Frequently Asked Questions
Tiles
Why use tiles?
- Tiles are hardwearing, easily maintained and not susceptible to fading from UV light like other forms of flooring. This makes them perfect for those high traffic areas of your home like Dining areas, Kitchens, Entries & Conservatories as well as Bathrooms and Wet Areas.
- You can also benefit from the Passive Solar Heating benefits of tiles in sunny areas of your home. Tiles will store and hold the day’s heat and release it after the sun goes down. Free Heated Floors!
- Increased Value to your home: Nothing adds wow factor to your floor like a tile. Tiles are known to increase your home’s value and make a great selling feature.
- Cleanliness Tiles are recommended over carpet to alleviate dust allergies and asthma.
- Permanence: Do it once, do it right. Archaeologists have uncovered glazed tiles laid around 1500BC. Goes to show that if you choose your tile wisely there’s no reason your tiled area shouldn’t outlive you!
What’s the difference between ceramic / porcelain / full bodied porcelain tiles?
- Ceramic tiles are easy to spot with a dark red or terracotta clay bisque (back of the tile) with a fine glaze applied to the surface. They are fired at a lower temperature which means they can be brittle, absorb moisture and if the surface is chipped the bisque will show through quite obviously.
- Porcelain tiles are fired at a very high temperature with a porcelain clay bisque. This gives them a very low water absorption rate making them suitable for all applications, interior and exterior. Porcelain also has a superior chip resistance vs ceramic.
- Full Bodied Porcelain tile is when the colour of the surface tile goes through the entire body of the tile, meaning when you look at the back of the tile it will be the same colour as the face of it. Should your tile chip it will be less obvious than a ceramic or standard porcelain tile.
Most of the tiles that Tile Direct stocks are porcelain. If you’re in doubt as to which tile you should be using for your project please come in for free advice on what to put where.
Where do you source your tiles from?
Australia, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Spain, Italy
What size tile should I use?
The size of the tile can have as much effect on the look of your project as the colour and texture will. It really comes down to personal preference but there is a growing trend towards larger format tiles.
Something to remember is larger tiles will leave a room with less grout lines, thus creating a more streamlined look to a room. it is common now to use large tiles in even the smallest room in the house. We can advise you as to what is the best fit for your project.
Some common sizes for floor tiles are as follows:
300x300
333x333
400x400
450x450
500x500
600x600
600x300
Which tiles can I use outside?
It’s to do with their water absorption rate. We have a range of quality porcelain tiles whose water absorption rate is very low to meet world standards. We also offer a number of non slip options which are all clearly labelled in store.
Aren’t they slippery in the bathroom?
No! This is a public perception but in fact they are generally no different to walk or stand on as vinyl. As with any hard flooring where there is water we recommend using a bath mat!
How do I know which tiles to use on the wall?
All of our tiles are labelled as either Wall or Floor tiles in store. You can however use any floor tile on the wall, but not the other way around.
Buying Tiles & Tiling Products
How many tiles will I need?
You’ll need to carefully measure your project, then subtract any un-tiled areas such as doors, windows, cabinetry etc. Drawing a diagram is a good way to start. Then Length x Width = Area in m2. When you have your total, add at least 10% for breakages and cuts (Area x 1.1) to give you your total requirement. We’ll happily measure your plans or calculate requirements in store – if we’re busy we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with your measurements.
How much glue & grout will I need?
Once everything is quantified then one of our friendly staff will be able to confirm what these requirements will be.
Do you have tiles in stock?
Yes. We stock most lines in store, so that for most projects you can choose, pay, & take them home on the same day.
Do you sell online?
No. We believe buying tiles is a very personal experience. You need to be able to see them, and touch them to get the very best fit for your project. We have stores nationwide and if there’s not one in your area, we’ll be planning one!
Do you deliver?
Not generally – it’s another way we keep our prices low. We’ll help you load your tiles so you can get them home. Talk to our in-store staff about large projects.
How many tiles can I take in my station wagon/ hatch back /trailer / push bike basket?
Tiles weigh on average 20kg/m2. So 4m2 is the equivalent of an average bloke. 16-20m2 is pretty standard to fit in an average car, as long as you haven’t got 4 average blokes in there too.
Tiling
Can I do my own tiling?
We have DIY Brochures in store and online for those that feel they are capable. Assess your project carefully and talk to us in store – we can guide you as to whether your project might be out of your league!
How do I find a tiler?
We supply trade customers country wide. We know the tilers well, and will be happy to put you in touch with one.
Which substrates are suitable for tiling over?
A solid substrate makes for a solid finish. Flexible substrates such as wooden floors are generally not suitable unless strengthened with a product such as tile and slate underlay. Concrete, vinyl, existing tiles, Gib board, Tile and slate underlay are suitable. Talk to us in store about preparing your substrate for tiling.
Which glue should I use for where?
It’s important to get this right to get a great finish at a great cost. Our in store professionals can guide you in the right direction.
What about waterproofing?
We have qualified approved registered applicators for all waterproofing requirements and can put you in touch with these tradesman. If the job is small in nature it is also possible to apply yourself. We can advise you of our recommendation.
How do I tile over underfloor heating?
This is a very common practice, knowing the correct adhesive & technique is the key. Our staff in store have got the know-how you’ll need.
Grouting, Sealing & Cleaning
Do I need to seal my tiles – what happens if I don’t?
95% of the tiles we market do not require sealing and are very easily maintained. For the other 5% (clearly labelled in store ) there are professional DIY products we sell in store that will do the trick. These tiles are porous and need to be carefully sealed to maintain their good looks.
My grout’s gone pink in my shower – what do I do?
We sell a range of highly specific maintenance, cleaning and sealing products that can rectify this common issue. We do recommend you seal your grout in all wet areas to avoid having to carry out a major clean down the track. This sealer is a spray on product and very easy to apply.
What’s the best product for cleaning my floor tiles with?
We have a range of tile specific cleaning products in store to keep your floors looking as sharp as the day they were installed. For day to day care a gentle detergent and warm water is what you’ll need for most tiles.
Heating
How much does it cost to run underfloor heating?
Less than people think! Most units run off a timer - you can make this as efficient as you want. For example set the heating to come on for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening to keep the bathroom floor toasty at high-use times. We have an 0800 number available to get an idea of approx costing to run the system as well as any other questions you may have in relation to heating.
Can I install underfloor heating myself?
You’ll need an electrician for the wiring at the start and the end, but laying out the heating element can be a DIY job.
