Frequently Asked Questions
CAN I COMPLETE A TILE SELECTION ON A SATURDAY?
If you are building and need to complete a full home colour selection, we kindly suggest that you visit us during the week or make an appointment for our 'VIP' colour selection service that's available with all our consultants, Monday to Friday. Selecting tiles for your new home can be a wonderful experience and we would like to give you the time and attention you deserve and expect from Tiles Expo.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO COMPLETE A TILE SELECTION?
You will need to bring a copy of your final plans including elevations so we can determine the extent of tiling. This enables us to give you accurate design advice. You will also be asked what is included in your builders allowance, which is generally noted in your addenda. You will need to know your price & size allowance (E.g. $44.00sqm & 200x200 tiles). Please also bring in any magazines or images that show examples of looks you may wish to create in your own home.
WHAT DOES COMPLETING A TILE SELECTION INVOLVE?
When you arrive at any of our three showrooms you will be assisted by one of our design consultants to help you complete your selection. After discussing your plans & builder's allowance, you will be asked if you have any ideas as to how you wish your finished home to look & feel. So any research you can do before you complete your selection will result in an easier selection process for you & of course a finished product that you’ll love. Please keep in mind that whilst you are with us, you will not only select the tiles for your home but we will also need to discuss & decide on your tiling layouts & the finishes for your vanities & kitchen, whether they be laminate or stone.
HOW LONG DOES A TILE SELECTION TAKE TO COMPLETE?
Please allow a minimum of 2 hours to complete a tile selection. The time can vary greatly depending on the size of your home & how decisive you are. The more research you have done & the more prepared you are, the quicker the process will be.
CAN I CHANGE MY SELECTION?
Yes, only once with prior approval from your builder & prior to any order being submitted. To avoid any errors or disappointment we advise that you do not complete a tile selection if you are uncertain of your choices. We want you to love your tiles as much as we do.
STOCK AVAILABILITY OR DISCONTINUED TILES.
In some cases, due to unforeseen circumstances, tiles become unavailable or discontinued. Tiles Expo apologises for any inconvenience and sometimes short notice. We generally get very little notice from our suppliers however we do our best to find you a very similar replacement.
WHY SHOULD I TILE HIGHER?
Have you taken the time to see what your tiling heights are in your bathrooms? We would encourage you to look into your builder's inclusions prior to visiting the showroom. It may also be worthwhile visiting display homes to look specifically at the tiling heights and the difference that it makes to a bathroom.
Some things to consider when making the decision to tile higher:
Practicality: It makes cleaning much easier, especially if you have children using the bathroom. You also don’t have the issue of having to repaint in the future.
Aesthetics: Not only can it make a small room appear larger, it will give the bathroom a sleek finish.
WHY SHOULD I UPGRADE MY TILES?
There is an extensive range of beautiful tiles within all the standard builder’s ranges in all of Tiles Expo’s three stores, so there is no need to upgrade. However, tiles are one of the finishes in your home that you are likely to see and use everyday, so it is worthwhile choosing something that you will be happy with long term.
WHY WILL I BE CHARGED EXTRA FOR INSTALLING LARGE FORMAT OR RECTIFIED TILES?
The technology of today sees tiles being made in larger formats and with rectified edges. Rectification means the tile edges are being lightly ground to make the tiles almost exact in size. With smaller tiles and non-rectified edges the tiler has a lot of joints to “humour” the tiles and any discrepancies in the slab. When tiles are rectified and in a large format there are fewer joints for the tiler to make up any variation from square and straightness in the walls or floors so it is harder to hide any discrepancy. The larger tiles therefore require additional labour time.
WILL THE FLOOR & WALL GROUT JOINTS LINE UP?
No, in most cases the joints will not line up. Even if you are choosing a wall and floor tile in the same size from the same range, there is no guarantee that the grout joints will line up. Please remember that once the bathroom is completed there will be fittings and items that will distract the eye from the joints so they won't be noticeable, especially if you choose a similar grout colour to the tile.
If you specifically require the wall and floor joints to line up, please discuss this with your design consultant to ensure it will be possible with the selected tiles.
WHAT IS TILE 'WASTAGE' AND WHY DO I NEED TO INCLUDE IT?
Tiles Expo will always include tile wastage when measuring up your plans. Depending on the type of tile and how/where it is being laid, we may need to allow up to 20% of wastage, however our standard is generally 10%. This does not mean that the goods are actually 'wasted, they are actually used for cuts as tile formats will hardly ever fit exactly in a space.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CERAMIC & PORCELAIN TILES?
The terminology can be confusing. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come from a traditional and efficient production method of kiln-firing. Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and other materials are considered to be a part of the larger classification called 'Ceramic Tiles'. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. Non-porcelain tiles are more commonly known as ceramic tiles.
Ceramic tiles are generally made from red or white clay and have a durable glaze which can carry a vast array of textures, colours, patterns and are available in many shapes and sizes. The glaze makes for easy cleaning and maintenance requiring only a simple surface clean, by sweeping, vacuuming and regular washing. Being hygienic and easy to clean, ceramic tiles are recommended for all areas where high sanitary standards are required. Ceramic tiles are a tough and enduring floor and wall covering material and are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic areas.
Porcelain tiles are classified as a form of 'Ceramic tiles'. Whilst the production methods of both tile types are similar, it is the dust pressing and firing process of the Porcelain tiles which results in superior characteristics of being much stronger and less porous, with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. The two main types of Porcelain tiles are: Full-bodied Porcelain, also known as through-bodied Porcelain and Glazed Porcelain.
Full-bodied Porcelain refers to the tile being consistent in composition throughout the body of the tile. The colour and pattern runs through the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear and suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial areas.
Glazed Porcelain tiles are manufactured in the same way as the full-bodied tile, except that their surface is coated. Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze being an impervious surface finish protects the tile from stains and moisture, making for easy maintenance. Glazed Porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-Porcelain ceramic tiles, therefore are suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic. The glaze allows an unlimited array of colours, patterns and designs especially with the new inkjet technology, where tiles can be produced to have an accurate recreation of the look of natural stone, woods and metals.
Porcelain tiles are available in many finishes: Polished, semi-polished, matt, honed, rock, structured or textured. Tiles, whether porcelain or ceramic have a longer life cycle when compared to most of the other flooring materials. They are a hard wearing material and are resistant to harsh cleaning agents, scratches, stains, fading, heavy loads, fire and frost.
WHERE CAN TILES BE USED AND WHAT IS A PEI RATING?
PEI classes range from 0 to 5. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale is not a measurement of quality. It is a scale that clearly indicates the areas of use each manufacturer recommends and has designed their tile to fit. A PEI 2 tile has been designed for areas where very low traffic and soiling is anticipated. In most cases the aesthetic detailing of these tiles is of prime consideration. You will often find high gloss levels, vibrant colourations and metallic elements in this group of tile. Conversely, a PEI 5 tile has been designed for abusive extra heavy foot traffic. The technical aspects such as surface abrasion resistance will be considered and must be achieved first before aesthetic effects are incorporated.
Class 0 - No Foot Traffic: Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.
Class 1 - Very light traffic: Very low foot traffic, bare or stocking feet only. (Master bath, spa bathroom).
Class 2 - Light Traffic: Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.
Class 3 - Light to Moderate Traffic: Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.
Class 4 - Moderate to Heavy Traffic: High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.
Class 5 - Heavy Traffic: Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.