What is a bevelled edge? And when should I choose a tile with a bevel?
What is a bevelled edge?
A bevelled edge, also known as a chamfer or chamfered edge, is a chamfer on the visible edges of a stone or tile. But when should you choose decorative paving with a bevelled edge versus without?
What is the function of a bevelled edge?
An obvious difference between a tile with a bevel and one without is the visual aspect. A bevelled edge accentuates the individual tiles in the terrace, while a tile without a bevel gives a more uniform look. But perhaps a more important difference is that a faceted tile is less vulnerable to certain types of damage to the edges that can occur during transport, processing or loading. A faceted tile is also more forgiving if it shifts or subsides slightly.
When should I choose a bevelled concrete tile?
On the one hand, the choice of a concrete tile with or without a facet is a matter of personal taste. Do you want to accentuate the shape of the tile or do you want a super sleek terrace? On the other hand, it is a matter of the application of the tile or stone. For example, if you are looking for a stone for your driveway, it is wise to choose a tile with a facet (and a minimum thickness of 6 cm). This is because there is greater stress and wear from car tyres, which increases the chance that a tile without a facet will crumble slightly at the edges. A faceted edge prevents this. Within the MBI range, there are several series with a faceted edge, such as GeoKlinker Plus, Facetto, GeoFacetto, Terratops de Luxe Facetto. There are also a number of series with a micro-facet (small facet), such as GeoArdesia Tops and GeoColor 3.0 (Tops). If you have a very unstable surface and the tiles are sinking relative to each other, this is less noticeable with a faceted tile. A tile without a facet is more likely to stick out, which is more visible and means that the straight edges are also more likely to be damaged. Ceramic materials are an exception to this because of their very high hardness, which makes them more resistant to wear, impact and scratches.
Tiles without bevelled edges? Don't panic!
Now you don't have to worry too much about damage to tiles without bevelled edges when using them in your garden or patio! Almost all MBI paving has built-in spacers. These ensure that the tiles do not lie against each other with their top layers/visible sides. The spacers do not extend all the way to the top of the tile, but just below the edge. So the tiles actually lie against each other with the spacers, creating sufficient lateral support while maintaining some distance between the visible edges. If tension does occur on the paving due to load, subsidence or thermal influences, no tension will occur in the top layer. The likelihood of paving subsiding or shifting also depends on the subsoil structure and geological conditions. Therefore, always leave the installation of your paving to a professional.
Laying bevelled tiles - Processing advice
Bevelled tiles are basically laid in the same way as tiles without bevelled edges. However, if you want to grout the paving after installation, there is a big difference. Tiles without a facet are grouted flat, while tiles with a facet are grouted up to the bottom of the facet. If you do grout the tiles with a facet flat with the top, this top part will eventually come loose. This will result in a damaged grout line.
MBI tiles with bevelled edges
The MBI range includes several series of concrete blocks and tiles with a bevelled edge. Within the BasicSteen collection, these are the Facetto and Terratops de Luxe. In the GeoSteen® collection, these are the GeoFacetto and GeoKlinker Plus with a normal bevel, and the GeoArdesia Tops and GeoColor 3.0 (Tops) with a micro bevel.
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