How to choose paving slabs: types of products, favorites and important criteria
Porcelain tiles are one of the most popular materials for decorating the territory of a recreation center. Thanks to it, “civilized” paths, reliable car parking, comfortable recreation areas, etc. appear. However, in this case it is very difficult to determine which material is the ideal choice. Obstacles can be very diverse and baffle most buyers. Many owners do not know how to choose paving slabs so that they function as well as possible and do not cause problems. Therefore, before looking for the ideal option, it is necessary to consider which material is the best solution for the selected criteria and site design. Before buy paving slabs you should familiarize yourself with its properties and characteristics.
Contents of the article:
Advantages and disadvantages of modern products
Porcelain stoneware is a piece material used for paving local areas, garden paths, walkways, terraces and other areas. It can be called “thin paving stones,” but the latter is characterized by a “classic” rectangular shape and thickness comparable to the width and length of the product.
Recently, an increasing number of homeowners engaged in paving areas prefer relatively lightweight paving slabs. Such coatings are becoming more popular than simple concrete or bitumen. There are several reasons for this demand
- Tiles of various colors and shapes. The widest range gives scope to designers and owners who dream of making the area of their home unique and memorable;
- Possibility of quick and easy repairs. If defects appear, one or more paving slabs can be easily replaced with new elements;
- Environmental friendliness. Porcelain stoneware is an excellent and safe alternative to bitumen and does not contain harmful impurities that destroy all living organisms;
- Aesthetics. Playgrounds and paths lined with tiles look much more attractive than the usual gray, “boring” coating;
- Excellent performance characteristics. The product can withstand extreme heat and frost and does not melt or crack.
Added to the list of advantages is ease of installation and quick commissioning of the coating, since the owner does not need to wait for the completion of installation (for example, for concrete to gain strength).
There are disadvantages, but they are still relative. This is the transformation of smooth type tiles into links in winter, which can be combated. If the quality of the base is insufficiently prepared, the coating elements may sag, since defects may appear in individual areas. These problems can also be avoided if you pay maximum attention to the preparatory stage.
Types of paving slabs
First of all, future owners should familiarize themselves with the range of these products, since they can choose paving slabs without knowing the various features, in which case it is better to know all the existing options. In advance. Porcelain coatings are divided into five groups depending on the material of manufacture.
Stone products
Although there are products made from artificial materials, the best option is paving slabs made from natural stone, such as basalt, granite or marble. This is the best option. Such tiles are characterized by an impeccable appearance, excellent compatibility of the material with any landscape, maximum strength, wear resistance and durability. Natural products have one drawback. High price associated with the complexity of processing solid natural materials.
Clinker tiles
Clay finishing materials – clinker paving slabs. The basis of these products is plastic rock, which is fired at a temperature of 100-1200°, red lead and quartz sand. To give clinker tiles different shades, other minerals are added to the composition.
The material does not lose color throughout its entire service life. To create a rough surface, coarse sand is added to the mixture and fired. Clinker tiles are indifferent to moisture and temperature changes, and aggressive compounds. The material is easy to install and wear-resistant. His flaws resemble “stone”. This is a high price.
Concrete paving slabs
This is the most popular material. Due to the growing demand, many companies are now producing it. Concrete paving slabs are produced in two ways. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the material is selected depending on the expected loads and site conditions.
Vibration pressing
In this case, the mixture is laid out in a prepared form placed in a vibrating table. A press ponson is also fed from above, which vibrates. After the product is ready, it is raised. Due to the complex equipment, the price of such material is significantly higher than material made by vibration casting.
Tiles made in this way are durable, strong, practically do not wear out and are not afraid of frost and temperature changes. Their rough surface makes them ideal for laying on garden paths, playgrounds and streets. Products can be sanded, polished or coated with non-slip tape.
They often have simple geometric shapes such as rectangles, hexagons, etc. These concrete paving slabs are ideal for designing areas where constant loads are expected. The service life of vibrocast tiles is 15-20 years.
Vibrocasting
The method involves filling molds (plastic or rubber) and then compressing them on a vibrating table without additional pressing. This production process takes a long time. After pressing, the tile remains in shape and is placed in a heating chamber for 12-15 hours. The elements are then removed from the molds and placed on racks for polymerization.
Products made by vibration casting are also strong and durable, but are not recommended for heavy loads. Minor geometry defects are quite possible. These tiles can have different shapes, colors and even patterns. Vibratory paving products have a shiny surface, but in winter they can be slippery due to icy surfaces. This “disease”, characteristic of street products, can be combated. It is believed that even water-repellent agents not only do not protect the surface, but also make it rougher.
To protect the material from cracking, plasticizers and modifiers are introduced into the solution. The duration of the process and these additives make such tiles no more expensive than products made using the vibration compaction method. The service life of the product is from 20 to 25 years.
Polymer sand products
These tiles are called “eternal,” although another common name is plastic products. This is not entirely accurate due to their low polymer content. They contain pure calcined sand, dyes, and polymeric materials with a percentage of less than 25%. The final component is high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, or polystyrene.
Polymer-sand tiles are produced using three methods: hot pressing, vibration compaction of a dry mix, and vibration casting with the addition of plasticizers. The first method produces the highest quality and most durable material. Vibration casting and vibration compaction are methods that reduce the porosity of the finished product.
The new products offer a wide range of advantages. These include installation, strength, durability, abrasion resistance, moisture resistance, and light weight, which simplifies work at low temperatures. The tiles have a chemical composition ranging from neutral to aggressive. Furthermore, a wide range of textures and colors significantly simplifies the selection of paving tiles. The disadvantage of polymer-sand products is their handmade nature. Rubber Paving Slabs
Rubber paving slabs
This material is used for children’s playgrounds, sports fields, and areas around swimming pools. They are recommended for areas with damp soils. Non-slip rubber paving slabs are used as a surface for garden paths, verandas, terraces, and garages.
Are there any favorite products?
Are there any favorite products?
First and foremost, when designing a material for a path, deck, or parking lot, it’s important to consider its quality. Porcelain tile should be as strong and durable as possible, yet also practical and attractive.
How to choose paving slabs?
Material texture
Products made by vibration pressing are recommended here. They have a rougher surface, so they will not knock people down during rain or ice. Vibration-pressed tiles, on the other hand, are smoother and therefore less polluting.
Material texture
When it comes to aesthetic aspects, there is now no clear favorite. In the past, vibratory compacted products were significantly inferior to competing concrete in a variety of colors and shapes. Now such materials can imitate clinker or natural stone, and the products themselves can be in bright or pastel colors. The original color of both materials is not affected by service life or intensity of use, since persistent inorganic pigments are used in the production of paving slabs.
Attractiveness of tiles
And there is no clear leader in this nomination. This is explained by the fact that both types of material are laid dry without the use of solutions. On the other hand, vibropressed paving slabs have an almost ideal shape. This allows even novice users to create clean, even seams.
Simplicity and ease of installation
In this case, the choice seems simple, since vibration-pressed products are inexpensive. The benefits increase even more when laying larger areas. However, if we consider the benefits from a long-term perspective, stronger and more durable vibratory casting products come out on top.
Availability of materials
The first important parameter is thickness. It depends on the area in which the paving slabs will be laid.
Operating conditions for paving slabs
If the area (parking lot) is very congested, it is recommended to choose a material with a thickness of 60-80 mm. The last product is the best choice, since this parameter is specified in GOST;
- Larger elements are also produced (from 100 mm and above). They are chosen for paving roads.
- There are also thinner products—20-30 mm. However, these tiles are not intended for more or less heavy-duty areas and are used only to create decorative garden elements. In any case, strict adherence to the installation technology is crucial, as the longevity of the paving depends solely on this.
- Which tile is better: vibrated cast or vibrated-pressed?
There’s no clear answer to this question either. Everything depends on the manufacturer. When choosing Hardy vibrated-pressed paving slabs, the risk of purchasing low-quality material is virtually eliminated. Expensive equipment is used in production. On the other hand, products from reliable manufacturers like Vibr o-Products guarantee a virtually 100% flawless product.
Which tile is better: vibration-cast or vibration-pressed?
How do you choose paving slabs that you won’t regret in the future? When searching for the best option, consider several factors.
What do you pay attention to when buying?
In this case, it largely depends on the location. For large areas, large paving slabs are best, as installing such elements takes a long time.
Size
However, in both cases, the durability of the paving depends on the quality of the subfloor preparation under the paving slabs. Therefore, choosing the right installation method is equally important.
Product Surface
Glossy, shiny surfaces are typical of corrugated paving slabs. However, some resourceful entrepreneurs may pass them off as vibro-pressed products, supposedly selling them at special prices. Products manufactured using the vibro-pressing method may also have a smooth surface, but they will not have a shiny appearance.
Product surface
When using vibro-pressing, the maximum tolerance is only a few millimeters, which is practically ideal. High-quality Vibro products are considered virtually flat, and the slabs are uniform in size.
Geometry of tiles
Color, shape
These characteristics never affect the performance of the product, but are important for the perception of the coating. The owner’s preferences are more influenced by the choice of color, but there are still some rules. For example, to design garden paths, it is recommended to choose neutral tones of white or gray. They can be combined with beige or brown.
Color, shape
Depending on the assortment, you can choose the shape of paving slabs based on your own preferences. The usual square (300×300-3500×500 mm) and rectangular (200×100 mm, 250×125 mm) products are on sale, but other options are also possible.
Ridge tiles are rectangular (parallel marks), with great thickness and pronounced chamfers, giving the covering a precise appearance;
“Rolled” (“bone”) products: the laying of such elements is carried out thanks to locking connections. It is advisable to choose for paths, parking lots and entrances to the territory.
- Another popular type is the practical and versatile diamond tile. Using products of different colors allows you to create original combinations. Thus, they are ideal for those who are ready to implement interesting projects – creating colorful patterns and unusual ornaments. Other popular formats: “wave”, “clover”, “honeycomb” (hexagon), “scale”.
- Uniformity of color
This is another important criterion. Before purchasing, you must make sure that all products have an evenly colored front layer. If there are light or dark areas on the surface of the tile, it is better not to purchase such products. Too light a color in the tile is contraindicated. A large amount of pigment negatively affects the quality of concrete. Durability decreases.
Uniformity of color
Low cost is also a reason to doubt the quality of the product. This applies to a greater extent to Vibralite. Materials with excellent properties cannot cost less just because prices for basic raw materials, fillers and pigments are rising. On the contrary, low prices indicate that the product was created by craftsmen.
Price
The most important parameters for paving slabs are moisture resistance, strength and frost resistance. The service life of the product depends on them. Therefore, before purchasing, you must ask the seller to provide a certificate of conformity. This document contains the main technical characteristics of the product. If a company refuses to provide it, you should not trust it.
Certificate of Conformity
How to choose paving slabs: types of products, favorites and important criteria
How to choose paving slabs: types of products, favorites and important criteria
