Tiling FAQs

Click below to see our frequently asked questions specifically about tiling:

Questions

I need some hints or tips on tiling in general.
Can I use any tiles outside?
Can I tile over existing tiles?
What is the difference between standard ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles?
What are the advantages of ceramic floor and wall tiles?
What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
I’m tiling a shower area. What do I need to think about?
Some tiles require sealing to stop water absorption. How do I know which ones need it?
Should I seal my natural stone tiles?
What is the PEI rating?
How can I make my tiles look better for longer?
Any advice for fixing glass tiles?
How would you define “natural” stone?
What characteristics does granite have?
What makes travertine different?
What attributes does marble have?
What makes slate different?

Answers

I need some hints or tips on tiling in general.

There are guides to cutting, fixing, grouting and finishing tiles in another section of the Builder Superstore website. They can be found in the tile fixing area of the Tool Box - take a look. They are available to download in PDF format, print or read online.

Can I use any tiles outside?

Some tiles are suitable for external use, some aren’t. I’d recommend that the tile be frost resistant with a water absorption rate of less than 0.5% before you think about putting them outside. I’d also recommend that the tiles be unglazed, and have some degree of anti-slip profile.

At Builder Superstore we highlight the ones that you can use outside - take a look at the product details pages and you will see which ones are suitable for exterior use.

Can I tile over existing tiles?

Yes, but consideration should be given to cleaning and drying the tiles before fixing on them, that the adhesive is suitable for tiling on tiles, and ensuring that the tiles are securely attached.

What is the difference between standard ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles?

Regular ceramic tiles are produced from red or white clay, fired in a kiln. They are usually finished with a durable glaze which carries the colour or pattern. These tiles can be used on both walls and floors, have relatively high water absorption, and are usually easier to cut and shape. On the floor, non-porcelain ceramics are generally suitable for light to moderate traffic and could not be considered frost resistant.

Porcelain tile is produced from porcelain clays; dust pressed into shape and is usually denser than a regular ceramic. They will usually have a much lower water absorption rate of less than 0.5%. Glazed porcelain have a regular glaze on the surface of the tile and are usually suitable for all residential and some commercial usages. “Full bodied” or “Through” porcelain tiles possess the same colour and pattern all the way through the tile, making them very suitable for high traffic areas in both commercial and industrial environments.

What are the advantages of ceramic floor and wall tiles?

There are numerous advantages to using ceramics as a surface in your home. Ceramic products are versatile, lasting, beautiful, hygienic and easy to clean.

What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?

“Full bodied” or “Through” porcelains contain the colour or pattern all the way through the tile, making them suitable for high-wear environments. Glazed tiles have a sprayed or dipped glaze mixture applied to them which is then fired onto the surface. The glaze contains the colour and design of the tile as well as protecting the tile face from water insurgence and staining.

I’m tiling a shower area. What do I need to think about?

Firstly, you need to tile on a water resistant surface. Timber, mdf and plaster are all examples of absorbent materials, and these should be made waterproof prior to the start of the project.

Secondly, the tile itself needs to be suitable for the use. If you are tiling on the floor, then the propensity of the tile to become slippery must be considered.

Lastly, the adhesive, grout and sealer you use should be fit for purpose. Look out for water resistant adhesives that state they are suitable for use in wet areas. The same applies for the grout, water resistant only please! Joins between the tiles and shower bases or baths should be sealed with an anti-fungal silicone sealer.

Some tiles require sealing to stop water absorption. How do I know which ones need it?

Generally, glazed tiles require no sealer. Some unglazed tile requires no sealer either. If in doubt, test the tile with a small amount of water. If the surface darkens, it is probably absorbing water and needs to be sealed. See our sealer products for more information.

Should I seal my natural stone tiles?

Natural stone is porous and will absorb liquids which can stain the stone and affect the adhesive. It is absolutely necessary to seal natural stone with a sealer - this will ensure a vibrant shade and a durable, long lasting finish. We have some great products on the site to do just this, view our sealers and glazers now.

What is the PEI rating?

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating on tiles refers to the wearability of the glaze, and therefore what applications the tiles are suitable for. Low PEI glazes are often high gloss or metallic finishes or high copper content colours. High PEI glazes are very resistant to abrasion, and can be used in many different environments.

PEI 0 – Wall use only – This is not suitable for use on the floor and care should be taken with abrasive cleaning products
PEI 1 – Very light traffic – Bare foot traffic, only – ensuite shower rooms etc
PEI 2 – Light Traffic – Soft soled shoes only – House bathrooms, bedrooms
PEI 3 – Light to Moderate Traffic – Most residential areas apart from entrances.
PEI 4 – Moderate to Heavy Traffic – High residential foot traffic areas including entry ways.
PEI 5 – Heavy Traffic – Suggested for all residential, and most commercial and industrial traffic

How can I make my tiles look better for longer?

Tiles generally need little maintenance however I’d recommend they be kept clean with warm water, to which a non-abrasive detergent has been added. This cleaning solution should be applied to the tiles, allowed to sit for a little while, and then rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Rinse properly to allow the removal of dirt and other build up from the tiles.

Natural stone or other tiles that require sealing should be maintained according to the sealer instructions. Some sealers require the tiles to be re-sealing regularly and previous sealer coats removed. You’d be best speaking to the manufacturers of the sealer to get the best idea.

Any advice for fixing glass tiles?

Fitting glass tiles should be just as straightforward as normal ceramics, though you should establish the type of manufacture with the supplier as the method of fixing differs dependent on type. Painted surface glass tiles should be fixed with a silicone based adhesive or an R1 or R2 class epoxy. Fired colour-bonded glass can be fixed with regular flexible tile adhesive, using a solid bed of adhesive, rather than combing through with a notched trowel.

If you’re cutting glass tiles, you should be extremely careful, using all the appropriate safety equipment and suitable tiles. For difficult cuts such as plug or pipe cuts, it may be necessary to have the glass professionally cut.

How would you define “natural” stone?

Stone that is quarried and removed from the ground. This is extracted before undergoing various processes to make the material suitable for tiling with.

What characteristics does granite have?

Granite is formed by the solidification of molten rock under the pressure of the earths crust. It is composed of feldspar, quartz, mica and other minerals, making it one of the hardest stones. Granite resists abrasion well, making it ideal for interior or exterior flooring, where it’s frost proof properties are also beneficial. Granite is available in a number of different colours and finishes.

What makes travertine different?

Travertine is a limestone that is formed by minerals dissolving in ground water and then deposited on the earth’s surface by rivers, springs or geysers. It comes in a variety of colours, from light beige through to dark brown and gold. It usually has plenty of holes in the surface. These can either be filled and honed off, or left for a more natural appearance. Polished or honed surfaces are usually very smooth whilst tumbled or unfilled travertine can be quite rough.

What attributes does marble have?

Marble is also a type of limestone, but one that has experienced additional heat and pressure applied to it whilst in the earths crust. It can come in a variety of finishes such as polished, unpolished and tumbled as well as innumerable colours and shades. It has been utilised for thousands of years for many applications. It is generally quite a soft stone and prone to scratching in high traffic areas.

What makes slate different?

Slate is a metamorphic rock, mainly containing quartz, chlorite, mica and calcite. Slate is a very durable product and is suitable for flooring use for most applications where a hard wearing tile is required. The bottom of slate tiles are machine-honed so it either has a flat surface or a machine-ribbed finish. The top is usually riven in appearance, and slate can be found in a variety of colours.