Floor coverings in contemporary layout are represented by means of a variety of materials, many of which resemble natural timber in their characteristics. The top position among this elegant assortment is accepted by tiles imitating laminate. It is manufactured artificially using organic raw materials. Due to the rich choice of textures and colours, such floors appear spectacular and stylish, and match with almost any style of room design.
Advantages and disadvantages
The huge demand for floor tiles beneath laminate is explained not only by their presentable appearance, but also by a number of benefits. Porcelain stoneware is significantly different from conventional ceramics and natural sound timber, therefore it is often used as the main component for decorating floors.
One of the positive properties of the material can be distinguished:
- Reliability in operation. The coating doesn’t wear off and doesn’t lose its attractiveness even after 50 years;
- safety in application. The boards are resistant to elevated temperature changes, they do not catch fire;
- neutrality to chemical influences. The substance is impermeable to water, so it’s not a favorable place for the formation of fungus and mould;
- superb thermal insulating material. Such coatings are suitable for the system“warm floor“, as they consist of clay, which at elevated temperature is able to conduct heat well;
aesthetics. In look, the tiles are not poor to floors made of pure wood or stone.
However perfect this substance is, it isn’t devoid of disadvantages.
The main disadvantages of synthetic laminate can include:
- The large cost. The product, which may last more than a dozen years is pricey, but in operation, these costs are sure to pay off;
- low rates of sound insulation.
Varieties
To date, tile under the laminate is produced of two types: ceramic and porcelain stoneware. The first version of the coat is obtained by the technology of monocottura.
This type of product is distinguished by high strength, resistance to moisture and vapors, well withstands mechanical loads.
In addition, the ceramic floor is frost-resistant, but its external coating is subject to wear and tear over the years.
As for porcelain stoneware, it’s made of special types of clay and mineral impurities, whose composition is similar to that of 1poshtoram.ru pure stone. Such boards are burned and pressed under high pressure. The result is a durable and beautiful ending material.
The two kinds of boards exactly replicate the proportions and measurements of the floorboard. Rectangular shapes are the most common, but sometimes square ones are available.