Remember Ask Jeeves in the early days? Google and other search engines weren’t sophisticated enough to answer direct questions, so Jeeves appeared promising to solve your problems. Today, those days are gone. It’s second nature for many to dial Siri, to shout at Alexa and to call Google to get the answers to their burning questions. So you can decorate confidently, we’ve collected five of the most frequently searched queries on tiles.
There are many opinions on this topic. Some believe that small mosaic tiles work best in a bijou bath, while others suggest using larger tiles to open up the space.
Before you start thinking about what tiles you would like to see, make sure you consider whether the tile is suitable for your needs. The following questions should be asked when you are considering bathroom tile: Will the tiles look good on walls or floors? Can they be used with underfloor heating What is the slip rating for tile? If your room is wet, underfloor heating is necessary to quickly dry it. If you love tiles but don’t feel comfortable using them on the floor, then you should reconsider.
The main thing is to decide if you want to embrace the cosiness in the room, highlighting its small proportions and celebrating that cosiness. For this, little tiles like Brasserie Mosaic, Yoga Penny or Spitalfields are the best options.
You can make a small bathroom look larger by using 30-60cm-long plain-coloured tiles on your floors and walls. These will blur the lines and allow for more floor space. Brompton field or Chemistry Porcelain can be used for something smaller.
What tiles are best for a fireplace?
Tiling a fireplace in a tiling area, such as the surround of a Victorian-style cast iron one, or an inglenook corner on the floor where your new log-burning stove will be sat, can make it a unique feature in your room.
You don’t have limit your creativity because there are so many options for tile materials. There are many options for you: ceramic, porcelain, glass, natural stones like slate, marble, and even glass. Porcelain absorbs heat naturally, so it is a good option. But, whatever tiles you choose, make sure there’s at least 20 cm buffer between them and the flame.
It is important to consider the surface’s ability to support the weight of the tiles.
What tiles can you use outside?
For a moment, we’ll be talking about porcelain. They are a popular tile material that can survive outside as well as indoors. They are extremely durable and can withstand frost (they don’t absorb water so they won’t crack), and require very little maintenance so they will look great. To add some style to your garden, you can choose patterned porcelain tiles instead of traditional stone paving. Make sure that the porcelain tile you choose is safe for outside use. You will also find an exterior option with many of our internal porcelain tiles. This allows the tile to be run from the inside out.
Natural stone tiles can also be used to enlarge patios and terraces. A wide range of natural stone tiles are available that are suitable for outdoor use. Like porcelain, you should ensure that the stone is frost resistant and slip-resistant. Natural stone adds character and beauty to spaces. To stop water soaking, it will need to be sealed every so often.
You can choose a porcelain tile if the upkeep of natural stones is too much for your budget. Blenheim and the Isle outdoor tiles are two examples of porcelain tiles that look like natural stones. However, if you are willing to accept the unique character of natural stones over time, Denham, an etch limestone, is your best bet for paving perfection.
Which tiles are the best for underfloor heating?
It is nothing better than waking up on a cold winter morning to walk barefoot to the bathroom and discovering warm tiles. For underfloor heating to really work, make sure you choose tiles that can conduct heat well and don’t block heat from passing through.
Porcelain tile is ideal for underfloor heating systems. Porcelain tiles are more affordable than natural stone. However, limestone and marble floors are excellent heat conductors. The same goes for terracotta. Underfloor heating is ideal for this material.
Cracks are more indicative of a poor screed rather than an issue with tiles. Be sure to do the right foundation work – it is never something to be ignored.
Which tiles need sealing?
To protect tiles, sealant will ensure that they live a long and happy existence. Most natural stones require some sealant, especially those that are more easily stained. Ca’Pietra Tiles Stone Essentials stain block eco sealant is a water-based product that can be used on all types natural stone, including limestone, marble, terracotta and terrazzo tiles.
You can leave durable porcelain tiles as is, without any sealant, and most ceramics tiles can also be left the way they are. Crackle glaze sealants should be used if crackle glaze tiles are being installed.
You need to remember that it is not just tiles that you are sealing, but also grouting, which is porous. A layer of sealant will protect them from dirt and make cleaning much more enjoyable.
