Floor Tiles

Porcelain floor tiles are widely regarded as the most hard-wearing option available. They are fired at very high temperatures, resulting in an extremely dense, durable surface that resists scratches, stains, moisture and heavy foot traffic. This makes porcelain ideal for busy areas such as kitchens, hallways and commercial spaces. Natural stone, such as slate and granite, is also very robust and ages beautifully, though it requires periodic sealing to maintain its resistance to stains and water. When comparing options, it is worth checking the wear rating, which indicates a tile's suitability for different levels of foot traffic. Our team can recommend the most appropriate floor tile based on how the room will be used.

Yes, tiles are one of the very best floor coverings to use with underfloor heating. Both porcelain and natural stone conduct and retain heat exceptionally well, distributing warmth evenly across the room and remaining comfortable underfoot. Because tiles have excellent thermal conductivity, your heating system can run efficiently, often at lower temperatures. The vast majority of our floor tiles are compatible with both electric and water-based underfloor heating systems. It is important that the system is installed correctly and that a flexible, suitable adhesive and grout are used to accommodate the natural expansion and contraction. If you are planning underfloor heating, let us know and we can confirm compatibility for your chosen tiles.

In many cases, yes. Using the same tile, or coordinating tiles, across floors and walls is a popular way to create a seamless, cohesive and visually larger space. While most floor tiles can be used on walls, the reverse is not true: wall tiles are generally too thin and not rated to withstand foot traffic, so they should never be laid on floors. If you wish to run a tile from the floor up the wall, always check that it is rated for floor use, and bear in mind that polished or glossy floor tiles can be slippery when wet. Our product pages clearly state where a tile is suitable for both applications, and our team can help you plan a coordinated scheme.

Measure the length and width of the room in metres and multiply them together to calculate the floor area in square metres. For rooms that are not perfectly rectangular, divide the space into sections, calculate each separately and add them together. We recommend adding 10 percent extra for straightforward layouts, and 15 to 20 percent for patterned, diagonal or herringbone designs, where more cutting and wastage occurs. Ordering surplus from the same batch is wise, as it guards against shade variation and gives you spare tiles for any future repairs. If you would like a hand, our team is happy to help you calculate the right quantity for your room.

Many of our floor tiles are well suited to bathrooms and wet areas, but slip resistance varies by finish, so it is an important consideration. Tiles are given an anti-slip rating, commonly the R rating, which indicates how much grip they provide; for bathroom floors, wet rooms and outdoor areas we recommend tiles with a higher slip resistance, typically R10 or above. Textured, matt and structured surfaces offer more grip than polished finishes, which can become slippery when wet. Mosaic floor tiles are also a good option in showers, as the additional grout lines improve traction. Let us know where the tiles will be used and we can point you towards suitably rated options.

Yes, natural stone floor tiles, including marble, limestone, travertine and slate, are porous and should be sealed to protect them against staining, moisture and everyday wear. We recommend sealing before grouting and again once the floor is laid, then periodically thereafter depending on the stone and the level of use. Sealing helps preserve the stone's natural colour and makes routine cleaning far easier. Porcelain and most glazed ceramic tiles, by contrast, do not require sealing, as they are non-porous by nature. We stock the appropriate sealants and aftercare products, and our team can advise on the correct maintenance routine for your chosen stone.