Our aim is to answer any questions you have in a clear and satisfactory way. If you would prefer to speak with a real person you can do so by calling us at your nearest showroom. You will find the contact details in our ‘showrooms’ section. Alternatively, many of the questions our customers regularly ask us are listed below so check as you may find the answer here.
- What do the tile Wear Grades mean?
Tile wear grades are simply a way to tell the strength of a tile, knowing where it can be used; The following are the key strengths:
3 – Light Domestic: Upstairs Bathroom & Low foot traffic areas
4 – General Domestic: All areas of the home
5 – General Domestic/Commercial: All areas of the home & Commercial, heavy foot traffic areas.Q - Does natural stone need sealing?
Yes, natural stone will need sealing before it is laid to protect and enhance the stone.
Q - What is the best way to keep my grout clean?
Once grouting has been completed use our grout protector to help maintain it, if you have unprotected grout that needs cleaning, use our grout cleaner and the grout protector afterwards.
Q - How long will the tiles take to arrive?
Most of our tiles are available from stock and are available to be delivered to branch the next working day, or you can arrange to have them delivered to your home. Some ranges are a special order which may take longer which is clearly marked on the displays.
Q - Can we return any tiles that we do not use?
Of course you can, stocked tiles can be returned in full boxes up to 28 days after purchase.
Q - Is a ceramic tile suitable for the floor?
Yes, providing it has been manufactured for floor use, however, porcelain is the more durable option.
Q - Can I hang a porcelain floor tile on a wall?
Yes, after considering the suitability of the wall we will be able to tell you the weight of the tile and advise the best way of fixing them and whether you would need a backer board.
Q - Do you have a catalogue/brochure?
No, while all our ranges are visible on the website, we do advise that you view the product in person.
Q - Do you stock all the tiles displayed on your website?
Yes, all the ranges displayed on this site are available from our stock unless stated otherwise, you can call or email for up-to-date quantities.
Q - Do you deliver?
Yes, view the details on Our Delivery page.
Q - How many tiles will I need for my room?
All ranges have a calculator to help you work out the required quantity, although we do recommend additional tiles for off-cuts and spares.
Q - Do I have to purchase full boxes?
No, our stock tiles are available individually; some special orders may be full box quantities which you will be advised of.
Q - What if my tiles are out of stock?
We will be able to advise when they are next available or help you find an alternative.
Q - What grouts, adhesives, trims etc will I need?
Although we recommend a number of adhesives and grouts when purchasing your tiles, should you have any queries our trained staff will be happy to advise you.
Q - Should I worry about tile shade variances?
Whilst some ranges have high shade variance, minimising any noticeable difference between batches, some low variance ranges would need to be a similar batch, either way we will ensure you have nothing to worry about when purchasing from us.
Q - Do you supply a tiling service?
No, however, our showroom staff will be able to recommend a tile fixer to you whose work is known to us and is of excellent quality.
Q - What if I receive broken tiles upon delivery?
Please contact us immediately regard and we will advise you accordingly.
Q - Can I order a sample tile?
Yes, 10x10cm cuts are available of most of our tiles straight from the product page.
Q - I am looking for a tile I cannot find on your website, what can I do?
We have a wide range of tiles and suppliers available to us contact the showroom nearest to you and they will be happy to assist you.
Q - Is it only 20mm tiles that are suitable for outside?
No, you can use ‘’standard” thickness porcelain tiles too providing you have solid concrete base (similar to an internal screed). The tiles must be suitable for external use and have a sufficient slip resistance.
Q - What is a slip rating and what do I need for outside?
The Slip Rating is a scientific measurement given to all floor tiles to show how “nonslip” they are. There are various different scales, however the most common is the “R” rating. Whilst it is not an exact science and there is no legal limit, we recommend a minimum of R10 and ideally R11 if you are tiling outside.
Q - What are the different types of finishes you can get?
There are many different types of finish/texture which varies between ranges. Speak to our staff or pop into a branch to discuss what would be best for you.
Q - How do you lay 20mm thick tiles outside?
20mm thick tiles can be “loose laid” onto gravel/sand/grass bases or laid using a tile adhesive suitable for external tiling onto a solid base in the traditional way ensuring the tiles slope away from the house.
Q - Can tiles laid outside be grouted?
Yes, as long as they are laid on to a solid base such as concrete. If they are ‘loose’ laid, then you should not grout them as the grout will not be secure in the joints.
Q - How do you lay standard thickness tiles outside?
The same way as you would do inside – using a tile adhesive suitable for external tiling onto a solid concrete base ensuring the tiles slope away from the house for drainage.
Q - Can any tiles be laid outside?
No – they must be porcelain (not ceramic) and frost proof.
Q - Do I need to clean tiles outside?
Yes, they need to be kept clean as you would with any external paving as it could hinder the slip resistance. Especially if you have overhanging trees shedding leaves and sap etc.
Q - Can I use the same tiles inside & outside to create a seamless look?
Yes, there are many ranges we offer now that can be used inside & outside. Some ranges have inside & outside options. The outside options will be a higher slip rating or 20mm thick.
Q - Do I need to grout tiles outside?
If you are laying onto a solid concrete base – yes. If you are “loose laying” then – no. However, if they are not grouted we recommend filling the joints with sand or small gravel to avoid moisture or dirt collecting whilst also assisting with drainage.
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