Ceramic tile is a leader among finishing materials for the kitchen. The tile has high strength, durable and does not show sensitivity to the aggressive environment of a room where something is constantly being prepared. A kitchen apron is a separate area located between the upper cabinets (shelves) and the sink, stove, countertop. This area is considered the most "problematic", it is here that the highest level of pollution. Drops of water, grease, splashes from the prepared meal on the stove - all this settles on the kitchen apron. In addition, it is easy to accidentally knock the lid of the pan or ladle during cooking. Because of this, the area can not be finished with a conventional coating. The material must be durable and not afraid of detergents. The design of a kitchen apron is usually carried out using ceramic tiles. This coating provides not only reliable protection for the problem area, but also allows you to create an accent in the interior, its zest. Consider the advantages of aprons for a kitchen made of tiles, their features and methods of laying material.
Ceramic tile or tile is a universal material for rooms with a difficult microclimate (bathroom, kitchen). It is used for finishing floors, walls and kitchen aprons. In comparison with other materials, tile has several advantages:
The tile has a margin of safety. With proper care, the coating will last for more than a dozen years.
With a smooth tiled surface, it is easy to erase traces of dirt. The material is not afraid of either water or aggressive household chemicals, including compositions with an abrasive effect.
Ceramic tiles withstand both low and high temperatures. Tiles do not respond to changes in humidity, which can not be said about wood, for example.
Simplicity and variety of styling options. Even a novice will cope with this finishing material on their own.
A rich palette of colors and ornaments. It is very simple to choose a tile for a specific style, as the assortment will still make you oscillate between several options. Modern building stores offer a wide selection of tiles with large prints and full paintings.
Of the few disadvantages of tiles, note:
The need for careful care of the seams. They will have to be regularly updated with grout.
Before installing the tiles, you will have to free the entire wall from furniture.
To dismantle an apron from a tile is rather difficult.
The surface of the wall should be perfectly flat.
Compared to other materials, ceramic tiles are becoming the undisputed leader in finishing kitchen aprons.
Basic tile selection criteria
Unfortunately, due to the great variety of varieties, not every type of ceramic tile is suitable for finishing a kitchen apron. In this case, the rich assortment played a cruel joke on the material, often leading buyers to a standstill. When choosing ceramic tiles, you need to focus on three criteria:
Design (appearance).
Specifications.
Quality.
The tile for facing the kitchen apron should have the following technical characteristics:
Low porosity of the material and increased resistance to acids. This will allow you to calmly wash the surface of the apron and not worry about the destruction of the material with which it is finished.
Glossy surface. Textured tiles are not suitable for aprons. The presence of a relief will complicate the cleaning, as grease and dirt will clog into shallow recesses.
Tiles should be designed specifically for wall decoration. Such material has a certain marking (hand icon). Tiles for flooring are thicker and stronger, but when decorating walls, these characteristics are useless.
The presence of a protective layer that protects the base from damage. On the series of such tiles is marked "AA" or "A".
The thickness of the tiles for the kitchen apron should vary between 0.6-1 cm.
As for the design of the tile, the plain square tile has long been competing with ceramics of unusual configurations and colors. In modern interiors, modules of rectangular shapes under a brick (boar), hexagonal "honeycombs" and even squares and triangles with wavy edges (an excellent addition for art nouveau) are increasingly found. The latter can be found in the author's collections of finishing materials. The range of colors also pleases customers with its variety. Ceramic tile manufacturers have also embraced the fashionable ombre effect. Elements with color gradation, where the shades are selected according to the principle of analogy from dark to light, an extraordinary note will pour into the interior of the kitchen.Floral ornaments, ornate patterns, complex geometry, whole landscapes and panoramas - the range of variations in the design of the coating is really huge. Product quality can be checked right in the store. It is necessary to selectively take two tiles for comparison. First, combining both fragments, you need to check how smooth the side faces are. The gap between them should be less than 0.05 cm. The tile that is laid using the seamless method should not have a gap between the tiles. Next, check for roughness, chips, cracks, "color spots" - places of uneven staining of the front surface. All of these defects are considered defective. There should not be any chips on the reverse side either, but the relief provides good adhesion between the tile and the surface, therefore, “roughness” is required here.
Color schemes and style
For classic kitchens more restrained tones are more suitable: beige, cream, white, burgundy, coffee. Also, the classic accepts a marbled design. Tiles on a kitchen apron can overlap with countertop material or floor cladding. In the fashionable Scandinavian direction, blue, turquoise, green, blue tones are used. Provence style (country subspecies) interiors combine patterned and plain tiles to create a light rustic atmosphere of ease and simplicity. For art deco (modern), a tile of black, gray, purple, blue is suitable. The apron for the kitchen in the loft style is finished with ceramic tiles "under the brick" of red, brown, white, cherry shades. A tile is suitable for the same interiors, the surface of which imitates the texture of wood. In eclecticism, a kitchen apron usually becomes an accent area. Therefore, for its design, tiles of bright shades are used: yellow, green, pink. For modern high-tech kitchens, a silver and mirror coating, glossy black tile are suitable.Ethnic Moroccan interiors are decorated with colorful tiles with a complex pattern. The mosaic method of laying is also suitable for them, where the motley tile alternates with plain (lilac, blue, yellow). The color scheme of the marine style is limited to shades of brown and yellow (imitates sand) and blue (ocean, sea). For minimalism, a combination of dark and light tones is selected. For example, white and accent purple, turquoise, green, terracotta.
Designers recommend choosing the color of ceramics for the apron, either for a large object (set), or for the rest of the room. If you can’t make a choice, stop at the neutrals: white, black, gray.
Kinds
Depending on the type of raw material and production technology, ceramic tiles are classified into the following types:
Monocottura. Raw materials (white clay) is subjected to a single firing. Monocottura has high strength, high weight and is mainly used for flooring.
Bikotura. The red clay double-fired tile is lightweight and is considered to be a cladding material exclusively for walls. Suitable for aprons.
Monoporosis. It has high porosity and is not suitable for finishing a kitchen apron.
Clinker. Tiles are obtained by extrusion. Clinker tile has increased strength. Most often, the surface is covered with a special “gloss” - a thin layer of glass. Suitable for both flooring and kitchen aprons.
Cotto. Red clay tile made by extrusion technology. It is rarely used for wall decoration. It has a matte surface, but is sometimes used for facing kitchen aprons.
Majolica. The material has a large-pore structure, so it is not suitable for finishing an apron.
Depending on the form, tiles are classified into the following types:
Square. The classic shape of the tile.A square tile cannot be called boring, as the laconicism of the form is made up for by a rich assortment of colors, patterns and textures.
Rectangular. In common people called the hog or "metro". It has facets on the edges that give the apron volume and enhance the similarity between tiles and natural bricks. Tiles are usually laid apart, that is, the face of each brick coincides with the middle of the tiles laid above and below.
Hexagon. This shape is sometimes called honeycombs, because the tiles resemble wax cells of bees. On kitchen aprons it looks stylish, fresh and original.
Mosaic. It is mainly square tiles, but very small in size, from which drawings are assembled.
Patchwork. It has a square shape. Each tile is covered with a special pattern, and together the surface resembles a “patchwork quilt”, that is, assembled from various pieces, the patterns on which do not match.
Curly. This tile includes any tile of complex geometric shapes (sometimes with wavy edges).
There is another type of tile that does not lend itself to classification. The way a tile is laid or the image on its surface creates a 3-D effect. The most primitive option is the laying of the "rhombus", which was used in antiquity when facing tracks and platforms. It turned out a relief, convex geometric pattern. Some aprons are laid out with tiles - ceramic tiles made of fired clay with a glossy surface. They have an impressive thickness, so they are not suitable for every interior. Especially for kitchen aprons, you can choose a set of tiles that are assembled into a single picture. A photo (landscape, panorama, still life, composition of flowers) is applied to their surface by photo printing, which is fixed on top with a protective layer.
Dimensions
As for the size of the apron itself, its width and height are selected individually for each apartment. It is necessary to consider the following nuances:
Type of stove.As a standard for gas stoves, aprons are made slightly higher due to the greater distance between the hood and the hob.
The height of the top of the headset. She is calculated based on the growth of the hostess of the kitchen. It should be convenient for her to reach the upper cabinets. And already from the height of the shelves calculate the size of the apron.
Stocks. An apron to protect the wall must necessarily go 2-3 cm beyond the boundaries of the headset. The width of the apron is affected only by the “accuracy” of the placement of the hob, washbasin, working area on the table. It is also necessary to make small stocks here.
To decorate an apron, a standard 10x10 cm tile is usually chosen. Larger options are a bit less common:
Rectangular tile 10x30.
Large square tile 20x20.
Even less common is a rectangular "wild boar" measuring 20x30. Large tiles are not recommended to lay aprons in small cramped kitchens. For such rooms, any large elements or prints fall under the taboo, as they make the room visually even smaller. But in large spaces such a picture is definitely not lost.
Materials
To work with tiles, the following materials will be required:
Grout for joints.
Primer.
Silicone
Leveling mass (putty).
Tile adhesive.
Cracks and defects of the surface of the wall, previously cleaned of dirt and the previous coating, are covered with a leveling mass. Then it is primed. Next, pre-diluted glue is applied to the dried surface and the tile is fixed. Work begins with the center of the apron. After she “seizes”, grouting is carried out. In the final, the edges are filled with silicone sealant.
Styling methods
In addition to a variety of colors, patterns / ornaments and textures, there are also many options for laying ceramic tiles. Creative personalities prefer to choose complex methods: “ornament”, “kaleidoscope”, modular, mosaic.The first two options combine tiles of the same size, but of different colors and with dissimilar patterns on the surfaces. Before laying, it is recommended to make a drawing of the finished picture. For a modular method, they usually choose a tile of two or three different sizes and combine it, as the fantasy suggests. The mosaic method involves assembling a “tile panel” of small parts. Work may take weeks, but the result is worth it. For these purposes, they sell a special small tile. Even more prosaic options (herringbone, standard, brick laying) can look beautiful and unusual if you carefully select a tile of several colors.
Standard
This method is also called classic. The tile is laid "seam in seam". The tile forms smooth rows without offsets. This option is suitable for most styles. It is simple to implement and economical in terms of material consumption. As a rule, they use either tiles of the same hue, or create contrast or color gradation with smooth transitions of tones.
Diagonal
Another easy tile-laying option. Tiles are placed along the diagonal lines. The result is a series of regular diamonds. The apron ends with triangles above and below. If you make the calculations correctly, then the material consumption will be the same as with the standard laying method. The tile is simply split in the middle into two triangles, which are used to design the edges of the apron. The diagonal method is often combined with the standard.
Offset
Laying with offset looks good on a rectangular tile. Examples of this method can be seen on the walls of brick buildings. Each subsequent row is shifted by half the width of the "boar". It turns out that the joint between the tiles is located exactly in the middle of the tile from the previous row. This option suits the styles of loft, high tech, fusion.Looks great laying with offset on the mirror and metal tiles. In terms of material saving and practicality, this method is on a par with the standard and diagonal.
Herringbone
For herringbone layout, the “wild boar” tile is used. Only from a tile of rectangular shape this picture will turn out. "Herringbone" is also used for flooring. First, markings are applied to the surface of the wall. In this case, the accuracy of measurements and the quality of the tiles are of great importance. Since the seams are perfectly visible when laying the Christmas tree, and the slightest discrepancies between the fragments will immediately become noticeable. Experts advise you to choose a product from one batch in order to protect yourself from a fiasco and re-styling. From the tiles form rows resembling the structure of a real Christmas tree. Each "branch" slightly overlaps the adjacent one, with which it intersects at right angles to the diagonal. Such decor will be appropriate in classic, rustic and even some modern styles. In the latter case, the color of the surface of the tile is of greater importance.
Chess
This way of laying got its name because of the similarity of the apron with a chessboard. As a rule, tiles of two colors are used. If the apron should become an accent, then two contrasting tones are selected. Tiles are laid in a standard or diagonal way. However, each tile of the same color should be surrounded by tiles of a different shade. Sometimes, inserts of the third or fragments with an ornament are added to two tones to revitalize the surface, make it more frivolous. This option is suitable for country style.
Linear
The linear way of laying on execution does not differ from the standard. In this case, the duo attach more importance to the duo of the texture and color of the tile. They are combined in various combinations, but with one rule: lines form from the same type of tile. This option is suitable for cramped kitchens with small aprons.Horizontal lines visually extend the space wide.
Kaleidoscope
Laying "kaleidoscope" is suitable for mischievous, optimistic interiors, in eclectic interiors. For decoration, tiles of different shades and textures are used, which are laid out in a chaotic manner. This is a great option to show the creative side of your personality. In many ways, a kaleidoscope resembles a mosaic method. For work, you can buy a set of tiles "patchwork".
Mirror apron
Mirror tile apron - a luxurious decorative solution for stylish kitchens. The material is tempered glass. It is slightly inferior to ceramics in strength, but the difference is minimal. Due to the reflective surface, you can visually enlarge the room. The tile in the shape of rhombuses is somewhat reminiscent of a carriage screed and is suitable not only for classics, but also for the capricious palace style. The main disadvantage of such a surface is its soiledness. Any drips of water, fingerprints or droplets of splashed fat must be immediately cleaned from the tile, otherwise it will look unkempt. The mirror surface cannot be cleaned with abrasive products.
Apron
An apron made of metal has become a fashion trend in recent years. Designers willingly use this solution to design high-tech and loft kitchens. Many mistakenly believe that steel looks too "cold." Its “temperature” can be increased due to surrounding objects and decoration. Metal aprons become a cozy element of the interior, if they are combined with wood, textured plaster, porcelain stoneware, stone of warm colors or vinyl wallpaper in pastel colors. Another organic combination is steel and glass surfaces. Metal aprons can be matte and glossy. The first option is perfect for small kitchens.You can make your own stainless steel apron by cutting the whole sheet to the desired size or by assembling it from pieces using the mosaic technique. With mirror tiles they share a common flaw - soiled.
Conclusion
When buying tiles, be sure to pay attention to the marking by tone. The fact is that when firing, the shades of the material can change. At first glance, the difference may seem insignificant, but when comparing two samples, the differences will become apparent. There is also such a thing as the difference between the reference and the actual size of the tile. It is indicated on each batch in the form of a caliber. With full compliance, it will be zero. If the caliber is more than 1 mm, then when laying the tile there will be problems with mismatch of the seams. In this case, you need to buy either another tile, or pick up batches with the same caliber. Also, one should not forget about the supply of material that will be required to fit the apron to the desired dimensions: to design its edges or to fold a complex pattern of tiles with intricate laying.
Ceramic tile is a leader among finishing materials for the kitchen. The tile has high strength, durable and does not show sensitivity to the aggressive environment of a room where something is constantly being prepared. A kitchen apron is a separate area located between the upper cabinets (shelves) and the sink, stove, countertop. This area is considered the most "problematic", it is here that the highest level of pollution. Drops of water, grease, splashes from the prepared meal on the stove - all this settles on the kitchen apron. In addition, it is easy to accidentally knock the lid of the pan or ladle during cooking. Because of this, the area can not be finished with a conventional coating. The material must be durable and not afraid of detergents. The design of a kitchen apron is usually carried out using ceramic tiles. This coating provides not only reliable protection for the problem area, but also allows you to create an accent in the interior, its zest. Consider the advantages of aprons for a kitchen made of tiles, their features and methods of laying material.
Content
Features and Benefits of Tile Apron
Ceramic tile or tile is a universal material for rooms with a difficult microclimate (bathroom, kitchen). It is used for finishing floors, walls and kitchen aprons. In comparison with other materials, tile has several advantages:
Of the few disadvantages of tiles, note:
Compared to other materials, ceramic tiles are becoming the undisputed leader in finishing kitchen aprons.
Basic tile selection criteria
Unfortunately, due to the great variety of varieties, not every type of ceramic tile is suitable for finishing a kitchen apron. In this case, the rich assortment played a cruel joke on the material, often leading buyers to a standstill. When choosing ceramic tiles, you need to focus on three criteria:
The tile for facing the kitchen apron should have the following technical characteristics:
As for the design of the tile, the plain square tile has long been competing with ceramics of unusual configurations and colors. In modern interiors, modules of rectangular shapes under a brick (boar), hexagonal "honeycombs" and even squares and triangles with wavy edges (an excellent addition for art nouveau) are increasingly found. The latter can be found in the author's collections of finishing materials. The range of colors also pleases customers with its variety. Ceramic tile manufacturers have also embraced the fashionable ombre effect. Elements with color gradation, where the shades are selected according to the principle of analogy from dark to light, an extraordinary note will pour into the interior of the kitchen.Floral ornaments, ornate patterns, complex geometry, whole landscapes and panoramas - the range of variations in the design of the coating is really huge.
Product quality can be checked right in the store. It is necessary to selectively take two tiles for comparison. First, combining both fragments, you need to check how smooth the side faces are. The gap between them should be less than 0.05 cm. The tile that is laid using the seamless method should not have a gap between the tiles. Next, check for roughness, chips, cracks, "color spots" - places of uneven staining of the front surface. All of these defects are considered defective. There should not be any chips on the reverse side either, but the relief provides good adhesion between the tile and the surface, therefore, “roughness” is required here.
Color schemes and style
For classic kitchens more restrained tones are more suitable: beige, cream, white, burgundy, coffee. Also, the classic accepts a marbled design. Tiles on a kitchen apron can overlap with countertop material or floor cladding. In the fashionable Scandinavian direction, blue, turquoise, green, blue tones are used. Provence style (country subspecies) interiors combine patterned and plain tiles to create a light rustic atmosphere of ease and simplicity. For art deco (modern), a tile of black, gray, purple, blue is suitable. The apron for the kitchen in the loft style is finished with ceramic tiles "under the brick" of red, brown, white, cherry shades. A tile is suitable for the same interiors, the surface of which imitates the texture of wood. In eclecticism, a kitchen apron usually becomes an accent area. Therefore, for its design, tiles of bright shades are used: yellow, green, pink. For modern high-tech kitchens, a silver and mirror coating, glossy black tile are suitable.Ethnic Moroccan interiors are decorated with colorful tiles with a complex pattern. The mosaic method of laying is also suitable for them, where the motley tile alternates with plain (lilac, blue, yellow). The color scheme of the marine style is limited to shades of brown and yellow (imitates sand) and blue (ocean, sea). For minimalism, a combination of dark and light tones is selected. For example, white and accent purple, turquoise, green, terracotta.
Kinds
Depending on the type of raw material and production technology, ceramic tiles are classified into the following types:
Depending on the form, tiles are classified into the following types:
There is another type of tile that does not lend itself to classification. The way a tile is laid or the image on its surface creates a 3-D effect. The most primitive option is the laying of the "rhombus", which was used in antiquity when facing tracks and platforms. It turned out a relief, convex geometric pattern. Some aprons are laid out with tiles - ceramic tiles made of fired clay with a glossy surface. They have an impressive thickness, so they are not suitable for every interior. Especially for kitchen aprons, you can choose a set of tiles that are assembled into a single picture. A photo (landscape, panorama, still life, composition of flowers) is applied to their surface by photo printing, which is fixed on top with a protective layer.
Dimensions
As for the size of the apron itself, its width and height are selected individually for each apartment. It is necessary to consider the following nuances:
The width of the apron is affected only by the “accuracy” of the placement of the hob, washbasin, working area on the table. It is also necessary to make small stocks here.
To decorate an apron, a standard 10x10 cm tile is usually chosen. Larger options are a bit less common:
Even less common is a rectangular "wild boar" measuring 20x30. Large tiles are not recommended to lay aprons in small cramped kitchens. For such rooms, any large elements or prints fall under the taboo, as they make the room visually even smaller. But in large spaces such a picture is definitely not lost.
Materials
To work with tiles, the following materials will be required:
Cracks and defects of the surface of the wall, previously cleaned of dirt and the previous coating, are covered with a leveling mass. Then it is primed. Next, pre-diluted glue is applied to the dried surface and the tile is fixed. Work begins with the center of the apron. After she “seizes”, grouting is carried out. In the final, the edges are filled with silicone sealant.
Styling methods
In addition to a variety of colors, patterns / ornaments and textures, there are also many options for laying ceramic tiles. Creative personalities prefer to choose complex methods: “ornament”, “kaleidoscope”, modular, mosaic.The first two options combine tiles of the same size, but of different colors and with dissimilar patterns on the surfaces. Before laying, it is recommended to make a drawing of the finished picture. For a modular method, they usually choose a tile of two or three different sizes and combine it, as the fantasy suggests. The mosaic method involves assembling a “tile panel” of small parts. Work may take weeks, but the result is worth it. For these purposes, they sell a special small tile. Even more prosaic options (herringbone, standard, brick laying) can look beautiful and unusual if you carefully select a tile of several colors.
Standard
This method is also called classic. The tile is laid "seam in seam". The tile forms smooth rows without offsets. This option is suitable for most styles. It is simple to implement and economical in terms of material consumption. As a rule, they use either tiles of the same hue, or create contrast or color gradation with smooth transitions of tones.
Diagonal
Another easy tile-laying option. Tiles are placed along the diagonal lines. The result is a series of regular diamonds. The apron ends with triangles above and below. If you make the calculations correctly, then the material consumption will be the same as with the standard laying method. The tile is simply split in the middle into two triangles, which are used to design the edges of the apron. The diagonal method is often combined with the standard.
Offset
Laying with offset looks good on a rectangular tile. Examples of this method can be seen on the walls of brick buildings. Each subsequent row is shifted by half the width of the "boar". It turns out that the joint between the tiles is located exactly in the middle of the tile from the previous row. This option suits the styles of loft, high tech, fusion.Looks great laying with offset on the mirror and metal tiles. In terms of material saving and practicality, this method is on a par with the standard and diagonal.
Herringbone
For herringbone layout, the “wild boar” tile is used. Only from a tile of rectangular shape this picture will turn out. "Herringbone" is also used for flooring. First, markings are applied to the surface of the wall. In this case, the accuracy of measurements and the quality of the tiles are of great importance. Since the seams are perfectly visible when laying the Christmas tree, and the slightest discrepancies between the fragments will immediately become noticeable. Experts advise you to choose a product from one batch in order to protect yourself from a fiasco and re-styling. From the tiles form rows resembling the structure of a real Christmas tree. Each "branch" slightly overlaps the adjacent one, with which it intersects at right angles to the diagonal. Such decor will be appropriate in classic, rustic and even some modern styles. In the latter case, the color of the surface of the tile is of greater importance.
Chess
This way of laying got its name because of the similarity of the apron with a chessboard. As a rule, tiles of two colors are used. If the apron should become an accent, then two contrasting tones are selected. Tiles are laid in a standard or diagonal way. However, each tile of the same color should be surrounded by tiles of a different shade. Sometimes, inserts of the third or fragments with an ornament are added to two tones to revitalize the surface, make it more frivolous. This option is suitable for country style.
Linear
The linear way of laying on execution does not differ from the standard. In this case, the duo attach more importance to the duo of the texture and color of the tile. They are combined in various combinations, but with one rule: lines form from the same type of tile. This option is suitable for cramped kitchens with small aprons.Horizontal lines visually extend the space wide.
Kaleidoscope
Laying "kaleidoscope" is suitable for mischievous, optimistic interiors, in eclectic interiors. For decoration, tiles of different shades and textures are used, which are laid out in a chaotic manner. This is a great option to show the creative side of your personality. In many ways, a kaleidoscope resembles a mosaic method. For work, you can buy a set of tiles "patchwork".
Mirror apron
Mirror tile apron - a luxurious decorative solution for stylish kitchens. The material is tempered glass. It is slightly inferior to ceramics in strength, but the difference is minimal. Due to the reflective surface, you can visually enlarge the room. The tile in the shape of rhombuses is somewhat reminiscent of a carriage screed and is suitable not only for classics, but also for the capricious palace style. The main disadvantage of such a surface is its soiledness. Any drips of water, fingerprints or droplets of splashed fat must be immediately cleaned from the tile, otherwise it will look unkempt. The mirror surface cannot be cleaned with abrasive products.
Apron
An apron made of metal has become a fashion trend in recent years. Designers willingly use this solution to design high-tech and loft kitchens. Many mistakenly believe that steel looks too "cold." Its “temperature” can be increased due to surrounding objects and decoration. Metal aprons become a cozy element of the interior, if they are combined with wood, textured plaster, porcelain stoneware, stone of warm colors or vinyl wallpaper in pastel colors. Another organic combination is steel and glass surfaces. Metal aprons can be matte and glossy. The first option is perfect for small kitchens.You can make your own stainless steel apron by cutting the whole sheet to the desired size or by assembling it from pieces using the mosaic technique. With mirror tiles they share a common flaw - soiled.
Conclusion
When buying tiles, be sure to pay attention to the marking by tone. The fact is that when firing, the shades of the material can change. At first glance, the difference may seem insignificant, but when comparing two samples, the differences will become apparent. There is also such a thing as the difference between the reference and the actual size of the tile. It is indicated on each batch in the form of a caliber. With full compliance, it will be zero. If the caliber is more than 1 mm, then when laying the tile there will be problems with mismatch of the seams. In this case, you need to buy either another tile, or pick up batches with the same caliber. Also, one should not forget about the supply of material that will be required to fit the apron to the desired dimensions: to design its edges or to fold a complex pattern of tiles with intricate laying.