Liquid tile: device and features of using a “living” floor surface

When it comes to tiles, a solid ceramic surface usually appears in front of the inner eye, painted in a bright color or having a pattern. And this figure is completely static and does not change from the time and the action of environmental factors. Would you like the tile under your feet to change its color, “play”, create the illusion of walking on water? Tempting, isn't it? Moreover, with the development of new technologies, such tiles have already become a reality. It is called "live", "liquid" or "interactive" - under these names and look for it on the free market.

Is she really alive?

Naturally, there is nothing living in the structure of this tile. However, the name is given for a reason and some resemblance to a living creature in a liquid tile still exists. She “feels” the slightest touch and immediately reacts to it, changing her pattern. Each time you go through this tile, you will change it. And the flooring will always be exclusive!

The red gel inside the tile spreads out at the touch of a hand

Liquid Tile Structure: Interactive Drawing Technology

A special colored gel is responsible for creating a changing pattern in a liquid tile. It is located in a rectangular, square or round capsule, consisting of several layers of polycarbonate (sometimes acrylic). When pressure is applied to the surface of the tile, the gel begins to spread, a movement effect occurs. After the pressure disappears, the original pattern is partially restored. Since the gel spreads from the high pressure zone to the low pressure zone, it is undesirable to act on the entire surface of the tile at the same time.

The multilayer structure of the liquid tile

Inside each tile, a compensation groove is located around the perimeter. Thanks to this solution, the gel, passing through the compensation groove, does not press on the edges of the tile. This ensures no leaks.

Interactive tiles can be used at temperatures between 0 ° C and 60 ° C.

Where can I use liquid tiles?

Living tiles are soft and moisture resistant, so the scope of its application is unlimited. It is especially recommended to put such a tile where people often go barefoot: in the children's room, in the bedroom, in the bathroom. The effect of interactivity can be played in the living rooms, creating a designer interior. Very often, unusual tiles are also used to design dance floors at discos, in nightclubs, and in bars. The main thing is that the room is heated, since the liquid tile loses all its properties at temperatures below zero.

Living tile in the interior of the living room

Living tiles as a central element of the living room interior

Initially, the developers of living tiles assumed that it would be used exclusively as a floor covering. But almost immediately, when the product entered the consumer market, they found additional use for it. Tiles began to be used to cover countertops, bar counters, counters.

If you also decided to follow the example of the public and make the surface of the table in the kitchen interactive, then remember that you cannot cut anything with a knife on it. A sharp blade will damage the tile. In the best case, it will become scratched and lose its appearance. At worst, if the incision is deep, the gel will leak out of the tile and it will cease to be “live”.Also, hot dishes cannot be placed on a countertop made of living tiles, the polycarbonate surface will begin to melt at temperatures above 60 ° C.

Bright tile worktop with bright design

Design Advantages

High impact resistance. According to this characteristic, liquid tiles are in no way inferior to tempered glass, porcelain stoneware, and laminate. Therefore, do not be afraid to walk on the liquid coating on heels and stilettos.
Non-slip surface. Each liquid tile on top has an anti-slip layer, so the chances of slipping on it, even in bathrooms, are minimal.
Moisture resistance - allows the use of liquid tiles in wet kitchens, bathrooms, pools, bathrooms.
Hypoallergenic and environmental friendly. Living tiles, thanks to neutral polycarbonate and hypoallergenic color gel, are completely safe for human health.
The surface of the tile is “warm”, unlike porcelain stoneware or tile, so it’s nice to walk barefoot even in winter.
Liquid tiles are soft due to their shock absorbing properties.
Easy to clean. The dirt on the tile does not linger, and if necessary it is easily washed with ordinary water.
High sound and vibration insulation properties. If you want to protect yourself from too noisy neighbors from below, cover the floor with liquid tiles and your apartment will immediately become quieter.
Resistance to ultraviolet radiation. The tile does not fade and does not change the brightness of its colors for at least 5-8 years.

Disadvantages of this option

Living tiles can be laid out only in limited areas of the room, and they cannot be completely covered with flooring. The fact is that you cannot cut an interactive tile, otherwise the whole gel will spread and the product will deteriorate.
You cannot use the tiles at temperatures below 0 ° C, so it is not suitable for outdoor areas, arbors, terraces, unheated balconies and verandas.
High price.

Three green living tiles dilute the monotony of the blue carpet

The last drawback of living tiles, namely the high cost, scares away many potential buyers. Innovative technologies are now expensive. However, an interesting floor design can be thought out not only with a continuous “live” coating, but also when combining liquid tiles with carpet, parquet, laminate, vinyl tile, tile, etc. Such a coating will cost less than a solid one, however, with sufficient skill of the designer, aesthetics will not suffer at all.

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Danila
4 years ago

Friends have a similar tile in the nursery. Really amusing thing. They stained her patches. The islands of bright madness turned out. Now we want this home. It is tempting that you can put it in the bathroom. I just want to try to do something like that on the wall. Interesting, and for the money not to say what is expensive. Especially for such entertainment. Although there are doubts about security. No one is immune from micro-defects.
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Igor
5 years ago

Hello, I liked the round table with a picture of the planet, how much is such beauty?
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Mariana
6 years ago

My little son (1.7 years old) saw such a floor, began to jump and poke a finger at it, not to drag it by the ears))) In principle, not much is needed for joy. We will do the repair, be sure to persuade my husband to buy 3-4 tiles.
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Angelina
6 years ago

I once saw such an unusual floor in one room and didn’t believe that it was exactly what was described in this article; . But in life they look simply unrealistically beautiful.
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