Metlakh tile is a durable material, in technical aspects comparable to porcelain stoneware. The secret of strength lies in the technology: high-temperature firing makes it resistant to frost, acids and impacts, which is why it is often used as a facing material on city streets and in public buildings. Although metlakh tiles are similar to porcelain stoneware in terms of technical characteristics, they lead by a wide margin in the variety of design solutions.

Metlakh tiles - where to buy a unique ceramic carpet in St. Petersburg

The Keramo-Evrika company not only knows how to make metlakh tiles, but at the same time retains the original German technology, combining established traditions with advanced modern equipment. You can buy Metlakh tiles from us, designed for completely different purposes! We are able to:

• Create a metlakh carpet of any color, area and purpose;
• Make metlakh tiles for wall cladding;
• Reproduce metlakh decor, including restoring damaged areas of metlakh tiles at cultural sites built at the beginning of the last century.

The list of works can be continued for a long time - we work with each customer individually, taking into account every wish.

Metlakh tile - service price

It is easy to buy Russian-made metlakh tiles. In addition to traditional methods and German quality, we offer reasonable prices. If you are interested in Metlakh bathroom floor tiles, or you are on fire with the idea of ​​​​adding Victorian nobility to the design of your home by covering the floors and walls with durable tiles with a unique decor, then contact us - affordable prices will make any idea come true.

Broom is a decorative technique that can give artistry to the interior, become a spectacular accent of the room, not only aesthetic, but also quite a practical solution for outdoor areas. We learned from the founder of the Faktura studio, designer Ekaterina Lovyagina, in what interiors and in combination with what materials the metlakh tiles will reveal themselves in all their glory, and why it is not suitable for everyone.

Broomstick differs from other types of ceramic tiles in that it is dyed before firing: a natural pigment is added to the mixture, then it is molded and sent to the oven. As a result, the color is more natural, "honest". Drawing on the tile is applied in two ways: either by a method resembling 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.

Usually, broomstick shapes are geometrically simple and regular - squares, rectangles, triangles of various sizes, hexagon and octagon, crosses, "sweets" (in addition, the palette contains details for decorating steps, skirting boards, sides and corners). When joining tiles of different shapes and different colors, stacked carpets are obtained. The number of possible patterns can hardly be counted.

3 facts about metlakh tiles

Thanks to firing at a high temperature (at least 1200 ° C), the broom has 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 on the street.

Tile sizes vary from 3.5 to 20 cm (one side length). The smallest element is a triangle 3.5 × 3.5 × 5 cm, the largest is a square 20 × 20 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, there are several patterns in the collection.

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.

Material 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, to give the interior artistry. To live in an interior with an ornament, you need to have a 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 on travel.

Interior of a private country house. Project by Svetlana Galfayan and Marina Volkova

For which interiors

The use of metlakh tiles is acceptable wherever we like to see some kind of geometry. It can be a modern interior with graphic patterns (zigzags, Christmas tree, squares), and historical European classics with English carpets, medieval castle ornaments. With a broom, it is great to create oriental interiors - in general, any ethnicity. Unless in completely minimalistic interiors we are unlikely to use it, although even in this case you can take a gray tile and lay out a wall with it - it will turn out beautifully and delicately.

Today, metlakh tile is a decorative accent; it does not create any tense situation around itself. On the contrary, if we strive to somehow show the 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 to the smart ones through the frieze and the plinth from the broom.

Which areas are best for use?

Broomstick 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, large kitchens.

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

Apartment in Paris designed by architect and decorator Alirez Razavi

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

Broom is suitable for outdoor terraces, as it tolerates rain and mud, snow and frost.

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

Metlakh tiles are suitable as outdoor cladding for fireplaces. And if this is a potbelly stove that lags behind the wall, then with the help of a broom you can create an apron-chimney of heat behind the fireplace and lay out a platform in front of the fireplace.

We can make skirting boards out of a broom - no problem. If a person has ordinary doorways, and he wants to achieve decorativeness, you can put a mosaic ribbon from a broom around the perimeter of the door frame.

What materials are combined with

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

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

What manufacturer's broom to use

Today, there are few traditional factories for the production of metlakh tiles. One such factory is Winckelmans in France, which has been operating since 1894. Its official representative in Russia is Greta Wolf. We have been working with them for over 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 inherent in each style. Then, already on the basis of these graphic schemes, we assemble a color solution. You can see some samples of Metlakh tiles available at the Faktura studio here.

Metlakh tile has gained recognition and spread throughout the world because of its 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 sought-after 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 its traditional look in the minds of the consumer, shabby and “heavy”, but in fact the tile can be different.

The “pie” of metlakh tiles looks exactly like this, both texture and texture will appear in the production process
The heyday of the popularity of this material came in the middle of the XIX century, when the era of industrialization was gaining momentum. Tiling became one of the hallmarks of Victorian retrospectivism. Due to the strength unprecedented at that time, combined with a picturesque view, metlakh floor tiles adorned large and small palaces, theaters, stations, and factories. Medieval metlakh tile is considered an antique item and is carefully preserved during the dismantling and restoration of buildings. Restoration of tiles, in principle, is not used, primarily because of the high cost of reconstruction. Mostly professionally made replicas are used.

Now these ancient examples surprise visitors to historical sites, such as the Bolshoi Theater, Cologne Cathedral, etc. Metlach tiles have even been found on the infamous Titanic, which was known to be a very luxuriously decorated sea vessel.

An 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 method of production, but with the name of the place where production began. In the south of France, places have been preserved that have a metlakh spirit, where the material is made in the traditional way. Today, these small businesses are visited by tourists. Such is the history of this material, which is not interrupted even after the lapse of years.

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

The official website of metlakh tiles is not an original source, in general, these are merchants who have bought domain names and therefore can sell you not only original tiles, but also imitations (tiles for 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 on the condition that the domain name of the site uses the name of the metlakh tile or has a similar look to the official representative. Metlakh tile manufacturers do not follow this story, and there is no such ban at the legislative level. How many such fakes on the world market of ceramics is unknown. Therefore, buyers must make the right choice themselves using their knowledge and, of course, read reviews about this or that seller.

Applications

The main area of ​​​​use of tiles is the decoration of public places and large private property. In terms of quality parameters, Metlakh tiles are similar to modern unglazed porcelain stoneware, but in terms of aesthetics they significantly surpassed it for a long time. The variety of patterns, colors and relief can make a work of art out of an ordinary house.

Most often, this material is used for flooring, as the strength indicator of the tile provides a long period of operation without visible wear. In any setting, metlakh tiles form creative sensations and unique images. Its strength is almost sky-high. The tile is indifferent to moisture and temperature fluctuations, therefore it is successfully used in the bathroom and in the kitchen. In the hallways retains street dirt. 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, the tile has found application even in the decoration of furniture.

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 blanks, 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 method of production, it can be called as a metlakh ceramic tile, and GOST is most often assigned 6787 2001.

The finished tile receives greater wear resistance, long service life, resistance to the influence of caustic chemicals. Such properties make it possible to successfully use metlakh tiles in public places with high traffic. Incredibly, for 150 years, the manufacturing method has not changed in anything, except for an increase in the color gamut, the number of patterns and patterns. In a word, the former advantages of the material have only intensified.

Many artisans today take a deep interest in the original tile recipes used during the reign of Queen Victoria. Now such material is used in the reconstruction of historical sites.

After production, the tiles are packed in characteristic terracotta boxes, and the average weight is about 12 kg. I would like to note that initially a wooden box was used to pack the tiles, 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 a triangle, square, hexagon and even an octagon. According to the manufacturing methods, cast, pressed and extruded tiles are distinguished. According to the structure, rough (with a granular surface) and thin (with a uniform texture) ceramics are distinguished. But the main classification is based on the degree of wear of the tile and allows you to divide it into four groups.

The main dimensions of metlakh tiles: 100x100, 200x200. For example, a modern metlakh floor tile with markings on the manufacturer's box 200x200x8 has a size of 20 cm and a thickness of 0.8. For outdoor use, you need to use such a tile, the thickness of which will withstand temperature changes.

Strength classes

• The first one is the most fragile. It is used only in private premises, in rooms remote deep into the house. You can’t walk on it in shoes, except for soft, homemade ones. The wall of the building can be primarily decorated with such material.
• The second class is more resistant to wear. Has found application indoors in places with moderate traffic, but without a direct entrance from the outside. It is used in hospital wards, kindergartens, bathrooms.
• The third class has high strength. Suitable for indoor areas such as kitchen, hallway. This tile does not wear out, is durable, retains the brightness of the color for many years.
• The fourth - with the highest threshold of strength. Such tiles are resistant to damage, heavy loads and corrosive environments. It is 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 tile has properties characteristic only of it:

• 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 ceramics is resistant to wind and frost. It is not subject to destruction upon contact with alkalis, acids and other chemical environments.
• Strength. It has an extraordinary hardness that provides resistance to high pressure.
• Versatility. The scope of tiles as floor coverings is wide. It is laid both in rooms for various purposes, and on the street. In addition, an extensive range of colors and shades makes it possible to create ornaments of any complexity.
• The moisture resistance of the tile is high, so even a bath can be lined with it.

Aesthetics of Choice

For aristocratic styles and interiors, we can recommend a floor covering made of metlakh tiles. It allows you to create original patterns that resemble exquisite carpets and decorate the interior of the room. The texture of the metlakh tile makes it possible to assemble infinitely large ceramic carpets, since the pattern on the background tile is repeated. Thus, metlakh tiles in the interior are used where they want to focus on the floor and outdoor items. You can see photos of interiors with metlakh tiles from various projects below.

Laying metlakh tiles

Laying metlakh tiles is no different from laying tiles of different colors. First, take out and lay out all the material from all the boxes on the surface, if it is to be laid on a vertical wall, then mark the 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.

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

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

• It is necessary to make an even base (a hollow and sagging floor must be strengthened);
• Apply waterproofing (if the room is with a humid environment) and a primer;
• Apply glue with a spatula-comb;
• Lay the tiles with a seam (when the tiles are laid on the floor, they are pressed lightly and moved from side to side, as if slightly sinking, this is the method that is suitable for laying the floor material);
• Rub the seams with grout;
• Wash out;
• Wait for full adhesion and use.

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

Among the huge variety of tiled materials, metlakh tile occupies a special place. If you are looking for a unique floor or wall covering that can enhance almost any interior style, Metah tiles or its imitation is exactly what you are looking for.

History of creation

Mettlach ceramic tiles were so named after the German city of Mettlach, where this finishing material began to be produced in the 19th century. At first, the ceramics manufacturer was called Villeroy & Boch, when the two families, having opened a family business, created a partnership with a board in Mettlach. Metlakh tiles quickly became a household name thanks to their original design and unique durability.

Tile was especially popular in the Victorian era, it was not for nothing that it was then called “Victorian tile” and covered the floors of cathedrals, public buildings and private residences with it. Coatings from Mettlach were also brought during the construction of the famous Titanic, and to this day they are present in the decoration of many architectural monuments.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the Villeroy & Boch brand became a supplier of ceramics for 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. A clear confirmation of the technical properties of this tile is the ancient interiors of the historical buildings of the northern capital - in the decoration of St.

In our country, the peak of popularity of Metlakh ceramics came in the second half of the 20th century, when it was used in the construction of multi-storey residential buildings and plinth cladding.

Currently, metlakh tiles are produced in several countries at once (most of the factories are located in France and Portugal), including Russian-made tiles (the EuroCeramics plant).

The French factory "Winckelmans" is one of the oldest, which still functions today. It is here that ancient techniques have been preserved. Adding modern design ideas to them, the company's specialists create a unique "piece" product, which is characterized by such characteristics as reliability, impeccable quality, natural texture, the most natural shades and patterns, as well as a pleasant matte sheen.

Peculiarities

The main material for the manufacture of metlakh tiles is refractory clay. Factories are located, as a rule, in places where clay is mined; in Russia, this is the Dmitrovsky quarry. Broom - the hardest tile compared to others. Even after a fall or impact, there will be no scratches or chips on it, because such material is able to withstand pressure from 3200 to 5550 kg.

In fact, Metlakh tiles are endowed with all the properties of natural stone - they withstand heat and frost, and are also absolutely acid-resistant.

The peculiarity of the design of such a tile 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 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.

Such a 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 various shapes and designs. 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 decorating the floor 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 on the same level.

And be sure to make a drawing on the surface: in order not to make mistakes during installation, you will need special markings.

Advantages of metlakh ceramics

There are plenty of features and advantages of metlakh ceramics over other finishing materials:

• Versatility(tiles are used both in the interior decoration of the floor and walls in the house, and for terraces and paths in front of the house, as well as public buildings).
• original design(a variety of shapes and ornaments will help create a unique pattern "not like everyone else").
• natural composition from high-strength clay, as well as its environmental friendliness.
• Hardness and strength(it is very difficult to damage brooms, and even if you drive over the tile in a car, it will not crack).

• Durability(the service life can be not only decades, but also centuries, which is proven in practice), while the color does not fade with time. This is achieved by impregnating the tile with pigments, when after firing the product becomes even more monolithic.
• wear resistance(resistance to humidity and temperature changes, therefore suitable for outdoor decoration, whether it is hot, snow, wind or rain outside).
• Chemical Protection detergents, acids and alkalis.

Of the minuses, we note only the complexity of laying, problems with cutting, and the fact that it will be very difficult to create a competent drawing on your own without a professional designer.

Design features. Options for use in the interior

Of course, not everyone will “understand” Metlakh tiles. This should be a person with artistic thinking, because you need to have a mature taste in order to choose an interior with a complex ornament. 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.

Such a coating is suitable for decorating a bathroom, as it does not slip and does not absorb moisture. You can also lay out a luxurious carpet for a living room or a spacious kitchen from a broomstick. A rather unusual, but effective technique will be a decorative broomstick panel on the wall.

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

Broomstick 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 decorate the steps on the stairs. A great idea would be to tile a fireplace with such tiles, as well as a platform in front of it. You can even decorate ordinary doors around the perimeter with broomstick 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 everywhere.

Choice of color and size of metlakh tiles

In modern collections of metlakh tiles, a huge variety of shades and ornaments is presented. It's not easy to stop at something without the help of a professional designer.

So check out these helpful tips:

• Larger tiles of non-staining shades are suitable for facing the tracks.
• To decorate the room from the inside, use medium-sized tiles, beige and pastel shades. This will visually enlarge the room and add space.
• When choosing a tile, consider the lighting in the room, because artificial light sources can change the shade of the coating. For example, under a yellow lamp, a blue tile will appear greenish.
• To emphasize the ornament of metlakh tiles on the floor, lay out a uniform tile without a pattern around the perimeter of the floor covering, which will give an interesting accent to the interior.