Empress Tiles

Both are fired clay tiles, but porcelain is made from a denser, more refined clay fired at a higher temperature, making it harder, less porous and highly suited to floors and wet areas. Ceramic is a little softer and more porous, which makes it lighter, easy to cut and ideal for walls — though many floor-rated ceramics are also available. Each product page confirms where a tile can be used.

Many are, but it depends on the individual tile. Wall ceramics have a softer glaze not intended for underfoot wear, while floor-rated ceramics and porcelains are made to take the traffic. The product page shows each tile's suitability and, where relevant, its slip rating — our team is always happy to recommend the right tile for a floor.

The glazed surface of a ceramic tile is non-porous and effectively self-protecting, so it doesn't need sealing and wipes clean easily. The exceptions are crackle-glazed and any unglazed or natural-finish tiles, which should be sealed. Grout lines can always benefit from a grout protector, and we'll flag any tile that needs extra care.

A degree of variation is normal and, with handmade and artisan glazes, very much part of the appeal. We recommend ordering from a single batch where possible and mixing tiles from several boxes as you fix, so any natural variation in tone is spread evenly across the wall or floor rather than appearing in patches.

Measure your area in square metres, add around 10% for cuts and breakages (a little more for diagonal or patterned layouts), and round up to whole boxes. It's worth keeping a few spare tiles for any future repairs, since glazes can vary between production runs. Our team can help you check quantities before you order.

Yes — glaze, colour and finish are best judged in your own light. We offer free cut samples to collect from our Ascot showroom, or posted for a small postage charge, and you're very welcome to visit the showroom to see the full ceramic range in person.