Q - How hard are porcelain tiles compared to other natural stone tiles on the market?

A - Porcelain tiles are around 30% stronger than natural stone tiles on the market meaning less scratches, chipped tiles and broken tiles.

Q - Why do some styles of porcelain tiles have a thin layer of wax coating on the surface?

A - Some porcelain tiles are supplied having a thin wax coating to the back of the tile in order to prevent scratching of the glazed surface during packaging, transit and fitting. The wax may often be transferred to the tile face.

Q - How can this wax be removed?

A - It is best removed with white spirit and a scourer, followed by washing with warm water to which a neutral, low sulfate detergent has been added. After a further rinse with water to ensure thorough removal of the detergent solution the installation should be given a final wipe down and polish with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
Tiles Porcelain Ltd also offer specialist sealant and cleaning products for porcelain tiles. These products protect the tiles from stains and enhance the life-span, durability and appearance of the surfaces. Please contact us for further details.
The cleaners provide an excellent yet gentle cleaning formula for maintaining the surface quality. The range also includes a grout protector and cleaner which are suitable for ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiling.

Q - Are porcelain tiles less maintenance and cheaper to lay compared to other tiles?

A - Porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance free compared to natural stone which needs sealing and waxing. When buying tiles you have to compare labour and tile price combined, which natural stone tiles such as marble needs allot of preparation before laying in sealing where porcelain tiles can be laid straight away as they don't need any preparation. The conclusion is porcelain tiles are a far cheaper solution to the consumer as you are only paying for laying time and not preparation as your tiler can lay more m2 a day in porcelain compared to marble. Once down porcelain tiles take no taking care of no long term maintenance as natural stone tiles does.

Q - Are porcelain tiles environmentally friendly?

A - Yes porcelain tiles are environmentally friendly due to the use of natural products such as clay and the manufacturing process. The manufacturing process virtually generates no by-products and the waste is recycled back into the manufacturing process for the next batch of tiles.

Q - Does water and frost damage porcelain tiles?

A - Porcelain tiles can be used in outdoor areas because of it's durability in colder climates which are frosty. Water does not penetrate porcelain due to it's low absorption at 0.5% so porcelain is fantastic in bathrooms and kitchens. Porcelain does not stain so it's an ideal low maintenance product.

Q - Is porcelain resistant to abrasion as is it clean surface compared to other flooring?

A - Porcelain tiles are fantastic in high traffic areas and will not need to be treated against scratches and abrasions. Sometimes porcelain might get aluminium burns into the tiles from a chair dragged across the floor leaving what looks like a scratch. The solution to a burn from metals which looks like a scratch it acid and wire wool, after a little scrubbing the scratch will disappear leaving the tile as good as new. Porcelain is resistant to chemicals, cleaning agents alkali's, acids and bacteria making porcelain tiled floors very hygienic.

Q - Can large size porcelain tiles can be manufactured?

A - They way porcelain tiles are manufactured allows tiles in sizes such as 1000mm x 1000m 1200mm x 1000mm and even up to 2000mm x 1000mm in commercial places. These tiles are becoming more popular due to contemporary living where people want big tiles to make rooms look more spacious and less grout lines.

Q - Can you use underfloor heating with our tiles?

A - Yes,underfloor heating is suitable to use with most of the tiles we stock apart from quartz tiles. Quartz tiles are Unsuitable to be used with underfloor heating and if used at your own risk.