Those who associate basalt only with paving stones will be surprised by the potential hidden in this unassuming anthracite-black rock.
Floor lined with standard EUTIT 250x250mm tiles, brewery in the Czech Republic
© EUTIT
Basalt is a natural volcanic rock. Crushed and melted at a temperature of about 1,300 degrees C, it becomes liquid lava. Poured into molds and cooled in a kiln for several hours, it turns into tiles that are used to make resilient and beautiful-looking floors, wall coverings and facades.
The cooling process must take place under certain conditions so that the tile is durable and does not crumble. Depending on the technology used, the tiles can be uniformly black or have characteristic rust discolorations. The discolorations are unique, so that, despite the industrial scale of production, the tiles retain the charm of artisanal products.
Terrace paved with 200x400mm black tiles, Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence
© EUTIT
The world's largest producer of fused basalt elements is the Czech company EUTIT, based in Stara Voda. EUTIT tiles are known and used all over the world. Their beauty, quality and excellent performance properties have tempted, among others, designers of many Czech breweries, the Paris Metro and Florence's Galleria dell "Accademia to line their floors with them.
Because of their durability, weather resistance, abrasion resistance and impact resistance, they work well in both design and industrial projects. They conduct heat and are ideal for use with underfloor heating in bathrooms, halls and garages. Due to their chemical resistance and non-absorbability, they are very easy to keep clean. They are not afraid of acids and fats. In kitchens, garages, wine cellars or restaurants, any stains from wine, coffee, juices and oils can be washed off without a trace. EUTIT tiles are also used in spas and for swimming pools.
They are also used on a large scale in industrial halls, in mining, as well as in agriculture and in the water and sewage industry.
EUTIT tiles combined with wood - elegant and cozy, a chalet in the Czech Republic
© EUTIT
EUTIT tiles look beautiful both indoors and outdoors: on facades, driveways, terraces or garden paths. They are produced in many shapes and variations. They can be smooth, and can also have a varied anti-slip texture. Shapes can be mixed together and patterns can be arranged. The most commonly used tiles are 200x200 mm and 250x250 mm in size and 22 or 30 mm thick (the thickness tolerance is +/ - 2 mm). To finish the floors along the wall, spun hygienic plinths are used to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
Basalt is a very hard material. To cut EUTIT tiles, use a diamond blade designed for cutting hard materials. The cut must be intensively cooled with water.
EUTIT black tile floor 200x400 mm, Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence
© EUTIT
As a binder for fused basalt tiles, use a highly elastic mortar that can withstand appropriate loads.
EUTIT recommends EUFIX adhesives and grouts.
For more information, visit the company's JANCZARSKI STUDIO page on the PdA portal.
