PORCELAIN OR CERAMIC

(a) Porcelain. Porcelain tiles are manufactured from pure porcelain, they are relatively non porous and are less prone to damage caused by wet and frosty conditions. They are harder wearing and normally have a more consistent colour.
(b) Ceramic. Ceramic tiles use ceramic clay as their body material. The colour is applied to the top of the tile which is then fired onto the tile body at very high temperatures. Ceramic tiles are porous and can absorb moisture.
Summary; Porcelain tiles are a better quality tile less porous and better suited to all situations. Porcelain tiles are hard wearing and have an even colour. Ceramic tiles are cheaper than porcelain.

EXTERIOR OR INTERIOR

It is recommended that exterior tiles have a matt or grip surface, they should have low water absorbency and be able to with stand wet and frosty conditions.
Interior tiles do not require the same specifications but in our experience the hard wearing high quality tiles are preferable.

GLOSS OR MATT/SEMI GLOSS

(a) Gloss tiles are used mainly for wall tiling and areas that are required to be easily cleaned.
When gloss tiles have moisture on their surface they become very slippery and in floor situations are dangerous-----when gloss tiles are used as flooring they would be mostly be covered with a matt or rug.
(b) Matt or semi gloss tiles are better suited to floor situations although many fine effects have been achieved when this type of tile is used in wall situations. 4

CALCULATE TILES REQUIRED

The area can be calculated by physically measuring the proposed area or taken off a plan. We recommend that the Nett area is calculated and then a further 10% is added to allow for waste, it is also a good idea to have some spare tiles put away for future requirements.

INSTALLATION

We recommend that you employ a competent and qualified installer. When asking for a quotation, get from the installation company their experience and if possible images of their work. If you feel that you are able to undertake the work you will require specialist cutting equipment and the adhesive, grout etc., We are able to recommend a number of installers in some South Island areas.

SEALING

We recommend that a quality sealer with a minimum guarantee of 10 years is used in all tiling situations. We are able to supply quality sealing products.

ADVICE

We are able and are very happy to supply free advice on all aspects of tiling—please contact us