Tiles

Ross’s Home Discount Centre offers a range of high-quality bathroom tiles and floor tiles. Should you have a question in relation to our tiles, please look for the answer below before getting in touch with us.

  • Which is a better tile, porcelain or ceramic?

    If we look at the composition alone, porcelain tiles are the better of the two options. They have lower water absorption (almost nill), making them more water-resistant, and they are harder, making them more durable than ceramic tiles.

    As such, you should expect to pay more for porcelain tiles over ceramic tiles. But, the better tile comes down to your needs and application. Many feature tiles, for example, are ceramic and therefore a better option for splashbacks etc.

    Ceramic Tiles Porcelain Tiles
    Composition Coarse red, brown or white clay Fine kaolin white clay, sand and feldspar
    Water Absorption Between 0.5 and 6% Less than 0.5%
    Cost $10 to $55 per square metre $30 to $60 per square metre
    Typical Use Indoor floors and walls Indoor and outdoor floors and walls (sealed)
    Hardness Softer than porcelain
    5 or 6 MOHS
    Harder, more brittle than ceramic
    7, 8 or 9 MOHS
    PEI Rating Between 3 and 4 Between 3 and 5
    Water Resistance Good Excellent

    Ross’s Discount Home Centre has a wide range of ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles to meet all your requirements. You may view our online range here.

  • What are porcelain tiles used for?

    Porcelain tiles are best used as an indoor floor tile, although they can be used for other applications. They are commonly used as flooring in high-traffic floor areas such as kitchen floors and hallways, and due to their water-resistant properties, they are also great in bathrooms; on both walls and floors.

    When used in outdoor applications, thicker, 18mm+ porcelain tiles are recommended. Such tiles better withstand heavy furniture and harsh weather conditions. Unglazed porcelain tiles will need to be sealed if used outdoors.

    Read our guide to choosing Porcelain Tiles for further information regarding Porcelain Tiles.

    Ross’s Discount Home Centre has a wide range of porcelain tiles to meet all your requirements. You may view our range here.

  • What are ceramic tiles used for?

    Ceramic tiles are a great all-round tile. They have a hard protective layer, which makes them water-resistant and resistant to most stains.

    They can be used both indoors and outdoors, as a floor tile or wall tile. They can also be used in wet areas such as bathrooms and showers.

  • Do porcelain tiles chip easily?

    Porcelain tiles may chip, but not as easily as ceramic tiles. They are baked at a much greater temperature than ceramic tiles, which makes them exceptionally durable and resistant to chipping and scratching.

    Porcelain tiles won’t naturally chip unless they are subject to a force, such as something heavy being dropped onto them.

  • Which is the best tile for flooring?

    Porcelain tiles are the best flooring tile.

    They are heavier and less porous than ceramic tiles and are, therefore, more durable. Their high density makes them more water-resistant, scratch-resistant and chip-resistant than ceramic tiles. As such, they offer better longevity. Because of these properties, they are the recommended choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchen floors and hallways.

  • What are Mosaic Tiles?

    Mosaic tiles are very small tiles, typically less than 100mm square and are most commonly known as splashback tiles due to their popularity as a finish for kitchen and bathroom splashbacks. They are available in many different materials including porcelain, ceramic, glass, natural stone and others. They also come in various finishes.

    Commonly sold pre-mounted on mesh or paper sheets around 300x300mm in size, these sheets can be cut down to generate a pattern when mixed with other tiles. For example a 300x300mm sheet of 50x50mm mosaics could but cut down into narrower strips and joined together end to end to create a feature in a shower wall.

    Key benefits of mosaic tiles include:

    • Mosaics are used generally as feature tiles to enhance a room.
    • They can be used as splashback tiles in kitchens and bathrooms.
    • They are bright and can add character without being over-powering.
    • They can be a bold and dynamic statement reflecting the home owner’s personality.
  • How many extra tiles 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%. We 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.

  • How do I calculate how many square metres of tiles do I need?

    For a basic square or rectangular room, you need to measure the length and the width in metres. Then, get the total square meters by multiplying the length by the width. To subtract areas that you don`t want to tile, use the same method to calculate the area and then subtract it from the total area.

     

  • What are rectified tiles?

    When a tile is “rectified” its edges are cut at the factory after it is baked. The natural, pressed and somewhat rounded edges of the tile are cut and machined to produce a fairly sharp, precise edge with a micro-bevel and a flat surface at the perimeter. This procedure is common for porcelain floor tile but is also sometimes performed on large format ceramic wall tiles. With this precision the tiles can be set with a 2 mm to 3 mm grout joint and due to the flatness at the edges the joints are less visible.

  • Can a wall tile be used on a floor?

    No. Wall tiles have a weaker glaze and body and will wear prematurely. It is also not as resistant to impact and stress when used as a floor finish and may scratch, chip and crack. However, a floor tile can definitely be used on walls.

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