Kitchen design with beige boar tiles. Actual tips on choosing a boar tile for a kitchen apron. Careful preparation of the wall
The most popular finishing material for a kitchen backsplash is ceramic tiles, and the most popular type of tile is in the form decorative brick, which is often called "boar" or "metro".
What is a "boar"?
This is a rectangular small-format glazed ceramic tile, similar in shape to a brick and often laid like brickwork, that is, in a run. Usually, a “brick-like” tile has chamfers (facets), that is, beveled edges along the edge of the tile, which give volume and texture to the surface lined with a “boar”.
And here is an apron "boar" made of tiles without a chamfer.
- In the west, tile that imitates brick is called "subway", as many stations of the London, Paris and New York subways are finished with tiles of this format. In our country, a brick-like tile is called a “boar” due to the fact that the blank for making tiles had two through holes, because of which her side view resembled a pig's snout. The informal name went to the people and took root.
What are the sizes of the "hog"?
As a rule, the length of a “brick-like” tile is two or three of its width. The sizes of the boar, depending on the manufacturer and collection, vary as follows:
- Length - 12-30 cm;
- Width - 6-10 cm;
- The most common size is 7.5 × 15 cm, also popular formats: 10 × 20 cm, 15 × 30 cm, 7.5 × 30 cm.
The photo below is an example of a classic “metro” tile measuring 7.5 × 15 cm.
Classic tile "boar" size 7.5 × 15 cm
And here is another common tile size 10 × 20 cm.
Tile "boar" size 10 × 20 cm
The 7.5×30 cm format looks like this (scroll the photo to the right).
- Tiles need to be bought with a 10 percent margin in case of unsuccessful trimming and marriage.
In what style of interior is such an apron appropriate and how practical is white tile?
Today, the "boar" apron has become more relevant than ever thanks to the fashion for, as well as in styles, industrial, and. The following selection of photos shows "brick" aprons in different design(swipe).
- The design of a “brick” apron can be very different depending on: the size of the tiles, their color, texture, the presence of chamfers, the use of decorated inserts, the method of laying the “boar”, as well as the color of the grout and the width of the joints.
- You can choose tiles with a matte or craquelure glaze (that is, with small cracks with an antique effect).
most popular and universal colors apron is white, beige and cream.
- How easy is boar tile to maintain? white color in the kitchen apron? By itself, ceramic tiles are one of the most practical finishing materials. Thanks to the smooth glaze on the ceramic, dust and dirt do not stick to it and are easily wiped off. And a white apron, which seems to be easily soiled, in practice is no more easily soiled than an apron of any other color. Moreover, dust, grease, dirt spots and stains are less noticeable on a light surface than on a dark one, and the appearance working area kitchens against the background of a white "boar" will be much neater. And do not forget about the ability of light shades to visually enlarge the space and make it lighter. However, there is still one drawback with a brick apron - this is the presence of cavities-seams, which somewhat complicate cleaning, but not so critical that you should refuse it if you like it.
A black apron is also in demand, but keep in mind that it is no easier to care for a white one.
What are the installation methods?
The traditional "metro" apron imitates brick wall, therefore, it is most often placed in a run with a different offset or “seam to seam” (pictured on the right). IN last case the emphasis in the design of the apron is placed on the seams, so most often the grout is chosen in a contrasting color, and the seams themselves are made very neatly and evenly.
What grout to choose?
The grout (it is also called a fugue) for the seams of the tile apron can be chosen: in the tone of the “boar”, universal white, beige, gray or black.
- Whatever color you choose to grout, it must be waterproof, designed for frequent washing and temperature changes. Choose a quality grout - cheap mixes darken quickly.
- To avoid darkening of the joints, you can buy an epoxy-based grout that does not darken, as it hardly absorbs dirt and water. But it quickly freezes, so you need to work with it quickly and deftly.
Laying tiles "boar" on the kitchen apron
Laying a boar with your own hands does not seem so challenging task, and yet, this process cannot be called simple. After all, there are a lot of tiles, each one needs to be carefully laid, cut off some of the tiles, take into account the sockets, veneer difficult places behind the pipes and the geyser and, if necessary, line the external and internal corners.
If you are not sure that you can handle it, hire a professional tiler. If you are already familiar with tile laying, then here are some recommendations that will come in handy.
- The most important thing in laying an apron with brick tiles is to level and prepare the wall well, the second requirement is to make markings and preliminary layout on the floor;
- The apron can be laid both before installing the headset and after, but in the first case it will be easier for you to figure out where to start and where to finish laying;
- What should be the size of the seams? The thinner the seam, the more difficult it will be for you to lay out the dies evenly, respectively, the larger it is, the easier the work will be. A small percentage of error is inevitable even with great skill, but if the seam is large, then bumps will be easier to avoid and less noticeable. Optimal Thickness seam - 2-5 mm.
Do-it-yourself step-by-step instructions for laying a boar apron:
- Aligning the wall according to the level, puttying, priming, waiting for the wall to dry completely;
- We measure the distance from the floor to the apron, the height of the apron and the length, mark the wall using a level, laser or plumb;
- We fasten along the lower horizontal marking line metallic profile or a corner that will make it easier for us to align and fix the bottom row of tiles;
- We knead the glue strictly according to the instructions using a construction mixer or perforator;
- Now, having put on glasses and a respirator, we proceed to cutting the tiles. This can be done using a grinder with diamond disc(pictured right) or a quality tile cutter;
- We apply glue to the wall with a notched trowel and start laying by inserting “crosses” between the dies. Once the adhesive has dried (approximately 24 hours), the cross inserts and supporting profile can be removed and grouting can begin;
- The grout is applied and distributed with a small rubber spatula and after drying, the excess fugue is wiped off with a sponge;
- If necessary, we mount the plinth along the edges and from above.
How to lay boar tiles in the corners?
Facing external and internal corners raises questions when laying even ordinary tiles, and the voluminous "boar" in this regard is even more difficult.
- To get the corners neat tiles you need to cut at an angle of 45 degrees;
- It is best if, in addition to the rectangular tiles, you also buy square tiles in the same color and from the same collection;
- It is not always possible to purchase additional square tiles to decorate the corners, so trimming of the tiles is often required. In this case, whole, uncut "bricks" are superimposed on the corner, and the cut ones are inserted inside the row;
- As a last resort, you can use a PVC corner that covers the tile joint at the corner.
Pig tile on the kitchen apron - the heritage of American Art Nouveau late XIX century. Initially, it was used as an economical imitation of brickwork on the facades of tenement houses. In the original, it had a natural brick fawn hue. This cladding was decorated with colored glossy glazed masonry.
As interior decoration it was used for the first time in the French subway. Hence the name "metro". Further, this version of the tile migrated to home interiors. “Boar” began to be called in Russian-speaking circles because of the two holes on reverse side details resembling a nickel pig.
This cladding option is popular for its durability, external “correctness”. This is a thick, glazed tile. rectangular shape with edges cut at an angle of 45 degrees (chamfer), imitating the composition of brickwork. The dimensions of one element (7.5 * 15 cm, 10 * 20 cm, 15 * 30 cm) correspond to the parameters of the building brick sidewall.
Most designs use white and beige masonry shades. The advantages include resistance to frequent washing, wear resistance, impeccable appearance canvases (subject to high-quality masonry). High wear resistance enables frequent wet cleaning with detergents.
The main features of subway tiles that you need to know about before buying:
- Thick, heavy. This tile requires careful and expensive pre-installation preparation. However, the durability of the coating makes it popular for places of permanent use.
- Chamfer. This characteristic element of the “brick” cladding will cause a lot of trouble when cutting and fitting joints.
- Difficulty cleaning. The convex texture makes the surface embossed with deep seams. This can cause inconvenience when cleaning the apron from dust and dirt.
What is the best style to use?
A variety of hog tile designs for the kitchen allows you to choose a solution, harmonious interior any style.
Note: some delicate designs in tandem with “brick” decor will change the landmark towards the loft. Airiness and lightness from an idea borrowed from facade decoration, it's not worth the wait.
In terms of styles, the “brick” apron is typical for modern, industrial, loft, scandi kitchens.
Modern loft design trends call for a departure from the classic canons of white glaze, choosing mouse or ivory for masonry in combination with soft backlighting.
How to decorate a "boar"?
Along with the classically white (already rather boring) horizontal masonry, designers offer color variations, contrasting grouting, and light accents. Here are the most stylish ideas kitchen apron designs:
- Contrasting row of a different color, model, texture. Break up a classic solid with a stripe of appetizing apple or berry color to match the details.
- Creative "bricks" with a pattern. Refresh the brick landscape with photo printing elements. Possibilities modern technologies allow you to apply any picture.
- Decorative seams with an emphasis on contrast.
- Play of light. Most budget way changing the background of the working area in the kitchen - colored lighting. Choose the color of the apron according to your mood.
- Change layout template. Even a row of vertical masonry will add dynamism. Diagonal layouts, herringbone, vertical brickwork also look original.
- Elements of a different format with an ornament.
- Use of different textures. For example, a matte texture will create a warmer backdrop for an interior work area. Designer find will be a combination of embossed boar tiles with an interior in glossy textures.
Important points when choosing a “metro” tile
1. If the apron is opposite the window, opt for a matte tile. Otherwise, the slightest pollution and irregularities will be noticeable.
2. Before facing with your own hands, carefully take measurements, taking into account the horizontal, the subtleties described above.
3. When planning sockets, hanging elements, remember: fasteners should not fall on joints, chamfers.
4. Many manufacturers offer in their collections already half square tiles with factory processing. They will help fill in the gaps in the masonry without unnecessary cutting.
Original or imitation?
The price of the issue and the above nuances of the subway tile allow us to consider alternatives design of a kitchen apron.
Most budget solution- PVC panels embossed under brick. This solution has its own characteristics. The main one is fragility and “appearance”, far from the original.
The labor-intensive process of preparation, installation of weighty elements may be the reason for choosing standard ceramics without chamfers and other elements that complicate installation. The market offers ready-made carpets made of brick-like tiles and other facade textures.
The subtleties of the "brick" masonry apron
Outwardly simple, horizontal masonry brick tiles has pitfalls in surface preparation, installation, grouting. These points require special attention:
- Not suitable as a temporary interior phenomenon. High price and the laborious laying process make the tile “boar” ideal solution"for centuries". And the dismantling of such products is not an easy task.
- Pruning. When laying, you will not only have to cut off part of the tile right size. Thickness and chamfer require cutting at an angle. You will have to suffer with corner seams. Tip: choose masonry without corners with a minimum of edged joints. The cut edge is masked in a row, the factory chamfer is allowed into the corner.
- Labor intensive surface preparation. The place of facing should not only be smooth. All stages of pre-assembly processing should be carried out for reliable adhesion of the heavy and thick “boar” tiles.
- The adhesive composition is applied to the wall and to each element of the material.
- Fine work on the joints. Even a small error in the width of the gap can spoil the whole composition. Seams are made minimal (up to 3 mm).
- Accurate calculation of the horizontal. With brick cladding, any indent from the horizontal will shift the entire composition. Here the calculation “joint - middle” is important. The location of the entire composition depends on the accuracy of the “markup”. Especially if the edges are on the border with horizontal surfaces. For example, a hog tile on a kitchen apron is usually laid right next to the countertop.
- Placement of communications and outlets should be considered in advance. Ideally, if the width of the outlet, the switch will match the dimensions of the “brick” without taking into account the chamfer.
- Angles. Errors are especially noticeable in the outer corner. Plastic corner profile will save the situation with minimal inaccuracy.
- Edge defects will be masked by a grout matched to the tone of the tile. It is logical to align the corners in advance.
- The quality of consumables. For example, cheap light-colored grout may turn yellow.
The boar tile allows you to beautifully decorate a kitchen apron or bathroom walls. Due to the large seams and rectangular shape with a chamfer, it resembles brickwork. In this material, we have collected photos of interiors using a wild boar, and told what pitfalls may occur during installation.
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A bit of history
Facade cladding example
Previously, a boar was called a facade lined tile. The decoration imitated brickwork and was most often used on the facades of buildings of the Art Nouveau era of the early twentieth century.
The informal funny name "boar" was strengthened due to the fact that the blank, covered with glaze, had two through holes at the end, which made it look like a pig's penny. After being hit with a hammer, the blank was split into two equal halves, having smooth surface on the front side and rough on the wrong side. Thanks to this shape, the tiles were easy to stack and transport.
"Boar" in our time
The modern "boar" is an elongated tile resembling a brick, with beveled chamfers (bevels), giving it an interesting, convex look. Its dimensions vary from 120x65 mm to 250x100 mm and even 300x100 mm.
Now this type of tile is used to finish the kitchen apron, bathroom, loggia. In addition, it can be found in some interiors of public spaces: cafes, restaurants, beauty salons.
Finishing a beauty parlor with a large glossy boar Example of installation with a small seam Kitchen apron The walls in the toilet are lined with half a beige boar Tula CeramicAlcora collection 10x20 cm
Kitchen apron
Ceramic tile "boar" is usually laid on an apron with an offset. Can be diversified general form inclusion in the layout of individual tiles with a pattern and framing with borders.
Apron with the addition of decor and contrasting elements
For practicality, tile joints in the kitchen should not be made too thick. To make them easier to wash, it is better to use epoxy grout, but it will be more difficult to work with it.
When laying on an apron, there is a feature: the plinth will not fit exactly to the hog if its edge falls on the center of the tile. There will be gaps at the vertical seams. Therefore, for a snug fit of the skirting board, its edge should fall on the lower or upper part of the bevel in order to minimize the gaps at the vertical seams.
When marking an apron from a boar, you need to consider:
- The height of the washing machine;
- The thickness of the countertop (usually 28 or 38 mm);
- The height of the plastic plinth;
- The dimensions of the bevels on the tile;
- Dimensions of tiles and decor. For example, if the background is 10x30 cm, and the decor is 30x30 cm, you may not have seams with thick crosses.
Bathroom decoration
Hog tile makes bathroom interiors look clean, fresh and modern. If you look at the options for tiling bathrooms with this tile, then most of them are made in light colors(white, beige) without unnecessary decorative elements.
White tile boar in the interior of the bathroom
But you can also find interesting options, for example, a combination of a wild boar chocolate color and dark turquoise paint on the wall.
Chocolate turquoise interior Facing only the shower stall with tiles in a contrasting color Boar white goes well with wooden surfaces Wooden countertop under the washbasin Bathroom in turquoise-brown tones
Another example: the walls in the bathroom are half-tiled.
The cladding level is just above the bathtub and washbasin
Styling features
Inner corner
The main difficulty in laying the boar is the docking of internal and external corners. Since this is a beveled tile, it is difficult to cut it at 45 degrees for outer corner without chips. Therefore, for precise cutting, several flexible diamond grinding wheels (turtle No. 100 and 300) are used at low speeds (about 3000).For internal corners, you have to make a notch with a stone grinding wheel. After sawing the corners, you need to check their perpendicularity. Usually the laying of the boar starts from the corners to the edges, so the inner corners do not need to be filed.
How this is done is shown in the video:
Trimming with a manual tile cutter will also not work. This can only be done with a grinder or with an electric tile cutter.
It will be more difficult to install sockets, installation buttons, mixers on a convex surface. You need to try to install them along a horizontal seam and adjust the position so that the edges do not fall on the chamfer, otherwise they will hang in the air. The gaps in the horizontal seam can be left or covered with sealant. It's even better to try to fit them in the center on one tile, but this rarely happens due to the small size of the boar.
Sockets in retro style
Incorrect installation of sockets
To maintain a uniform distance between the tiles, plastic crosses are used. This type of cladding is characterized by wide seams. Can be found.
Conclusion
The boar looks beautiful on the wall, but for quality styling you can not do without a grinder for trimming corners. The presence of a chamfer makes it difficult for beginners to lay, as there are problems with junctions.
The edges of the product are most often chamfered, which gives it a bulge and volume. The cladding is available in several sizes. The most popular of them is 75X150 mm. This tile in mini format looks very good. It is used quite rarely, because it is especially difficult to lay. A feature of the cladding is considered to be a large thickness, which must be taken into account during installation.
Difficulties when laying the material
Mounting the hog is quite complicated, especially if there is a chamfer on the tile. Models without it are easier to paste. That is why imitation cladding is so popular. It is a product standard sizes, divided by beveled chamfers into fragments. However, the imitation does not look so impressive. If you plan to lay the boar yourself, you need to be prepared for the following difficulties.
Careful preparation of the wall
Any base before gluing tiles requires some preparation, but in the case of a wild boar preparatory work carried out with particular care. This is explained by the fact that, despite their compact size, the plates are quite weighty and thick. For high-quality laying, the wall will have to be leveled and dried. It is also desirable to degrease it, and then primed. This will significantly increase the adhesive characteristics of the base, which is necessary for heavy tiles.
Reading 8 min.
The times when the kitchen was completely tiled have long and irrevocably gone. However, in many kitchens, a functional element remained - a kitchen apron, which is often traditionally laid out from ceramic tiles. The commitment of housewives to ceramic tiles can be understood - it is durable, resistant to negative impacts and has minimal porosity.
For facing a kitchen apron, the Boar tile or, in European style, Metro, is ideal. The tile in its shape resembles small bricks, which turns an ordinary kitchen apron into a kind of element. modern decor premises. Boar in addition to kitchen apron you can arrange window openings, an arch, a bar counter, an island, etc.
It may be noted that in modern apartment Boar can be found not only in the kitchen. They lay out bathrooms and bathrooms, it can be found in the hallway and on the loggia. And in minimalist and stylish interiors loft type or urbanism boar tiles adorn the walls in bedrooms or living rooms.
What is a boar
Boar is a small-format ceramic tile that looks like a glazed glossy brick. However, there is also a matte tile boar, and mirror tiles wild boar and even craquelure with aging effects. The tile has beveled edges around the perimeter, giving it a unique texture and volume. However, on sale you can find options with minimal chamfers or without them at all.
Of course, when you first hear such a name, you might be surprised. With the name Metro, everything seems to be clear - the subways of New York, Paris and London are decorated with just such tiles. In our country, the tile bears such a name, because in its manufacture a blank is used at the end of which there are 2 through holes. A side view of the workpiece suggests a pig snout.
As for the dimensions of the tile, its peculiarity lies in the fact that the length of the product is 2-3 times greater than the width. At different manufacturers There are different lines of tiles of this type. The most popular tiles are 7.5 cm by 15 cm, but sizes such as 7.5 cm by 30 cm, 10 cm by 20 cm, 15 cm by 30 cm are also in demand.
It would be useful to list the advantages of the boar tile, for which modern housewives fell in love with it so much:
- Microorganisms do not accumulate in it and it does not absorb dirt. It's easy to take care of her;
- A large selection of colors and textures allows not only to integrate tiles into modern interiors but also to create unique and original compositions;
- Excellent resistance to temperature extremes and high humidity conditions;
- Simple laying technology;
- Long service life.
Hog tile and interior styles
Most often, such tiles can be found in modern styles kitchen interior- loft, industrial, modern, Scandinavian, as well as in Provence and country. When choosing a boar, you need to focus on the style of kitchen furniture and color scheme interior. Not only an apron is laid out with tiles, you can lay out a separate wall with a boar - the one near which the working area is located.
If you definitely want your kitchen to be decorated with a wild boar apron, but have not yet decided on the direction of the interior style, choose the classics: white tile boar, beige boar tile and even cream tiles for the kitchen will fit perfectly into any style and will look harmoniously with kitchen furniture any color.
Kitchen in plain colors light colors Perfectly dilute a bright color spot. For an apron in such an interior, a bright yellow boar tile or a green boar tile is well suited. The blue boar tile or the glossy lilac boar tile or the gray boar tile will perfectly dilute the color. If your choice is red or turquoise boar tiles, the masonry should be perfect, because these colors literally attract the eyes of everyone entering the kitchen.
Black boar tile will look spectacular in combination with black or white furniture facades, as well as with a tree of any shades. For solutions in loft style and in scandinavian style actual non-traditional layout, the use of contrasts in the tile-tile scheme (alternating black and white bricks) or tile-seam (using contrasting grouts).
In the Scandinavian style, a whole wall lined with a wild boar will look good in combination with other walls pasted over with wallpaper.
In high-tech style, a gray boar will go well with chrome railing and with kitchen utensils On him.
White tiles or a black and white checkerboard layout will fit well into an art deco interior. This style goes great together. decorative features tiles and conservative restraint, elements of monumentality and laconic details.
Usage different colors in one apron will help to create original compositions.
For rustic country and provence fit green or yellow hog tile. Brick-style tiles will help complete the rustic look of the kitchen and become its highlight.
IN classical style With wooden furniture white or beige tiles will look good.
Hog tile care
An apron made of such a tile needs no more care than other ceramic tiles. On a light tile, stains, water stains and dust will practically not be noticeable. But dark tiles will have to be wiped more thoroughly and more often. The situation is more complicated with tile seams.
The chamfer gives volume and texture to the wall, but dirt will accumulate more in these places. Due to the pronounced grooves, it will be more difficult to wash such an apron. If you do not want to make an effort, you can choose a smooth boar without chamfers.
Kitchen tile layout options
There are several options for the layout of the boar:
- Razbezhku or horizontally with an offset - this is a simple masonry imitating brick. The main task when laying in this way is to maintain the horizontal;
- Stacked or seam-to-seam looks good in Scandinavian interiors. Strict vertical seams will look concise and strict;
- Herringbone is a very unconventional layout that is sure to impress your guests. Tiles with this option are placed at an angle of 45 degrees or 90 degrees4
- The diagonal layout is also quite unusual and fits perfectly into small kitchens;
- A vertical offset layout will visually increase the size of the apron. If a not particularly large apron is planned in height, it is better to choose a small format tile;
- Vertical stacking rows also look quite unusual4
- Basket weaving - tiles need to be shifted relative to each other and alternate colors at the same time. Effectively this styling looks in rustic interiors and in the interior of rustic style;
- Parquet laying works well with contrasting grout.
In brick collections European manufacturers background tiles are complemented by photo-printed decors, borders and tiled panels, which will look fresh and original against the background of an atypical texture. To decorate a monochromatic wall, you can additionally purchase individual tiles depicting flowers, fruits, coffee beans, cereals, berries. They will give originality to the kitchen and will always look bright and attractive.
An important role in the beautiful styling is played by the quality of the grout. The special attraction of the wild boar lies in its precise alignment and linearity. Seams play an important role here. Firstly, when laying, you need to strive to maintain approximately the same thickness of the seam (from 2 mm to 5 mm), which is achieved through the use of plastic crosses.
Secondly, you can play with the color of the grout - in some cases, contrasting seams will look good. You can choose a grout in white, gray, beige, or simply match the same tone with the tile itself.
For kitchen the best choice- moisture resistant grout epoxy resins. Other light-colored grouts can darken quickly with use. Epoxy grout does not absorb dirt and water and practically does not get dirty, however, it quickly hardens, which requires experience with it.
Styling features
Boar tile looks great only if it is neatly professionally done. An important component of the visual effect is smooth, clear seams. Therefore, laying tiles is best left to a professional.
If you are quite confident in your abilities and have already been engaged in tile work, then a few tips will help you figure out how to beautifully lay the boar tile:
- You need to buy tiles, guided by the rules for buying ordinary tiles - + 10% for trimming;
- Wall preparation is very important. The wall must be perfectly flat, fat-free and dry. Additional priming will not interfere;
- To get even seams, it is not enough to use one cross. Required laser level, with which you can put marking lines on the wall;
- Convex tiles are thicker and heavier than conventional ceramics. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the consumption of glue and apply the composition to both the tile and the wall. This will improve grip;
- The permissible thickness of the seam is from 2 mm to 5 mm.
The most difficult part when laying out is the formation beautiful corner. Tiles in the corner can be cut down at 45 degrees. Such a joint will look neater. You can simply cover the joint with a plastic or ceramic corner to form closed corner. If the tile is laid apart, and for the corner you need to cut it, then it is better to turn the cut side towards the row, and bring the even uncut side to the corner.
It is more difficult to install sockets and mixers on the convex surface of the hog. It is necessary to mount them along a horizontal seam, adjusting the position in such a way that the edges of the equipment do not fall on the chamfer, otherwise a beautiful effect of hanging in the air will not be created especially in this case.
Conclusion
Natural textures are very popular in interiors today. Many designers try to keep the industrial atmosphere in public buildings or recreate it artificially. Brick walls, spectacular masonry imitation with ceramic tiles and even nice wallpaper with a quality print - every homeowner can use any means to create fashionable interior. Tile boar - perfect solution to implement design ideas simple and simple method.
