Metlakhskaya tile: characteristics and fineness of styling

Today, the range of floor coverings is simply huge, but anyone who intends to purchase the most unique option, choose the Metlakh tile.

Its main advantage is that it can harmoniously fit into any stylistic design, but it will attract attention to itself. Today we will review the main features of this material, as well as talk about the features of its installation, which are many.

History of origin

This flooring was invented by the Germans in Mettlach in the Middle Ages. Even then, industrial production of small tiles was organized, through which it was possible to form unique patterns of their kind, reminiscent of something remotely familiar to many mosaics.

Metlakhskaya tile

It is worth noting that the strength of this finishing material is quite high, so many preferred it. Today it can become a full-fledged competitor to porcelain stoneware. Nowadays it is possible to produce such a tile in any performance to order, so even the most demanding client can achieve the desired result. Now it is one of the most expensive materials, perfectly suitable for finishing not only houses and apartments, but also public premises. Despite the costs when buying tiles, it will pay off over time, as it will last for many years.

Metlakhskaya tile is distinguished by its durability and durability

Basic Characteristics

To understand the full extent of this issue, first we will pay attention to colors, shapes and patterns. It is these criteria that contribute to such a wide application of this finishing material. If we talk about modern analogs, then they can have different sizes, and also differ in any shade. The ones that have a smooth matte and corrugated structure are in demand.

Modern Metlakh tile

The pattern can be pressed into the surface, which makes this tile unusual. If we consider individual fragments of the tile, they can be from 3.5 to 15 centimeters, but no more. The most common forms that are basic geometric figures, that is – a triangle, a rectangle and a square. More complex variants may be made, which are polygons, but there may be difficulties in the stage of their laying.

Embossed Metlakh tile

If you use different options, it will not form a combined pattern in the floor zone, which attracts attention. It should be understood that this type of tile was invented when the church stood much higher than kings and kings, therefore the aesthetic qualities of the material correspond to that era

Technical features

Metlakhskaya tile is produced in our days from porcelain masses using high-temperature sintering technology. It is possible to achieve good results in many respects because of the unusual nature of the initial mixture. It is noteworthy that for several centuries the Germans successfully hide the composition of the raw materials from which this tile is made. Due to the baking under the influence of high temperatures, it is possible to achieve excellent strength characteristics. Increases the overall density and resistance to abrasion. Currently, this is the hardest floor tile that can not be compared with other common materials of this category.

Metlakhskaya tile is the most durable floor tiles

It is necessary to note and high parameters of ecological purity, because in the composition there are 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 a mark of 4%. It is the dense sintering of all components of the raw mix that makes it possible to achieve ultimate strength. If properly installed this tile, then it can withstand enormous loads for hundreds of thousands of years.

Metlakhskaya tiles withstand loads for hundreds of thousands of years

Also, it is not afraid of negative temperatures and exposure to chemical components. Designers often note the fact that the original color of the decoration of this finishing material remains in its original form for several centuries. To achieve such a result, the producers succeed in many ways due to the unique painting technology. They use not glaze and other effective components, but resort to staining the whole body, and not just the upper facial part. The peculiarity of the technology is that the pigments are added to the raw mix even before baking. Even if the level of wear of this flooring is critical, this does not particularly affect its aesthetic qualities.

Metlakhskaya tile is resistant to chemical compounds

About the difficulties of stacking

It is known that all small types of tiles, including the Metlakh, are more difficult to install than traditional tile analogues of a larger size. 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 grounds. If you need to perform some kind of pattern, then you have to be much more attentive to the matter, since the difficulties will be even greater. We can safely say that the success of the work will depend largely on the quality of the preparatory stage of the work.

Laying of Metlakh tiles is best entrusted to specialists

At the initial stage it is necessary to achieve the maximum evenness of the base. It should be almost perfect, otherwise it will not be possible to lay the tile properly. This kind of tile is put strictly under the comb, since otherwise it is simply impossible to attach fragments in the horizontal level. Also, care should be taken to ensure that there is no dust or debris on the surface of the substrate. It is advisable to use high-quality primer, as it is necessary to achieve maximum adhesion to the floor surface. It will be necessary to do markup, otherwise it will not be possible to recreate a clear and accurate picture. At the initial stage, you should determine the center of the room, and only then draw the guide lines. Everything should be measured as accurately as possible. When a decision is made to mount this flooring material with a carpet, it is also necessary to identify the edges of the picture. You can determine them by taking into account the size of the tiles used.

Why do I need a preliminary layout?

This stage of the work is in many respects necessary so that it is possible 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.

To lay out a tile it is necessary without application of a glutinous mix. The main goal is to make sure of the correctness of marking, and also that at the end of all the stages of the work you will get exactly the result you wanted to achieve initially. Layout should be carried out taking into account all the nuances, for example, the thickness of the seam.

Preliminary layout of the Metlakh tile

If after the layout you are satisfied with the result even after checking the symmetry of the arrangement of all the tiles, you can start laying the Metlakh tile with the appropriate adhesive composition. It is not necessary to immediately compile the entire layout, since it is much more convenient to do this consistently. You can shoot on a pair of squares of material, and after their packing, move this way further.

Important nuances

If the technical features of the installation of the Metlakh tile are comprehensively considered, then there are no significant differences from the installation of ordinary tiles on the floor, but if we take into account the dimensions of this finishing material, then we can compare this work with the mosaic laying.

The laying of the Metlakh tile is similar to the mosaic tiling

From this it follows that a number of features will nevertheless be present and must be taken into account, as it will simply not be possible to achieve the desired result differently. Initially, you need to make sure that the adhesive composition is applied exceptionally evenly, and for this you will have to use a notched trowel. It is through this tool that glue on each element will be applied evenly.

The glue is applied with a notched trowel

The base must be pre-grounded and free of any significant defects. The main thing is that the layer of putty is as thin as possible, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve high adhesion. Glue is not necessary to impose a thick layer, but it is enough just to smooth all existing pores and this will be enough.

On the leveling of tiles in the horizon plane

This process is very complicated and scrupulous, so it will be necessary to concentrate as much as possible. The main task will be to take into account different parameters of the thickness of the tile 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 masters resort to the use of an even, wide board, by means of which it is possible to press different parts of the mosaic, if necessary. As a result, the protruding fragments of the finishing material can be immersed to the desired level in the glutinous mixture. It is important to remember about the level of the floor, so it is unacceptable to exert excessive pressure on the tile, otherwise a cavity in the floor can be formed. At a stage of performance of this work it is necessary to track, that the glutinous mix for a long time was not on the face side of the floor, as in the future it can be impossible to remove it. Professionals recommend immediately during the work to remove excess glue by means of a dry rag. 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 press strongly on the Metlakh tile

As for the stage of grouting, it is produced by the most common technology. The main thing is that the applied mixture can completely fill the seam along the entire depth. It is necessary to pay attention also to the type of grouting, as for the Metlakh tile it is necessary to use a non-pigmented grout of gray or beige color. You also need to know how to properly care for the sex of this type. In fact, this finishing material can be called unpretentious, since its technical characteristics are very high. This is an important advantage that can not 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 floors as you like and anything at your discretion. In practice, it is possible to use abrasive and other components for cleaning the floor, so there will be no difficulties in principle.

Metlakhskuyu tile can be cleaned by any means for washing the floor

Metlakhskaya tile is an excellent material, which is made practically according to the traditional scheme. Earlier it was already talking about the fact that it is quite expensive, but it makes sense still to accept the costs, as a result you get a floor covering that can last several centuries, fully retaining its original appearance. Let’s pay attention that this finishing material is made and fired in special furnaces of muffle type. You can always find the right color solution and tiles of any shape. At the stage of laying this material you need to be as attentive as possible. If you admit at least the slightest mistake, then the evenness of the floor will be broken, and the operational life of the finishing material will be less.

It is very important to observe the technology of laying the Metlakh tile

The process of leveling the floor zone is complicated, since in the case of laying the Metlakh tile, it should be practically free from defects. It should be accurately measured all the bends, doorways and correctly mark the center of the room. This is necessary in order to have the opportunity to mount the tile properly. To make sure all calculations are correct, you can pre-arrange the tile elements, as we mentioned earlier.

The floor must be carefully leveled before laying the Metlakh tile

Metlakhskaya tile is positioned as an excellent finishing material, which is suitable for the design of the floor zone. As a result, such a floor will harmoniously complement any interior and will attract attention, since it will be impossible to look at elegant patterns. If two-colored tiles of different sizes are used in the course of the work, the first thing to do is to lay tiles of a larger size. It is important to understand that this material is produced serially and each fragment has certain differences in height and width. To achieve the necessary similarity can only be used in the right proportion of the glue mixture. Places where the tiles are thinner, you need to refine, increasing the amount of applied glue. Near the walls, too, you need to perform similar operations in order to achieve the ultimate similarity of the entire floor covering.

Floor with metlakh tiles decorate any interior

After stacking all the large elements, you can begin to install small parts. It is noteworthy that the seams can be different and depending on the overall pattern, they need to be adjusted from zero to seven millimeters. Immediately after the adhesive mixture has hardened, it will be possible to begin finishing the joints. Professionals agree that it is best to use an unpigmented grouting at this stage. At the stage of laying such a tile you need to ensure the maximum accuracy of all the works. The main thing is not to rush and do everything consistently. Tiles are quite expensive, so you need to monitor its safety during operation. If you understand that you yourself can not properly perform this work, then it makes sense to seek help from an experienced specialist.

Experts recommend to use for the Metlakh tile not pigmented grout

Metlakhskaya tile is a very beautiful and at the same time durable material for finishing the floor. It is an advantageous element at the stage of arrangement of any dwelling or public premises. Note that this material is fairly easy to clean, and doing this job will not take a lot of time. If there is an insignificant contamination of the tile, it will be sufficient to simply wash it in warm water with a small amount of vinegar added to the solution. Any cleaning agent that is designed for cleaning floor coverings can be used. If washing is done with acetic solution, then make sure that its amount does not exceed one hundred grams per liter. If you regularly clean the floor covering with such a mixture, it will allow maintaining it in its original form for many years. Some use floor tile cleaning products and other products for the care of sinks and bathtubs. Often, such a tile is cleaned with a cork, smeared with paraffin.

To care for the Metlakh tile, you can use any cleaning agent

As already mentioned earlier, there are no secrets on laying this material. It is necessary to carefully prepare the base and check that at the time of laying on it there was no contamination. Small pores on the surface of the base are allowed, as they will eventually be filled with adhesive and will provide a higher adhesion. If the work is done with a small tile, then you should pay close attention to the level. Tiled elements may differ slightly from the declared sizes and this circumstance also needs to be taken into account. If you correctly calculate the thickness of the joints and glue, then it is not difficult to keep the ideal level. The larger the tile, the easier it will be to work with it. If you have never encountered such a job before, it makes sense to entrust it 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 investments. Today, many companies provide services for laying the Metlakh tile at a reasonable cost.

Laying the metlakh tile with a complex pattern, entrust specialists

As for stylistic and interior solutions, everyone here can choose an option that will be liked more than others. As a rule, the flooring is done at the initial stage of repair, so it is the tile that can set the ideas for further decorating the room. This material has excellent strength characteristics and is able to serve for hundreds of years. Buy it can be in the construction shops of major cities or online stores. The cost may depend on the manufacturer, the size and type of finishing 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 does not differ in any way, but all nuances should be treated with full responsibility. If at the layout stage you are not satisfied with the result, do not start to glue the tile, otherwise the result of you and after completing all the work will not satisfy. Make sure that the seams are matched correctly, and the marking is done with the proper precision. With all these little things, 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 the Metlakh tile represents and how it needs to be laid.

Photo Gallery – Metlakhskaya Tile

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Author: Mikhail Bond