We always recommend an additional 10% worth of tiles to be added to your order to compensate for wastage. Our Sales Team will help you calculate wastage for your particular project. They will help you work out how many extra tiles you may need bearing in mind site hannfodling, site cutting and grading.
2. Porcelain Tiles
2.1. What is porcelain?
If you want an attractive yet very hardwearing floor, then porcelain is for you. Porcelain tile is made up of 50% feldspar and is fired at a much higher temperature than regular ceramic tile. It’s this process that makes porcelain much harder and denser than other tile products.
It’s a tile that is made from porcelain clays using the dust pressed method. All of our porcelain range is suitable for light to heavy traffic in commercial or residential application. Basically it can go anywhere and everywhere and it won’t let you down.
Just to boast a little more, Porcelain tiles are non-porous so you don’t have to worry about sealants as water can not penetrate the surface of the tile, meaning it can’t be damaged by water.
They are strong and durable which makes them great for high traffic areas such as hotels, showrooms and shopping centers. And they are frost-resistant. They can cope with sub-zero temperatures and won’t crack under freezing temperatures like some tiles. They are also the best heat reactors- so they work well with underfloor heating. So there’s no need to worry about your flooring expanding or warping because of the heat.
They are hygienic and healthy, which is great if you have allergies. Simply dust them down daily or give them a quick mop. Ever wondered why hospitals always use porcelain? It’s because grimes and dirt can’t penetrate the stone and cause bacteria to fester. Plus you can use the majority of cleaning products on it, without worrying that it might erode away.
It’s also environmentally friendly as It’s made from natural materials. There is very little waste and what isn’t used can be reworked.
2.2. Things to think about when installing porcelain tiles
As a flooring material, Porcelain is one of the best you can choose. Apart from the vast choice now available, It’s everything you want it to be : strong, durable, resistant to stains and easy to clean. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be tailored to suit your individual budget.
In order to get the most out of your porcelain flooring it is important that it is installed properly. If installed correctly your floor should last you a lifetime. It is very important that the tiles are laid correctly; with the right adhesive and that the grout is applied correctly.
If It’s not installed well, you will get problems. Common problems include:
-cracked tiles, water collecting in lower areas, water seeping through the grout which can then cause damage to the subfloors.
How to choose a qualified tiler:
Your first point of call will probably be the Yellow Pages/Local directory. It often helps if you know someone who has had tiles installed and have been happy with it. An uneven base or misplaced tile can ruin the look of the whole floor.
When choosing a tiler here’s some top tips to make sure you get the best contactor for the job:
1) Don’t let anybody except a qualified professional do it. No matter how many floors your Dad’s Uncles DIY friend has installed, he won’t be able to guarantee his work. In this case, don’t keep it in the family.
2) Check what qualifications they have. I suggest they have at least 2-3 years experience as well as examples of their work (pictures) Or ask them for reference form previous jobs. If they’re good they won’t mind.
– If they can let you see some example of their work even better. Whilst looking at the floor, look for:
3) All tiles should be equally spaced and close together.
4) Grout lines should be straight.
5) Check the edges of the pattern, are they equal?
6) Have they finished well? Check doorways and funny shaped edges.
7) Do the tiles fit under the door and fittings? Gaps here could cause water damage to your sub floor so make sure the floor is flat and even throughout.
8) What’s the surrounding area like? Can you see signs of sloppy workmanship like water stains and flicked grouting?
9) Ask if they got on with the tiler and what his attitude was like whilst working on their project. If there were amendments did he make them quickly?
2.3. What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tiles?
Ceramic Tiles are made from red or white clay, which are then kiln-fired. A majority of the time they are finished with a glaze which carries the colour and pattern. The main difference between ceramic and porcelain is that ceramics are easier to cut than porcelain making them easier to work with. On the other hand they are more porous which means they are less resistant to frost, you are more likely to get chipping and signs of wear and tear on them than porcelain tiles.
2.4. What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
Our Porcelain range is glazed. That means they have been coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. Glazing provides an unlimited source of colors and designs. It also protects the tile from staining. If a tile is “unglazed” it just means that their surface has not been coated. Full-body porcelain tiles are great for commercial applications, such as showrooms as they do not show wear and tear. This is because the are “full-bodied” because their color extends throughout the whole tile.
2.5. Should a sealer be used on a porcelain tile?
Although our tiles are already glazed, it means they are already stain proofed, we would still recommend to use sealer as you will have to apply grout on the tiles. The sealer will act as an invisible, stain resistant cover that is absorbed into the surface , it’s a good way to give you peace of mind.
2.6. How to clean Porcelain Tiles?
If you hate cleaning then you’re lucky you’ve got a porcelain floor. It’s so easy to maintain. By nature, porcelain is dense and does not absorb liquid easily. Many floor cleaning products on the market are made for porcelain tiles (just be sure to check the label), we even sell them through our website, so just ask one of our Sales Team to pop a bottle on to your order.
To clean our porcelain tiles, follow these simple instructions:
1) Remove any loose dirt by sweeping or vacuuming the floor first.
2) If your tiles are on the wall make sure any dirt (shower scum) or (kitchen grease) has been removed with a soft brush before cleaning.
3) Mop or wipe with a mild cleaning solution.
4) Mop or wipe again with clean water, to make sure all the cleaning solution has been removed.
5) Using a dry mop, or towel, rub the floor until It’s dry. This may seem like hard work but it will increase the shine and prevent water spots