Tiles for the stove and fireplace - which one to choose and which one is better to overlay the stove in the house. How to finish a fireplace: plaster, tiling, stone

Recently, brick stoves have begun to gain popularity again, and in private homes you can increasingly see a design that instantly makes the atmosphere warm and cozy. But in order for the stove to serve for a long time and all this time to please the residents with its beauty, it must be lined. Usually ceramic tiles are used for this, and today we will talk about the varieties of this material and how to lining the oven with our own hands.

Finishing stoves with ceramic tiles is much more practical and easier than plastering or painting. The operational characteristics of the tile will please thrifty owners - it is easy to wash, it does not lose color and retains its strength for many years. The tiled coating of the furnace can last from 30 to 150 years or more (depending on the type of tile).

Not every ceramic tile is suitable for finishing the oven. What properties should it have in order to meet specific requirements?

Requirements for ceramic tiles for the oven:

fire resistance - must withstand temperatures from + 200C to + 400C;
moisture resistance - especially if the oven is equipped with a hob, and it will have to be washed frequently;
aesthetic appeal - you will have to admire the lining for many years, so it is better to choose the most neutral colors so that in case of redecoration it fits into the interior;
the ability to withstand temperature changes without deforming;
strength, impact resistance;
durability.

We have selected a list of types of ceramic tiles that fit these parameters.

Terracotta tiles

Experts consider terracotta tiles to be one of the best materials for lining stoves and fireplaces, as they are able to withstand extremely high temperatures (+1000C and above). This ability is due to the specifics of the manufacture of tiles - kaolin clay is fired in a high-temperature furnace, after which it is molded, pressed and processed under pressure.

Another significant advantage of terracotta tiles is its absolute environmental friendliness - no dyes are even added to it! The use of different types of clay makes it possible to obtain products of various shades of brown, beige and brick shades. Such colors have a beneficial effect on the human psyche and create a calm, cozy atmosphere in the house.

The porous structure of clay makes terracotta tiles an excellent heat insulator, so this coating contributes to the rational use of energy and fuel economy. The service life is at least 50 years, and with careful handling, such a stove can last three to four generations of residents. And if we also take into account the low cost, then the popularity of terracotta becomes quite understandable.

Clinker tiles

The opinions of experts regarding whether it is possible to use clinker tiles for lining furnaces differ. Some believe that since the clinker has a low thermal conductivity, the heat transfer of the furnace with such a finish will be worse. Indeed, the dense structure of clinker bricks does not allow heat to pass freely, but at the same time it has a good heat capacity. This means that the cladding heats up slowly, but retains heat longer - even when the stove has stopped heating, it will heat the air in the room for several more hours. Clinker tiles are able to easily withstand high temperatures up to 1300C, since they themselves were made through high-temperature firing.

Majolica tiles

This type of tile was named after the island of Mallorca, where at one time it was mass-produced. Once upon a time, merchants brought various products made of tin-lead glaze there, and artists painted each tile by hand with special durable paints. Due to the complex specifics of the manufacture of majolica, it was used not for domestic needs, but as an expensive and presentable interior decoration. It was considered a luxury to have a wall or stove trimmed with majolica at home.

The tile itself is made by pressing in the same way as terracotta. The only difference is that then glaze with multi-colored drawings and patterns is then applied to a strong clay base. The cost of majolica compared to other materials is quite high, however, as before, and now such a coating is a sign of good taste and luxury.

Porcelain tile

Another popular facing material for stoves and fireplaces. The non-porous and very dense structure makes it extremely strong, waterproof and durable. Porcelain stoneware is used to make powerful floors in factories and garages, which is to say about the decoration of furnaces.

In addition to durability, porcelain stoneware tiles are resistant to aggressive chemicals and temperature resistance. It contains impurities of kaolin clays, quartz sand, natural dyes, metal oxides and feldspar. Depending on the percentage of one or another component, several varieties of porcelain stoneware are distinguished. It can have a different color, strength, durability, etc.

Types of porcelain stoneware:

Natural - burnt, but untreated porcelain stoneware. Differs in a opaque surface and high wear resistance.
Glazed tiles - after mechanical firing, a thin layer of matte porcelain stoneware is cut off from above, after which the cut is clarified. As a result, the surface becomes shiny and smooth. The only drawback of glazed tiles is that it is very easy to leave scratches on it.
Mosaic tiles are an original imitation of porcelain stoneware mosaics. It happens natural matte and glazed.
Smolted - the enamel is fired together with a base made of multicomponent compositions. The production process of such tiles is quite complicated, the pattern is applied by automatic applicative lines.

It is known that natural stone has a radioactive background (depending on the rock, it can be higher or lower). Porcelain stoneware is devoid of this quality, which makes it completely safe for health. At the same time, the cost of such a tile will be cheaper than stone, and in terms of characteristics only terracotta tiles can be compared with porcelain stoneware.

In order for a stove lined with porcelain tiles to last as long as possible, it should be properly looked after:

Remove grease and drink stains with a warm solution of baking soda or a chlorine-based cleaner.
Gasoline or acetone will help get rid of stains of glue, paint, enamel, resin or other sticky substances.
Try not to clean the porcelain stoneware surface with acid-based cleaners, as they will ruin the color of the grouts. They can be used pointwise and, if necessary, removing rust.
Before cleaning the glazed surface, treat it with a water repellent.
Try to clean porcelain stoneware as little as possible with powders (and in the case of glazed tiles it’s better to forget about them at all), hard sponges and brushes.

tile tiles

Finishing stoves with tiles was popular several centuries ago, and many people still prefer this option, despite the difficulties associated with installation. In general, tiles are not exactly tiles, since they are not flat, but box-shaped. It is thanks to her that the material has high heat-saving characteristics. The front side of the tiles is covered with glaze with ornate patterns and all kinds of drawings. Until now, each drawing on the tiles is applied by hand and sometimes is a real work of art.

Tiling a stove with tiles is quite difficult, especially if you have not worked with this material before, so it is better to trust the professionals. And if you consider that the cost of the tiles themselves is rather big, then it is all the more better not to take risks and do everything as efficiently as possible. The installation of such a cladding is a rather specific job, so there are not so many specialists who can perform it, and the cost of the work will cost a large amount. This is the most expensive and luxurious type of furnace finishing today.

But in terms of durability and performance, not a single finishing material for the stove can be compared with tiles. We can say that this is an ideal cladding option, and not only because of the practical data. Psychologists have found that antique fireplaces with tiled finishes work as powerful natural centers of attraction. If a person gets into a room with such a stove, he will definitely try to be as close to it as possible, touch the finish with his hands, and admire the patterns.

The box-shaped design of the tiles requires a special laying technology, while it is necessary not only to put the tiles on the glue, but also to connect them with each other and with the base with metal wire. Since each tile-box is made separately and manually, it is necessary to thoroughly calculate the required number of tiles, and before laying them, arrange them by size and color. Be immediately prepared for the fact that a perfectly flat surface will not work - this is the charm and authenticity of the finish. The difference in the width or height of the tiles can be up to 10 mm, and a technological edge is provided specifically for fitting (5 mm on each side).

Tiles allow you to create, without exaggeration, a unique coating, the value of which will only grow every year. If financial possibilities are limited, several types of tiles can be combined, for example, tiles with clinker, terracotta or metlakh tiles. It is better to cover surfaces with tiles that will most often get dirty - around the firebox, shelves, corners near the hob.

How to glue tiles?

To fix the tiles to the brick oven, special adhesives are used. They must be refractory so that at the first kindling, all your decoration does not fall off. Most domestically produced heat-resistant adhesive mortars are made from refractory clay mixed with fireclay powder and high-quality cement. Sometimes perlite is also present in this mixture - it then gives low thermal conductivity. The temperature that it can withstand must be indicated on the packaging of the adhesive. Usually they write 1200C or higher, but 300C is enough for a regular home oven, especially since you are not going to glue the surface from the inside.

It is very good if the adhesive contains plasticizers that make the solution elastic and pliable - this way it fills all the smallest pores and attaches better. Also, elasticity helps to cope with deformations under loads. By and large, the durability of the stove finish depends not only on the tile, but also on what it rests on.

Grout for joints

In addition to the adhesive composition, it is necessary to stock up on refractory grout for joints between tiles. And it should be chosen depending on the width of the seams and the maximum heating temperature. If you plan to leave 3-5 mm between the tiles, and the oven heats up to a maximum of 70C, then you can use the most common inexpensive grouts (better, of course, moisture resistant, to facilitate surface care). The worst thing that can happen to them is that they will darken.

If the surface of the oven is heated to 100C, and the seams are 7 mm, it is recommended to use dry dyes mixed with K-80 glue, for example, soot, minium, ocher or chrome. Even fairly wide seams up to 15 mm can be rubbed with such a solution, since large grains are present in its composition, which means that you can not be afraid of cracks. White glue can be tinted at your discretion. In addition, used as a grout, K-80 glue provides additional fixation of the cladding. And the best part is that it costs mere pennies (much cheaper than the most mediocre grout) and is sold in any hardware store.

If the surface of the furnace is heated to 130C and above, then the dry dyes mentioned above are recommended to be added to the Profix refractory adhesive, which can withstand up to + 700C, or to sandy plaster - it copes with heating up to + 200C.

If you want beautiful, smooth seams, use Creativeputz oven plaster. If, on the contrary, you prefer rough seams, buy Hafnerputz with a fine-grained structure.

Cladding technology

The technology for tiling the stove, described below, is suitable for all types of tiles, except for tiles (a separate chapter is devoted to them). But no matter what you are going to cover the oven, in any case, you must first prepare the surface.

How to prepare the surface for facing:

Remove old paintwork, plaster or whitewash.

If bricks have begun to crumble or crack in some places, fix it by filling holes or cracks with refractory cement mortar. Be sure to wait until the solution is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.
If the walls of the stove are crooked, then no tile can stick to them - alignment is necessary. To do this, use the same cement-sand mortar that you used to seal the cracks in the bricks. Take cement grades not less than M400, mixed with sand in a ratio of 1: 3. To check the evenness of the walls, use a plumb line and a building level.
Clean the walls from cement sagging, and deepen the seams between the bricks by 10-15 mm. It is convenient to do this with a grinder with an abrasive wheel for concrete or, if there is no suitable equipment, in the old fashioned way - with a hammer and a chisel.
Scour the recessed joints with a wire brush so that the adhesive can fill them completely and hold the tile firmly.
It should be borne in mind that in the process of heating, any substance tends to expand, and when cooling, on the contrary, it narrows and takes on the same volumes. So that as a result of these processes the tile does not crack, it is necessary to attach a metal mesh to the surface. To fix the chain-link, use dowels, driving them into the seams every 50 cm. In this case, the caps of the fasteners should peek out about 10 mm above the surface. As an alternative to dowels, nails 70-100 mm can be used.
Once the mesh is attached, treat the surface with a deep penetration primer to improve the adhesive properties of the hot melt adhesive. Wait 3-4 hours until the soil is completely dry and proceed with the cladding.

When the primer is almost dry, you can start preparing the adhesive solution, guided by the instructions on the package. If you have never done such work before, it is better to dilute the glue in small portions in order to “fill your hand”. At first, you will do everything slowly, and a large batch of diluted glue may harden. Use a notched trowel to apply mortar to terracotta and porcelain tiles. If you cover the stove with large plates, it is more convenient to apply glue to the wall.

Ceramic tile

Facing the furnace with ceramic tiles is not such a difficult task, which even an inexperienced self-taught master can handle. This applies to porcelain stoneware, terracotta, metlakh tiles, majolica and clinker.

How to line the oven with ceramic tiles:

Start laying out the first row from the lower right or left corner. Check the evenness of each tile - the final result depends on it.
Install special crosses between the tiles, giving the required width of the seams.
Tap tiles with a rubber mallet to fit or adjust position.
First, lay out all the whole samples, and fill the remaining gaps and voids with pieces of suitable sizes - they can be cut with a tile cutter.
Immediately after laying, clean the tile from the glue that has not yet hardened, if there are streaks - after drying, it will be much more difficult to remove it.
Leave the oven alone for 3-4 days until the glue dries completely.
Start grouting the seams.

At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing complicated in tiling a stove, but this work requires full concentration and skills. If everything is done according to the instructions, the tile will lie flat and will last for many years. Facing the oven with tiles in video format will give a more complete picture of the specifics of laying:

Tiles - cladding

Beautiful, expensive, unique in its kind, durable and very difficult to install material - a tile, however, is the most desirable and luxurious type of stove finish. The main feature and complexity of the cladding is that first a box-shaped tile is installed, and only then the body of the heating structure is attached to it. Thus, the master simultaneously performs both laying and finishing. That is why such extraordinary and painstaking work requires specific professional skills and extensive experience.

Before laying, the tile should be carefully prepared - make a “rough” assembly, fit each element in size, and sand the horizontal edges. Tiles must be soaked in water before use.

We will describe laying tiles only in general terms, since this work involves an incredible number of subtleties and tricks, and it is simply impossible to learn how to lay tiles after reading the article.

How tiles are laid:

Lay out the first bottom row.
½ fill the rumpa (the inner space of the boxes) with a clay mixture.
A filler is pressed into the clay for strength (mainly river pebbles).
Pebbles are covered with another portion of the clay mixture.
Bricks are pressed into the mixture.
When the masonry reaches the edge of the tiles, everything is pulled together with metal wire.
The vertical rows are fastened together with steel staples, making sure that the seams are at least 3 mm thick.
When the stove is built, the seams are cleaned and the front surface of the tiles is washed.
When the solution hardens and the structure gains strength, the seams are rubbed with gypsum dough - it is applied between the plates, and after 10 minutes. remove excess with a clean soft cloth.

A tiled stove must dry for at least 20 days before a fire can be lit in it.

Facing furnaces with ceramic tiles, photo:

Stoves and fireplaces are not uncommon in private estates and cottages, even with a modern heating system. The source of live heat creates an atmosphere of a cozy home, near which the whole family gathers to pass the long winter evening. Particular attention is paid to surface finishing. High-quality tiles for stoves and fireplaces are designed to withstand high temperatures, are durable, and have an attractive design.

Criteria for choosing tiles for finishing stoves and fireplaces

Finishing work is no less important stage than laying a stove or building a fireplace. Stove makers recommend selecting finishing materials that meet the following characteristics:

heat resistance (heating t reaches 1200-1300°C);
strength;
low-porosity structure;
during mechanical action, chips or cracks are not formed;
thickness 6-8 mm or more.

Compliance of tiles for the oven with operating conditions is a prerequisite for the durability of the cladding. Shedding, surface damage adversely affect aesthetics. Replacement is not always possible: each batch of tiles made from natural materials has a unique shade, so it is unlikely that it will be possible to achieve an exact tone match.

The harmonious design of the materials is also an important parameter. Tiles are selected taking into account the features of the interior. The hearth, decorated in accordance with the general stylistic decision, will become a real highlight. Guests will definitely pay attention to the stove or fireplace, finished with taste.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: When purchasing cladding materials, you should purchase several spare units in case you have to change a damaged piece of trim.

Plastering the oven - a preparatory stage for facing

Which tile is better: an overview of popular materials

The market offers a wide range of tiles for finishing stove and fireplace surfaces. Let us dwell on materials that are distinguished by high performance, stylish design and ease of use.

Terracotta tiles

Terracotta tiles for stoves are a classic option with excellent thermal properties. Used indoors and outdoors. For finishing home hearths, stationary brick barbecues and barbecues.

Terracotta is a natural material made from kaolin clay. Tiles are made using high-temperature firing technology at t 1100 °C. Differs in the following features:

not susceptible to a sharp temperature drop, exposure to an aggressive environment;
color stable and not subject to fading;
heat resistance - 1100 ° С;
has high heat-saving properties;
environmentally safe.

A stove lined with terracotta tiles retains heat longer and is characterized by high efficiency

Clinker tiles

The brick tile for the furnace enjoys deserved popularity. One of the most durable and easy-to-use facing materials. Apply when carrying out internal and external finishing works.

In the production of clinker tiles, special grades of highly plastic slate clays are used. The prepared mixture is fired at t 1200 ° C. It has the following properties:

frost resistance;
not exposed to ultraviolet rays;
heat resistance - 1200 ° С;
a wide range of colors, which includes more than 100 shades from chocolate brown to white and light beige;
environmentally safe.

Qualitatively laid clinker tiles will not cause trouble for decades

IMPORTANT TO KNOW: For maximum strength and durability of the cladding, materials with a low-porosity structure are chosen.

Time of ceramics: classics in the service of modernity

Terracotta and clinker tiles, with all their advantages, have one significant drawback: they are not intended for painting on the surface and creating intricate patterns. Therefore, ceramic tiles for stoves - tiles and majolica - are still in demand. Both classic materials have survived the centuries. Today, drawings covered with a special glaze look relevant and belong to the category of win-win interior solutions.

Suffice it to recall the Dutch tiled stoves, the popularity of which is beyond doubt in the domestic practice of laying living heat sources. Also, these materials are used in facing fireplaces. Majolica and tiles have excellent performance characteristics:

heat resistance;
heat-saving properties;
environmental Safety.

Finishing with tiles is a symbol of commitment to the best traditions of furnace business

How to achieve the durability of the cladding

Professional laying of stove and fireplace tiles is impossible without the use of special tile adhesive. All efforts will turn into a huge disappointment if you make a mistake in choosing the composition for the cladding. The following requirements are imposed on the adhesive composition:

heat resistance and immunity to sudden temperature changes: like tiles, the composition must withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures and be adapted to rapid heating;
adhesion strength of surfaces - bases and linings;
environmental friendliness and non-toxicity;
convenience and ease of use.

After laying heat-resistant tiles, the seams are rubbed with a special putty

The choice of tiles, glue and the finishing process itself is best left to professionals. Facing stoves and fireplaces is a rather complicated process. You should not undertake the implementation of the entire complex of works without proper experience. Any mistake will lead to irreparable consequences - at best, you will have to re-tile, at worst - buy new materials. Turning to qualified craftsmen is a decision you will never regret. All work will be performed at a high level, and an additional bonus will be a quality guarantee. Real pros are always responsible for the result.

Video: fireplace lining

Ceramic tiles for lining stoves and fireplaces remain the most versatile material. It is quite aesthetic and gives a beautiful look to the product. Just not every material is suitable for finishing. There are many products of this type on the market, but before choosing, let's decide on the parameters that ceramic tiles for the fireplace should have. In this article, we will consider this issue. You can see photos and videos on this topic and make the right choice.

Ceramic tiles used for lining stoves and fireplaces must meet a number of requirements. It is necessary to pay attention to such factors:

The material must fully match the style of the room..
If the design will be in a bath or sauna, you need to determine the conditions in which the material is used. It is necessary to pay attention to the technical characteristics of the product.
If the structure will be located in a residential area, then clinker tiles are used for this. It is made using clay and then fired. After that, a pattern or glaze can be applied to the surface.

Attention! When buying, pay attention to the labeling of the elements. There are two types - "A" and "B". Give preference to the first option. He points out that ceramic tiles were made on the basis of computer technology and have more accurate dimensions. With their help, you can perform any drawing with better quality. The size of these elements is made more accurately.

Ceramic tiles that are suitable for facing the fireplace must meet several requirements:

Have high temperature resistance. Withstand temperature fluctuations. This is especially true for unheated rooms.
The thickness of the elements must be at least 8 mm.
must be resistant to mechanical damage.
Ceramic tiles should be low-porous, this increases the strength of the cladding and prolongs its service life.

Types of tiles for fireplaces and stoves

There are several types of products on sale that are suitable for facing fireplaces. Only they differ from each other in some properties. Therefore, when choosing, you can not make a mistake. Let's take a look at this product and make the right choice.

Terracotta

This material is made using clay and is an environmentally friendly product and will not harm your health.

Appearance of terracotta

So:

This material is characterized by high strength and durability. It is also used for cladding buildings, and you can see how long it lasts even with temperature changes. This is a frost-resistant element, so mounting in rooms with intermittent heating will be fully justified. Ease of maintenance will also attract the consumer of these products.
Air and steam impermeability is also an important advantage of this tile. It itself absorbs excess air humidity and helps to create a comfortable atmosphere in the room. When the air is dry, it gives humidity to the room, that is, it also performs the functions of an air conditioner. Therefore, these elements should be used for baths and saunas.
This material has high adhesion to adhesive-based surfaces. Sticks well to liquid nails. Can have a high-quality connection with almost any base;
This is a refractory material. Production takes place at a temperature of 1100 degrees. Such a tile perfectly tolerates any temperature difference. The textured surface contributes to the high heat transfer of the elements, the thermal expansion of the tile corresponds to the oven brick. The fireplace, which will be lined with this material, will give off heat much longer than other elements.

Tiles

These are piece elements for facing the fireplace, which are processed with glaze. Allow you to perform almost any pattern on the product. Perfect for lining a fireplace or stove (see).

Fire-resistant material, which is made from special types of clay and is environmentally friendly and does not harm human health.
In the production process, high temperature firing is used. This is a heat-resistant material that can withstand elevated temperatures perfectly.
This material with high heat dissipation. The form itself allows you to increase this effect. Such heat is considered the most environmentally friendly.
These elements are durable and do not require high maintenance costs.
But this product also has its drawback - high cost, which did not allow it to take a leading position in sales.

Porcelain stoneware

This is the most modern element of finishing fireplaces and stoves. It is a monolithic, non-porous structure. Made in Italy in the mid 80s.

This material is resistant to high and very low temperatures. It consists of quartz sand, fine clay, marble chips and oxides of various metals. Performed by pressing under high pressure.
A wide range of colors allows you to create a unique fireplace design.
The color scheme allows using this material to make a finish for any element.
This is a durable and strong material.
The moisture resistance of the material allows you to finish the elements that are in places of high humidity (bath, sauna).
Does not fade even in direct sunlight.

Heat-resistant clinker tiles

Clinker ceramic tile for a fireplace is a kind of ceramics. It is made from several varieties of clay with the addition of fireclay powder. Color is achieved by adding dyes.

The thickness of the tiles is from 9 to 12 mm. This allows you to make the correct lining of fireplaces and stoves.
Installation of such tiles is quite simple. It can be attached with hot glue. As a result, less waste is generated.

Attention! If you have a fireplace or stove in a summer kitchen or gazebo, then you will need to use frost-resistant glue. Be sure to pay attention to this when making a purchase.

For better adhesion of surfaces, the masters advise using a grid during installation, which is attached to the base plane.
The seams can be treated with a special grout, which has many colors and shades.
This material is highly durable and durable in use.
The structure of the elements is low-porous, which allows better heat transfer.
The elements have low water absorption, only up to 3 percent.
High frost resistance allows you to mount elements in places without constant heating.
Clinker tiles are made from environmentally friendly components and therefore do not harm human health.

Majolica

This is essentially an old tile, which was used in Georgia for decorating stoves. This is an improved glazed terracotta.

Majolica finish example

We have listed the main types of tiles for fireplaces and stoves. The price of this material can be quite different. But you can put any with your own hands, which will reduce the cost of work. Detailed installation instructions for each type are on the pages of our website. This is not so much difficult as painstaking work, but you can handle it.

Fireplaces and stoves are now used more as one of the interior design elements that create comfort and emphasize the individual style of the room than for heating. For decoration, ceramic tiles for the oven are used, which have the necessary aesthetic and technological properties and qualities.

Choosing ceramics - what to look for

Facing tiles should not only be in harmony with the interior, but also have:

In addition, special requirements are imposed on it in terms of strength and the ability not to deform or crack with significant temperature fluctuations. The size should be chosen so that when laying on the facade there is a minimum number of trimmings. Before you buy ceramic tiles, you need to check with the seller for documents confirming the declared technical data of the material and its environmental safety.

Types of finishes for stoves and fireplaces

There are 4 types of tiles that meet the above requirements. All of them have one drawback - a significant cost. But in combination with wide possibilities in the choice of pattern and color shades, and a long service life, the price factor becomes insignificant.

Terracotta tiles

The manufacturing technology consists of several stages. The raw material (a mixture of kaolin clay, chamotte and pigment additives) is first pressed and then fired. Firing temperature over 1000 °C. The resulting tile has an unglazed embossed surface without a pattern and a highly porous structure. The advantages of Terracotta ceramic tiles for finishing fireplaces and stoves include light weight and ease of installation. This reduces the requirements for the strength of the structure to be lined and for the preliminary preparation of its upper layer.

Majolica

The production technology is the same as that of terracotta ceramics. Accordingly, the set of advantages and disadvantages for these tiles is the same. It differs from terracotta in its clearly defined relief, glazed surface and applied pattern. When using majolica for finishing furnaces, you can not worry about the integrity of the glaze. The coating is very thin and cracking during heating/cooling is excluded.

Clinker

This is the most heat-resistant ceramic tile for stoves and fireplaces. In the manufacture, the technology of extruding a mixture of different types of clay, fireclay, mineral additives, fluxes and earthenware cullet is used, followed by high-temperature firing. The tile has a slight relief and is covered with a thin layer of glaze. For facing furnaces, only unglazed "clinker" marked "A" is selected, as having the most accurate dimensions. The slight porosity of the material ensures good heat exchange with the room.

Porcelain tile or artificial stone

The raw material in the manufacture is a mixture of clay, dyes, quartz sand, granite or marble chips. Before mixing, all components are thoroughly cleaned and filtered, the resulting composition is pressed and then fired. As a result, a single monolithic structure is formed throughout the entire thickness of the tile. Artificial stone has neither empty cavities nor cracks, which gives it exceptionally high resistance to dynamic and static loads, all other ceramic stove tiles and tiles are inferior to it in terms of cost, service life and technical characteristics.

Most of the produced porcelain stoneware has a slightly rough finish. Zero steam and moisture absorption makes it possible to use this material in rooms with increased humidity (baths, saunas, rest rooms in pools, and so on). The production technology allows to imitate the surface structure of clinker, terracotta, granite, natural stone.

Tiles
The raw material in the manufacture is a mixture of varietal clay, which is molded and fired. The upper part of the resulting material is covered with glaze and can be perfectly smooth or embossed, with or without a pattern. The box-shaped shape of the tile contributes to obtaining unique heat-saving characteristics, but it also imposes laying restrictions. Finishing with tiles is feasible only during the construction of the furnace.

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

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

Criteria for choosing facing tiles for a stove or fireplace

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

Ecological purity of the material - this quality is necessary for cladding, which will be heated to high temperatures. If the composition of the finish contains toxic compounds, when it is heated, they will give off fumes to 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 such alternating exposure to cooling, cracking or peeling off the surface.

High-quality material for finishing stoves and fireplaces can withstand temperatures up to 1000 degrees. If the designation "T" is on the package, this is evidence of the conformity of the tile for such purposes. In addition, the manufacturer indicates the number of firings that the material has undergone, they are indicated by the symbol "flame" and the number 1 or 2.

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

Both single-fired and double-fired tiles are suitable for kiln lining, but glazed material is more comfortable to clean and more resistant to moisture.

The cladding must have good heat capacity and thermal conductivity, since the main purpose of the furnace is still not interior decoration, but room heating.
Moisture resistant. The moisture absorption coefficient of the facing material should not exceed 3%.
The thickness of the tiles can be from 6 to 15 mm.
The coefficient of thermal expansion should be as low as possible.
Resistance to mechanical influences. The wear resistance of the tiles is indicated on the packaging with 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, do not accumulate an electric charge and, therefore, do 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 a tile marked "AA" (no damage) on the packaging.
Grade of a facing tile. Be sure 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 its qualities to the third grade.

Tile manufacturers with a UNI quality certificate use a color coding grade.

The best option for finishing the stove would be a first grade matte tile that has been two fired, marked "AA", PEI from II to V, an antistatic quality badge, and with an ECO or Eurostandard designation. The linear dimensions of the tiles may vary, but you should not choose models with side lengths of more than 250 × 250 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.

Clay is used to produce terracotta, tiled, clinker and fireclay tiles, as well as tiles and majolica.

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

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 versatile material is used not only for lining stoves and fireplaces, but also for facades of houses, as well as for interior design.

The production of facing material takes place 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 are used that are safe for the environment and human health.

Terracotta tiles are distinguished by natural colors and perfectly imitate other natural materials such as stone, brick or wood.

The natural color and its various shades are acquired by the tiles as a result of the use of different types of clay, as well as firing at different temperatures. Traditionally, terracotta has beige, pinkish or ocher shades of different tones that do not change during operation.

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

Terracotta has a high wear resistance, does not need painting and 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 shortage, it releases it back. Brickwork has the same qualities, including the same coefficient of thermal expansion, so terracotta is perfect for facing 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 merits.
Environmental Safety.
Durability and long service life.
Resistant to sudden changes in temperature.
Easy to install tiles.
Textured surface contributes to high thermal efficiency.
Aesthetic finish. Thanks to terracotta, the stove acquires not only a protective coating against aggressive influences, but also an attractive appearance.
A variety of colors and relief pattern.
Affordable material cost.

With high-quality terracotta tiles, it is quite possible to veneer the surfaces of the furnace on your own, without the involvement of finishing specialists, which can also be attributed to the positive aspects of this material.

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

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

Each of the collections includes several options for products that differ in shades and textures.

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

The appearance of the tiles	Name and brief description of models
	"Old brick". This tile option can be used to finish a stove or fireplace installed in an interior designed in a loft style. In addition, the material is often used in the restoration of the walls of old buildings, allowing you to maintain the original appearance. The tiles are produced in dark brown color.
	"Chamot". 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 location of the elements in which will depend on the imagination of the master or customer. The tile has a rough surface structure and is produced in a light beige color with a slight difference in shades.
	Ragged Stone, like Chamotte, is produced in three sizes, but has an uneven color, ranging 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 that also resembles 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 imitating the surface of old brick, damaged by time. Products have a terracotta warm color that changes shade with different lighting.
	"Chipped wood" - a tile that imitates the surface of split wood, can have different, but close to natural, saturated shades. In many ways, the color of the cladding is affected by the angle of incidence of light. The tile relief looks very original.
	"Leonardo". Products have an interesting relief, reminiscent of a cluster of small stones. The tile is painted in an uneven color that changes from beige to light brown, which creates the effect of a color wave.
	"Tyson Mega" is the largest tile of this manufacturer, its size is 310 × 150 mm. Products have a relief that imitates the laying of a flat, narrow, roughly processed stone. The tile has a brown-burgundy hue or a pure burgundy color.
	The Plitnyak collection is a tile of different sizes and shapes imitating split rock limestone slabs. The material is given a relief of raw stone, and the coloring is sustained in warm natural shades. The tile is quite suitable for lining 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 shale clays, fireclay powder and special natural additives. This composition gives the products maximum strength, durability and elegant appearance. Chemical plasticizers and dyes are not 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 monophonic 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 lining furnaces, but also for finishing facades, as well as walls inside the premises. The use of tiles for external work allows high frost resistance, and for internal - environmental cleanliness and aesthetic appearance.

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

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

Ecological cleanliness of the cladding.
High resistance to external mechanical influences.
Low moisture absorption of only 2÷6%.
Ease of maintenance.
Resistant to high and low temperatures, as well as their sudden changes.
Almost complete inertness to chemical influences.
Very impressive durability.
Variety of shades and color designs.

The table below shows 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 manufacturing clinker tiles for 120 years. This company is one of the world market leaders in the production of clinker for facing facades, furnaces, stairs and interior surfaces. The facade model "Stroeher Zeitlos Bronzebruch 354", shown in the photo, is in very high demand. This version of the tile may well be used both for the exterior decoration of the walls of buildings, and for facing fireplaces and stoves.
	FELDHAUS KLINKER is another German clinker tile manufacturer that has been operating in this area for 160 years. The company produces only 45 shades of products, 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 of this manufacturer are the "Classik" collection, manufactured in three sizes - NF, DF and LDF. One of the options for this cladding is shown in the photo. For a stove or fireplace - a great option!
	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". This tile is made in one standard size, but has a wide variety of color shades.
	The German concern "AVS-Klinkergruppe" also has a "work experience" that steps 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 in it, which significantly improves the quality of products. The tile of the ABC-Klinker Classik Tile collection, which is made in various shades and has two standard sizes that are well combined with each other, is most in demand among the consumer. This is just what is important when lining stoves or fireplaces with their not too large sizes - it is fashionable to avoid the need for a large amount of cut tiles.
	The Polish company Cerrad has been producing various types of clinker tiles not so long ago, since 1997, but has already earned a good reputation. Products are made on Italian equipment and fully comply with European quality standards. Despite the high quality of the product, it has an affordable cost compared to German products. One of the most sought-after collections from this manufacturer is Cerrad Retro Brick Salt, one of which is shown in the photo. Unobtrusive design will fit well into the interior of the room.
	Keralite is a Russian manufacturer of clinker tiles. Despite the short period of work from the day the company was founded and the organization of production, Keralite products are of excellent quality and aesthetic appearance. An important factor is the affordable cost of facing material.

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

Prices for clinker tiles

clinker tiles for interior decoration

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

Fireclay mixture is used to produce boards intended for further plastering. Some of them are equipped with special groove-thorn locks. Docking such plates allows you to get an almost monolithic surface.

Owing to refractory and strength characteristics, fireclay slabs are used to build 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 are distinguished by the following characteristic features:

High heat resistance - the material is able to withstand heating up to 1650 degrees.
Low thermal conductivity. The cladding keeps the stove hot for a long time, gradually letting heat into the rooms.
Resistant to chemicals.
Ecological purity of the material.
High heat capacity.

Decorative fireclay tiles for lining stoves and fireplaces are mainly made by hand, so they have a fairly high cost.

Several Russian enterprises are engaged in the production of fireclay plates used for lining combustion chambers and lining metal furnaces - these are Terracott, FasadKeramika, Aprelevskiy Heat Products Plant and LLC TPK PromInvest.

Decorative wall tiles are made by small businesses and are handcrafted and often made 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

The tile is the same ceramic tile which is used for facing of bathrooms and kitchens. Specially for lining furnaces, tiles are not produced. However, some models may well be used for such a finish, 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 particularly “adequately” respond to elevated temperatures, therefore, after a certain time, it becomes covered with a cobweb of cracks.

You should not use a tile even if negative temperatures are possible in the room where the stove is located. If the adhesive, not intended for outdoor use, freezes, peeling of the cladding is possible. For example, if the stove is located in a country house, then it is better to choose terracotta tiles for surface finishing, as it responds well to temperature changes and has the same coefficient of thermal expansion with brickwork.

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

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

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

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

Samples of tiles suitable for lining furnaces.	Brief information about the manufacturer and his products.
	"Kerama Marazzi" is a leading Russian manufacturer of ceramic tiles, which offers 12 collections of its products for sale - more than 2000 items. Based on the ethnic traditions of different countries, the company's designers have developed the design of tiles in various styles - these are the ornamental elements of England, France, Italy, the 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, as it was created on the basis of the Minsk Brick Plant. The Belarusian manufacturer offers the consumer more than 80 collections of tiles for facing various surfaces. From wall tiles, one can single out 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 a variant of facing the fireplace with tiles from the Cotto collection.
	"Golden Tile" is a Ukrainian manufacturer of ceramic tiles, which has a very affordable cost, and at the same time is of quite decent quality. The company actively cooperates with the Italian design studios Tecnografica, Poligraph and SRS, and also has its own design bureau headed by an Italian specialist. In the production of products, digital printing technology is used, 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, indeed, with any manufacturer of inexpensive ceramic tiles. The photo shows an acceptable option for lining the walls of the furnace from the Alexandria collection.
	Unitile is a group of Russian companies whose factories are located in different cities of the country. Under this brand, 30 collections of affordable ceramic tiles are produced, 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 terms of dimensional variation and difference in hue. However, experienced craftsmen easily cope with these problems, giving good results at the end of the work. One of the options acceptable for decorating a stove can be called a tile from the Capital collection, shown in the photo.
	Cersanit, a Polish company producing ceramic products, has 40 collections of ceramic tiles produced at 10 factories located in Poland, Russia, Germany and Ukraine. The company produces both elite and budget options for products. "Cersanit" has developed 16 collections of tiles with a size of 200×600 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 - these factors are recommended to be taken into account when choosing and purchasing a facing material. If the choice is stopped on the tile of this manufacturer, then one of the options for the oven may be the tile "LOFT MULTICOLOR C-LO4R452D"

Tiles and majolica

Tiles and majolica are a finishing material specially designed for lining stoves and fireplaces. The lining is made of clay, which is subjected to repeated firing.

Tiles are not the usual tiles that are mass-produced today. It also differs in the way it is installed. The tile has a box-like design, open at the back. And the classic cladding is not at all a mortar, but a mechanical installation using special brackets and rods, which is carried out even at the stage of erecting a stove or fireplace.

The box at the back of the tile is provided for the accumulation of heat coming from the stove. Thus, its walls remain hot for a long time and gradually give off heat to the room. In addition, clay tiles, having a thickness of at least 10 mm, in itself warm up well and cool down for a long time, also sharing their heat.

Tiles are a traditional material for decorating 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, as they not only transform the furnace structure, but also increase the efficiency of this heating device.

It should be noted right away that "majolica" is a type of ceramics that has a painting on its surface and is covered with glaze. In fact, tiles are also majolica products. However, when describing the facing material, it is often referred to as a tile with a relief painting applied to it, made of clay and fired.

Both tiles and tiles decorated with majolica have a very high cost, since the process of their manufacture is quite laborious and lengthy. This is not surprising - almost all work is done by hand.

For the manufacture of these products, various types of clay are used. Masters involved in this craft have their own technological secrets, so tiles and tiles are not mass-produced. Sometimes the facing material is made to order for a particular 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 job. Therefore, the products are not only beautiful, but also warm, creating an indescribable comfort in the interior.

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

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

Further, the product is transferred to the artist and the master who applies the glaze. Painting and glazing are made with special ceramic enamels and glazes, which show their juiciness only after secondary firing. Firing can be repeated from two to eight times, each of them lasts 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 and replacement.

There are not so many manufacturers of real tiles. But those who are engaged in this craft truly put their soul into each of their works, making high-quality products that are incomparable with mass 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 - was founded in 2006. The workshop produces tiles, tiles and other ceramic products with various patterns and ornaments, made in different styles. One of the most popular options is the Gzhel Motifs style, a sample of which is shown in the illustration. The manufacturer offers finished products, and also manufactures them to order according to their own sketches or according to those provided by the customer. The cost of products will depend on the complexity of the pattern.
	"Vesta-keramika", Ltd. - specializes in complex painting, close in detail to the photograph, which is applied to the 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 the glazed tiles "Flora Danica". The workshop offers ready-made facing materials and manufactures 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 attached to this organization also offers ceramic products for facing 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 the motifs of Russian folk art - fairy tales, sayings, proverbs, etc. In addition, ornamental elements characteristic of various styles are actively used. Masters offer customers samples of finished products, according to which a larger order can be executed.

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

Ceramic tiles

Porcelain tiles are also used for lining stoves and fireplaces. This material is made from several types of clay, quartz sand, marble and granite chips or flour. Salts and metal oxides are used to color the mixture for making tiles.

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

Facing material is produced in a large assortment of shades and patterns that imitate natural stone of various breeds, brickwork and more.

Porcelain tiles can have a smooth or embossed surface, be glossy or matte. The material in its manufacture 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 complexity 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.
Ease of maintenance.
Moisture resistance - porcelain tile practically does not absorb moisture.
Long service life - on average it is at least 20 years.
Resistant to temperature extremes.
Absolute inertness to ultraviolet rays.

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

Tile samples.	Brief information about the manufacturer and its products
	Under the Mei brand, products of the German company Meissen Keramik are supplied to the Russian market. The company has been operating since 1863 and began its activities with the production of porcelain. Only 40 years later, the manufacturer actively engaged in the production of wall tiles. "Meissen Keramik" during its active work has significantly expanded its range, which included porcelain stoneware. Today this company is a world famous manufacturer of facing 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, having a size of 600 × 600 mm, is shown in the illustration.
	Kutahya is a Turkish manufacturer representing high quality products on the Russian market. Porcelain stoneware of this company goes through the processes of vibrocompression, firing and holding 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 product option is suitable for facing the furnace. A fairly wide color range 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 Kutahya's products - VISTACOTTO Rektifiye, with dimensions of 120x240 mm, very convenient for performing work on lining a stove or fireplace.
	"Equipe Ceramicas" - this Spanish company has been manufacturing 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 among the top ten world leaders in the quality of ceramic facing material. In addition to ordinary porcelain stoneware slabs, the company produces decorative details that contribute to the creation of interesting compositions. The laying of this material can be carried out on any surface with adhesive mixtures, but for lining 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 sized 300×300, 600×600, 600×1200, mm, which can be used for lining stoves and fireplaces. The tile is produced with a glossy and matte, smooth and embossed surface. The finishing material is characterized by uniformity of structure and coloring. The tile differs in the high durability and wear resistance. However, despite the high quality, the products belong to the economy class, and it has a very affordable price.

marble tiles

This finishing material is great for lining 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 facing without experience, in amateurish ways, is unlikely to be performed.

Natural material is characterized by increased strength, moisture resistance, resistance to high temperatures, as well as 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 very carefully, otherwise they can easily be broken. Masonry is quite difficult to carry out, since the plates have a rather large weight.

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

Marble cladding requires some 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 flaws, but at the same time it has numerous advantages, which include:

UV resistant.
In the form fixed 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 furnace, preventing its walls from cooling down quickly.
The respectable appearance of a marble-lined fireplace or stove can make it a 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 that process the mineral and manufacture high-quality products from it. All products are manufactured in Spain and from there are supplied to customers around the world, including Russia. The illustration shows one of the samples of marble tiles "Emperador Dark polished" (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 from this material. Thanks to the quality and durability of manufactured products, as well as its original design solutions, the company has earned recognition and trust in many countries around the world. Marble tiles manufactured by this manufacturer can be used for both exterior and interior surfaces of the house. It is also well suited for facing a luxurious fireplace. The illustration shows a tile from the Ceramica Mayor collection (size 316×330 mm).
	UralKamenSnab LLC is a Russian company engaged in the processing of natural stone and the manufacture of 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 \u200b\u200bits operation. A wide variety of patterns, ideal for facing fireplaces. In the assortment of the manufacturer material with a variety of colors and textured patterns.

* * * * * * *

So, various types of tiled materials were considered, well suited for lining stoves and fireplaces. Such information should help to more specifically determine 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.

Evgeny AfanasievChief Editor

Publication author 16.09.2018