Frequently Asked Questions
What's in your mind?
Where can tiles be used?
Tiles can be used in virtually any part of the house like bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, portico, foyer, drive way, drawing / living rooms, study, lobby, pooja room etc. They can be used both on the walls and floors. Some special tiles can be used in industries too.
Can I install tiles on top of other tiles?
“Yes, it is definitely possible to fit new tiles on top of an old tiled floor provided that none of the underneath tiles are loose or uneven. However, this is generally not the smartest option, and though initially cost-saving may later incur higher costs. Keep in mind that overlapping floors will slightly decrease the height of the room, and that the doors will have to be altered to open normally. Hence if you still want to go ahead, then see that the existing surface provides a good grip. If the existing flooring is of glazed tiles then they have to be roughened to give a good grip for the new floor.
There are some other factors also that you have to take into consideration before deciding to fit new tiles on an old tiled floor. The most important being the finished floor level. You need to allow for the thickness of the tiles that you are laying, plus approximately 6-12 mm for the cement slurry/adhesive, depending on the type of flooring to be laid. Once this thickness is added on top of your existing floor, will you still be able to open doors, etc.”
What is laying with spacers?
Tiles can be laid with readily available spacers, thereby achieving a uniform gap, and the same can be grouted with suitable grouting compounds. It is recommended to use tile spacers between 3mm and 5mm for floor tiles and no less than 1.5mm for wall tiles
Which tile is best for floor?
For flooring, Vitrified tiles are the best bet since they are durable and can withstand heavy traffic. For walls, you can choose either ceramic or porcelain tiles as they are non-porous or do not absorb stains. For outdoors it’s best to opt for either matt finish or anti-skid tiles to avoid slips
What tile lasts the longest?
Again, if your tile has been prepped and installed properly it should last a lifetime, whether it is a porcelain or ceramic product.
Also, when you take into consideration the tile’s rating, where it has been installed, and how well you take care of it, there is not one tile that lasts longer than the other.
Why is it important to order all of your tile at once?
One downside of all tiles, whether they be ceramic, porcelain, glass, or natural stone is that the colour and size of each style can vary from batch-to-batch. So for instance, if you are planning to tile your bathroom, hallway, and living room to match – it is imperative that you order the tile for that particular time all at once. This will ensure a cogesive look.
Even for quick repairs it is handy to have an extra box of tile to match – just in case you ship one!
Tile lines are also often discontinued, and you may not be able to order your exact tile again.
What's the difference between ceramic and procelain tile?
Contrary to popular belief, there is actually very little difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles. At one point, the materials to produce ceramic became scarce so porcelain products became the new norm.
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are great for residential high traffic areas because they are less likely to scratch and wear down over time. However, for busy commercial spaces or restaurants we always recommend a durable, ful bodied porcelain tile. Due to the amount of traffic in these spaces, ceramic tile and glazed porcelain tile are not recomended as they will wear over time.
Both are available in a variety of high-gloss, matte, and abrasive slip-resistant finishes. If you are choosing a tile for your floors, keep in mind that bright, reflective surfaces can be slippery and easily scratched.
What is the best product for my backsplash?
You can use ceramic, porcelain or glass tile to create a unique backsplash. We do, however, make product recommendations based on the look of your kitchen. Your tile, no matter the type, needs to complement the rest of your kitchen. We factor in your current cabinetry, countertops, paint, etc. before we help you design a custom backsplash. The size of the tile is also a factor in ensuring your backsplash is installed properly and lasts a long time.
How long will tile last?
Installation is key when it comes to long-lasting tile. Proper preparation will ensure your tile lasts as long as it’s supposed to, which should be the lifetime of your home.
Proper care and maintenance are also key parts of extending the life of your tile.
How do I pick the right granite countertop for my kitchen?
Similarly to tile, granite can look different in different lighting.
If you know that you want a granite countertop, we also recommend choosing that item first, and building out around it. This way, your other product choices don’t overwhelm your great countertop. We can help you pick out other tile products for your backsplash to complement your countertop and cabinetry.
How do I maintain and care for Ceramic Tile?
No need to wax or polish glazed Tiles. Simply wiping glazed Tile with a damp sponge or sponge mop is all that is necessary for daily maintenance. In case stains persist if it is not removed with detergent, use diluted hydrochloric acid or muriatic acid.
How do I know if my current tile is installed properly?
A good DIY test for your tile is to drop a golf ball along different areas of your floor. Any hollow-sounding points would be an indication of poor installation.
How do I clean my tile?
Simply dry sweeping your floors is a good way to remove dust and dirt. If you need to clean with water, use a soft, clean cloth and avoid abrasive or harsh chemical cleaners. It also recommended that you choose a PH-Neutral cleaner without any oils, which coud leave a harmful residue. We can recommend cleaning products specific to your tile in-home or in-store.
At our location, we have an environmentally friendly neutral floor cleaner called Green Clean that you can use on ceramic tile,
porcelain tile, grout, and natural stone sucj as marble, granite, limestone, travertine, slate, sandstone.
How often should I clean my tiles?
Kitchen tiles should be cleaned every 2 to 3 days, as dirt and grime can build up quickly. A simple wipe down every other day can prevent this. Bathroom and floor tiles should be cleaned once a week.
We recommend using rugs or mats in high traffic areas to limit the amount of dirt that can build up. Shake out your mats every
week and wash your floors with a gentle mop and cleaner.
How do I clean grout?
Grout is used to seal the spaces between your tile, and can collect dirt, dust and everything else in between. In order to maintain your tiles, it is also important to clean your grout just as frequently.
Using a mild cleaner and a clean cloth, wet down the tile and grout and let it soak for a few minutes. This will release any stuck-on particles and make the surface easier to clean. If you have grout stains, you can use a few drops of fresh lemon juice or a bleach pen to remove them, just keep in mind that you can only use a bleach pen on white grout
How do I care for my nature stone?
Natural Stone products require slightly more care than the other types of tile.
- Be preventative – Use non-slip mat or rugs to prevent dirt, sand and grit from building up. Remember to shake them out at least once a week.
- Use a clean, non-treated dust mop on your floors regularly.
- You can also damp mop your natural stone floor, but avoid any acides, like vinegar or lemon juice as well as commercial cleaners that contain harmful chemicals.
Will tiles crack or chip?
When tile is installed properly it will not crack. It is possible to chip a tile when heavy objects are dropped on the surface.
What are the recommended sizes of tiles to be used in my house?
Ultimately depending on your house area and the area of the room to be tiled, the exact look and feel depends upon individual tastes.
What is the tile's shade?
The shade is the colour tone that features a particular batch of porcelain tiles.
In industrial manufacturing, it is almost impossible to accomplish tiles with the exact same colour shade, therefore, before packing, they are grouped together according to colour uniformly, that is to say colour shade.
The shade is often marked by a letter which is stamped onto the pack (Shade A, Shade B).
What are the Pros of Tile?
- Durable: Tile is one of the most durable flooring or wall treatment options out there, thanks to the firing and glazing process that makes it so tough. Porcelain tiles are especially resistant to scratches and high traffic.
- Stylish: Since tile can take on basically any colour, shape, or size, there’s no end to the style possibilities.
- Easy to clean: Tile doesn’t require any special cleaning products. Simply sweep and mop tile flooring, and scrub tile walls to keep the surface looking great.
- Low-maintenance: No need to polish or refinish! Your tile will maintain its beauty without a lot of hassle.
- More affordable than stone: With ceramic and porcelain tile, you can get the look of natural stone without the price or the maintenance requirements.
What do I choose the right grout for my floors?
It is recommended that you choose a colour that blends with the colours of the floor tile. Darker grout is easier to keep clean and modern grout is often stain and mildew resistant, making maintenance very simple.
What is grout?
Grout is a type of mortar used to fill joints, cracks, and cavities in tiles, masonry and brickwork. It usually consists of water, sand, and cement or just cement and water.
What are the Cons of Tile?
Difficult installation: Unless you spend a lot of your free time laying tile, you probably won’t have the experience to perfectly tile your floor or wall. Professional installation is often recommended. However, you can still make it into a DIY project if you’re determined.