Tile Types

Porcelain

Porcelain tiles are made from a mixture of clays and minerals and fired at a very high temperature. This means that they are extremely hard wearing. Tip: Due to the nature of the manufacturing process, porcelain tiles may be subject to a very slight ‘bow’ along the length of larger tiles (this can normally be corrected using a specialist clip system). This slight bowing, which will fall within European Standards (and please be assured that all our tiles are CE compliant), can cause slight ‘lipping’ between one tile and the next. If you wish to minimize the effect of this, we recommend that tiles should be laid square, or staggered by not more than a third of a tile length, rather than laying brick-bond.

Porcelain that is ‘non-rectified’ may vary very slightly in dimension, which means that a slightly wider grout joint needs to be used. NB ‘non-rectified’ porcelain products always carry a calibre code in order that tiles can be grouped together by their finished size.

Terrazzo

The same technique is used as encaustic tiles (see left), but ground marble chips are added to the top layer to add extra durability and visual effect. Please note this product requires sealing as part of the installation process.

Encaustic

Cement tiles differ from ceramic tiles in that the pattern or figure on the surface is a product of different colours of clay, rather than a glazed application. This is called the encaustic technique, where the pattern is inlaid into the body of the tile so that the design and colour remain, even as the tile wears. Cement tiles will age naturally and develop their own patina with time, like natural stones. Cement tiles are suitable for domestic and commercial use floors and walls. Accept imperfections. A major attraction, is their perfect imperfection. Thickness can vary slightly from tile to tile, as can pigment shadings, and patterns may bleed at the edges when they’re compressed, all enhancing their uniqueness. Another reason for their attraction is that they are a ‘living’ tile that changes over time. Encaustic tiles can be used on almost any internal floor or wall surface as long as the sub-base is suitable and prepared for tiling and weight-bearing because these tiles are a little more heavy than the average wall tile. The tiles can we used in wet areas but it’s likely they will fade slightly, especially darker colours and patterns due to the natural pigments used. If the tiles are coated with a thin layer of sealer every one or two years this will reduce, however, it is all part of the natural ageing process. The tiles are not classed as frost resistant so we do not recommend using them in external areas that are exposed to wet and freezing conditions. Please note this product requires sealing as part of the installation process.

Ceramic

These tiles are then glazed with a base colour and can be then over-printed or hand painted with a pattern. Glazed ceramic is suitable for domestic floors (where specified) and walls. Crackle glaze tiles will require sealing.

Glass

Glass has its own beauty, but can also be transformed by the natural or ambient light with sparkles, reflections and
fascinating changes of colour. It’s easy to maintain and non-porous.