When decorating a bathroom, you can choose from many types of tiles. A notable material is rectified tiles. What is this type of tiles? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this solution?
What are rectified tiles?
Rectified tiles are ceramic tiles that have undergone a ratification process. This type of tile is suitable for both the wall and the floor.
Ratification involves cutting and grinding the edges of the tile in a mechanical way. This gives the tiles dimensions with an accuracy of 0.2 mm and a sharp edge with a 90° angle. Both these features affect their appearance, which is very striking and creates a uniform surface.
Rectified tiles are also known as groutless tiles, but the reality differs from this view. The groutless placement of these tiles can lead to their destruction. With grouting, you can easily remove the tile if it breaks.
Many professionals believe that rectified tiles are better because they require little grout. It is this feature that makes them better than regular tiles. They must be laid by a professional, only then you can bring out their true charm.
Rectified tiles, despite many obvious advantages, will not work in every bathroom. They suit modern interiors best. For rustic and classic interiors, classic tiles will be better
Advantages of rectified tiles
The main advantage of rectified tiles is very high dimensional accuracy, thanks to which they look very well arranged on the wall. When 1.5 mm grout is used, the tiles can be replaced very easily.
The rectified tile perfectly imitates natural materials such as stone or wood. The edges of these tiles are sharp and thanks to that less visible, which makes the room look very elegant. Rectified tiles optically enlarge the interior, so they are perfect for small bathrooms
The last advantage of these tiles is that they are easy to keep clean, thanks to which they work well even for the most demanding housewives.
Disadvantages of rectified tiles
The main disadvantages of rectified tiles are that laying them requires a lot of skill and precision. Laying them without grout is fraught with great risk, some tile may crack and it will be difficult to replace it. Another quite big disadvantage is their high price.
Rectified tiles are thicker than classic ceramic tiles and therefore are much more difficult to work with
Rectified tiles with or without grout?
Many professionals believe that since rectified tiles have a smooth surface and dimensions with an accuracy of 0.2 mm, they do not need grout and can be placed next to each other. This is not entirely correct reasoning. It is worth keeping a 1.5 mm gap between tiles. Thanks to that you can avoid cracking of the tiles.
Grout is also recommended for practical reasons. It is much easier to replace one tile without disturbing the others if there is grout between them. The same grout is used for grouting rectified tiles as for regular tiles.
How to install tiles?
The same materials are used to install rectified tiles on the surface as for regular tiles. The recommended method is to install the tiles with grouting. This way you can reduce the occurrence of damage.
Rectified tiles are installed in the same way as traditional tiles. It is best to use grout of 1.5 to 2 mm. When installing bathroom tiles, it is necessary to be very precise, maintaining a gap of 1.5 mm.For rectified tiles, use a special waterproof adhesive. When laying them, it is recommended to double glue – on the wall and on the tile.
