FAQ's

What is the best kind of grout to use for my new tiles?

What is the best way to clean and maintain tiles?

I want a natural look in my home but I don't have the time to maintain the natural materials. Can I use tiles instead?

I'm renovating my bathroom - what are the best tiles to use in this area?

How many tiles should I buy before I start my project?

What is the best kind of grout to use for my new tiles?

Always try to use a polymer based grout for your tiles as these do not require sealing. For ease of maintenance and protection against stains, this is a small cost of the total job.

What is the best way to clean and maintain tiles?

Avoid using heavy detergents as these will actually cause build-up, just like you get build up in the shower from soaps and shampoos. Clean your tiles with methylated spirits and water or vinegar and water. If you are using a detergent always use an Alkaline or Alcohol based detergent. Invest in a good quality mop or a steam cleaner. Do not use bleaches as this can damage your grout.

I want a natural look in my home but I don't have the time to maintain the natural materials. Can I use tiles instead?

Natural materials such as timber and stone need to be regularly resealed to keep them looking their best. If you are not prepared to do this, look at materials that imitate the look of stone or timber. Glazed porcelain and polished porcelain are two materials that have a similar look to natural stones without the associated cost and maintenance.

I'm renovating my bathroom - what are the best tiles to use in this area?

Tiles are a huge part of many bathrooms. Choosing larger tiles has the dual advantage of making your bathroom look bigger, and you'll have less grout to keep clean. One key thing to consider in the maintenance levels of your bathroom is the colours that you choose. Lighter colours can show up dirt easily while darker colours can actually show up soap scum, dust and water marks easily. Look for colours that will help to disguise marks instead of highlighting them - choose mid range colours such as greys, browns, neutrals, and even blues or aubergines.

How many tiles should I buy before I start my project?

When purchasing tiles it's always a good idea to buy an extra box or two to store away in case of repairs. As tiles are made of natural products and then fired, every batch is diverse in shade and size variation. Having tiles spare of the same batch you originally purchased ensures that any repair will look as though it never happened.

Tiles come in many different shapes, colours and sizes, and you'll be surprised how different variations in light conditions can effect the colour of a tile. We strongly recommend you take a sample home and place it in the tiling area to ensure you are happy with your selection. If you are building a new home, take the sample with you when selecting carpets, kitchen and bathroom accessories, furniture and paint colours. This will help to reinforce your decision on whether the tile is right for you.

What is a Full Body, or Unglazed Porcelain Tile?

Full body and unglazed porcelain tiles are a 'colour-body' product. They are fully vitrified which means the colour runs completely through the tile. This characteristic makes the tile an extremely dense product that is very strong and hardwearing. Porcelain tiles are manufactured by dust pressing dyes at very high pressures and then fired in a kiln at over 1200 degrees centigrade.

They are available in various surfaces from matt to highly polished, patterned and studded finishes for slip resistance.

What is a Glazed Porcelain Tile?

Glazed porcelain tiles are extremely durable.

Unlike unglazed porcelain, this single glazed porcelain product can have patterns, varying colours and 'stone-look' finishes.
Glazed porcelain tiles can have a gloss or matt finish, and they can also be ground and polished to produce a completely flat surface.