Product information
Each of our tiles has its own inherent characteristics and has particular requirements for installation and maintenance.
The information provided below aims to help you select the tiles most suited to your application to enable you to enjoy them year after year, just as our forefathers have enjoyed the beauty and longevity of stone, glass and ceramics across the centuries.
All types
Specification
Some variation in size and thickness may occur across all our tile ranges. The dimensions listed throughout our brochure may be subject to minor inaccuracy and are given as a guide only and the number of tiles supplied per square metre is dependent on the size of grout joint recommended. When calculating the number of tiles required for your project, please allow 7.5~10% extra for cutting and wastage. Finally, we would humbly point out that tiles are heavy and to consider the implications on handling and delivery.
Glass
Appearance
Our glass tiles are made entirely by hand, each individually painted prior to firing at extreme temperatures. As such the tiles are subject to minor colour variation, both within batches and from batch to batch, and should be laid out in advance of fixing to ensure that the desired result is achieved.
A single sample should therefore not be taken as an accurate indication of a subsequent batch, and customers should make every effort to order sufficient tiles for the project as any tiles purchased at a later date may not be completely compatible. As with all glass items, glass tiles can be scratched and therefore care must be taken during installation and thereafter.
Installation and cutting
It is particularly important to prepare the surface to be tiled and to handle the glass carefully to avoid scratching it. Please check the tiles prior to fixing to ensure there are sufficient and they are correct. Apply adhesive (Biscem shower proof adhesive recommended) evenly as uneven application may be visible through some of our tiles.
Please ensure the tiles are cut with a diamond blade designed for cutting glass rather than a ceramic tile blade which will chip them, and taking all care to avoid scratching.
Great care should be taken when cutting glass, using protective gloves and safety glasses, as cut or broken glass edges may be extremely sharp. Please use the correct grout (Biscem vitri grout wall white is recommended), following the manufacturers instructions for glass tiles, and leave a grout joint of at least 3mm. After grouting wash down the tiles with clean water or glass cleaner, using a soft cloth to avoid scratching.
Suitability
Our glass tiles are suitable for most applications but are not recommended for exterior use or areas prone to scratching, such as work surfaces.
Usage
Glass can be used to dramatic effect in most projects such as kitchen, bathroom and living room walls. It is not suitable for use in areas where it may be prone to scratching, such as work-surfaces and floors, and nor can it be used externally.
Metal
Appearance
Our metal tiles are made from an ingenious combination of metal and resin that insures that unlike other metal tiles available, they do not conduct electricity and are easy to cut and fix. Minor colour variation should be expected. For all our ranges, a single sample should not be taken as an accurate indication of a subsequent batch, and customers should make every effort to order sufficient for the project as any tiles purchased at a later date may not be perfectly compatible.
Fixing and scaling
Before commencing any work, we strongly recommend that you and your fitter carefully read our Fixing and Sealing Instructions. They explain fully the steps required to plan, fix and seal your tiles and how to maintain them thereafter. In particular, we draw your attention to the importance of surface preparation prior to tiling, checking the tiles prior to fixing to ensure there are sufficient and they are correct, sealing the tiles with the recommended product for the particular tile and environment, and finally, protecting the newly laid tiles from ongoing work in the vicinity.
Usage
Our metal tiles are suitable for light domestic projects such as kitchen and bathroom splash-packs. They are prone to scratching and therefore should not be used in such areas as work surfaces and floors, and nor are they suitable for use outside. Please be aware that our metal tiles should be fixed and grouted with epoxy and should not be fitted in areas where the temperature will exceed 80°C. The tiles should be a minimum of 20cm from any direct heat source, for example a gas ring or heated towel rail. For more specific fixing and sealing instructions please click here.
Stone
Appearance
Stone is an entirely natural product and as such is subject to colour variation, minor chips and some inherent blemishes. Stone comes in batches and despite every effort to avoid inconsistency, colour and tonal variation may occur from batch to batch.
Fixing and sealing
Before fixing you should check the tiles to ensure there are sufficient and they are correct. Due to the natural characteristics of stone, be sure to blend tiles by taking from random boxes to avoid inconsistency. We recommend that you seal all stone before grouting and again once the grout is completely dry. Stone should be cut with a wet wheel cutter.
When laying floors, it is critical that the substrate is level and that there is no movement.
Under-floor heating can be used with stone floor tiles but you will need to refer to the manufacturer for instructions on fixing the tiles thereon. We offer several ranges of rectified tiles, designed to be grouted with a minimal joint.
Usage
Stone is a hugely versatile product that can be used in all domestic projects provided it is fitted and sealed correctly. Most stone is, to a degree, porous and therefore if laid outside may be subject to some frost damage. If the tiles are sealed and fixed correctly, weather damage can be minimised.
Porcelain and ceramic
Appearance
Our porcelain and ceramic tiles tend to be either hand made, hand-decorated or emulate hand made or natural products and as such they may be subject to minor colour variation from batch to batch.
Fixing and sealing
Before fixing you should check the tiles to ensure there are sufficient and they are correct. It is always good practice to select tiles from random boxes to avoid possible inconsistencies. For best results when cutting porcelain and ceramic tiles we recommend you use a manual sliding tile cutter, or a diamond wheel cutter.
When laying floors, it is critical that the substrate is level and that there is no movement.
Under-floor heating can be used with porcelain and ceramic floor tiles but you will need to refer to the manufacturer for instructions on fixing the tiles thereon. We offer several ranges of rectified tiles, designed to be grouted with a minimal joint.
Usage
Our ceramic and porcelain tiles are suitable for use in most domestic projects. Where a tile is indicated as a wall tile, it will be unsuitable for work surfaces and floors, whereas wall/floor tiles are suitable for all. Please be aware that ceramic and porcelain tile may become slippery when wet. Some of our ceramic and porcelain tiles may be suitable for exterior use, depending on the application. Please speak to a member of our sales team about your particular requirements.