One. Is micro-crystal porcelain tile flooring a good option?
Microcrystalline porcelain tiles can be used for flooring. Using microcrystalline porcelain tiles on the floor offers the following advantages:
1、Excellent decorative effect
The unique microstructure of microcrystal stone, combined with its glass-based matrix structure, results in a fine and smooth surface, creating a brilliant and glossy finish on the tile. This allows the tile to diffuse and scatter light, creating a soft and harmonious aesthetic. Using microcrystal stone tiles for flooring can create a luxurious and elegant feel, enhancing the overall quality of the interior design.
2、Excellent performance
Microcrystalline stone is produced through a special sintering process at high temperatures, similar to that used for granite formation. It has a uniform texture, high density, and hardness, and superior performance in terms of compression, bending, and impact resistance compared to natural stone. It is also highly resistant to wear and tear, durable, and free from the common fine cracks and fissures found in natural stone. Therefore, installing microcrystalline stone tiles on the floor results in a more durable and longer-lasting surface.
Two. How to lay micro crystal tiles
1、Substrate Preparation: Thoroughly clean the ground surface where the micro-crystal stone will be applied, and then moisten the substrate with water.
2、Stringing: Extend and mark intersecting control lines across the main areas of the room using a string and a ruler to create the finished layout.
3. Trial Layout: Before the actual installation, perform a trial layout of the microcrystalline stone tiles to check that the color, texture, and dimensions meet the specifications. Then, arrange the tiles neatly according to their corresponding numbers.
4、Trial Layout: Lay two strips of dry sand in two perpendicular directions within the room, with a width greater than the panels and a thickness of not less than 3cm. Arrange the microcrystal tiles according to the drawings, so that the gaps between the panels can be checked and the relative positions of the panels with the walls, columns, and openings can be verified.
5、Apply Mortar: based on the horizontal line, determine the thickness of the leveling layer and create a template for the concrete mix. Draw a cross line, and apply the leveling layer with a 1:3 dry, hard cement mortar. The dry, hard consistency should be such that the mortar forms a firm ball when squeezed by hand. The mortar should be spread from the interior towards the doorway. After application, use a trowel to smooth and compact the surface, ensuring that the leveling layer is slightly thicker than the determined thickness based on the horizontal line.
6、 Laying Stone: The stone should be laid in the room from inside to outside. This means starting from the side farthest from the entrance and laying the tiles according to the numbered pattern. After testing the suitability on the dry, hardened cement mortar, carefully peel off the micro-crystal tiles and apply a layer of cement mortar with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5. Then, proceed with the actual laying of the tiles.
Three. important considerations for installing micro-crystal tiles.
1、When laying microcrystal tiles, thoroughly remove any remaining debris and impurities from the substrate, and then rinse and dry the surface.
2、The bonding layer must be constructed using dry, hardened mortar. The mortar should be thoroughly mixed and kneaded, and it is strictly prohibited to use diluted mortar.
3、Moisten the substrate with cement mortar. After applying the cement mortar, immediately apply the bonding mortar. The bonding mortar should be thoroughly compacted and leveled.
4、Before installing the micro-crystal panel, the panels should be wetted and dried. After a trial installation, the final installation should proceed.