a range of auxiliary elements in the assortment of broom manufacturers expands the possibilities, but complicates the cladding. It must be remembered that each of these components must be in its place. So, for example, corner borders, of course, must be in the corners. However, the dimensions of the room are fixed, which forces you to more accurately calculate the layout - you should be happy with the result, and not regret the resulting miniature trim or overly stretched seams.

Perhaps you will never become involved in the “Metlakh” issue. Maybe, on the contrary, you are purposefully looking for your encaustic tile. Be that as it may, in the end I would like to recommend combining the tiles beloved by our ancestors with technologically advanced ceramic products of our time. Porcelain stoneware and clinker are especially good for interior or exterior companionship. The first resembles “broomsticks” in terms of technical characteristics, the second - not only in operational properties, but also visually. The combination of heritage from different eras, with a trained eye and skillful hands, leads to excellent design results.

Metlakh tiles have gained recognition and spread throughout the world because of their unique beauty, amazing reliability and durability. The first copy of this tile was produced 125 years ago. Nevertheless, even today it is in the forefront of demand decorative materials, while the most popular is Metlakh floor tiles, although tiles are also produced for wall decoration. The question is open: how can such ancient production methods compete with modern building materials? Let's discuss this.

But before discussing, look at the photo of Metlakh tiles, this is exactly what they are traditional look in the minds of the consumer, shabby and “heavy”, but in reality the tiles can be different.

The “pie” of Metlakh tiles looks exactly like this; texture and texture will appear during the production process
The heyday of the popularity of this material occurred in the mid-19th century, when the era of industrialization was gaining momentum. Tiles became one of the characteristic features of retrospectivism in the Victorian style. Thanks to their unprecedented strength at that time, combined with a picturesque view, Metlakh floor tiles adorned large and small palaces, theaters, train stations, and factories. Medieval Metlakh tiles are considered antiques and are carefully preserved during the dismantling and restoration of buildings. Restoration of tiles is generally not used, primarily due to the high cost of reconstruction. Mostly professionally made replicas are used.

Now these ancient examples surprise visitors historical places, for example, the Bolshoi Theater, Cologne Cathedral, etc. Metlach tiles were found even on the infamous Titanic, which, as you know, was a very luxuriously decorated sea vessel.

This Metlakh ceramic tile lay on the ocean floor along with the ship that destroyed the iceberg

Interesting fact: this tile got its name from the city of Mettlach in Germany, where its large-scale production was first organized. The origin of Metlakh tiles is clearly connected not with the production method, but with the name of the place where production began. In the south of France there are preserved places in which there is a Metlakh spirit, where the material is made traditional way. Today these small enterprises are visited by tourists. This is the story of this material, which is not interrupted even after years.

By the way, in Soviet industrial buildings you can still find tiles that were supplied from abroad and they also have historical value. Such old material would be suitable for sale to clients as a historical artifact.

The official website of Metlakh tiles is not an original source; in general, these are businessmen who bought domain names and therefore can sell you not only original tiles, but also imitations (tiles similar to Metlakh tiles) and outright fakes. This situation is similar both for our country and for the whole world of domain names. Therefore, we do not recommend making a choice only if the domain name of the site uses the name of Metlakh tiles or has a similar look to official representative. Manufacturers of Metlakh tiles do not follow this story, and there is no such prohibition at the legislative level. It is unknown how many such counterfeits there are on the world ceramics market. Therefore do right choice Buyers must use their own knowledge and, of course, read reviews about this or that seller.

Areas of application

The main area of ​​use of tiles is the decoration of public places and large private properties. In terms of quality parameters, Metlakh tiles are similar to modern unglazed porcelain tiles, but in terms of aesthetics they have been significantly superior to them for a long time. The variety of patterns, colors and reliefs can make an ordinary house piece of art.

Metlakh floor tiles change the look of the interior for the better

Most often, this material is used for flooring, since the strength of the tiles ensures a long period of operation without visible wear. In any setting, Metlakh tiles create creative sensations and unique images. Its strength is almost transcendental. The tile is indifferent to moisture and temperature fluctuations, so it is successfully used in the bathroom and kitchen. It traps street dirt in hallways. When facing the veranda and porch of a private house, it is not afraid of frost, snow, heat and mechanical stress. Thanks to the many colors, tiles have even found use in furniture decor.

Manufacturing methods

Despite the rapid growth of technology and capabilities, manufacturing methods remain the same. The basis for the production of tiles is a special type of high-strength clay. First, the molding process takes place, then a layer of glaze is applied to the workpieces, followed by firing in ovens at a temperature of 125–140 degrees. During heat treatment, clay and glaze are firmly sintered. Thus, according to the production method, it can be called Metlakh ceramic tiles, and GOST is most often assigned 6787 2001.

Photo of Metlakh tiles in the interior

The finished tiles have greater wear resistance, long term service, resistance to caustic chemicals. Such properties make it possible to successfully use Metlakh tiles in in public places with high traffic. Incredibly, for 150 years the manufacturing method has not been changed in anything except increasing color range, number of patterns and designs. In a word, the previous advantages of the material have only intensified.

Many craftsmen today show a deep interest in the original tile making recipes used during the reign of Queen Victoria. Nowadays, such material is used in the reconstruction of historical places.

After production, the tiles are packaged in characteristic terracotta-colored boxes, and the average weight is about 12 kg. I would like to note that initially it was used for packaging tiles. wooden box, but then cardboard almost completely replaced this method.

Classification

It has already been noted that real tiles are comparable to porcelain stoneware. But the difference lies in the variety of shapes and colors. The dimensions of the sides of the material vary from 3 to 14.5 cm. The style of traditional options is triangle, square, hexagon and even octagon. According to manufacturing methods, tiles are cast, pressed and produced by extrusion. Based on their structure, ceramics are divided into coarse (with a granular surface) and fine (with a uniform texture). But the main classification is based on the degree of wear of the tile and allows it to be divided into four groups.

The main sizes of Metlakh tiles are: 100x100, 200x200. For example, modern Metlakh floor tiles with markings on the manufacturer’s box 200x200x8 have a size of 20 cm and a thickness of 0.8. For outdoor use, you need to use tiles whose thickness can withstand temperature changes.

Metlakh tiles, the sizes of which differ from each other, create a module

Strength classes

Metlakh floor tiles are durable enough to be used in corridors and on the entrance staircase

• The first one is the most fragile. It is used only in private premises, in rooms remote deep into the house. You cannot walk on it in shoes other than soft, homemade ones. The wall of the building can be primarily decorated with such material.
• The second class is more resistant to wear. Found application indoors in places with moderate traffic, but without direct access from the outside. It is used in hospital wards, kindergartens, and bathrooms.
• The third class has high strength. Suitable for interior spaces, such as the kitchen, hallway. This tile does not wear out, is durable, and retains its bright colors for many years.
• The fourth is with the highest strength threshold. Such tiles are resistant to damage, heavy loads and caustic environments. Used in public places with high traffic, such as banks, shops, theaters. It is also used for laying terraces and garages of private houses.

Characteristics

Metlakh tiles have properties characteristic only of them:

• Color constancy. The coloring pigment is evenly distributed over the surface of the tile.
• Long service life. Resists any destructive factors.
• Endurance - this type of ceramic is resistant to wind and frost. It is not subject to destruction upon contact with alkalis, acids and other chemical media.
• Strength. It has extraordinary hardness, ensuring resistance to high pressure.
• Versatility. The scope of tiles as floor coverings is wide. It is also installed indoors for various purposes, and on the street. In addition, a wide range of colors and shades makes it possible to create patterns of any complexity.
• The moisture resistance of the tiles is high, so even a bathtub can be lined with it.

Aesthetics of choice

For aristocratic styles and interiors, we can recommend floor coverings made from Metlakh tiles. It allows you to create unique patterns reminiscent of exquisite carpets and decorate the interior of the room. The texture of Metlakh tiles allows you to collect ceramic carpets infinitely large, since the pattern on the background tile is repeated. Thus, Metlakh tiles are used in interiors where they want to emphasize the floor and floor items. Photos of interiors with Metlakh tiles various projects you can see further.

Laying metlakh tiles

Laying metlakh tiles is no different from laying raznoto new tiles. First, remove and lay out all the material from all the boxes on the surface; if you are going to lay it on a vertical wall, then mark a place on the floor and lay it out on it. Rearrange the tiles so that they match in thickness, color, pattern, or so that the final solution suits you.

Laying of Metlakh tiles should be done by a professional tiler

Do not try to use tiles when laying from one box that came from the manufacturer's factory. On the contrary, “mix” tiles from different boxes to create a natural-colored surface with the laid material.

Then assemble the tiles into rows, which you will lay according to the basic principles of tile laying:

• It is necessary to make the base level (the hollow and sagging floor must be strengthened);
• Apply waterproofing (if the room is in a humid environment) and primer;
• Apply glue with a spatula-comb;
• Lay the tiles with a seam (when laying the tiles on the floor, press lightly on it and move it from side to side, as if slightly recessing it, this is the method that is suitable for laying flooring material);
• Grout the seams;
• Wash away;
• Wait for complete adhesion and use.

The grout used for Metlakh tiles is the same as for any ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Many companies recommend additional impregnation for tiles, but in fact, if the material is of high quality, it does not need any additional work.

Metlakh tiles are intended for decorative design floor or walls. Such tiles were produced back in ancient times. We’ll talk about it today.

Thanks to its excellent performance, today it is also used in some enterprises of the country. For a long time, Metlakh tiles have not lost any of their popularity.

Nowadays, not only apartments and houses are decorated with it, but also painted carpets are made in museums and other important institutions.

This video will tell you about the pros and cons, as well as the use of Metlakh tiles:

Advantages and disadvantages

Why is this product so in demand? The secret lies in his positive qualities. So, Metlakh tiles:

• Universal. Tiles are used everywhere: indoors, on buildings, for... Fresh air and precipitation will not be able to harm the metlakh coating. Multiple options for shapes and colors of tiles allow you to create original and never-before-seen designs.
• Natural. The composition of the tiles includes water and natural high-strength.
• Durable. Thanks to special technology, Metlakh tiles are very hard. Even the heaviest object falling will not be able to damage it. It turns out that the heaviest loads are not terrible for the Metlakh carpet.
• Durable. The initially laid coating will retain its appearance and color for a very long time. This property is achieved through deep impregnation with color pigments. With their help, after firing, the product turns into a single whole that is not capable of losing its qualities.
• Multitasking. The tile is good for both interior decoration, and for outdoor. Metlakh tiles will help you create various and bold patterns on the surface.
• Hardy. The tiles are well suited for exterior decoration. Snow, hail, rain, and wind are not scary for her. If we take others for comparison, then Metlakh tiles resist acid and alkali best of all.
• Reliable. Metlakh tiles are reliable in terms of operation. It can be easily used in rooms with a large concentration of devices and people.
• Availability. Construction material affordable to absolutely all segments of the population in terms of price.

This, in every sense positive coverage, has several disadvantages:

• Difficulty in installation. Make it interesting designer drawing of such tiles will be problematic for an ordinary person.
• Difficult to cut with a tile cutter.
• Old fashioned style. Many people don’t like the antique look of the tiles.

Metlakh tiles in interiors different rooms(photo)

Bar Bath Living room Kitchen Hallway Hall

Kinds

Metlakh tiles have several types, which depend on the production method.

• First view: cast tiles. This tile has a significant drawback: the resulting product has different thickness, as a result, when laying the coating, the lion's share of products is sent to waste. It's all about production technology. The raw materials are poured into special molds, then dried and sent to the kiln for firing.
• Second view: pressed tiles. The products are made from powdered clay, water (no more than 6%) and special additives. During the manufacturing process, the mixture is pressed under pressure and then cut into shapes of the required size. Pressed tiles have a porous structure. These tiles are often used for flooring.
• Third type: extruded tiles. This is the most best view tiles It is obtained using a mouthpiece through which the raw material passes, forming a ribbon. After this, the tape is cut into pieces and fired in a kiln. The thickness and size of the tiles can be adjusted using the settings.

Appearance

Describing appearance tiles, we can say that they look like mosaics. The tile can be in the shape of a square or rectangle.

• The sides of the tile can be 48 mm and 23 mm.
• The thickness of Metlakh tiles can be from 6 to 8 mm.
• And it can also be multifaceted. The number of edges can be 3, 5, 6 and 8. The length of the edges is usually from 50 to 150 mm, thickness 10-13 mm.

The front part of the tile can be smooth, embossed or embossed. The color of the tiles can be a single color (for example, gray, red or yellow), or they can have several shades with patterns.

Role in the interior

Metlakh tiles allow you to bring to life quite bold and original design solutions. Its shape allows architects to create various stylistic compositions on the floor or walls.

Metlakh tiles are successfully used for finishing baths, corridors and kitchens. Because of its practicality and durability, Metlakh carpet is used to lay hospital corridors, hotel halls, reception areas of administrative buildings and other crowded places.

Composition and properties

To produce Metlakh tiles, high-strength clay, water and coloring pigments are used. This raw material is mixed and sent for formation. Here it is important to control the quality of the supplied raw materials.

The produced Metlakh tiles are characterized by the following properties:

• Frost resistance. The tile easily withstands low temperatures and chemical influences.
• Fire resistance. The tiles are not damaged by high temperatures.
• Environmental friendliness. Metlakh tiles do not emit toxic substances when cold or hot.
• Water resistance. The material perfectly resists moisture.
• Resistance to aggressive influences. The material easily withstands the effects of alkali and acids.

Application and production

Good performance indicators have made it possible to use Metlakh tiles for finishing the floors and walls of restaurants, cafes, shops, and ordinary houses. It is well suited for decorating porches, garden paths and gazebos. This coating will add zest to any interior.

The tiles have earned good characteristics thanks to old and special production technology. A special glaze is applied to the formed raw material (the layer must be strong enough), after which the products are sent to the oven, where they are sintered at a very high temperature (at least 1200º). As a result, the tile receives excellent density. It provides the coating with the declared characteristics.

Read below about analogues of Metlakh tiles.

This video will tell you how Metlakh tiles are made:

Tile analogues

Metlakh tiles are made from special raw materials and using complex technology. Therefore, there are no 100% analogues of these products.

But Metlakh tiles can be replaced with Carra ceramic facing tiles (manufactured by Euroceramics) and. These materials have slightly similar properties.

Laying

Laying a complex metlakh carpet can only be done by professional craftsmen. The process is complex and painstaking. A beginner clearly cannot handle it.

Equipment and raw materials

During the work you will need:

• Metlakh tiles in sufficient quantity to fully realize the conceived idea.
• The base is tile adhesive or.
• Special grout.
• Trowel with teeth 3-6 mm.
• Machine for porcelain stoneware (not in all cases).

Technology

Laying of Metlakh tiles should take place in the following sequence:

1. Surface preparation. The tiles must be laid on a perfectly level base. Therefore, any, even slight, difference in height must be eliminated. The durability of the coating will be extended by pre-made concrete screed and waterproofing the base. If metlakh tiles are laid outdoors, then a frost-resistant base will need to be laid underneath.
2. Surface measurement. It is very important to measure the entire area of ​​the masonry with bends, protrusions and doorways. Next, you need to determine the center of the base and draw center lines from it in different directions.
3. Pre-layout. You need to complete one horizontal and one vertical row. Here it is necessary to leave a gap of 1 mm between the metlakh tiles. After this, you can adjust the position of each tile. Laying out is carried out without glue.
4. Applying glue and laying out tiles. A trowel is used for these purposes. The adhesive must be suitable for the material being fixed. If the future design of the Metlakh carpet contains large and small tiles, then laying them out should start with the large ones. When complex pattern it is better to lay it out in advance without glue. In addition, it is worth remembering that tiles from different batches may differ from each other.
5. . This stage is carried out after the glue has set. Gray, white or beige grout is best suited for these purposes. During surface treatment, it must be applied to the entire depth of the seam.

It is important to immediately remove any mortar or grout that gets on the surface of the tiles.

At the end of the work, the quality of the coating can be checked using water. To do this, pour water onto the base. Drying should occur evenly, without puddles.

Price of work and materials

Now let's talk about the price per m2 for laying floor and other types of Metlakh tiles.

• Prices for tiles depend on the manufacturer, shape, type and size. On average, the cost of a square meter of Metlakh tiles starts from 200 rubles.
• The cost of work starts from 2000 rubles per square.

Can old metlakh tiles be used and is it possible to recreate floors from them? Read below.

Metlakh carpets in home decoration

What can be done with old raw materials

Metlakh carpets have been used since ancient times. Therefore, when carrying out renovations in houses and administrative buildings, you can currently find similar old coatings. What to do with him? Taking it off is quite problematic. What to do?

Many people practice laying new tiles on old ones. In this case, for better adhesion, a layer of primer and special glue must be applied. When working, you should always try to lay out only a flat surface.

To obtain a durable and perfectly smooth floor, old Metlakh tiles are usually removed. And the new coating is laid out from scratch.

This video will tell you why it’s still worth laying Metlakh tiles at home: