Lapatized tile: what is it, the pros and cons

Ceramic granite has become one of the main elements widely used in construction. This is just an excellent alternative to natural stone, which has a lot of advantages. The main feature of this material is the possibility of using various methods of surface treatment of tiles, which allows solving a variety of design problems.

Lapatized tile is a finishing material with a combined texture, which is half matte, half polished. Produce this material for a special technology.

What is this material?

Many people are wondering what is this lappatiated tile, what features it has and what advantages it has. This material has a combined heterogeneous structure. It is manufactured using a special surface grinding technology. The first stages of production do not differ from the manufacturing process of ordinary tiles. A mixture of:

• Feldspar;
• Clay;
• Quartz sand and other impurities.

Under high pressure, the mixture is heated and baked in the oven until it becomes a low-porous, strong board. After that, metal oxides are used to create the desired pattern or shade. Later, when processing material, special stones are used for grinding. With their help a thin uneven coating layer is removed. Processing is carried out until the time when the tile will not acquire a certain luster. As a result, the outer side of the lapped tile consists of several different parts, namely:

• Glossy;
• Rough;
• Untreated.

Their combination creates a certain effect of soft gloss, preventing the appearance of excessive gloss and excessive glare when sunlight hits. Mirror gloss is combined with opacity, so the surface looks very interesting and has good resistance to slipping. That is why it can be used to equip absolutely any premises.

Feature of manufacturing of lapped ceramic granite

Ceramic granite of lapatized type is a material made by a special method of surface grinding, which provides the effect of a polished surface. During the processing of the material, special stones are used for grinding.

Unlike polished tiles, a much smaller layer is cut during the manufacture of a material lapped from the surface, which guarantees greater durability of ceramic granite. The attractiveness and originality of the lapped tiles, the high performance of this material, made it very convenient for finishing residential interiors and commercial premises.

In addition, it has high moisture-resistant and frost-resistant qualities, and is also characterized by increased wear resistance and resistance to sharp temperature changes and chemical agents.

The main advantages of the material

Knowing what it means for lapped tiles and what advantages it has, you can easily find the right version for yourself, suitable for all parameters. This is an innovative product, featuring the use of a special technology for processing the front surface. The main advantages of such a material are:

• A wide range of color solutions;
• High wear resistance;
• Resistance to stress;
• High technical characteristics.

Regardless of the type of exposure, there are no traces on the surface of this material and there is no burning out of color. This is due to the fact that its coloring occurs even during production with the help of special pigments, which ensure uniformity throughout the thickness.

Disadvantages of lapped tiles

The main drawbacks of this material include low thermal conductivity. If the lapped floor tile is placed on the cold floor, then in the winter it will be an unpleasant cold.

Another drawback is its density, which greatly complicates the process of changing the shape of the product, if there is no electric tile cutter. In addition, this material is characterized by high cost.

Applications

Due to excellent technical characteristics, lapped ceramic granite is used for facing various surfaces in a private house, apartment and public building. There are several applications for this product, namely:

• For flooring in the apartment;
• For external finishing of cottages and country houses;
• For offices, shopping centers and hotels;
• For facing fireplaces and stoves.

It is not recommended to use this material for facing staircases and platforms located near the stairs. The surface of this material, although not slippery, however there is a certain risk.

Difference from other materials

Lappeared tiles at all stages of production, in addition to the final one, are manufactured exactly like other porcelain stoneware. It contains various components, as well as various additives. From the prepared mixture, products are formed and baked under a press.

The temperature of baking is 1300 degrees Celsius. Oxides of various metals are used as dyes for such products. Only at the last stage of manufacture is there a grinding, giving a special piquancy and unusualness to the structure and drawing of the finished product. It is because of the type of finish this product and got its name.

Thanks to the unusual texture, the pattern reproduced on the porcelain stoneware turns out to be really unique and looks unusual, even in the most usual color.

Such a tile is characterized by high strength, it is capable of withstanding heavy loads and pinpoint impacts with heavy objects. The floor made of such a tile is very difficult to scratch, it will not lose its aesthetic qualities even for a long time. However, even if scratches appear, they will be completely invisible due to the heterogeneous texture of the coating. Under the condition of arrangement of the system of a warm floor this material perfectly retains heat.

Despite the fact that the lapped surface of the tile is not homogeneous, it is very easy to look after it, because the pores of the material remain open. To clean any stains from products, it is sufficient to use only ordinary drinking soda. This kind of tile has absolutely smooth edges, due to which it is possible to create from it an almost integral surface, without joints.

How is the material laid?

Having looked at the photo of the lapped tiles in the interior, you can be sure that this is just an excellent material. However, to achieve a unique effect, you need to properly lay this product. Such a tile is used not only for floor covering, but also for facing fireplaces. Fits such a tile like a regular tile.

Initially, you need to carefully prepare the base, it should be without cracks, dirt and voids. Then it is necessary to prepare an adhesive mixture made on the basis of polymer components, to lay the tiles, to clean the seams, to make a wet and dry cleaning. This product is well compatible with other materials, which provides ample opportunities for designers.

How does the lapped tile look like in the interior?

This kind of porcelain stoneware looks simply superb in the interior, especially as it is presented in the widest variety of colors thanks to the peculiarity of production, and matte or polished materials can be selected.

The texture of this material, thanks to a combination of matte and polished areas creates an unusual and very soft shine in the interior. This material mimics marble, stone or wood.

The rules of care for lapped ceramic granite

This material is very well cleaned from any type of contamination. Thanks to the special treatment of the pores, it remains open, which facilitates a simpler cleaning of various kinds of contaminants. To clean stains that are of food origin, ordinary drinking soda is good.

For cleaning more complex spots from various paints, chewing gum and wax, various solvents, for example, gasoline or acetone, are suitable. If you need to clean the surface of lime, cement or putty, it is desirable to use special acid-containing cleaners. However, when working with them, you must be especially careful, as it is possible to damage the interlacing seams.

It should be noted that the lapated tile reviews of buyers who have time to evaluate all of its benefits, gets the best.