Q… Do my tiles need sealing?

A... All natural stone, and most full body polished porcelain tiles should be sealed. Glazed tiles can not be sealed.

Q … What is a vitrified tile?

A… A full body tile made of porcelain with colour all though and no surface glazing. Due to the full body, texture can be moulded into tile to create a more natural stone look and non slip surface alternatively it can be polished to give a marble effect. Generally polished vitrified tiles need sealing. These tiles are very hard wearing and of commercial quality.  

Q… What is a rectified tile?

A… Any tile ceramic or porcelain that has a saw cut edge (very square edge). These tiles are laid with a very small grout joint and generally cost more to lie.

Q… What is glazed porcelain?

A… A full body tile with a glazed surface, colour and print to the surface only. This allows for strength of a commercial grade tile but ease for cleaning as it’s a non porous surface

Q… Is porcelain better than natural stone?

A… It is harder, more durable than stone less likely to wear and may not require sealing. BUT is man made so it will never have the soft feel of stone or the natural beauty and variation of colour and pattern. If you like consistency then stone may not be for you as there is no guarantee what you will get and each new shipment can be very different in colour and markings.

Q… How much will a tiler charge?

A… Like all trades its best to get three quotes. Expect to pay extra for natural stone as it must be sorted as it’s laid because of its variation in colour and it must all be cut on wet saw. Also as it’s laid close together the laying must be very precise to avoid lipping (uneven on edges). In addition Rectified edge tiles where joints are also very small will also cost more than normal as the laying again has to be accurate to avoid lipping also.

Q… Can I lay over existing tiles or timber?

A… Yes as long as the tiles don’t appear drummy (hollow underneath) and the floor is prepared properly. You can also lay over timber but it’s not recommended to lay over vinyl or slate. When doing either of these you will need to use more specific adhesive.

Q… Can I use floor tiles on the wall?

A… You can use floor tiles on the wall but you can’t use wall tiles on the floor.

Q… Can you use tiles outside?

A… Generally most tiles can go outside and even be driven over if they are a floor tile. The main issue with putting tiles outside is slipping when they are wet. Specific external tiles whether glazed or vitrified can be used outside safely as they are made with a special slip rated surface.

Q… What is the difference between marble, travertine and limestone?

A… Limestone is a rock of mainly calcite. Marble is basically a limestone that recrystallises causing extreme changes in textures and colours. Limestone is generally a loft softer, more consistent, and more porous. Travertine generally starts out a similar composition to limestone then minerals from hot springs are deposited on it and  its holes are created by gases that become trapped. Travertine is older than marble or limestone and considered very durable.

Q… Does groove have a representative on the road?

A… Yes groove has consultants that can come to your house, office or building site. They will liaise with your designer, builder, tiler where required.

Q… Will groove help me with designs and colours?

A… Our consultants by appointment will give you as much assistance in relation to design as colour as we can. We will assist you with vanity and kitchen colours, designs of bathrooms, features, external colour advise, where and what to put on feature walls, etc. At the end of every selection we will not only measure and quote for you but we will also provide 3D computer drawings showing all feature locations and design work. All of this is FREE Click here to view our services.

Q… Buy Italian or Chinese?

A… If you want real quality you can’t go past the Italian products. Italy has been manufacturing tiles for years and they are perfect at it!! They have a reputation for being the best in the industry and this is well justified.  Their technology is first class and cutting edge. Italian tile manufacturers lead the industry in creative design.  They invest heavily in research and development to continually produce innovative products.  Traditionally Chinese product have not been as advanced in both design and quality however with more experience and the latest technology their standard is improving and we are now starting to see some very nice tiles from China.

Q… What are the going rates for tiles?

A… Tiles can start from $20-$25pm2 for the most basic of tiles. Generally $35-$55.00pm2 is mid range and then $55.00pm2 + is more selected products. The price of marble is very inconsistent and can be $80-$250pm2 depending on type of marble, availability and also size and finish.