Glazed fireplace tiles. Ceramic tiles for stoves and fireplaces: classification, finishing tips

A home stove can serve as more than just a means of heating. It can turn into a stylish element of the interior if you put some effort into it. The same applies to home fireplaces. The tiles for the stove must be fireproof so that they can withstand high temperatures.

How to improve?

If you want to give your heating product an attractive look, then there are plenty of options. or a fireplace may involve plastering, lining and finishing with stone or tile.

Most often, ceramic or tiles are used for this purpose. Moreover, the first option is the most popular and accessible. Plaster is not very practical, since cracks constantly form on it, and tiles are quite expensive.

Depending on your wishes and the overall interior of the house, you independently choose what to cover the stove with so that it not only performs its functions, but also looks impressive.

What should the cladding be like?

Naturally, stove tiles or other coverings must meet certain standards. The requirements for them are as follows:

• Environmental friendliness. If natural ingredients exceed artificial ones in quantity, then during heating the release of toxic substances will be minimized.
• Fire resistance. During use, the tile will be exposed to strong thermal effects that exceed 1000 degrees. Therefore, you need to choose the appropriate option in this case.
• Heat capacity and thermal conductivity.
• The water absorption rate should be a maximum of 3 percent.
• Minimum thickness - 8 mm.
• Low porosity.
• Durable color that will not fade when exposed to temperature.
• Antistatic.
• External attractiveness.

Nowadays the range of such products in construction stores is very large. Therefore, stove tiles are available in all variations. It all depends on where the installation is located, what kind of room and what design its interior is made in.

Properties of facing materials for stoves and fireplaces

Fireproof tiles are a high-quality material that can withstand high temperature loads. It is made on the basis of special clay that is resistant to them. The production technology is also special: heat-resistant tiles are hardened under the most extreme conditions. The temperature can reach 1500 degrees. However, it is precisely this method of its production that guarantees high-quality operation as a facing material for special objects.

Tiles for the fireplace and other means for equipping it with fire-resistant properties have their own varieties. But in terms of functionality they are all the same. Their main task is to protect the furnace from temperature changes and prevent its destruction.

Such materials are used during the final finishing of structures. Any wear-resistant and durable. It includes the following components:

• special clay;
• water;
• additives;
• finishing glaze with pigment.

Features of ceramic tiles

It can be terracotta or majolica. This stove tile has excellent heat-resistant properties. When heated or cooled for a long time, it does not change its shape and appearance. Terracotta tiles have a rough surface and imitate stone or brick. And majolica is smooth and glazed.

Terracotta cladding material is used for indoor or outdoor applications. It can be placed in places with high humidity. It is also distinguished by its impact resistance and vapor permeability. These are the advantages that the oven has. Its price ranges from 100 to 1000 rubles per piece and also depends on the manufacturer.

Concept of clinker tiles

It is often practiced to line the furnace with such material. It is made from several types of shale clay, fireclay powder and other ingredients that are mixed with each other. These tiles are distinguished by a wide variety of colors, which is achieved by mixing a mineral dye with a key mixture.

This type of material is not recommended for use in the construction of objects whose internal walls are made of oven bricks. The fact is that materials differ in their structure and expansion coefficient. The cost of clinker tiles depends on the brand and ranges from 1600 to 3000 per piece.

Tile

Heat-resistant tiles are not just any type of tile. Here you need to choose very carefully. The fact is that a stove or fireplace during operation has stages of both heating and cooling. And in order for the facing material to resist, when buying tiles, give preference to small tiles with a matte surface. But the glazed structure will not withstand such changes and will crack over time.

Fire-resistant tiles in the form of tiles are not very suitable for country houses, if they are not used as permanent housing. When the stove is heated at sub-zero temperatures, the facing material may crumble. Also, fireplace tiles that have a zero level of water absorption will not be able to adhere to clay or cement mortar. It will require fastening in the form of specialized adhesive mixtures, but the seams should be treated with fire-resistant grout.

Tiles

Such coatings do not have many of the disadvantages that apply to tiles. Most often they are smooth and have no relief.

Tiles for this type of fireplace are distinguished by their fire resistance and the fact that they are made by hand using a special technology. When installed, some elements are assembled into a single pattern of the desired color. These tiles are very diverse in terms of design, so they can be matched to any type of interior.

The cost of tiles depends on the theme, complexity of the pattern and how many parts are needed to create it. For example, a set of 400 elements will cost 200 thousand rubles and more.

Composition of fireproof tiles for stoves and fireplaces

It has already been mentioned that heat-resistant tiles are made from special clay. It, in turn, consists of special minerals in certain proportions. It is known that layers of its different types occur almost everywhere at one or another ground level. This rock consists of aluminosilicates. And the color will directly depend on its chemical components:

• sodium;
• magnesium;
• kaolin;
• metal oxides and others.

However, it is impossible to say exactly which components provide fire resistance. However, it is they that, when fired at high temperatures, give the materials strength. The key quality of such tiles is the absence of melting and the release of toxic substances.

What fits best where?

Tiles for stoves and fireplaces have a lot of varieties. It differs from each other in surface, pattern, texture and size.

For example, the glassy surface of the material is suitable for masonry in structures that are not particularly hot. Moreover, in such places it should be laid out in several layers. Glass does not tolerate temperature changes well, this should be taken into account.

The best option for all cases is standard small rectangular tiles. The easiest way is to lay them end to end, while the gap for the seams remains minimal.

Clinker products have good characteristics. It is thicker and somewhat reminiscent of finishing brick. With the help of such tiles you can imitate masonry.

In any case, the choice of one type or another must be approached extremely carefully. After all, your safety and the guarantee of successful operation of the fireplace or stove depend on this.

What to consider when installing?

Basically, tiles of any kind, intended for fireplaces and stoves, tolerate temperature fluctuations, extremely low and high levels. It is often used in saunas, for outdoor decoration of barbecues and barbecues. After firing, it becomes resistant to cold and moisture. And it is very important to follow the technology of its installation, because this is what affects the duration of use, quality and appearance of the structure.

The prepared surface is covered with tiles. Before this, a layer of fixing composition is evenly applied to it. To ensure a neat seam, you need to maintain a certain amount of patience when working. Also remember that every material tends to expand after heating. The cut parts should be laid last, and it is better to start from the outer corners. It is advisable to bring one wall up to an internal turn, and then tile the rest of it.

The quality of the work performed largely determines how the oven will serve and how long the coating in the form of slabs will last. But it is also important that you select them in the right way.

Any stove located in the house can be easily styled to match the interior of the room. For this, various materials are used that will preserve beauty and aesthetics for many years. The ideal option is fireproof tiles for the stove, thanks to which it will take on a new and original look.

What kind of heat-resistant facing tiles should be used for stoves and fireplaces?

Considering that fireplaces and stoves are objects that can heat up to high temperatures, it is important to choose the right facing materials. They must meet the following requirements:

• Resistance to mechanical damage and strength;
• High level of heat resistance;
• The structure of the material must be low-porosity;
• Thickness – at least 0.7 cm.

Only a few types of material meet these requirements, including terracotta, clinker tiles, porcelain stoneware and tiles. They all have some differences in installation methods and design. You should choose based not only on your personal preferences, but also on the purpose of the room and the cost of the tiles. So, for example, if you are going to finish a stove in a bathhouse, it is important to take into account the thermal features, but with a stove in a room, look at whether it matches the style of the room.

Heat-resistant tiles for stoves - main types, features and characteristics

Today in stores you can find a wide variety of materials for decorative work on fireplaces. Naturally, each of them has its own key features and main characteristics - knowing them will allow you to make the right choice.

• Stylish and durable terracotta, considered the oldest material for cladding such structures. Terracotta is a product made from types of clay with a high level of porosity. First it is pressed, then exposed to high temperatures. This material was especially known in Ancient Greece and Rome in the manufacture of tiles, tiles and other elements. The main features are strength, characteristic red-brown tint (terracotta).
• Majolica. This material is also considered terracotta, only glazed. It got its name thanks to the Spanish island of Mayorsky, from where a variety of colorful tiles for decorative work and painted dishes were often brought. The unusual design is attractive, but this material is not cheap - even now it is considered a luxury for many homeowners.
• Clinker heat-resistant tiles are one of the types of ceramics that were created as an alternative to facing bricks. They are made from different types of clay with the addition of mineral dyes and fireclay, then pressed and fired. As a result of this processing, a reliable material is obtained that is resistant to high temperatures. We are pleased with the presence of a wide range of color shades, including white, dark chocolate and soft beige. The thickness of the slabs reaches approximately 1 cm.
• The most modern type is porcelain stoneware, produced under high pressure from several types of clay and salts, marble chips, and various dyes. Due to its monolithic structure and resistance to temperatures, this type of building material has found the widest application in facing works. It should be noted that with its help it is easy to imitate natural stone: terracotta, granite, clinker, majolica when decorating stoves.
• Tiles are unique fireproof ceramic tiles for fireplaces, decorated with glaze designs. It is made from clay and fired, with the main difference being the box-shaped shape. This increases not only the decorative qualities of the tiles, but also the heat-saving characteristics, and the hot air that is transferred when heating a stove decorated with tiles is considered the most environmentally friendly.
• Fireclay tiles are a fairly expensive material for facing fireplaces, since they are not produced in large numbers, but in single pieces. It is characterized by strength, moisture and heat resistance. The main difference from ceramic tiles is the variety of sizes, shapes and patterns, thanks to which you can decorate your stove in the most original way, adhering to the general style of the interior.

Stove tiles - nuances when facing

To ensure that fire-resistant tiles serve you as long as possible, be sure to use heat-resistant adhesive in your work. Choose formulations that are non-volatile compounds. This will save you from having to ventilate the room and work with open windows. To avoid poisoning during cladding, it is better to purchase an odorless solution.

There are some nuances when decorating outdoor stoves. So, the glue must be not only heat-resistant, but also moisture-resistant. The materials are laid on a pre-plastered surface, and the cut tiles are installed last. Whatever type of material you choose, the most important thing is to follow the correct installation technique, which will extend its service life.

Fireproof tiles for the stove - step-by-step installation instructions

First of all, calculate the amount of material required, and after the final calculations, add approximately 15% of the total. This additional purchase will allow you to make up for losses if the material gets spoiled, cut or damaged. If anything remains, save it for replacement, because during operation, cladding elements may also fall off and become damaged.

In addition, you must purchase:

• Crosses (2.5 mm.)
• Cutter
• Rubber spatula
• Master OK
• Paint brush
• Building level
• Wire brush

Advice: purchase everything in advance, as this will speed up the work and save you energy.

Instructions:

How to line a stove with refractory tiles - step-by-step diagram

Step 1: Surface Cleaning

Before starting installation work, you should first clean the stove using a wire brush, removing dust and excess plaster. Don't forget to deepen the seams by 1 cm for better adhesion of materials. Next, we plaster the structure using a cement-sand mortar (1 part cement, 3 parts sand and water). Before starting this work, be sure to wet the surfaces of the fireplace with water using a paint brush. Make sure that the layers of material are even, using a level, since the ease of subsequent facing work will depend on this.

Step 2: Preparing for cladding

After cleaning the fireplace, be sure to fill the seams with putty, and also go over any existing cracks and potholes. A narrow-mesh fiberglass mesh is attached to the fireplace using construction nails and dowels - this will make application of the material easier.

Step 3: Laying the tiles

Once you have cleaned and plastered the fireplace, you need to begin installation. It is very important that you take your time, especially when working on the first row - it must be strictly horizontal, or the whole work will go awry. Laying should begin from the bottom row. It is important to carefully read the instructions when mixing the adhesive solution, which must be on the package.

Pay attention to the evenness of installation of materials, for which you need to use crosses - one in the crosshair and several elements on each side of the tile. The composition is applied using a smooth grater to the back side and leveled with a spatula; its thickness should not exceed 5 mm. The refractory tile for the stove is applied to the wall, then it must be pressed and carefully aligned with plumbs and level. We do this with each next element.

Step 4: Checking the installation for evenness

Don’t forget to check the correct placement of the tiles and immediately correct any unevenness before the glue dries, otherwise it will be almost impossible to correct the defects. The cut elements of the tiles need to be placed last - if the work is carried out correctly, they will lie in the same plane. You can also check this using a building level.

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The fast pace of our lives increasingly forces people to go to places where the warmth from the stove and the crackling sound of firewood will calm their nerves and replenish their energy before a new busy week of work. It is possible to give a noble appearance to a brick stove, but the question immediately arises of what tiles to cover the stove with or how to finish the stoves with ceramic tiles. In this article you will find information about stove tiles, photo examples and installation videos. The problem of how to lay tiles on the stove can only be entrusted to specialists, because this is a rather expensive process and can only be carried out along with installation. This method is the most expensive. Although nowadays it is quite difficult to imagine a country house without a stove.

Every person wants to create something both functional and pleasing to the eye in their home or bakery. For example, the owner of this bakery did not skimp on gold decoration in the literal sense of the word. We will discuss in this article how much such extravagance is necessary.
In this photo, the design of the bakery is inscribed in the natural landscape; you must agree, the golden frame looked impressive, but not organic, provocative, but at the same time “eye-catching”, which is completely unnecessary when the beauty of nature is set in a different way

It doesn’t matter that we are now in the twenty-first century and progress has reached unprecedented heights, stoves and fireplaces still have the same relevance today and are experiencing a new surge in popularity. But now stoves perform a more decorative function, but it is difficult to replace the warmth from a home fire with current heating devices. Quite often it is possible to meet them not only in a bathhouse, a private house, a country cottage, but even in a city apartment.

Covering a fireplace with ceramic tiles is also an art; not every designer can do it beautifully.

Before you start installing a stove in your apartment, you should think about covering the fireplace with ceramic tiles as early as possible, and also think about the installation process.

The photo shows the interior of a home with a stove lined with real tiles. Today, what type of country house is not only outdated, but also very expensive	Oven cladding with ceramic tiles in various bakeries is often done to match the overall interior; here the oven is framed with ceramic mosaics
Option for complex design of stove and kitchen tiles	Covering the stove with ceramic tiles (tiles) in the room

As an option, decorating the stove with ceramic tiles

Installation of the furnace consists of:

• choosing ceramic tiles for finishing the fireplace;
• technologies for finishing the stove with ceramic tiles;
• surface preparation;
• installation of metal mesh;
• preparing glue for laying ceramic tiles for the stove;
• laying ceramic tiles for the fireplace.

A simple and laconic design of the fireplace is allowed and recommended for any home that loves laconic interior design
More lively design of the fireplace using decors and special elements

Materials

Today there is a huge variety of different finishing materials on the market: from ordinary plaster to real stones. This depends on your own preferences, taste and finances. Experts in this industry advise using heat-resistant ceramic tiles, which look more attractive and can fit seamlessly into different interiors.

This stove is a historical heritage
And such a stove can confidently claim its heritage. Design using real tiles, which are now produced in limited quantities for individual customers

Ceramic tiles for stoves have such necessary qualities as:

• fortress;
• fire resistance;
• heat conductivity;
• hardness;
• environmentally friendly, making it the best option.

How to choose a tile

To cover the stove with ceramic tiles, you need to choose fire-resistant ceramic tiles that have a corrugated surface.

Stove tiles are hardened so much that they can withstand any heat.

Heat-resistant ceramic tiles for the stove are produced in 2 ways:

• fire-resistant ceramic tiles for stoves, which are obtained by firing;
• Heat-resistant ceramic tiles made using the extrusion method.

For fireplaces, it is important that embers do not become the culprit of a fire in the house. The photo shows absolutely ordinary porcelain tiles that fully cope with the task.	In addition to heat, many customers also want to see beautiful design. Products are most often offered according to a catalog or design project
The embodiment will work for the client with bright colors, sparkle and warmth. As the tile heats up, it releases heat gradually	In the work of a master, it is important to be able to correctly make a base, which can then be covered with various tiles
Another design project for a fireplace covered only with decors	Decors and special elements will be required to cover the stove.

In order for the stove to be able to enjoy its beauty for a long time, it is necessary to lay the finishing material on a special heat-resistant adhesive for ceramic tiles and add plasticizers for maximum stability and hardness.

One should not ignore the use of auxiliary fastening, without which fire-resistant ceramic tiles for fireplaces can quickly peel off due to overheating.

An adequate choice of ceramic tiles imitation brick is a very important point in independently facing the stove with ceramic tiles. A very big question arises as to how to tile a stove with ceramic tiles.

Although there are adherents of the Scandinavian style, where the design is quite strict and is aimed at recreating naturalness in the interior

Cladding rules

The process of lining a stove with ceramic tiles may require strict adherence to all rules. First you need to prepare the surface on which the installation will be made. To make the surface smooth and clean, it is necessary to remove all irregularities from it. You need to be very careful about the seams. They must be cleaned with a metal brush or grinder.

Most often, bright compositions are chosen for decoration.	Classic design of a Russian stove
In the Italian version, the oven is also lined with ceramic tiles inside.	Again, traditional tile laying with a podium for stacking firewood

For maximum safety of facing a brick oven with ceramic tiles, a special masonry mesh measuring 50x50 and with a diameter of 0.5-1 mm is used. The entire oven is covered with mesh and secured with metal anchors. Very often, to imitate ceramic tiles, specialists deliberately insert pieces of wire into the solution, onto which the mesh will then be attached. Ceramic tiles imitation stone for fireplace lining are laid out on a glue solution, the quality of which depends on how it was mixed.

In the Russian version, space is also required for a samovar

Glue for work

Good craftsmen advise working with the glue solution without using special equipment, just with your own hands. The solution is prepared for fifteen minutes before use, which is applied using a metal spatula. Furnace finishing with ceramic tiles is done from top to bottom. Subsequently, the tile is attached to the surface, lightly pressed with the second hand or knocked down with a rubber hammer.

The rules for laying tiles are similar to the general laying stops in any corner of the house
Special luxury...

To obtain even seams, it is recommended to use certain crosses. In order to find out whether each tile is positioned correctly, you need to use a level to check.

And real brutality...
In this example, the ceiling beam rests on the stove pipe, which likely led to a rework of the chimney
The fire element is concentrated in one place: fireplace, candles...

When the glue solution begins to stick, it will be necessary to remove its remnants from the surface using a soap solution. After 24 hours of finishing the stove with ceramic tiles, the seams are filled with a special mixture using a spatula. The remaining debris must be eliminated using special compounds and the surface wiped with a damp cloth. However, after finishing the stove with ceramic tiles, you should not use the stove immediately. It is recommended to wait two or three weeks.

The main problem when finishing stoves with ceramic tiles is considered to be uneven heating of various areas and walls of the stove in depth. It follows that the tile can fall off at any moment. You need to know that to finish a stove with ceramic tiles, it is necessary to use a clay-based solution as a connecting link. The stability of clay under the influence of elevated temperatures only increases over the years.

Furnace finishing

In order to improve a brick stove, there are many ways. One of the most popular is finishing the stove with tiles.

This is how you can decorate an ordinary home stove with tiles

Tile is inexpensive, and the appearance of the fireplace will change significantly. Stove tiles weigh less than facing bricks.

The use of natural materials is at the risk of customers. After all, the strength of marble may have natural defects obtained during quarrying. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are now produced of much higher quality than ten to twenty years later. They can be used without fear of cracking and crumbling.

Tile for stove photo.

If a different foundation was installed for the stove, then such tiling of the stove would be perfect. A high-quality stove will operate under difficult temperature conditions, so a metal corner is pulled over the body of the fireplace to prevent cracks.

But I would like to remind you that everything depends primarily on the hands of the master
Even beautiful tiles may not save the situation...

Before tiling the stove, you need to prepare the following tools:

• meter level;
• two spatula - serrated and flat, about one hundred millimeters wide;
• lace;
• tile cutter;
• rubber hammer;
• plastic crosses;
• rubber spatula 50 mm wide;
• protection for corners, because they are decoration and reinforcement for masonry.

This type of stove requires mandatory decoration with ceramic tiles
And for this stove, only the design of the wall and the tray on which the stove will operate is suitable

Before tiling the stove, it is important to know which tile is best for the stove. Stove tiles come in different sizes.

Craftsmen recommend taking tiles for fireplaces and stoves measuring 20x25 centimeters or less. You need to choose the tiles for the stove based on its size, so that you can use less cut tiles. However, you can’t do without using pieces, so you will need a tile cutter or glass cutter. Laying tiles on the stove with your own hands will be successful if you choose the right glue to which the tiles will be glued.

Do you think the craftsmen made the wood blank correctly?
And these craftsmen made a wooden podium...
The use of heat-resistant bricks is more suitable for integrating a stove into the design of a country house. Do not forget that the podium must be fireproof

Before laying tiles on the stove, you need to try the glue. It must withstand high temperatures.

This is also an option for a country house, when the heat from the stove will be absorbed by the refractory material. We would like to note that even the Buran spacecraft was decorated with ceramics, which prevented it from burning when returning to earth

If the stove is located in a country house that is not always used, then the lowest temperature for the glue should take into account the minimum temperature in the house. The plane of the fireplace on which the stove tiles will be laid must be straightened in advance and without any bumps. If the brick starts to crumble, the best option would be to plaster the fireplace.

With normal masonry, it is possible to polish and tile the stove beautifully. The first row of tiles for lining the stove is laid out without glue. After you have done the fitting, you need to mix a little glue until it becomes thick and creamy and lay the tiles on the stove from top to bottom. Before tiling the stove, a layer of mortar is evenly applied to each tile using a spatula, which should be thick, but be able to cover the entire part of the tile on the back side.

The ceramic frame can be transferred to the stove itself

Laying tiles on the stove is done with a seam width of three millimeters.

Particular attention must be paid to the seams. After the glue has set, the tile must be wiped and left to dry for 2 days. Then the seams must be finished with grout.

In this version, the ceramics are just decoration, they do not provide any functionality.
To prevent buyers from making mistakes, some glue manufacturers produce fire-resistant masonry mixtures. In fact, this glue is no different from ordinary tile adhesive. When purchasing, it is better to contact specialized companies who will give you professional advice about their products, where they will clearly explain at what temperatures they can be used and how well they adhere. And such inscriptions on bags do not oblige the manufacturer to do anything, only to increase the price on the so-called specialized product...

Before tiling the stove, it is necessary to carry out some checks to improve the result. Before placing tiles on the stove, it is necessary to determine whether it heats any rooms.

This fireplace surround was made using regular tile adhesive.
And the decorative stone is also laid with regular glue

Working conditions

It is necessary to carry out such work only in the summer, when there is no need to operate the stove. How to cover a stove with tiles, the video in this article will help you understand the general process that the stove maker performs. Whatever method people choose for lining a brick kiln, they must take the work very seriously.

In any case, the main thing is the final appearance, reliability of operation and of course the heat of the stove

If you have doubts about your personal abilities, it would be best to entrust the work to specialists who know how to properly tile a stove. They certainly know how to glue tiles to the stove.

You don’t have enough money for tiles, be smart, plaster the surface and stick on decors

Covering any object with tiles is not a problem for them, and covering any masonry allows them to realize their potential. In addition, they will see if the stove can be tiled.

The option with a natural stone finish is considered a good solution

Although ceramic tiles are most often used for cladding, which usually last ten or fifteen years, but then the result is not guaranteed. Cladding of various stoves using any type of tile is quite the main stage, which makes it possible to extend the life of a family home and create comfortable conditions for further living together.

Fireproof tiles have increased heat resistance. It is often called heat-resistant and heat-resistant tiles. We will look at the main varieties of this material, discuss the adhesives used, as well as the nuances of installation. Prices for fireproof tiles start at 20 rubles per piece, and, on average, prices are 35 rubles per piece.

• 1 Distinctive features
• 2 Types
  • 2.1 Porcelain stoneware
  • 2.2 Majolica
  • 2.3 Clinker
  • 2.4 Terracotta
• 3 Glue
• 4 Installation and care

Distinctive features

Simple tiles cannot be used to decorate fireplaces or stoves, since they are not able to withstand high temperatures. But fire-resistant tiles cope with these tasks perfectly, as they have some special features. Let's highlight the main ones:

1. Operating temperature. Simple tiles are destroyed when exposed to temperatures above 80 degrees. A special tile is suitable here, allowing it to withstand heavy loads.
2. To attach the material, only special adhesives are used, which we will talk about in more detail later.
3. The water absorption level is 3 percent.
4. The material is not subject to combustion, therefore heat-resistant tiles can easily, without consequences, be exposed to temperatures of up to 1300 degrees Celsius. In this case, the tile will not lose its properties, nor will it even change color.
5. Suitable for exterior decoration of stoves, as it is not afraid of frost and sudden temperature changes.
6. High heat transfer ensures not very intense heating, but long-term heat retention.
7. The range of materials is very wide, which means that fire-resistant tiles can be selected to suit any interior design.
8. The surface does not require special care.
9. The material is durable and is made only from natural ingredients that are completely safe for humans.

Kinds

Having studied the current assortment, we can distinguish several main types of tiles that are resistant to elevated temperatures:

• Terracotta;
• Clinker;
• Majolica;
• Porcelain stoneware.

Now let's talk about each of them separately.

Porcelain stoneware

Such a material with fire-resistant properties is created as a natural mineral. The material contains sand, feldspar, plus clay. It has several distinctive features:

• The material is very durable, superior to natural analogues in this component;
• Cracks and pores do not form on the surface of the slabs, thereby facilitating maintenance;
• Production is carried out under high pressure, which ensures excellent density and service life;
• This material is not afraid of temperature changes, which allows the use of heat-resistant porcelain tiles even in exterior decoration.

Majolica

The features of this material are as follows:

• Production is carried out under a special press, which significantly increases durability;
• Features excellent color fastness;
• The price is higher than analogues, but images can be applied to the surface. Such slabs can be selected to suit any interior;
• Not afraid of temperature changes or precipitation;
• Assumes easy care due to the absence of pores and cracks.
• Dirt is not absorbed, which means washing it is not only easy, but also quick.

Clinker

This tile is often used to decorate a fireplace or stove. This is facilitated by the properties of clinker:

• The material almost does not absorb water, which means it is suitable for external cladding;
• Frost resistance at a high level;
• Clinker is not afraid of alkalis or aggressive environments, and therefore is durable;
• This material is resistant to mechanical shocks;
• Clinker does not collect mold, mildew, and is environmentally friendly;
• It has the color of natural clay and does not fade when exposed to sunlight;
• It boasts a wide variety of colors and textures.

Terracotta

Such tiles have been used for quite a long time when facing fireplaces and stoves. It is worth highlighting several of its important characteristics:

• In production, they use completely safe clay, and therefore the material does not pose a threat even when heated;
• The texture can be varied;
• Has high performance characteristics and a long service life;
• Unaffected by precipitation, temperature changes, etc.;
• Affordable price;
• Easy to care for.

Glue

Of course, the product has its own requirements regarding the adhesive used for installation. Here, only heat-resistant adhesive based on inorganic elements and water-soluble alkali metal silicates is allowed. Others simply cannot withstand the high temperature load.

Such compositions have found wide application. Using this adhesive, it is easy to finish tiling on a metal base. The adhesive mixture is also used to create thermal insulation for furnaces, connect refractory materials together, and so on. Suitable for both domestic and industrial use.

Styling and care

Once the heat-resistant tiles have been selected, it’s time to do the installation itself. There are several simple rules and recommendations for installation, as well as further surface care.

1. The layer of adhesive should not exceed 15 millimeters, otherwise cracks will occur.
2. When using quality tiles, they can still suffer if the material is laid on a metal base. This is due to the expansion of metal under the influence of heat. Therefore, it is advisable to leave small gaps between the tiles and the metal - about 10 millimeters.
3. If you use material with glaze, even an amateur can handle it. Maintenance involves the same actions as when using simple ceramic tiles.
4. Heat-resistant tiles sometimes require more delicate care using alcohol-based products.

As you can see, special fire-resistant tiles have certain characteristics and properties that allow them to be safely used when finishing such surfaces exposed to high temperatures.

The process of laying it is quite simple and is not much different from simple tiles. Of course, you need to use special glue and follow some rules when installing it on a metal base. Otherwise, it is an environmentally friendly, attractive and affordable material.

The approach to tiling stoves and fireplaces is one of the main indicators of a tiler’s qualifications. Unfortunately, too often the result of the work is the customer’s disappointment and the specialist’s headache. Misunderstanding of the specifics of oven installation results in cracking and peeling of the slabs. But people usually don’t save on fireplaces, and this multiplies the problem.

What is the difficulty of lining the heat conductors that decorate our homes? High temperature is a serious enemy of tiles, the adhesive layer and the base itself. But if stove makers, as a rule, have a narrower specialization, well understanding the requirements for materials (and the raw materials themselves are usually heat-resistant), then tilers often suffer from irresponsibility in this matter. Not all tile makers (and even more so ordinary consumers) realize that heat-resistant tiles for stoves and fireplaces are the key to reliable cladding.

Requirements for stove tiles

Tiles for stoves and fireplaces should be:

• Heat resistant . If the letter “T” is on the packaging, the facing material can withstand heating up to 1000 degrees. Heat resistance is also indicated by the flame, the image of which comes in a “set” with numbers: 1 or 2. Mathematical symbols indicate the number of firings of the tile - the higher the number, the more heat resistant the product.
• Strong. Tiles whose thickness is less than eight millimeters are not suitable for cladding fireplaces.
• Thermally conductive. A material, even the most heat-resistant one, is of little use if it does not share the “temperature” with the room.
• Dense. Fine porosity is an important criterion that determines the suitability of tiles for decorating stoves.
• Wear-resistant. Directly depends on the previous point. Defined by the PEI standard. This classification assumes the presence of five categories (I-V). For cladding stoves and fireplaces, you can use slabs marked IV and V.
• Moisture resistant. And this parameter is related to density. The tiles should not have more than a three percent water absorption coefficient.
• Eco-friendly. Heating is always accompanied by the evaporation of certain substances. If the material contains toxic substances, they will definitely enter the human body.
• Corresponding to certain frameworks thermal expansion . More precisely, the limits are 7-8%.

Of course, in addition to technical criteria, there are also decorative requirements. Of course, no one obliges you to decorate stoves and fireplaces with beautiful and spectacular tiles, but it is impossible not to recommend using an attractive facing material.

We have sorted out the requirements for tiles. Now it’s time to analyze which solutions meet them.

Heat-resistant tiles: types and descriptions

Tile

There is no ranking here. Ceramic tiles are in first place solely due to their popularity. But this is not the material that can be recommended in the first place. Even heat-resistant tiles, like a weather vane against the wind, are affected by temperature fluctuations.

Glossy tiles can be used, but it is not advisable - there is a high probability that the glaze will crack. It is better to focus on matte tiles, but there are some limits here too. Large-format slabs are more prone to destruction, so the conventional “ceiling” is 20x20 cm.

Let us remind you that any “furnace” material must meet the stated requirements. And tiles for stoves should be selected especially carefully. And under no circumstances should you work with it in rooms that will be heated periodically during the cold period - low temperatures are detrimental to tiles.

Clinker tiles

An excellent solution - clinker is a very dense material, which is made from high-grade refractory clays using very high temperatures. The functional advantages, of which clinker has a lot, are echoed by decorative ones. Although this type of facing slabs is not as varied in terms of design as tiles, there is plenty to choose from. Moreover, it is tonally both diverse and homogeneous. The last factor guarantees the wear resistance of the material; even small chips will not become an obstacle to further use, since ceramics painted to the full depth do not gape with defects.

Clinker, unlike tiles, can be used in rooms with temperature changes. For this we must thank the density of the material, which is responsible for resistance to frost and low water absorption.

But clinker tiles also have a minus. Despite the general recommendations for laying it on concrete, cement and brick bases, stoves and fireplaces are more demanding in this regard - brick is not suitable as a base. The bottom line is that clinker and brick have too different coefficients of thermal expansion, which inevitably leads to destruction of the cladding.

Majolica

It is a type of ceramic slab that is made from baked clay followed by the application of painted glaze. It has a lower density than clinker, but is decoratively richer than the latter. There are three main types of majolica: Italian, Russian and Dutch. Russian majolica, thanks to the widespread use of stoves in Rus', was a favorite design element for “fireplaces”. The main centers of production were Moscow and Yaroslavl. Today, quite often you can find a combination of majolica with metlakh tiles, which were no less popular in their time.

The relatively high porosity (compared to clinker) does not allow the use of majolica in places that are heated from time to time.

Metlakh tiles

This heat-resistant tile is a victim of all sorts of speculation. To navigate among the mythological layers, you should understand that Metlakh ceramics are necessarily made using high-temperature processing, have a matte surface, have a water absorption coefficient close to zero, and have a uniform color. Of course, not all tiles that have similar characteristics are Metlakh, but those whose properties do not fit into these frameworks are definitely not such.

The format of the slabs “floats” within 3-20 cm. The illustrative component also varies - you can find both decoratively modest ceramics and tiles that amaze with their artistic fullness. Thanks to this and the abundance of formats, intricate patterns are usually woven from metlakh tiles - this is what makes “metlakh” so good.

Glazed tiles

If the fundamental criteria when choosing heat-resistant tiles for stoves and fireplaces are environmental friendliness and decorativeness, it is definitely worth taking a closer look at the tiles. Regarding the “ecological” point, the material is characterized by the highest indicators in this regard. Handwork determines the very high artistic and aesthetic component of tiled tiles.

The slabs have a textured or smooth surface. The tiles have the shape of a box - the back side of the box-like appearance is intended for fastening to the base. The richness of the content of individual elements opens up enormous opportunities for craftsmen - stoves and fireplaces lined with tiles are real works of art. However, the lack of production automation negatively affects the cost of tiles; not everyone can afford to enrich themselves with a masterpiece.

The functional advantages of tiled tiles include high heat transfer.

Terracotta tiles

These are tiles that are produced manually or mechanically (using single firing) from red clays. The absence of glaze, characteristic of most terracotta slabs, determines the tonal range: from pink and yellow to red-brown shades.

Typically, tiles have a rough surface. In terms of formats, there is a tendency to imitate stone and brick. Terracotta ceramics:

• withstands temperatures up to 1100 degrees;
• impact-resistant, which has a positive effect on the durability of the material;
• has excellent adhesion;
• has increased heat transfer - this is due to the texture of the tile;
• resistant to temperature changes;

The best base for heat-resistant terracotta tiles is brick. The materials have similar thermal expansion characteristics.

Porcelain tiles

One of the most durable types of tiles. It is made using high pressure and firing at a temperature of 1200-1300 degrees. The raw materials used are different types of clay, stone chips, quartz sand and various additives.

Ceramic granite can be considered one of the best types of heat-resistant tiles. All thanks to a combination of excellent performance characteristics and decorative parameters. Judge for yourself:

• on the ten-point Mohs scale (determining the hardness of materials), the top position of which is occupied by diamond, porcelain stoneware is in eighth place;
• the material has extremely low water absorption - no more than 0.05% by weight;
• has very high bending strength;
• resists temperature changes well;
• has structural homogeneity;
• resistant to chemicals.

However, the claim to leadership is determined not only by functionality - porcelain stoneware “can” imitate various materials. For example, Serenissima Cir – Chicago collection (Italy). Tile is likened to brick and stone. The set includes many solutions, including decorative elements.

But Gardenia Orchidea - Cotto Reale collection (Italy) - imitates terracotta tiles, which you met a little higher. The red tones refer to the excellent specific quality for which the original is famous.

We have only lifted the curtain on the decorative possibilities of porcelain stoneware. The range of manufacturers (in other words, in our catalog) includes all kinds of design solutions that are successfully combined with excellent technical characteristics.

Fireclay tiles

A facing material produced from special grades of refractory clay. The specificity of the tile is acid resistance. The stoves are appropriate in appropriate rooms. But “chamotte” has a lot of other advantages:

• impressive operating temperature range: from minus to plus; Fireclay tiles are especially good because they are resistant to high temperatures;
• resistance to deformation;
• practically does not slip;
• has considerable thickness.

Fireclay tiles originate in metallurgy - the excellent qualities of clays made it possible to make molds for casting. Having noticed the characteristics of the raw materials, manufacturers of facing materials adopted clays. “Chamotte” is produced in several sizes, in single and double formats. However, in everyday life they use the single version, this is driven by both the financial component and the thickness of the material - the double format seriously increases the oven volume.

Initially, fireclay tiles did not shine with decorative variety, but today you can already choose ceramics for almost any interior. Although, of course, acid-resistant material in this sense is very inferior to porcelain stoneware and tiles.

An alternative to tiles is marble

Heat-resistant adhesive for oven cladding

It is not enough to purchase heat-resistant tiles; the issue of choosing adhesive is no less important. Of course, the adhesive mixture must also be “immune” to high temperature. Perhaps someone is now thinking about compositions for heated floors. Yes, there are a lot of them, but, alas, they are not suitable for fireplaces and stoves - in our case, we should choose more heat-resistant mixtures.

“Oven” adhesives can withstand temperatures from 70 to 1500 degrees, most up to 150-400. Considering that the surface of stoves and fireplaces heats up to 100-120 degrees, choosing the appropriate mixture is not very problematic. The grout for joints must also be heat-resistant.

By following the recommendations for choosing fire-resistant tiles for stoves and fireplaces, as well as related materials, and observing cladding technology, you can be sure that ceramic decorations will not become a victim of temperature for many years.