Common Questions

FAQs

Have questions about our range of tiles and products? We have collected the most frequently asked questions here on this page to help you save a little time and hopefully answer your pressing concerns. If you don’t find your answer, or have a different set of questions entirely, feel free to call us, or drop into our showroom for a chat!

 

What is the difference between ceramic & porcelain tiles?

Ceramic Tiles typically have a white or red clay biscuit with some form of glaze on top. Porcelain Tiles are made from extremely fine powdered clay that is pressed under huge pressure and heated several hundred degrees hotter than ceramics. Porcelain tiles are much harder and denser than ceramic tiles. This allows porcelain tiles to be made in very large formats that would be impossible to achieve in a ceramic tile. Porcelain tiles will also often have a coloured biscuit that matches the surface glaze, or have a colour and pattern that extends all the way through the tile.

How do I know how many tiles I need?

Most of our tiles are usually sold by the square meter, this means the area to be tiled needs to be carefully measured to work out how many square meters are needed. This is preferably done by your tiler, but provided your drawings are suitably detailed, we can work-out these areas from your plans.

Please Note: There is always a level of wastage resulting from the cuts required to achieve your tile layout. This is best estimated by your tiler, but is approximately +10% for 450x450mm tiles or smaller and +15% for 600x600mm tiles or bigger. Remember that it is always wise to keep several spare tiles just in case replacements are required for any reason at a later date.

Do you carry stock of all your tiles?

Due to our extensive range, it is impossible for us to carry stock of all our tiles.All of our stock is kept at our distribution centres and these can take up to one week to arrive once ordered.

We do keep stock of our Devon White Gloss and Matt 100×300 and 300×600 wall tiles.

If you need tile urgently we also have an area in our showroom with end of line and remnant tile specials that might be of some help.

Why is there a vast price difference between some tiles?

Through our supplier networks we buy first grade tiles from all over the world. Usually price difference is due to a couple of factors. The main factor being; where they are sourced from. If the tiles are imported from Italy the price of shipping is far more than importing from Australia. Another factor is how many m² is imported, if 5000m² is imported of one tile and only 500m² of another, this can also reflect the price.

When you buy tiles from us, the price in no way reflects the quality of the tiles.

 

What is the difference between wall and floor tiles?

Wall tiles are usually softer and lighter and the glaze is not designed to handle the abrasive forces of foot traffic. Floor tiles have a different rating of hardness making them suitable to walk on without showing wear. The rule of thumb is wall tiles can only be laid on walls, floor tiles can be laid on floors and walls.

How are tiles priced?

Majority of our tiles are priced per m² rather than per tile or box. This makes it easier to compare the price of different sized tiles. Mosaic sheets are priced per sheet.

Are tiles cold? How do you heat them?

Tiles can be known as conductors of heat. When you touch a tile after it’s been in the sun, it will feel warm. This also has the opposite effect and will feel cold to the touch in the colder months.
If you are worried about tiles being cold, we recommend using under tile heating. This can be an energy efficient solution to heating as it radiates the heat evenly across the room. Most underfloor heating now comes with programmable thermostats giving you the option of turning it on and off at selected times

What are rectified tiles?

Rectified tiles mean these tiles have very square edges as a result of the cutting or grinding processes. This process allows for narrower grout joints, normally 2mm between tiles and results in a stunning contemporary finished look.

Non rectified tiles, also known as cushion edge tiles can have slight size variance between each tile, to allow for this a wider grout joint is required, normally about 3mm.

Should I use grip tiles in my bathroom to avoid slips?

Choose a tile with a surface you feel comfortable with. Grip tiles however are designed to be used outdoors where they can be brushed and hosed down. Keeping them clean indoors is very challenging because soap scum and dirt becomes stuck in the grip surface. A matt or lappato tile finish is what we’d recommend for your wet areas. Although plenty of people select polished bathroom floors for a hotel chic look. Remember a stainless steel or plastic shower base is often more slippery than a tiled surface.

Can I use any floor tile outside?

We recommend using a porcelain tile to ensure that the tile is frost resistant. The best tile for you to use outside in areas exposed to weather and rain, or around swimming pools is a slip resistant tile. There are 2 types of finishes to create the non-slip texture; a structured or sanded finish and these are tested for slip resistance rating. Although Slip-resistant tiles will be a little harder to clean its better then compromising safety. We do have a wide range of tiles which have both interior & exterior versions available if you are looking for a nice indoor, outdoor flow with your tiles.

Should I use small tiles in a small space?

i. There are no standard size rules. The rule of thumb is that using larger tiles with fewer grout lines makes a space feel less cluttered and more spacious. However your house is your castle, if you like small tiles – use them!

Do tiles vary in quality?

Tile manufacturers grade their products as they come out of the factory. Tiles On Devon only buy and sell first grade quality tiles and we stand behind our products 100%. Every tile carries a 10 year tile quality guarantee, when installed in accordance with good tiling practice, letting you choose tiles with absolute confidence.

Why do I have to use an underlay?

Underlay is used over wooden substrates and “locks” up your floor; stopping movement in the existing wooden floors which could cause the grout or tiles to crack. The best idea would be to call us so we can determine the substrate/joist spaces and establish if it is better to use underlay or a specialty adhesive.

I am using Gibb Aqualine board, why do I have to waterproof?

Gibb Aqualine board is only shower-proof and must have a waterproof membrane applied between it and the tiles. Please call us for more Waterproofing advice.

Can I tile on top of old tiles?

Yes, you can tile on top of old tiles. The existing tiled surface and substrate will need to be in good condition i.e. no cracks, broken or loose tiles, and a suitable substrate. Also, a suitable adhesive will need to be used so please contact us for more information.

Will the grout lines go mouldy?

Our grouts have inbuilt mould inhibitors so as long as the wet areas are aired you won’t have any problems. We do, however, suggest that you seal all grout lines to assist in long-term maintenance and to stop staining from the dyes in bathroom or kitchen products.

What does Tone/Shading Variance mean?

This is the type of variation that the manufacturer intentionally created in the tiles. Manufacturers are making tiles inspired by natural materials, like stone or marble. The more the tile looks like stone the more it acquires natural stone characteristics – such as colour, texture and shade variations.

Manufacturers and distributors have started to adopt a colour variation guide;
V1 Uniform Appearance – Minimal differences among tiles from the same production run.
V2 Slight Variation – Clearly distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern, with similar colours.
V3 Moderate Variation – While colours present on a single tile is indicative of the colours expected on the other tiles, the amount of colours will vary significantly.
V4 Substantial Variation – Random colour differences from tile to tile. One tile may have totally different colours from that on other tiles.