Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mix different tile materials for your floor, walls and backsplash?
Absolutely. There is no rule that wall and backsplash need to match what’s on the floor. If you are opting for a statement tile, we recommend choosing that first and then coordinating the others with that tile. But don’t worry—coordinating does not mean it has to match.
How do I pick the size of floor tile?
One thing to consider is the size of your room. Large tiles may not look proportional in a small room and vice versa. It is not recommended to go a large tile in a small area that required fall, the fall may not be achieved creating pooling on the floor. You may also want to consider the size of the tiles on your wall. Using a different size tile on the floor creates contrast and interest versus having similarly sized tile on both the floors and walls. The number of tiles you’ll need to buy and the ease of placing them around obstacles in the room are also factors.
How much wastage should I include when ordering tiles?
It’s advisable to add 10% to the total number of tiles when planning for straight tiling. For diamond pattern, 600mm x 600mm or larger tiles, it’s recommended to add 15%. I also recommend purchasing an extra box or two before the project starts. It can be difficult to match the same tile or batch if you’re going to request it years after the job is complete. This will make the process of replacing tiles a lot easier in the future
My tiles are not all the same size.
Each batch of tiles may vary in size. Tiles are fired and shrink to their required size. Normally small size variation will occur. In floor tiles they can vary by 0.75% and still be within the standard. A 400mmx400mm floor tile can vary from 397mm to 403mm. If the variation in size is too great, they should not be laid. An old tiling trick is to open about 4 boxes of tiles and mix them as you lay them, this will blend the colour and size variation.
Can you use tiles outside?
Yes and no. Tiles for outdoor areas have been specifically designed for that purpose. Their design features cover issues such as slip resistance, water absorption and changes in temperature. There are ranges of tiles for both internal and external use.