The boar tile allows you to beautifully decorate a kitchen apron or bathroom walls. Due to large seams and a rectangular shape with a chamfer, it resembles brickwork. In this material, we have collected photos of interiors using a wild boar, and told what pitfalls may occur during installation.

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A bit of history

Facade cladding example

Previously, a boar was called a facade lined tile. The decoration imitated brickwork and was most often used on the facades of buildings of the Art Nouveau era of the early twentieth century.

The informal funny name "boar" was strengthened due to the fact that the blank, covered with glaze, had two through holes at the end, which made it look like a pig's penny. After being hit with a hammer, the blank was split into two equal halves, having a smooth surface on the front side and a rough surface on the wrong side. Thanks to this shape, the tiles were easy to stack and transport.

"Boar" in our time

The modern "boar" is an elongated tile resembling a brick, with beveled chamfers (bevels), giving it an interesting, convex look. Its dimensions vary from 120x65 mm to 250x100 mm and even 300x100 mm.

Now this type of tile is used to finish the kitchen apron, bathroom, loggia. In addition, it can be found in some interiors of public spaces: cafes, restaurants, beauty salons.

Finishing a beauty parlor with a large glossy boar Example of installation with a small seam Kitchen apron The walls in the toilet are lined with half a beige boar Tula CeramicAlcora collection 10x20 cm

Kitchen apron

Ceramic tile "boar" is usually laid on an apron with an offset. Can be diversified general form inclusion in the layout of individual tiles with a pattern and framing with borders.

Apron with the addition of decor and contrasting elements


For practicality, tile joints in the kitchen should not be made too thick. To make them easier to wash, it is better to use epoxy grout, but it will be more difficult to work with it.

When laying on an apron, there is a feature: the plinth will not fit exactly to the hog if its edge falls on the center of the tile. There will be gaps at the vertical seams. Therefore, for a snug fit of the skirting board, its edge should fall on the lower or upper part of the bevel in order to minimize the gaps at the vertical seams.

When marking an apron from a boar, you need to consider:

  • The height of the washing machine;
  • The thickness of the countertop (usually 28 or 38 mm);
  • The height of the plastic plinth;
  • The dimensions of the bevels on the tile;
  • Dimensions of tiles and decor. For example, if the background is 10x30 cm, and the decor is 30x30 cm, you may not have seams with thick crosses.

Bathroom decoration

Hog tile makes bathroom interiors look clean, fresh and modern. If you look at the options for tiling bathrooms with this tile, then most of them are made in light colors (white, beige) without unnecessary decorative elements.

White tile boar in the interior of the bathroom


But you can also find interesting options, for example, a combination of a wild boar chocolate color and dark turquoise paint on the wall.

Chocolate turquoise interior Facing only the shower stall with tiles in a contrasting color Boar white goes well with wooden surfaces Wooden countertop under the washbasin Bathroom in turquoise-brown tones

Another example: the walls in the bathroom are half-tiled.

The cladding level is just above the bathtub and washbasin

Styling features

Inner corner

The main difficulty in laying the boar is the docking of internal and external corners. Since this is a beveled tile, it is difficult to cut it at 45 degrees for outer corner without chips. Therefore, for precise cutting, several flexible diamond grinding wheels (turtle No. 100 and 300) are used at low speeds (about 3000).

For internal corners, you have to make a recess with a grinding wheel on a stone. After sawing the corners, you need to check their perpendicularity. Usually the laying of the boar starts from the corners to the edges, so the inner corners do not need to be filed.

How this is done is shown in the video:


Trimming with a manual tile cutter will also not work. This can only be done with a grinder or with an electric tile cutter.
It will be more difficult to install sockets, installation buttons, mixers on a convex surface. You need to try to install them along a horizontal seam and adjust the position so that the edges do not fall on the chamfer, otherwise they will hang in the air. The gaps in the horizontal seam can be left or covered with sealant. It's even better to try to fit them in the center on one tile, but this rarely happens due to the small size of the boar.

Sockets in retro style

Incorrect installation of sockets


To maintain a uniform distance between the tiles, plastic crosses are used. This type of cladding is characterized by wide seams. Can be found.

Conclusion

The boar looks beautiful on the wall, but for high-quality styling, you can not do without a grinder for trimming corners. The presence of a chamfer makes it difficult for beginners to lay, as there are problems with junctions.

What is a boar tile? In what interiors does it look good, how practical and convenient? Will the design become obsolete in a couple of years? What to do so that when joining tiles, the corners are even and beautiful?

What is a boar tile, and why is it called that

A rectangular tile with an aspect ratio of 1x3 or 1x2 is popularly called a "boar" due to the fact that in the molds in which it is cast, there are two technological holes on the side, similar to a pig's snout.

In Western catalogs, it is called "metro". This is due to the fact that underground metro stations are often decorated with rectangular fragments imitating brickwork.

The tile in the classic version has a chamfer along the perimeter, i.e. beveled edge. Due to this, the seam is more embossed and pronounced. Therefore, when choosing a boar, you need to pay attention to the quality of each unit. To do this, ask the consultant to lay out square meter tiles. If the seam looks beautiful, then this batch can be taken. If there are any irregularities, it is better to look for a better collection.

Some manufacturers, taking into account new design trends, have begun producing tiles without chamfers. This facilitates laying, especially in the inner and outer corners of the walls. Fragments like this are easier to work with.

Sizes vary by collection. The length of the "metro" is from 12 to 30 cm, and the width ranges from 6 to 10 cm.

Most common length:

  • with a width of 7.5 cm - 15 and 30 cm;
  • with a width of 10 cm - 20 and 30 cm;
  • with a width of 15 cm - 30 cm.

The size of the tiles is selected taking into account the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe kitchen. For a spacious room, you can use any fragments. And for a compact room of 6 m2 or less, it is better to choose a boar 6x12 or 7.5x15 cm.

What design styles are suitable for

Technological design directions, where deliberate rudeness is welcomed and the natural texture of walls is appreciated, successfully use a wild boar to imitate brickwork in the kitchen and bathrooms.

The loft, with its traditionally careful attitude to history, allows you to fit the "metro" into a single concept of the project.

Scandinavian style without a boar is hard to imagine. It serves as a kind of hallmark of Swedish interiors.

Provence, with its simple elegance, will also adopt the "metro" as a kitchen apron.

Convex tiles will perfectly fit into the imitation of the interiors of the early twentieth century. Especially if it is supported by rounded shapes. household appliances in the spirit of the 20s and paneled facades.

Urban can use the "metro" without the chamfer. Here the task of the tile is to imitate smooth brickwork. Place a sconce on it in the form street lamps, and the pig will get a new meaning in your project.

Color - which is better to choose

Initially, the "metro" was produced in black and white and beige. Now the same boar tile in Leroy Merlin is presented in a variety of colors and shades, with and without print, with glaze and in matte finish. In a word, for every taste.

Therefore, when choosing a color and shade, be guided by the overall color scheme of your project. It is desirable that the kitchen apron echoes in color either with curtains, or with a dining group, or with a floor covering.

Grout

If the tile is not perfectly even, do not use grout in a contrasting color. It will only highlight the shortcomings. In this case, choose a shade that is close to the color of the glaze.

If you have purchased a high-quality boar, you can emphasize the beauty of the seams with a contrasting color. Just keep in mind that it is desirable to repeat this shade in any element of the interior.

How to style

White tile boar traditionally imitates brickwork. However, the brick in the wall can lie in different ways. Hence and various options the location of the fragments on the kitchen apron.

  • Herringbone.
  • Diagonal offset in rows.
  • Out of the blue.
  • Module.

How to overcome styling difficulties

The difficulty lies in the fact that when docking the hog at an angle, the chamfer prevents you from making a beautiful seam. At the same time, the technology for processing internal and external corners is different.

Internal corners

When cutting a tile, it is necessary to cut each piece. For this, a paper template is made. Keep in mind that the hog has a large thickness. Therefore, it is necessary to make cuts with a grinder or a special machine with a water knife so that the front side is without chips.

You need to cut so that the underside of the tile is longer than the front. The cutting angle is selected under the wall. Walls do not always form a 90 degree angle. Internal partitions can also converge at 120. Therefore, the cut is calculated based on the geometry of a particular room.

External corners

Since the cut will look ugly at the outer corners, the square fragments available in the collection are used when laying out in a row. If there were none, then the whole edges of the tributary are joined. The cut is directed inside the row.

What to do if the length of the wall is literally 3 cm more or less than necessary?

Before you begin, be sure to mark the location of each tile. Glue allows you to slightly adjust the length of the apron. Push off from the outer corner, if there is one. The inner corner will hide the existing shortcomings.

If the length of the row is slightly less, literally 1-2 cm than required, you can bring the line of the side wall to the right place so that the rows are joined by whole tiles or beautiful fragments.

Since the boar has a decent weight, it is desirable to fix a metal corner under the first row. It will keep the ceramic carpet from floating under its own weight while the adhesive cures.

To avoid thick seams, purchase quality products from trusted manufacturers. For example, the Keramma Marazzi boar tile does not crumble under the cutter and provides a high-quality seam with a gap of 2 mm between the tiles.

In any case, it is advisable to entrust the work with the "metro" to professionals, because. for a beginner, this task may seem too complicated.

Will the boar be fashionable in the next 5 years, or will the kitchen design have to be changed in 3 years?

"Metro" has successfully reached our days through the entire twentieth century, having managed to make friends with modern interior styles along the way. With proper design, the boar will remain relevant for more than a decade.

If you get bored with the existing design of the kitchen, brick-like tiles will fit perfectly into the next project, even if you decide to radically change the situation, say, from a loft to Provence. When replacing the headset, the apron will remain unchanged, continuing its service.

Your repost will change the Internet :)

A brick tile on a kitchen apron is called a "boar". In the salons you can find many options for such a tile. In our article, we will tell you what shape and design a “boar” can be, designate a standard size range and share useful tips for quality cladding material.

White corner kitchen in country style with deep blue ceramics. The dark finish looks appropriate, despite the small area, since the headset is located near the window and a lot of light enters the room, which visually expands the boundaries.

Apron made of “boar” tiles in completed kitchen projects:

Country style in the kitchen involves a combination of natural materials. Stylized bricks go well with wooden facades furniture and complement this style.

Main types in form

chamfered

The ceramic surface with a bevel looks more embossed, the shadows reveal the volume.

In this interior, the combined apron zone is in harmony with the facades made of natural wood.

Stylized bricks perfectly complement the modern style, due to their laconic shape and colored inserts (to match the lower modules).

Kerama Marazzi tile, Gamma series.

Video on how to save money: Cheap tiles "boar" of Belarusian Keramin.

without chamfer

Elements without chamfers do not look as voluminous as ceramics with bevels, but no less expressive.

Interior in neutral tones.

Classical brickwork with a horizontal offset.

Black and white gamma

Glossy bricks are appropriate in classical style, provence, country, loft or modern interior.

Due to the additional illumination in the working area, it is more comfortable to work, and the light also effectively emphasizes the relief of the wall.

Contrasting white grout in combination with black "boar".

A low apron protects that part of the wall that is most prone to contamination during the operation of the kitchen.

Standard boar dimensions

  • width - from 60 to 100 mm;
  • length - from 120 to 300 mm;
  • the most common: 100x200, 75x300, 150x300 mm.

Stylized bricks are ideal for finishing the apron area, moreover, such material is affordable and can be purchased from many manufacturers.

Masonry options

1. Brick(classic method) - the most versatile and simple cladding method.

In the course of work, do not forget about the horizontal reference point, even a small oversight significantly affects the final result of the masonry - beveled elements are very noticeable.

2. Stacked horizontal- the elements are arranged without displacement, relative to each other ("butt to butt"). This method looks good in Scandinavian interiors.

If in this version you lack expressiveness, you can combine tiles with grout in a contrasting shade.

3. Vertical offset- in fact, this is a brickwork that has been turned at a right angle.

This option is best used for spacious rooms with high ceilings, while choosing the minimum size of the tile.

4. Stacked vertical.

In order for the finish to be stylish, the masonry must be as neat as possible.

5. "Herringbone"- mounting direction of elements at 45 or 90 degrees. Neat masonry in this way looks very impressive.

6. Diagonal.

  • To create a neutral apron, choose a grout that matches the ceramic. To focus on the apron area, combine contrasting colors;
  • Get a grout that is resistant to moisture in the room (the composition should contain epoxy resin). Such a composition is able to retain color for a long time, so the high price of high-quality grout is fully justified. The shade of economical analogues quickly becomes dull;
  • When buying material, you should lay a margin (about 8-10%). During the laying process, the tile may be damaged, some will go for trimming. Also, if you have a stock from one batch, you will be able to replace the damaged elements, avoiding color differences;
  • Trust the job experienced master, since perfectly even seams are needed for the "boar". Especially if you choose not standard version lining;
  • On the eve of laying, the surface should be carefully prepared: primed, and level the walls with putty, using the building level to guide and correct the work.
    Only perfectly smooth walls can be tiled.
  • The “boar” tile is heavier and thicker than the standard one, so it is better to purchase glue with a margin. Keep this feature in mind when controlling the process, since the glue must be applied not only to the surface of the tile, but also to the wall (for good adhesion of the material and the base);
  • The maximum thickness of the tile joint is 50 mm. Professional finishers form thin and even seams;
  • For accurate joining of corner elements, the tile should be cut down at 45 degrees.
    Mask the joint with ceramic corners (plastic ones look cheap);
  • A neat joining of the corners will be obtained when choosing a "boar" with a chamfer - in this case, you do not have to additionally file down the ceramics. The main thing is that the factory edge is directed towards the corner (this must be carefully monitored).

Photo: website, happymodern.ru, keramaexpo.by, picshare.ru, st.hzcdn.com, stekloholst.com, feedinspiration.com

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Classmates

A tile, commonly called a “boar”, is a kind of solution that combines ordinary tiles and bricks.

It has been on the market for a long time. building materials, however, has gained popularity in our days.

A large selection of configurations, colors, textures made the boar an integral part of the stylish, laconic design of kitchen interiors.

The second name - "metro" - the tile received in the West, where metro stations are lined with material similar in configuration. And the truth is in its shape, the boar resembles bricks, which are presented in two configurations:

  1. with bevelled edges- a small facet that makes the kitchen embossed and textured.
  2. Absolutely flat tiles, which form an even, uniform canvas in structure.

glazed ceramic tile in the form of a brick is used everywhere due to the variety of style solutions.

White tiles

The most popular in which the boar is made is white. Its main advantages are:

  • Versatility. Suitable for any type of premises (, scale, sunny or not sunny side).
  • Not a tint. Unlike dark tiles, white boar does not detect pollution in the form of fingerprints, water drops. Small fat droplets are practically invisible on it, it is easier to care for it.
  • Space. As is known, White color significantly affects the perception of the room - it visually enlarges the space, makes it light and airy.

Other colors

Two other popular shades are beige and gray. Often choice colors depends on the style of the interior and the color of the kitchen.

These colors are as neutral, calm, natural as possible. A gray boar is more suitable for a modern one, and a beige one is more suitable for a classic one.

Like the white shade, gray and beige allow you to keep it in its original form for a long time, because it does not allow dirt to stand out against a discreet background.

The latest trend in color development is black color. Most often, the boar in this version appears in a glossy design. This apron looks spectacular in modern kitchens, forming a contrast with the white kitchen drawers. suitable only for rooms with sufficient area - in a small kitchen it will simply be lost.

Combinations

The wild boar is presented in the most daring and bright examples of colors. natural colors-, yellow, blue - are more often used in rustic styles, and unnatural shades- light green, purple, lilac - in more modern, industrial interiors.

How to choose a combination of several colors at once? Easy enough, you just need to select shades from the same color spectrum. For example, blue. From this color, you need to choose two supporting, lighter notes. Ideal blue and light turquoise. Then it is stacked randomly, in balanced color triangles.

Categorically it is not recommended to use pronounced colors e.g. blue, green, red. If such a combination is still acceptable in the form, then the boar laid out in this way will ripple so much that the interior will become very difficult to perceive. In some cases, it can lead to migraines and even loss of appetite.

The exception is monochrome - white, black and gray - such a union is able to decorate any room.

If a large cluster of shades seems too heterogeneous, and a plain apron is boring, you can choose something in between:

  • Run a strip of a different color along the horizontal axis of the entire apron. For example, dilute a white boar with a black insert.
  • Two parallel lines - along the countertop and under the upper cabinets with indents in one row of tiles. This method will visually stretch the kitchen.
  • For the random laying method, the option of a dedicated zone near the hood is suitable. For example, a light green background can be diluted with a herbal shade laid out from hob to the very top.

Glossy and matte

The surface of the boar is presented in two modifications:

  1. Glossy boar."Smart" variation, which, thanks to reflected sun glare fills the kitchen with light, gives the room a gloss. One has only to remember that on a surface with reflective properties, water splashes and fingerprints are clearly distinguished, which leads to daily care behind the kitchen apron. In the same time, glossy boar is ideal for small kitchens where there is little light, as it contributes to a visual increase in space.
  2. Matte boar. Less common, but no less loved professional designers. The trend towards naturalness in the field of interiors makes the matte surface as close as possible to the structure of stone, brick. The velvety wild boar acquires special expressiveness in combination with the flat shape of the plate. A straight matte apron with minimal seams will decorate a large in Loft or Industrial style.

For a Provence or Loft style kitchen, you can choose tiles covered with craquelure glaze with the effect of an aged surface.

Dimensions

Depending on the manufacturer The sizes of the boar vary as follows:

  • Length from 12 to 30 cm;
  • Width from 6 to 10 cm.

The most common sizes are: 10 by 20 cm, 15 by 30 cm and 7.7 by 30 cm.

In any case, the main property of a wild boar is the length, exceeding the height by two or three times. The choice of tile size largely depends on the size of the room.

Important! When calculating the number of purchased tiles, you should always add 10% of the stock, which goes to trimming the material.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other material, boar has its advantages and disadvantages. The obvious benefits include:

A small disadvantage only the presence of seams can be called, where dirt accumulates over time.

What styles are used?

The most popular boar in the following styles:

Scandinavian. A white or matte boar is suitable, which will emphasize the beauty of the wood structure.

. Belongs to the category of the Mediterranean. Bright green, light green, turquoise, lavender boar will harmoniously fit into the most natural of existing styles. Delicate colors, reminiscent of the meadows of France, will warm even the harshest winter and cool the kitchen on hot days.

. industrial style tends to all elements that repeat the configuration of building materials. If the brick seems too rough for a Loft-style kitchen, a stylized hog in red, terracotta, gray shades is often used. A black glossy or matte hog, laid out in even rows, looks very impressive.

. Country style, similar to Provence in the choice of colors. Natural shades of wild boar - yellow, orange, red - emphasize liveliness kitchen furniture, will help to recreate the style in the best possible way. It is better to choose a tile in this case in a matte finish.

Industrial. Modern style, which tends to smooth and clear lines. You can consider the option of laying the boar "under the metallic" with black seams.

For classic interiors the wild boar is also suitable - in beige shades that reflect the conciseness of the interiors of old estates. For a style kitchen, you can choose gold and or bronze tiles to emphasize the luxury of the direction.

Small and large kitchen areas

Each room has its own unique features. In terms of its versatility, the boar is suitable for any type of cuisine, but there is a number of recommendations for choosing the color and size of the tiles:

For dark and small premises it is worth buying a light boar of the smallest size. Even rows of white tiles of moderate size will visually enlarge the room, stretch it horizontally. When choosing a colored boar, it is worth remembering that the cold spectrum expands the space, and the warm spectrum narrows, therefore suitable blue boar, colors sea ​​wave . You should also avoid excessive variegation and choose monophonic collections.

For spacious there are practically no restrictions on the premises. Any color, styling option, texture will look advantageous on a large wall. The only advice is that the boar should be above average in size, otherwise the tile will simply be lost in a large kitchen.

Layout options

The layout of the boar can be done in two versions:

  1. Imitation brickwork, i.e. elements are placed side by side.
  2. Smooth lines with offsets to the floor of a brick.

It is also possible to lay the boar butt-to-joint, but this method is not very popular due to the fact that the boar can lose its individuality.

Styling nuances

Laying the boar tile on your own is possible only if you have experience, since an unevenly laid out canvas will look untidy and cheap. For the best quality installation, you must follow a number of recommendations:

  1. Flat wall. The surface must be perfectly flat so that the dice do not “dance” during the laying process.
  2. The boar is laid out exclusively before the headset is installed. The standard height of the lower kitchen row is 75 cm, respectively, the initial layer of the boar should start 2 cm lower, i.e. at a height of 73 cm from the floor level. The standard height of the apron is 60 cm. The canvas laid out in the hood area should go beyond the upper cabinets.
  3. Choice of fugue. The grout can be either in the color of the tile or contrasting. As a rule, the color spectrum of the fugue is small: white, black, beige, gray. For classic kitchens the grout is chosen to match the main canvas, but for the Modern or Industrial style, you can choose a contrasting variation: white tiles and black seams or a black boar and a white fugue. Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the fugue - it must be moisture resistant, resistant to constant mechanical stress.
  4. Seam thickness. The thinner the seam, the more visible styling flaws. The recommended seam size is 5-10 cm.
  5. corner joint- the most vulnerable place of the kitchen apron. In order for the edges of the joint to turn out to be even, the die is sawn at an angle of 45 degrees for a perfect fit. Also in the collection of selected tiles you can find an already trimmed square version especially for corner decoration.

Due to the fact that each boar tile is covered with a special glaze, dirt and dust do not eat into the surface of the material. Which, of course, greatly facilitates the care of the kitchen apron.

For everyday cleaning, it is enough to use ordinary wet wipes, and for a more thorough one, solutions for washing tiles or glass.

the only weak point boar are the seams where the dirt clogs quite tightly over time. There is only one recommendation in this case - constant prevention. Immediately after cooking, you can walk with a sponge along the joints so that the fat does not freeze in small depressions.

Photo

See 10 more photos of the hog tile on the kitchen apron below:

Useful video

Video with a tile boar under brickwork on a kitchen apron, see below:

Boar tile makes it possible to implement the most daring projects in any kitchen - large and small, light and dark, of any style. Practical in everyday life, the tile has high aesthetic qualities and will last more than one year. The most important advice that can be given in conclusion is to carefully select the boar in terms of colors, size, texture, so that it is a harmonious addition to the interior.

Pig tile on the kitchen backsplash is a legacy of American Art Nouveau of the late 19th century. Initially, it was used as an economical imitation of brickwork on the facades of tenement houses. In the original, it had a natural brick fawn hue. This cladding was decorated with colored glossy glazed masonry.

As interior decoration it was used for the first time in the French subway. Hence the name "metro". Further, this version of the tile migrated to home interiors. “Boar” began to be called in Russian-speaking circles because of the two holes on the back of the part, reminiscent of a pig’s nickel.

This cladding option is popular for its durability, external “correctness”. This is a thick, glazed rectangular tile with edges cut at an angle of 45 degrees (bevel), imitating the composition of brickwork. The dimensions of one element (7.5 * 15 cm, 10 * 20 cm, 15 * 30 cm) correspond to the parameters of the building brick sidewall.

Most designs use white and beige masonry shades. The advantages include resistance to frequent washing, wear resistance, impeccable appearance canvases (subject to high-quality masonry). High wear resistance makes it possible to wet cleaning with detergents.

The main features of subway tiles that you need to know about before buying:

  • Thick, heavy. This tile requires careful and expensive pre-installation preparation. However, the durability of the coating makes it popular for places of permanent use.
  • Chamfer. This characteristic element of the “brick” cladding will cause a lot of trouble when cutting and fitting joints.
  • Difficulty cleaning. The convex texture makes the surface embossed with deep seams. This can cause inconvenience when cleaning the apron from dust and dirt.

What is the best style to use?

A variety of hog tile designs for the kitchen allows you to choose a solution, harmonious interior any style.

Note: some delicate designs in tandem with “brick” decor will change the landmark towards the loft. Airiness and lightness from an idea borrowed from facade decoration, it's not worth the wait.

In terms of styles, the “brick” apron is typical for modern, industrial, loft, scandi kitchens.

Modern loft design trends call for a departure from the classic canons of white glaze, choosing mouse or ivory for masonry in combination with soft backlighting.

How to decorate a "boar"?

Along with the classically white (already rather boring) horizontal masonry, designers offer color variations, contrasting grouting, and light accents. Here are the most stylish ideas kitchen apron designs:

  • Contrasting row of a different color, model, texture. Break up a classic solid with a stripe of appetizing apple or berry color to match the details.

  • Creative "bricks" with a pattern. Refresh the brick landscape with photo printing elements. Possibilities modern technologies allow you to apply any picture.

  • Decorative seams with an emphasis on contrast.

  • Play of light. The cheapest way to change the background working area in the kitchen - colored lighting. Choose the color of the apron according to your mood.

  • Change layout template. Even a row of vertical masonry will add dynamism. Diagonal layouts, herringbone, vertical brickwork also look original.
  • Elements of a different format with an ornament.

  • Use of different textures. For example, a matte texture will create a warmer backdrop for an interior work area. A designer find will be a combination of embossed boar tiles with an interior in glossy textures.

Important points when choosing a “metro” tile

1. If the apron is opposite the window, opt for a matte tile. Otherwise, the slightest pollution and irregularities will be noticeable.

2. Before facing with your own hands, carefully take measurements, taking into account the horizontal, the subtleties described above.

3. When planning sockets, hanging elements, remember: fasteners should not fall on joints, chamfers.

4. Many manufacturers offer already half square tiles with factory processing in their collections. They will help fill in the gaps in the masonry without unnecessary cutting.

Original or imitation?

The price of the issue and the above nuances of the subway tile allow us to consider alternative options design of a kitchen apron.

Most budget solution- PVC panels embossed under brick. This solution has its own characteristics. The main one is fragility and “appearance”, far from the original.

The labor-intensive process of preparation, installation of weighty elements may be the reason for choosing standard ceramics without chamfers and other elements that complicate installation. The market offers ready-made carpets made of brick-like tiles and other facade textures.

The subtleties of the "brick" masonry apron

Outwardly simple, horizontal laying of brick tiles has pitfalls in surface preparation, installation, and grouting. These points require special attention:

  • Not suitable as a temporary interior phenomenon. The high cost and time-consuming laying process make the tile "boar" ideal solution"for centuries". And the dismantling of such products is not an easy task.

  • Pruning. When laying, you will not just have to cut off part of the tile of the desired size. Thickness and chamfer require cutting at an angle. You will have to suffer with corner seams. Tip: choose masonry without corners with a minimum of edged joints. The cut edge is masked in a row, the factory chamfer is allowed into the corner.
  • Labor intensive surface preparation. The place of facing should not only be smooth. All stages of pre-assembly processing should be carried out for reliable adhesion of the heavy and thick “boar” tiles.
  • The adhesive composition is applied to the wall and to each element of the material.
  • Fine work on the joints. Even a small error in the width of the gap can spoil the whole composition. Seams are made minimal (up to 3 mm).

  • Accurate calculation of the horizontal. With brick cladding, any indent from the horizontal will shift the entire composition. Here the calculation “joint - middle” is important. The location of the entire composition depends on the accuracy of the “markup”. Especially if the edges are on the border with horizontal surfaces. For example, a hog tile on a kitchen apron is usually laid right next to the countertop.

  • Placement of communications and outlets should be considered in advance. Ideally, if the width of the outlet, the switch will match the dimensions of the “brick” without taking into account the chamfer.
  • Angles. Errors are especially noticeable in the outer corner. A plastic corner profile will save the situation with minimal inaccuracy.
  • Edge defects will be masked by a grout matched to the tone of the tile. It is logical to align the corners in advance.

  • The quality of consumables. For example, cheap light-colored grout may turn yellow.


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