How to cover a stove with tiles. Cladding the stove with ceramic tiles with your own hands: choosing a method for cladding the walls of the stoves and doing the installation Cladding heat-resistant tiles for stoves

Tiles for fireplaces and stoves are a special material. Operating conditions involving high temperatures impose certain requirements on the coating, which must be:

The most suitable facing tiles for stoves are matte, measuring no more than 25 x 25 cm. They are easier to install and maintain, and last longer.

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Types of heat-resistant tiles

Tiles for stoves and fireplaces are varied. Main types:

• Terracotta;
• Majolica;
• Tile;
• Clinker;
• Tiles;
• Fireclay;
• Porcelain tiles;
• Natural marble;
• Fake diamond.

Terracotta

Similar tiles for fireplaces and stoves are characterized by a rough surface, imitating brick and natural stone. It can be used indoors or outdoors. Terracotta heat-resistant tiles are successfully used in saunas and baths. It is made from dense pressed clay.

Important material characteristics:

• Impact resistance and durability;
• Resistance to sudden temperature changes;
• Fire resistance - it is produced at a temperature of 1100ºС;
• Steam and water resistance;
• Good adhesion to any adhesive base;
• High heat transfer, which is due to the textured surface, and thermal expansion corresponds to a similar characteristic of oven bricks.

Examples of using terracotta tiles for outdoor barbecues:

Tile

A ceramic stove (tile), even a heat-resistant one, is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature. For ovens, small matte elements (up to 20 x 25 cm) are preferable - the glaze will become cracked after a while. Usually, old tiles are used for stoves, which you don’t mind throwing away.

Laying such elements on clay or cement mortars is unacceptable, since the water absorption coefficient of ceramics is zero. They require a special one. There is - in a metal frame.
The video shows a master class on tiling a chimney:

Clinker tiles

Such tiles for a fireplace or stove are obtained by mixing fireclay powder, several types of slate clays and other additives. The surface of the slab is not glazed. The surface color varies from white to beige, from orange to red, from light yellow to chocolate brown. The final tone is set by mineral dye.

The clinker board has a higher density than terracotta or majolica, which results in lower water resistance and better frost resistance. These characteristics make it possible to use such a coating where temperature changes are observed.

Tiles

Tiles are box-shaped, have a smooth or textured surface, and are covered with glaze or enamel. It is made and painted by hand, which determines the high cost of the material.

When installed, individual elements form a pattern. The coating is characterized by high heat transfer and the highest environmental friendliness. Cost - from 30,000 rubles per square meter.

Covering the stove and apron with handmade tiles. The tile is made of white clay and covered with glaze.

Fireclay tiles

For a stove, this is an expensive material, made by hand from refractory clays and stone flour, added to enhance strength. Firing occurs at a temperature of 1300ºС. The advantages of fireclay slab are that it:

Available in single and twin versions, but the latter increases the volume of the oven. For household needs, a single one is sufficient.

Fireclay tiles for a fireplace do not require additional insulation of the base surface: they do not need to be grouped with coatings such as natural stone or gypsum.

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain tiles used for facing a fireplace are a mixture of quartz sand, several types of clay, granite and marble chips. Metal oxides and salts act as dyes. The coating is environmentally friendly.

The structure of porcelain tiles for stoves is non-porous and dense. It is resistant to low and high temperatures.

Porcelain tiles can imitate all of the above types of coatings and natural stone. It retains color even in direct sunlight.


The thickness of the elements is from 9 to 12 mm. Heat-resistant porcelain tiles are attached using hot-melt adhesive. If the stove is located outside, use frost-resistant glue.

Marble

Beautiful natural material suitable for expensive interiors. A square meter of 20 mm slab costs about $110. Plus, you need to pay for the services of a designer, precise cutting and labor-intensive work of a craftsman. Read in a separate article.

Fake diamond

A good option for those who do not know how to lay tiles. A stone of different sizes allows you to hide the unevenness of the stove. Even a woman without experience can handle its styling. Before laying, be sure to clean the back side of the tiles from mortar buildup.

The stove is finished with different-sized artificial “torn” stone. Laying was done using heat-resistant Hercules glue. Metal elements are painted with Tikkurila Termal Alluminium paint.

Laying features

When choosing tiles for the stove, pay attention to the reverse side - there should be special notches there to improve adhesion to the base surface.

The structure is reinforced by aluminum corners or a metal woven network with cells of maximum 150 x 150 mm, placed between the tiles and the base surface of the stove. The reinforcing sheet is attached with 100 mm nails or self-tapping screws.

The network is covered with a solution of cement (grade no lower than M400), clay and sand. It is recommended to use elastic adhesive for furnaces based on aluminate cement containing chemical and polymer additives.

The seams are sealed with grout. The uniformity of the width of the gaps between the plates is ensured by limiting crosses.

The most popular materials for finishing inexpensive stoves are fireclay, terracotta, and clinker. Porcelain tiles and tiles are used very rarely. Among expensive finishing materials, tiles and natural marble are more often chosen.

Ceramic fireplace tiles have many advantages. It allows you to make the interior of the room original and unique. The properties of fire-resistant tiles make this type of product quite popular in the facing materials market.

What is this article about?

Types of fireproof tiles

There are 2 types of facing tiles for stoves and fireplaces:

1. Natural.
2. Artificial.

The first type of finishing material is made on the basis of such types of rocks as marble, granite, basalt, pebbles, quartzite, dolomite, diabase. To make this type of facing material, semi-precious stones can also be used: jasper, onyx, and serpentine.

Artificial tiles are a product that has undergone complex production processing, including the following stages:

1. Extraction of raw materials.
2. Kneading of components.
3. Pressing blanks.
4. Formation of material.
5. Firing of products.
6. Painting of products, etc.

Among the types of products for facing fireplaces are clinker and terracotta tiles, porcelain tiles, tiles and majolica. Terracotta is produced from kaolin clay, which has heat-resistant properties. This facing material is the oldest known type of finish. It has the following specific properties:

• various shades, geometry and texture;
• high strength;
• vapor permeability;
• ease of care;
• adhesion to various surfaces;
• fire resistance (heat resistance);
• relatively low cost.

Terracotta tiles are divided into 2 types:

1. Unglazed, having 1 layer of natural or pigmented color.
2. Glazed, having 2 layers (base and glaze).

For cladding stoves and fireplaces, glazed terracotta is considered the most attractive. Majolica tiles have heat resistance and a porous structure. It has similar characteristics to terracotta, being a variant of glazed tiles. The only difference between them is that the appearance of majolica is a surface with a thin layer of applied pattern. Due to its porous structure, majolica is not suitable for cladding stoves in bathhouses, unlike terracotta.

Tiled tiles for fireplaces or stoves, which are a type of terracotta, have the shape of a box. On the reverse side, the tiles have a rump or edge, which allows the product to efficiently conserve heat. This environmentally friendly type of material has an appropriate composition and complex shape. Thanks to the variety of additional finishing elements supplied with the material, tiles are considered an excellent interior decoration.

Clinker tiles for stoves and fireplaces

The thermal conductivity and heat capacity possessed by clinker make it possible to use this type of finishing material for cladding fireplaces and stoves. Clinker, like terracotta, is divided into 2 types: glazed and unglazed. Among the properties inherent in clinker tiles, the following stand out:

• low level of water absorption (up to 2%);
• natural composition without pigments and additives;
• resistance to high temperatures;
• environmentally friendly, that is, there is no risk of releasing toxins;
• original and beautiful appearance;
• thermal conductivity and heat capacity;
• resistance to ultraviolet radiation;
• high strength index;
• resistance to mechanical damage;
• possibility of implementing various design projects.

Based on the listed characteristics, clinker is wear-resistant, but it is not the best material for lining stoves. The product is more suitable for facing a fireplace, which is explained by less heating of its surface. For finishing stoves, you can use a material created based on the semi-dry method.

The finely porous structure of clinker is the reason for the low thermal conductivity of the product, which does not give off heat too quickly. The material not only holds it perfectly, having excellent heat capacity, it also has such an important quality as thermal conductivity. Thanks to this, the cladding retains heat for a long time. Clinker is not suitable for lining the internal walls of fireplaces, since the material is not able to expand in the required direction due to high temperatures. As a result, the clinker lining comes away from the inside of the fireplace walls.

The coefficient of thermal expansion of clinker and similar indicators of other finishing materials, for example, brick, are different. The use of clinker for finishing the inside of stoves is not recommended, since experienced craftsmen know that the finishing materials used should not differ in the degree of expansion when heated. Certain characteristics of clinker place this material at a level higher than other products. For example, if you compare brick and clinker based on the range of colors.

Porcelain tiles for fireplaces and stoves

Porcelain stoneware is a facing tile with heat resistance, which differs from other types of finishing materials in its characteristics. The following types of porcelain tiles exist:

1. Mosaic natural or glazed, imitating mosaic.
2. Smalted with a pattern applied after firing the enamel simultaneously with the base.
3. Natural untreated fired, having a matte surface and high wear resistance.
4. A glazed material made by firing, after which the top thin matte layer of porcelain stoneware is mechanically cut off and the cut is lightened.
5. Glazed porcelain tiles with a smooth surface become sparkling after treatment. This finishing material has the only drawback, as scratches may remain on its surface.

According to its characteristics, porcelain stoneware resembles terracotta tiles. The material has the following properties:

• monolithic structure;
• strength;
• the lowest degree of moisture absorption of 0.05%;
• resistance to high and low temperatures;
• a wide range of textures and colors.

Porcelain tiles are heat-resistant tiles that can imitate different types of materials, including marble, terracotta, granite, and majolica. The product has additional corner elements. Cladding fireplaces and stoves with porcelain stoneware is widely used for finishing in saunas and baths. This material can be used to decorate stoves located outdoors, as well as in rooms where there is no constant heating.

To ensure the longest service life of a stove lined with porcelain stoneware, it is necessary to properly care for it:

1. Remove drink and grease stains with a warm solution of baking soda or a cleaner containing chlorine.
2. Use acetone or gasoline to remove stains of glue, enamel, paint, resin or other sticky substances from porcelain stoneware.
3. Try not to clean the tile surface with acid-based products, because they are suitable for spot application and can ruin the color of the grout.
4. Treat the glazed surface with a water-repellent agent before cleaning.
5. Clean porcelain tiles with powder as little as possible, do not use hard sponges or brushes.

Unlike other natural stones, porcelain stoneware does not have a radioactive background, so facing tiles for fireplaces are completely safe for health.

Characteristics of fireproof tiles

To make high-quality cladding, you need to have an idea of ​​the properties of ceramic tiles for the fireplace and its chemical composition. When choosing a finishing material for cladding a stove in a country house, you must take into account that its characteristics must be suitable for the type of surface. Fireproof fireplace tiles have the following properties:

1. Heat capacity. The ability of a material to accumulate and release heat.
2. Rigidity. Resistance of the product to deformation under load.
3. Environmental friendliness. Inertness of tiles as a result of chemical exposure.
4. Wear resistance. Resistance of the material to long-term external influences.
5. Low porosity. Higher product strength due to less porous structure.
6. Low water absorption coefficient. Increased tile strength.
7. Fire resistance. Resistance to high temperature conditions at which the use of a fire-resistant coating is possible.

The purpose of the furnace is determined by the maximum heating temperature. All furnaces are divided into 3 main categories:

1. With moderate heating - up to 100 °C.
2. With increased heating - up to 120 °C.
3. With high heating temperature - over 120 °C.

The manufacturer of the facing material indicates on the packaging the value of the maximum permissible heating temperature. When purchasing, you can inquire about the availability of a certificate indicating exact data on the fire resistance of the material.

How to choose tiles for cladding stoves and fireplaces

Finishing a fireplace with tiles does not involve the use of ordinary tiles, so when choosing a facing material, it is important to consider that a quality product must have:

• composition of a mixture of glaze, water and clay, processed using special technology;
• heat-resistant and resistant to mechanical damage structure;
• low water absorption coefficient (no more than 2-3%).

The combination of color with a pattern and the main range of shades in interior design is a prerequisite for a successful choice of finishing material. If fire-resistant ceramic tiles are selected taking into account these rules, then a stove or fireplace can be turned into a real interior decoration. The right choice can only be made after a visual assessment of the tiles for the fireplace or stove. Parameters that you need to pay attention to first:

1. The product and its elements must have the same thickness.
2. Different types of tiles can have different thicknesses, the average value of the parameter is 6-8 mm.
3. The material must have identical geometric dimensions.

To check the evenness of the tiles, you will need to attach 2 products to each other, first with the front side and then with the inside. The joining should be smooth without gaps. If irregularities are found on the front side of the product, this will create visible visual defects on the cladding surface. If the wrong side of the product is uneven, the quality of the finish will be low.

The most preferred tile shape is a 120x120 mm square. If the length of the product is greater, then the rigidity and strength of the material are reduced. The tiles for finishing the fireplace should have a color scheme, shade and decorative elements that do not differ from each other.

It is necessary to buy tiles with a reserve of 15-20%, since part of the material is used for trimming, and the other part is used for replacement during operation. This will avoid purchasing different batches of tiles in the future. If the products have various chips and cracks, the entire material is very fragile and can be easily damaged. Cracks on the back side will cause the front part of the material to burst under the influence of temperature.

Laying heat-resistant tiles

Tiling the fireplace is done after careful selection of the finishing material in compliance with all the rules set out above. Laying of heat-resistant tiles is carried out sequentially on the basis of a special technology for lining stoves and fireplaces, taking into account all requirements. Before carrying out work, you must familiarize yourself with the procedure for performing all actions for finishing a stove or fireplace:

1. Clean the surface externally and internally before installation.
2. Remove old plaster, dust and abrasive particles from the walls of the stove or fireplace.
3. Lubricate dry surfaces with a dampened paint brush.
4. Treat the surface with cement-sand mortar.
5. Check the evenness of the masonry using a plumb line and a building level.
6. Use fine mesh fiberglass mesh that can be puttied over.
7. Prepare the adhesive for laying the material and plastic crosses.
8. Apply the adhesive solution to the back of each element, removing excess with a spatula.
9. Press each piece firmly onto the surface of the stove or fireplace.
10. Make adjustments before the glue dries completely.
11. Grout the seams between the tiles.

It is necessary to apply the adhesive in a layer of no more than 15 mm, otherwise cracks may occur. When laying, you should leave a small gap of 10 mm between the tiles and the base before installing the cladding on metal that can expand when heated. For this purpose, special tile adhesive is used and installation rules are followed.

Features of care for lining stoves and fireplaces

Heat-resistant tiles, made using special technology, do not require constant complex maintenance. Keeping a stove or fireplace lined with fire-resistant finishing material clean is quite simple. Plain tiles and heat-resistant tiles can be cleaned in the same way, using a regular soap solution rather than a powder solution. When the surface has already been treated, you will need to wipe it so that there is no moisture on it, otherwise the coating will absorb it and collapse.

The lining of a fireplace or stove can become dirty with an intensity that varies greatly. This depends on the type of room where the fire-resistant tiles are used. The cleaning method should also be selected depending on those substances that can contaminate the surface of the facing material. Droplets of fat, household dust or particles of coal and ash fall on it. This requires the use of a high-quality and completely harmless cleaning product that should not destroy the surface.

To improve the appearance of an old stove, making the room unusual, you can use a practical finishing material - fireproof tiles, which can transform the interior of any design. There are a huge number of options for tiling stoves and fireplaces. Even beginners won’t have to spend a lot of time choosing the right tile for their fireplace.

When cladding stoves or fireplaces, special attention must be paid to the careful placement of the material, the thickness of the tiles, and their color, since all design elements must be harmoniously combined with each other. Only a correctly selected heat-resistant base is the key to the reliability of the facing work performed.

10487 0

Stoves and fireplaces in homes have always been in demand because of their functionality, but previously there were only two ways of finishing these structures: plastering followed by whitewashing with lime solution or complex cladding with expensive tiles. With the development of technology, other types of finishing materials have appeared that meet the requirements for heat-resistant cladding of bases.

The tiles currently produced for stoves and fireplaces differ in material and manufacturing technology, and therefore have differences in characteristics. Heating and heating structures also differ in purpose and mode of operation, therefore, fire-resistant tiles for their finishing should be selected taking these factors into account.

Clinker tiles differ from ceramic tiles, despite the fact that they are also made from clay

Let's consider the types of heat-resistant ceramic cladding, their characteristics and the degree of compliance with the requirements for finishing stoves in the following sequence:

1. Requirements for heat-resistant cladding ceramics.
2. Types of heat-resistant finishing ceramics.
3. Recommendations for choosing.

Requirements for heat-resistant veneering ceramics

Heat-resistant tiles perform two main functions: protective-technological and aesthetic.

The protective technological function is to increase the heat capacity and improve the heat transfer process of the furnace. The refractory tile conducts heat through itself and releases heat to the environment slowly, while the front surface of the ceramic finish will not cause a burn if touched for a short time. In addition, heat-resistant tiles do not stain clothes or hands upon contact and are easy to clean on a daily basis.

Heat-resistant tiles are attached using hot-melt adhesive

The aesthetic function lies in the beauty of the cladding and does not require detailed descriptions.

The listed functions and operating conditions determine the requirements for heat-resistant cladding ceramics:

• low porosity (water absorption coefficient less than 3%);
• strength (when loaded with fuel);
• heat resistance above 1000 degrees;
• moderate heat transfer rate;
• safety and environmental friendliness (no toxic emissions when exposed to high temperatures, antistatic);
• thickness not less than 8 mm;
• durability of decoration.

Each of the listed requirements has its own range of values, which must be taken into account when choosing a ceramic finish, since the operating conditions of different furnaces differ.

For example, the lining of a stove in a house without permanent residence experiences temperature fluctuations from negative values ​​to 1000 degrees, while in a residential building the temperature does not drop below zero. This means that when choosing tiles from several suitable types of ceramics, you need to choose the material with the lowest water absorption coefficient.

Types of heat-resistant finishing ceramics

Fireproof tiles are divided into the following types:

• ceramic:
• terracotta;
• majolica;
• clinker;
• porcelain stoneware;
• tiles (porcelain);
• fireclay.

Let's consider these types of cladding, their advantages and disadvantages.

Ceramic cladding

Ceramic tiles for stoves are currently produced in two types: terracotta and majolica.

Terracotta

Terracotta tiles have been handcrafted from kaolin clay for hundreds of years - the shaped pieces were dried in the sun and then fired in a kiln. The result was a tile with a unique surface texture for each product, emphasizing the naturalness of the material.

Terracotta tiles allow you to make fireplace facades aesthetically pleasing and beautiful.

Modern terracotta facing ceramics are made from the same kaolin clay, but by extrusion followed by firing without pre-drying. This technology reduces the cost of production, but at the same time its aesthetics are reduced - the texture of all products is the same.

Terracotta tiles have the following positive characteristics:

• strength and hardness;
• relatively small specific gravity;
• no toxic emissions;
• heat resistance 1100 degrees;
• the same coefficient of thermal expansion as brick;
• wide range of colors (from gray to brick).

Disadvantages of terracotta tiles:

• Terracotta is a porous material with thermal insulation properties, so its use for finishing full-function stoves and fireplaces is impractical.
• In addition, this ceramic is vapor and gas permeable, which is also undesirable. However, if the fireplace is electric, and its main function is decorative, then terracotta as a finishing material will be very impressive.

As a heat-resistant coating, terracotta cladding can be used, which has undergone additional processing, which reduces the porosity of the material and turns terracotta into majolica.

Majolica

Terracotta fireplace tiles coated with a matte glaze are called majolica. Majolica has all the advantages of terracotta, differing from it in the pores “clogged” with glaze and a smooth surface, ensuring ease of everyday care.

Majolica is a type of terracotta with a glazed surface, onto which a pattern can be applied by burning in

Due to the costs of additional processing, the price of majolica is higher than the cost of terracotta stove tiles.

Clinker

Clinker tiles for fireplaces are produced by pressing followed by firing a mixture of several types of clays and fireclay powder. The resulting heat-resistant material, glazed or unglazed, has the following positive characteristics:

• strength;
• high density;
• low water permeability;
• frost resistance;
• high heat resistance;
• safety and environmental friendliness.

Clinker tiles for fireplaces have been used for quite a long time.

However, the thermal expansion of clinker finishes made from different clays differs significantly from changes in the dimensions of kiln bricks made from one type of clay.

Heat-resistant clinker tiles are only suitable for lining fireplaces that do not heat up to high temperatures. When finishing stoves, clinker tiles will fall out of the finishing one by one or in fragments due to the significant difference with fireclay bricks in thermal expansion at high temperatures.

To decorate fireplaces, it is better to use unglazed clinker tiles, which look more attractive than ceramics with glaze.

Porcelain tiles

Heat-resistant porcelain tiles are produced by pressing under high pressure with simultaneous heating until sintering of a mixture of several clays, high-quality quartz sand, marble and granite chips, to which dyes are added. The result is a material that is not inferior in properties to natural stone.

We can talk about the advantages of porcelain stoneware (gress) for a long time, so we will list only those that are related to the cladding of stoves and fireplaces:

• strength and hardness;
• high density;
• frost resistance and heat resistance;
• high thermal conductivity coefficient.

Clad granite fireplace

However, this material also has negative characteristics:

• significant share;
• processing complexity;
• limited color range.

Heat-resistant porcelain tiles are suitable for finishing any fireplaces and stoves, but it should be noted that the smooth back surface of porcelain tiles and the significant weight of the tiles require the use of tile adhesives with a high degree of adhesion.

The domestic manufacturer OJSC Keramin specializes in the production of high-quality porcelain stoneware, the range of which also includes well-proven heat-resistant gress.

Tiled finish

Facing with tiles is currently rare due to the complexity of installation technology and the high price of the material. Tiles are produced by firing molded pieces of white clay and are hand-painted box-shaped porcelain pieces coated with enamel.

Tiles are glazed ceramic tiles decorated with paintings or reliefs with a rump

The tiles are attached to the surface of the stoves in a special way - with fastening brackets and wire behind a special protrusion on the product (rump). Finishing stoves with tiles is done by professionals, since this type of work requires a lot of experience and does not involve doing it yourself after familiarizing yourself with the technology

A tiled stove is a structure whose construction is carried out simultaneously with finishing and requires significant costs. But each finished stove is unique in design and rightfully borders on a work of art.

Fireclay tiles

Heat-resistant fireclay tiles (acid-resistant) are made from a mixture of refractory clays with stone flour, which, after molding, is fired at a temperature of 1300 degrees.

Fireclay stove tiles are absolutely fireproof; when heated, they have the same thermal expansion as the body masonry, and therefore do not peel off from the base. The material is resistant to temperature changes in both directions, accumulates and releases heat well, and is environmentally friendly.

Chamotte is a fireproof type of clay

The initial use of fireclay was in production facilities in metallurgy, so no attention was paid to the artistic design of this material. But the high characteristics of the tile subsequently prompted its use in everyday life, and currently chamotte tiles are produced in a variety of decorative designs.

In addition to the mandatory requirements that fire-resistant finishing must meet, there are also recommendations that do not claim to be mandatory, but are based on the practice of oven cladding and are therefore useful:

• when choosing tiles for a stove or fireplace, you need to proceed from the status of the room in which the heating structure is located;
• priority should be the compliance of the performance characteristics of the finishing material with the conditions of use;
• the ideal size of heat-resistant cladding is from 10x10 to 20x25 cm;
• the use of glazed ceramics for finishing stoves will lead to the appearance of a web of cracks in the glaze, which will become more noticeable after contamination;
• when purchasing expensive material, it is better to turn to professional finishers so as not to learn from your inevitable and expensive mistakes;
• A reserve supply of tiles of 5-10% of the volume of finishing material will allow for unexpected spot repairs without compromising aesthetics.

The stove has long served people, creating coziness and comfort in the home. The appearance of the stove is the calling card of the entire house. Ceramic stove tiles can transform any stove, and this one will help you choose one.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Ceramic stove tiles have been used in stove finishing for many hundreds of years. Even today, despite the emergence of many different materials and technologies, it has not lost its leading position, thanks to quality, reliability and good price.

1. It has high strength characteristics and can easily withstand heavy loads during operation. Concrete is far behind ceramic tiles in terms of performance; it is less durable and inferior to ceramics in terms of wear resistance.
2. Installation of ceramic tiles is quite simple and requires a minimum of tools and skills.
3. The high fire resistance of ceramic tiles is an undoubted advantage when finishing stoves and fireplaces.
4. Made from environmentally friendly and safe, natural materials. Clay, as the main material for production, is completely safe and does not emit any substances harmful to health.
5. Caring for tiles is very simple and does not require much effort or special measures. It will be enough to simply wipe the ceramic tiles with a damp cloth from time to time.

There are very few disadvantages to ceramic tiles for stoves. The only thing that can be highlighted is that ceramics is a rather hard material, so if hit by a hard object it can easily be cracked.

This small drawback can be ignored; this facing material is very practical and convenient for finishing the stove.

Types of ceramic tiles for the stove

Of course, the choice of stove lining depends on taste and preference. Now let's look at the main types in more detail:

1. Majolica - made from baked clay. It is covered with glaze and has a variety of decorative images. Such tiles are produced by hand, and this factor affects the cost.
2. - its surface is rough, it mainly imitates natural stone and brick. It is made from dense types of clay, perfect for any oven.
   
3. Tile is the most popular budget option. It is used quite often, despite its disadvantages. It is not resistant to temperature changes, so it becomes cracked over time. It is better to use small ones, this will reduce the likelihood of cracks.
   
4. – made from several types of clay, special fireclay powder and a number of other additives. Their surface is not covered with glaze, and the variety of colors and shades is simply amazing. It is also more durable and dense than others, is not afraid of temperature changes and has good frost resistance.
   
5. Tiled - may have a grooved or smooth surface, and may or may not be glazed. It is produced mainly by hand and has a high price. When finishing, the individual parts form a very beautiful pattern. This type of stove decoration has been used for a very long time and is still in demand.
   
6. Fireclay tiles - this material is quite expensive and is made from special types of clay with the addition of stone powder to give good strength to the finished product. It is resistant to extreme temperature changes, does not crack, has excellent fire-resistant properties, is quite thick, and does not deteriorate when interacting with alkalis and acids.
7. Porcelain tiles - made from a mixture of granite and marble chips, quartz sand and clay. The color of this tile is given by salts and metal oxides. It has a dense structure without pores and is not afraid of temperature changes. It is able to imitate different types of coating and retains an unchanged appearance for a very long time.
8. Marble is a very beautiful and very expensive material for lining a stove. Cladding from this material is mainly made to order, according to individual sizes and designs.
   
9. Artificial stone - a huge advantage of this material is that it has different shapes and thicknesses imitating natural stone, thereby hiding the unevenness of the masonry. The variety of colors, shades and shapes is simply amazing.

How to choose ceramic tiles for the stove?

When choosing a material for cladding, you need to take into account many factors: budget, what the stove itself is made of, its characteristics, operating mode and much more.

Variety of ceramic tiles for stove

First of all, you need to choose for aesthetic reasons, the style of the room or the specific design in which the stove is located. According to its purpose and location. Based on the style in which the stove is built, you need to select a specific type of finishing material.

The mode of use of the stove plays a huge role. Different types of tiles have different characteristics, and there is no point in overpaying for unnecessary qualities when the operation will not be constant.

For cladding a stove in the house, the best choice would be clinker tiles. Its price-quality ratio is the best.

• Pay attention to the markings of the products; marking B means that the tiles were made by pressing and may not have an ideal shape.
• Labeled A are products that are produced using the modern extrusion method. In this case, the blanks are rolled out by machines and cut with high-precision, new equipment, which makes their quality and accuracy much higher.

If the house is being renovated, and the old brick stove does not fit into the updated interior, then you can finish it. Often this approach to the design of a heating structure is planned even before its construction begins. In any case, tiles for cladding stoves and fireplaces will be an excellent option.

It involves the use of several types of this facing material, intended for use in special conditions. All types of tiles have different design solutions, which allows you to choose the appropriate shade or pattern for the main color scheme and the created interior style.

Criteria for choosing facing tiles for a stove or fireplace

Tiles intended for lining fireplaces and stoves can be called a special material, since they are used in extreme conditions of high temperatures. Therefore, the finish must meet certain requirements:

• Environmentally friendly material - this quality is necessary for cladding that will be heated to high temperatures. If the finish contains toxic compounds, when it is heated, they will release fumes into the surrounding space.
• Heat resistance. This quality is also associated with the constant heating of the material to high temperatures. Ordinary tiles may not be able to withstand this alternating cooling effect and may begin to crack or peel off the surface.

High-quality material for finishing stoves and fireplaces can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees. If the packaging bears the designation “T”, this is evidence that the tiles are suitable for such purposes. In addition, the manufacturer indicates the number of firings to which the material was subjected; they are determined by the “flame” symbol and the number 1 or 2.

Double firing means that it is suitable and has undergone this procedure the first time when creating the ceramic base, and the second time after applying the glaze to the surface.

Both single- and double-firing tiles are suitable for oven cladding, but glazed material is more comfortable to clean and more resistant to moisture.

• The lining must have good heat capacity and thermal conductivity, since the main purpose of the stove is not to decorate the interior, but to heat the room.
• Resistant to moisture. The moisture absorption coefficient of the facing material should not exceed 3%.
• The thickness of the tiles can range from 6 to 15 mm.
• The coefficient of thermal expansion should be minimal.
• Resistance to mechanical stress. The wear resistance of the tiles is indicated on the packaging by the letter PEI followed by Roman numerals. Tiles with numbers ranging from II to V are suitable for finishing the stove.

• The tile must have antistatic properties, that is, not accumulate an electrical charge and, therefore, not attract dust.
• Aesthetic appearance. A stove lined with tiles may well become a decorative element of the interior. Therefore, it is worth choosing a material that has the most accurate dimensional parameters. It is recommended to choose tiles marked “AA” (no damage) on the packaging.
• Grade of facing tiles. It is imperative to pay attention to the type of material:

- first grade - allows up to 5% of defective tiles in a batch;

— second grade - from 5 to 25%;

— third grade - more than 25%;

- commercial version - corresponds in quality to the third grade.

Tile manufacturers with a UNI quality certificate use color-coded grades.

The best option for finishing the stove would be matte tiles of the first grade, which have undergone two firings, marked “AA”, PEI from II to V, a symbol of antistatic qualities, and with the designation ECO or “Eurostandard”. The linear dimensions of the tiles may vary, but you should not choose models with side lengths of more than 250x250 mm.

What types of tiles are used for finishing stoves and fireplaces

Heat-resistant tiles are made from clay, cement compounds and natural stone. It is clear that it differs from each other in production technology, various additives and design.

Terracotta, tiled, clinker and fireclay tiles, as well as tiles and majolica are produced from clay.

Marble tiles are made from natural stone. In addition, it is also used in the production of porcelain tiles.

The main component in artificial stone is cement, but various components are added to it, including stone chips.

Terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles are made from rare varieties of kaolin clay. This universal material is used not only for cladding stoves and fireplaces, but also for the facades of houses, as well as for interior decoration.

The production of facing material occurs by molding the prepared clay mass into a tile with a certain relief, which then goes through a firing process at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees. In the production of terracotta, only natural, environmentally friendly materials that are safe for the environment and human health are used.

Terracotta tiles have a natural color scheme and perfectly imitate other natural materials such as stone, brick or wood.

Tiles acquire their natural color and its various shades as a result of using different types of clay, as well as firing at different temperatures. Traditionally, terracotta has beige, pinkish or ocher shades of different tones, which do not change during use.

The tile goes well with other finishing materials, as well as with decorative elements.

Terracotta is highly wear-resistant and does not require painting or repair. In addition, the material is vapor and breathable. When there is an excess of moisture in the surrounding air, it absorbs it, and when there is a deficiency, it releases it back. Brickwork also has the same qualities, including the same coefficient of thermal expansion, which is why terracotta is excellent for cladding the surfaces of fireplaces and stoves.

Terracotta has gained its popularity due to the following qualities:

• Heat resistance of the material - it can withstand high temperatures, reaching up to 1100 degrees, without losing its performance characteristics and aesthetic advantages.
• Environmental Safety.
• Durability and long service life.
• Resistant to sudden temperature changes.
• Easy to install tiles.
• The textured surface contributes to high thermal output.
• Aesthetic finish. Thanks to terracotta, the stove not only acquires a protective coating from aggressive influences, but also an attractive appearance.
• Variety of colors and relief patterns.
• Affordable cost of material.

With high-quality terracotta tiles, it is quite possible to cover the surfaces of the stove yourself, without the involvement of specialist finishers, which can also be attributed to the positive aspects of this material.

The disadvantages of terracotta tiles include their porosity, which somewhat reduces the range of possibilities for their use in certain areas.

The most popular manufacturer presenting its products on the Russian market is the Terracotta group of companies. The range of products offered is quite large, which allows you to choose not only ordinary tiles for finishing main surfaces, but also border elements, as well as tiles for decorating belts and corner areas of stoves.

Each collection includes several product options that differ in shades and textures.

This table shows some samples of tiles manufactured by Terracotta companies:

Appearance of tiles	Name and brief description of models
	"Old Brick" This tile option can be used to decorate a stove or fireplace installed in a loft-style interior. In addition, the material is often used in the restoration of walls of old buildings, allowing the original appearance to be preserved. The tiles are produced in dark brown color.
	"Chamotte." This tile is presented by the manufacturer in several sizes - “maxi”, “mini” and “chaos”. The latter option consists of tiles of different sizes, allowing you to create non-standard original masonry, the arrangement of elements in which will depend on the imagination of the master or customer. The tiles have a rough surface structure and are produced in a light beige color with a slight difference in shades.
	“Torn stone”, like “Chamotte”, is produced in three sizes, but has an uneven color, changing from light beige to dark ocher. The relief imitates roughly processed natural stone.
	“Miami” is a tile that has coral shades and a relief pattern, also reminiscent of coral branches. The color options of this material can have not only the shades shown, but also vary from dark brown to burgundy with a transition to lighter tones.
	“Old Castle” is a collection that includes wide and narrow tiles that imitate the surface of old brick, damaged by time. The products have a warm terracotta color that changes shade in different lighting.
	“Chipped wood” - a tile that imitates the surface of split wood and can have different, but close to natural, rich shades. The color of the cladding is largely influenced by the angle of incidence of light. The tile relief looks very original.
	"Leonardo." The products have an interesting relief, reminiscent of an accumulation of small stones. The tiles are painted in an uneven color, ranging from beige to light brown, creating a color wave effect.
	"Tyson Mega" is the largest tile from this manufacturer, its size is 310x150 mm. The products have a relief that imitates the laying of flat, narrow, roughly processed stone. The tile has a brown-burgundy tint or a pure burgundy color.
	The “Litestone” collection is tiles of different sizes and shapes, imitating split slabs of rocky limestone. The material is given the relief of raw stone, and the colors are in warm natural shades. The tiles are quite suitable for facing a fireplace or stove.

Almost all tile collections are equipped with corner elements that match the relief and shades of the main cladding.

In addition, the company produces dividing belts with reliefs with ancient Greek themes “Antic Décor” and a collection with floral patterns “Nature Décor”. These elements are used to highlight individual sections of the furnace walls.

Clinker tiles

Clinker tiles are produced from slate clays, fireclay powder and special natural additives. This composition gives the products maximum strength, durability and elegant appearance. No chemical plasticizers or dyes are used in production. This type of tile is fired at a temperature of 1200 degrees, as a result of which the products receive increased fire resistance.

Clinker tiles are not covered with glaze, therefore they have a matte, smooth or rough surface, without deep reliefs. Products can have different widths and lengths, which allows you to create different types of masonry on the surface. The color range of the facing material is wide - it can be a single-color surface or the shades can change from dark to light.

Unlike terracotta products, clinker has a higher density, due to which the material has excellent moisture resistance.

This finishing material is used not only for cladding stoves, but also for finishing facades and interior walls. The use of tiles for external work is due to their high frost resistance, and for internal work - environmental friendliness and aesthetic appearance.

However, it is necessary to clarify the fact that the thermal expansion coefficients of clinker tiles and conventional oven bricks still differ. Therefore, such cladding is recommended for use for stoves also built from clinker bricks, that is, having the same density.

So, the characteristic features of the material include the following factors:

• Environmentally friendly cladding.
• High resistance to external mechanical influences.
• Low moisture absorption, amounting to only 2÷6%.
• Easy to care for coating.
• Resistant to high and low temperatures, as well as their sudden changes.
• Almost complete inertness to chemical influences.
• Very impressive durability.
• A variety of shades and color designs.

The table below presents some of the famous manufacturers supplying their products to the Russian market. This information will help you understand the choice of material when purchasing it.

Illustration	Brief information about the manufacturer and its products
	The German company Stroeher has been producing clinker tiles for 120 years. This company is one of the leaders in the world market in the production of clinker for cladding facades, stoves, steps and interior surfaces of premises. The facade model “Stroeher Zeitlos Bronzebruch 354”, shown in the photo, is in very high demand. This version of the tile can be used both for external decoration of the walls of buildings and for cladding fireplaces and stoves.
	FELDHAUS KLINKER is another German manufacturer of clinker tiles, operating in this field for 160 years. The company produces 45 shades of products alone, not counting the variety of reliefs. In addition to wall cladding, FELDHAUS KLINKER produces clinker bricks, paving slabs, and sandwich panels. The most popular wall tiles from this manufacturer are the “Classik” collection, manufactured in three standard sizes - NF, DF and LDF. One of the options for this cladding is shown in the photo. A great option for a stove or fireplace!
	King Klinker is a Polish company operating in the clinker industry since 1972. In its production it adheres to German standards, which today are a kind of standard for the quality of this facing material. However, the cost of Polish products is always more affordable. One of the most successful collections of this manufacturer is “Old Castle”. These tiles are made in one standard size, but have a wide variety of color shades.
	The German concern ABC-Klinkergruppe also has a working experience of over a century and is one of the largest manufacturers of clinker tiles. The clay from which the products of this company are made has unique characteristics - there are practically no impurities of chalk and various salts, which significantly improves the quality of the product. The most popular tiles among consumers are the ABC-Klinker Classik Tile collection, which is produced in various shades and has two standard sizes that combine well with each other. This is especially important when facing stoves or fireplaces with their not too large sizes - it is possible to avoid the need for a large number of cut tiles.
	The Polish company Cerrad has been producing clinker tiles of various types not so long ago, since 1997, but has already earned good authority. Products are produced using Italian equipment and fully comply with European quality standards. Despite the high quality of the products, they are affordable compared to German products. One of the most popular collections of this manufacturer is “Cerrad Retro Brick Salt”, one of the variants of which is shown in the photo. The unobtrusive design will fit well into the interior of the room.
	The Keralite company is a Russian manufacturer engaged in the production of clinker tiles. Despite the short period of work since the establishment of the company and the organization of production, Keralite products are distinguished by excellent quality and aesthetic appearance. An important factor is the affordable cost of the facing material.

Some manufacturers produce corner elements for ordinary facing materials, which greatly simplify the design of the surfaces of a stove or fireplace.

Prices for clinker tiles

clinker tiles for interior decoration

Fireclay tiles

Fireclay heat-resistant tiles are made from mixtures of refractory clays with the addition of stone flour. The mixture is molded and then fired at temperatures of 1300÷1500 degrees.

This material is manufactured in several sizes from 135×135 to 1000×500 mm, thickness from 10 to 30 mm, and is used not only for lining brick stoves, but also metal boilers, stoves and fireplaces.

The fireclay mixture is used to produce slabs intended for further plastering. Some of them are equipped with special tongue-and-groove locks. Joining such slabs allows you to obtain an almost monolithic surface.

Due to its fireproof and strength characteristics, fireclay slabs are used to construct furnace bodies into which metal fireboxes are built. The material accumulates and retains heat well, and then gradually releases it into the premises of the house.

So, fireclay tiles have the following characteristic features:

• High heat resistance - the material can withstand heating up to 1650 degrees.
• Low thermal conductivity coefficient. The lining keeps the stove hot for a long time, gradually transmitting heat into the rooms.
• Resistance to chemical reagents.
• Environmentally friendly material.
• High heat capacity.

Decorative fireclay tiles for cladding stoves and fireplaces are mainly produced by hand, and therefore have a fairly high cost.

Several Russian enterprises are engaged in the production of fireclay slabs used for lining combustion chambers and lining metal furnaces - these are the Terracotta company, FacadeKeramika, Aprelevsky Thermal Products Plant and LLC TPK PromInvest.

Decorative facing tiles are made by small enterprises, and their production is carried out manually, and often to order.

Thus, the Ukrainian company BUDEKO LLC supplies its products to the Russian market, producing products in a wide variety of shapes and patterns, glazed and without a glossy coating.

Tiles for stoves

Tile is the same ceramic tile that is used for tiling bathrooms and kitchens. Tile tiles are not produced specifically for lining stoves. However, some models may well be used for such finishing, for example, those that have a thickness of 7–8 mm.

All tiles undergo double firing - before applying the glaze and after this process. Despite the hardening given to it, the glaze does not react particularly “adequately” to elevated temperatures, so after a certain time it becomes covered with a web of cracks.

You should not use tiles even if negative temperatures are possible in the room where the stove is located. If glue, not intended for external use, freezes, the cladding may peel off. For example, if the stove is located in a country house, then it is better to choose terracotta tiles for surface finishing, since they respond well to temperature changes and have the same coefficient of thermal expansion as brickwork.

Another feature of tiles is the inadmissibility of laying them on clay mortars, which, it would seem, go well with brick. This is due to the low moisture absorption coefficient of ceramics.

The lining is fixed to the furnace walls using a special heat-resistant adhesive or mastic. Another option for finishing a stove with tiles is to install it in a pre-fixed frame consisting of metal frames. That is, the tiles simply slide into their grooves.

When choosing this installation method, you can increase the efficiency of the heating structure, since in addition to the thickness of the tile itself, the space that is formed between it and the surface of the furnace walls is added. It accumulates heat, which does not immediately, but gradually enters the room, preventing the stove from cooling quickly.

Tile is an environmentally friendly material, as it is made from natural components that do not release substances harmful to humans into the environment.

Samples of tiles suitable for lining stoves.	Brief information about the manufacturer and its products.
	Kerama Marazzi is a leading Russian manufacturer of ceramic tiles, which offers for sale 12 collections of its products - that’s more than 2000 items. The company's designers, based on the ethnic traditions of different countries, have developed tile designs in various styles - these are ornamental elements from England, France, Italy, Scandinavian countries, etc. Some tile options are great for lining stoves and fireplaces. One of them is the “Surrey” tile shown in the illustration.
image description	"Keramin" - this company can be called one of the oldest manufacturers of ceramic tiles in the post-Soviet space, since it was created on the basis of the Minsk Brick Factory. The Belarusian manufacturer offers consumers more than 80 collections of tiles for covering various surfaces. Among the wall tiles, one can highlight the collections “New York”, “Venice”, “Tokyo”, “Pastoral”, “Sakura”, “Iris” and others. However, when choosing tiles from this manufacturer, it is worth carefully checking the dimensions of the products, since quite often there are discrepancies of 1.5–2 mm in them, which can significantly affect the quality of the masonry. The photo shows an option for covering the fireplace with tiles from the “Cotto” collection.
	“Golden Tile” is a Ukrainian manufacturer of ceramic tiles, which have a very affordable price and at the same time are of quite decent quality. The company actively cooperates with Italian design studios Tecnografica, Poligraph and SRS, and also has its own design bureau, which is headed by an Italian specialist. Digital printing technology is used in the production of products, which made it possible to develop and present to the buyer more than 60 collections of ceramic tiles. Products are manufactured in six standard sizes - 150×600, 200×300, 250×400, 300×300, 300×600, 400×400 mm. The quality of the material itself is not bad, but there are discrepancies in the size of the products, as is the case with any manufacturer of inexpensive ceramic tiles. The photo shows an acceptable option for lining the walls of the stove from the Alexandria collection.
	Unitile is a group of Russian companies whose factories are located in different cities of the country. This brand produces 30 collections of affordable ceramic tiles, the design of which is developed by Spanish and Italian specialists. All collections are made in different colors; Italian names often appear in the names. Tiles are produced in sizes ranging from 330×330 to 660×660 mm. The tiles are of average quality, expressed in deviations in size and differences in shades. However, experienced craftsmen can easily cope with these problems, producing good results at the end of the work. One of the options acceptable for decorating a stove can be called tiles from the “Capital” collection, shown in the photo.
	Cersanit, a Polish company producing ceramic products, has 40 collections of ceramic tiles produced in 10 factories located in Poland, Russia, Germany and Ukraine. The company produces both luxury and budget versions of products. Cersanit has developed 16 collections of tiles with a size of 200x600 mm - a rather rare and original format. In addition, products with dimensional parameters of 250×350, 200×440 and 200×300 mm are very popular. According to customer reviews, tiles often have uneven end sides and are also fragile - it is recommended to take these factors into account when choosing and purchasing a facing material. If the choice is made on tiles from this manufacturer, then one of the options for the stove may be the tile “LOFT MULTICOLOR C-LO4R452D”

Tiles and majolica

Tiles and majolica are finishing materials specially designed for cladding stoves and fireplaces. The cladding is made of clay, which is fired repeatedly.

Tiles are not the ordinary tiles that are mass-produced today. It also differs in the method of its installation. The tile has a box-like structure, open at the back. And classic cladding is not mortar at all, but mechanical installation using special brackets and rods, carried out at the stage of constructing a stove or fireplace.

A box behind the tile is provided to accumulate heat emanating from the stove. Thus, its walls remain hot for a long time and gradually release heat into the room. In addition, clay tiles, which are at least 10 mm thick, warm up well on their own and cool down for a long time, also sharing their heat.

Tiles are a traditional material for finishing stoves in Russia - they have been used for this purpose since the 15th century. For some time they were undeservedly forgotten, but today their demand is increasing, since they not only transform the stove structure, but also increase the efficiency of this heating device.

It should immediately be noted that “majolica” is a type of ceramic that has painting on its surface and is covered with glaze. In fact, tiles are also a product of majolica. However, when describing a facing material, it often includes tiles with relief painting applied to them, made of clay and fired.

Both tiles and tiles decorated with majolica have a very high cost, since the process of their production is quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. This is not surprising - almost all work is done by hand.

Various types of clay are used to make these products. The craftsmen involved in this craft have their own technological secrets, so tiles and tiles are not produced en masse. Sometimes the facing material is made to order for a specific stove, so the exclusivity of the finish will be guaranteed.

Ceramic products of this type are produced in small workshops equipped with special kilns. And they are made by people who really love their work. Therefore, the products are not only beautiful, but also warm, creating indescribable comfort in the interior.

The relief of the design can be applied to the smooth surface of the tile manually, or it can be reproduced using a specially prepared form.

Drying of finished products is carried out at natural temperatures, sometimes further drying in special cabinets. After that, the molded, dried tiles are sent for firing under special conditions, which lasts about 30 hours.

Next, the product is transferred to the artist and the craftsman who applies the glaze. Painting and glazing are done with special ceramic enamels and glazes, which reveal their richness only after secondary firing. Firing can be repeated from two to eight times, each of them lasting 20-30 hours. Repeated firings are carried out after each application of painting, glaze or other decorative elements to the surface.

Thanks to properly selected raw materials, hand-molding and multi-stage firing, as well as skillful glazing, durable, heat-intensive and aesthetic products are obtained that can last for many decades without requiring repair or replacement.

There are not many manufacturers of real tiles. But those who practice this craft truly put their soul into each of their works, producing high-quality products that are incomparable with mass-produced goods.

Several manufacturers are listed in the table below:

Samples of manufactured products.	Brief description of the manufacturer and facing material.
	"Nizhny Novgorod Ceramics", LLC - founded in 2006. The workshop produces tiles, tiles and other ceramic products with various designs and ornaments made in different styles. One of the most popular options is the “Gzhel Motifs” style, an example of which is presented in the illustration. The manufacturer offers finished products, and also makes them to order according to its own sketches or those provided by the customer. The cost of the products will depend on the complexity of the pattern.
	Vesta-keramika, LLC - specializes in complex painting, close in detail to photography, which is applied to wet glaze. The manufacturer produces tiles in any style, from classic to avant-garde. Ceramic tiles are produced in the best traditions of Abramtsevo workshop technology. As an example of manufactured products, the illustration shows glazed tiles “Flora Danica”. The workshop offers ready-made facing materials and produces them to order.
	Architectural and Construction Company "Art-House" has been manufacturing ceramics for 15 years, successfully implementing the most daring projects for the design of various surfaces. The workshop operating under this organization also offers ceramic products for lining stoves and fireplaces. They are made to order or offered ready-made.
	The workshop “Kurakinskaya Ceramics” is located in the village of Kurakino, Vologda region and produces tiles using motifs of Russian folk art - fairy tales, sayings, proverbs, etc. In addition, ornamental elements characteristic of various styles are actively used. Craftsmen offer customers samples of finished products, which can be used to complete a larger order.

And to supplement the information in this section, below is a video about the products of another well-known tile manufacturer:

Video: Tiles - products of the masters of Klin Ceramics

Prices for tiles

Porcelain tiles

Porcelain stoneware tiles are also used for cladding stoves and fireplaces. This material is made from several types of clay, quartz sand, marble and granite chips or flour. Metal salts and oxides are used to color the tile mixture.

This type of cladding is also an environmentally friendly material, as it does not contain any harmful ingredients and does not emit toxic fumes.

The facing material is produced in a wide range of shades and patterns that imitate natural stone of various types, brickwork and more.

Porcelain tiles can have a smooth or textured surface, be glossy or matte. During its production, the material undergoes a pressing process and double firing, therefore it has high strength and abrasion resistance.

It should be remembered that porcelain stoneware is a very massive material, which also affects the difficulty of working with it, especially when facing vertical surfaces.

The advantages of porcelain stoneware tiles include the following qualities:

• Heat resistance and high heat capacity of the material.
• Easy to care for.
• Moisture resistance - porcelain tiles practically do not absorb moisture.
• Long service life - on average it is at least 20 years.
• Resistant to temperature changes.
• Absolute inertness to ultraviolet rays.

The thickness of the tiles can vary from 9 to 12 mm. Installation of the cladding on the surface is carried out in the same way as tiles - using heat-resistant glue designed specifically for porcelain stoneware, or on a metal frame.

Tile samples.	Brief information about the manufacturer and its products
	Products from the German company Meissen Keramik are supplied to the Russian market under the Mei brand. The company has been operating since 1863 and began its activities with the production of porcelain. Only 40 years later the manufacturer became actively involved in the production of wall tiles. During its active work, Meissen Keramik has significantly expanded its product range, which also included porcelain tiles. Today this company is a world famous manufacturer of veneering ceramics. Keeping pace with the design developments of modern interiors, the company tries to produce ceramic products that match the design. One of the options for Wagner porcelain tiles, measuring 600x600 mm, is shown in the illustration.
	"Kutahya" is a Turkish manufacturer that represents high quality products on the Russian market. The porcelain tiles from this company undergo vibration pressing, firing and exposure for a strictly defined time at high temperatures. These processes provide the tiles with high strength. The company produces products with different surfaces - glossy and matte; any type of product is suitable for oven cladding. A fairly wide range of colors of products, as well as a large selection of patterns imitating natural stone, will help you decide on the choice of cladding, which should harmonize well with the main interior. The illustration shows a sample of the product of the Kutahya company - VISTACOTTO Rektifiye, which has dimensions of 120x240 mm, very convenient for performing work on lining a stove or fireplace.
	"Equipe Ceramicas" - this Spanish company has been producing porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles for about twenty years. Small volumes and the highest quality of products are the policy of this company, thanks to which the company is one of the ten world leaders in the quality of ceramic facing materials. In addition to regular porcelain stoneware slabs, the company produces decorative details that help create interesting compositions. This material can be laid on any surface using adhesive mixtures, but for cladding stoves and fireplaces it is necessary to use heat-resistant adhesives.
	“Ural Porcelain Stoneware” presents for sale two large collections: “Standard” and “Ural Facades” made of tiles measuring 300×300, 600×600, 600×1200, mm, which can be used for cladding stoves and fireplaces. The tiles are produced with glossy and matte, smooth and textured surfaces. The finishing material is characterized by uniformity of structure and coloring. The tiles are highly durable and wear-resistant. However, despite the high quality, the products are classified as economy class, and they have a very affordable price.

Marble tiles

This finishing material is excellent for cladding fireplaces installed in expensive interiors, since the material itself is also not cheap. On average, its price is 100÷110 US$ per 1 m². In addition to the cost of the material itself, it is necessary to take into account its cutting, as well as installation work. And it is unlikely that it will be possible to perform cladding without experience, using amateurish methods.

The natural material is characterized by increased strength, moisture resistance, resistance to high temperatures, and a very elegant appearance. However, marble slabs are quite fragile, so they are cut with a special tool. In addition, during installation it is also necessary to act extremely carefully, otherwise they can easily be broken. Laying is quite difficult, since the slabs have a considerable weight.

Marble tiles are made with a glossy or porous surface. For a fireplace or stove in use, it is recommended to choose sanded material, as the porous surface will quickly become dirty and absorb soot, losing its elegant appearance.

Marble cladding requires certain processing and periodic maintenance, otherwise the material will lose its presentability. And the very impressive sums spent on its acquisition and installation will be spent in vain.

As you can see, marble is not without its drawbacks, but at the same time it also has numerous advantages, which include:

• UV resistance.
• When mounted on the wall, the material is resistant to mechanical stress - shocks and scratches.
• The service life of marble finishes is estimated at 100 years or more.
• Marble retains heat well in the oven, preventing its walls from cooling quickly.
• The respectable appearance of a marble-clad fireplace or stove can make it the central element of the interior.

Samples of marble tiles.	Manufacturers presenting their products on the Russian market.
	The Spanish company Coavantia is one of the largest suppliers of natural marble products to the European market. The concern has its own quarries for the extraction of this stone, and also owns several factories where the mineral is processed and high-quality products are made from it. All products are manufactured in Spain and from there are supplied to customers around the world, including the Russian Federation. The illustration shows one of the samples of “Emperador Dark polished” marble tiles (size 600×300×20 mm).
	Another Spanish brand is “Mayor Ceramica”, which, like the previous one, is a trendsetter in the production of ceramic, marble, porcelain tiles and other products made from this material. Thanks to the quality and durability of its products, as well as its original design solutions, the company has earned recognition and trust in many countries around the world. Marble tiles produced by this manufacturer can be used for both external and internal finishing of house surfaces. It is also well suited for covering a luxurious fireplace. The illustration shows tiles from the Ceramica Mayor collection (size 316x330 mm).
	UralKamenSnab LLC is a Russian company engaged in processing natural stone and manufacturing various products from it, including marble tiles. The manufacturer's assortment includes stone from quarries in Karelia and the Urals, Bashkiria and Dagestan, Finland and Turkey, India and China. The company’s specialists will help you choose the right option depending on the purpose of the cladding and the area of ​​its use. A wide variety of designs ideal for lining fireplaces. The manufacturer's range of materials comes in a variety of colors and textured patterns.

* * * * * * *

So, various types of tile materials that are well suited for cladding stoves and fireplaces were considered. Such information should help you make a more detailed decision on the choice of high-quality, reliable and durable material. When purchasing tiles, it is necessary to take into account the main direction of interior design, since the color and texture of the stove lining should harmoniously fit into the overall design solution. study at the link.

Evgeniy AfanasyevChief Editor

Author of the publication 16.09.2018