At Porcelain Tiles Direct, we have been working with porcelain tiles for over 14 years. We supply directly from the factory to your project, so we know these products inside and out. In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about cutting porcelain tiles accurately and safely.

Why Cutting Porcelain Tiles Is Different

Porcelain tiles are much harder than standard ceramic tiles. They are fired at extremely high temperatures, which makes them very dense and tough. This is great for durability, but it also means they need the right tools and technique to cut porcelain tiles cleanly.

Using the wrong tool or the wrong method can lead to chipping, cracking, or uneven edges. This affects the look of your finished installation and can waste expensive material. Getting the cut right first time saves you time and money, especially on larger projects.

The Main Methods Used to Cut Porcelain Tiles

There are several tried and tested methods for cutting porcelain tiles. Each one suits different situations depending on the type of cut needed, the thickness of the tile, and the finish required.

1. Wet Saw (Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade)

A wet saw is the most common and most reliable method for cutting porcelain tiles on a professional level. It uses a diamond-tipped blade and a continuous flow of water to cool the blade and reduce dust. The water also helps prevent chipping along the cut edge.

Wet saws give a very clean, smooth cut. They are ideal for straight cuts across the tile and are used heavily on large format porcelain tiles, which have become very popular in modern residential and commercial projects. At Porcelain Tiles Direct, many of the large format tiles we supply are best cut using this method for a professional finish.

2. Manual Tile Cutter (Score and Snap)

A manual tile cutter works by scoring a line across the surface of the tile and then applying pressure to snap it cleanly along that line. This method works well on thinner porcelain tiles and is a fast option for making straight cuts in large quantities.

However, not all porcelain tiles respond well to a score and snap method. Very thick tiles or tiles with a textured surface may not snap cleanly. It is always best to test on a spare tile first. For standard residential projects where speed matters, a manual cutter can be a great time-saver.

3. Angle Grinder with Diamond Blade

An angle grinder fitted with a dry diamond cutting blade can be used to cut porcelain tiles, particularly for curved or irregular shapes. This is useful when you need to cut around pipework, sockets, or unusual room shapes.

Cutting with an angle grinder produces more dust and the finish is slightly rougher than a wet saw. It is best used when the edge will be hidden by a fitting or skirting. Proper protective equipment, including a dust mask and safety goggles, is always needed when using this tool.

4. Oscillating Multi-Tool

An oscillating multi-tool with a diamond or carbide blade attachment is a good choice for small, detailed cuts. It is particularly useful for notching out corners or making short cuts where a larger machine would be difficult to control.

This tool is slower than a wet saw, but gives good control for tricky cuts. It is not ideal for long straight cuts across a full tile. Think of it as the precision tool in your kit rather than the main cutting tool.

5. Tile Nibbler

A tile nibbler is a specialist tool designed to bite away small amounts of tile at a time. It is used mainly for curved cuts, such as cutting around a toilet base or a curved wall. The nibbler removes material in small chips, gradually shaping the tile to the required profile.

This method requires patience and practice. The finish may need to be smoothed with a diamond file afterwards. It is not suitable for long straight cuts but is very handy for shaped cuts that other tools cannot manage.

Step-by-Step: How to Cut Porcelain Tiles with a Wet Saw

For most projects, the wet saw gives the best results. Here is a simple step-by-step process for cutting porcelain tiles using this method:

Step 1: Measure and Mark Use a pencil or tile marker to draw your cut line on the face of the tile. Double-check your measurements before you cut. A good rule in tiling is: measure twice, cut once.

Step 2: Set Up the Wet Saw Fill the water tray to the marked level. Check the blade is secure and in good condition. A worn diamond blade produces a rougher cut and takes longer. Replace blades regularly on large projects.

Step 3: Align the Tile Place the tile on the sliding table of the wet saw with the marked line aligned with the blade. Use the fence guide for straight parallel cuts to keep the line consistent.

Step 4: Make the Cut Switch the saw on and let the blade reach full speed before feeding the tile slowly into the blade. Apply steady, gentle pressure. Do not force the tile. Let the blade do the work. Rushing the cut can cause chipping or put strain on the blade.

Step 5: Check the Edge Once cut, inspect the edge. A good cut should be smooth with no chips or cracks. If the edge will be visible, a diamond hand pad can be used to smooth and refine it.

Tips for Getting the Best Cut on Porcelain Tiles

• Always use a diamond-tipped blade rated for porcelain tiles. Cheaper blades will chip the tile and wear out quickly.
• Keep the blade cool. On a wet saw, check the water level regularly. On a dry cut with an angle grinder, keep cuts short and pause to let the blade cool.
• Support the tile fully during the cut. Unsupported tiles can vibrate or flex, causing a rough finish or a crack in the wrong place.
• Cut with the face side up when using a wet saw. This reduces chipping on the visible surface.
• For very large format tiles, two people make the job safer and easier. One person guides the tile, the other supports the far end.

Common Mistakes When Cutting Porcelain Tiles

Using the wrong blade is the most common error. A blade designed for ceramic tiles will struggle with porcelain tiles and produce rough, chipped edges. Always check the blade specification before you start.

Cutting too fast is another common problem. Pushing the tile too quickly into the blade causes heat build-up and chipping. A slow, steady feed gives a clean result every time.

Not measuring carefully leads to wasted tiles and wasted time. Always mark tiles clearly and check measurements against the actual space, not just the plan.

Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Project

At Porcelain Tiles Direct, we supply a huge range of porcelain tiles directly from trusted factories. Our direct supply model means you get competitive pricing without paying for unnecessary middlemen in the chain. We have worked with property developers, self-builders, and project managers across the UK and worldwide for over 14 years.

If you are planning a large project, getting the right tiles and understanding how they need to be cut is part of good project planning. Our team is happy to advise on tile thickness, format, and the best cutting methods for your specific requirements.

For more information on tile installation standards in the UK, the British Standards Institution (BSI) publishes guidance on tiling best practice, and the Tile Association is a trusted UK resource for professional tiling guidance.

Final Thoughts

Cutting porcelain tiles correctly is a skill that combines the right tools, the right technique, and a bit of patience. A wet saw with a quality diamond blade is the best all-round choice for most projects. For shaped or detailed cuts, an angle grinder or oscillating tool gives you the control you need.

Understanding how porcelain tiles are cut helps you plan material quantities more accurately, reduce waste, and achieve a professional finish. At Porcelain Tiles Direct, we are here to support your project from the very first tile to the last. Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements and find out how our direct factory supply model can benefit your next project.

The post How Porcelain Tiles Are Cut: A Complete Guide From the Experts appeared first on Porcelain Tiles Direct.

With over 14 years of experience supplying tiles directly from the factory to projects across the UK and worldwide, we know these products inside and out. This guide will help you understand exactly what sets ceramic and porcelain tiles apart, so you can make the right choice for your project with confidence.

What Are Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of natural clay, sand, and water. This mixture is shaped, glazed, and then fired in a kiln at relatively high temperatures. The result is a hard, flat tile with a glazed surface that provides colour and a degree of protection.

Ceramic tiles have been used in construction for thousands of years. They are widely available, easy to work with, and come at a lower price point than porcelain tiles. Because they are softer and less dense, they are easier to cut and fix, making them a popular choice for DIY projects and lighter domestic use.

The glaze on a ceramic tile is what gives it its finish and provides its resistance to moisture and staining. Without the glaze, the body of the tile is porous and absorbs water readily. This is an important point when comparing ceramic tiles to porcelain tiles.

What Are Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are also made from clay, but the clay used is much more refined and finely ground. The mixture is pressed under very high pressure and fired at significantly higher temperatures than standard ceramic tiles. This process makes porcelain tiles extremely dense, hard, and non-porous.

The result is a tile that absorbs very little water, resists scratches, and stands up to heavy use. Porcelain tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, which makes them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, including frost-prone areas. This is one of the key differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles and one of the main reasons why porcelain is the preferred choice for professional and commercial projects.

At Porcelain Tiles Direct, every tile we supply is porcelain. We chose to specialise in porcelain because of its superior performance, longer lifespan, and the fact that it suits the demands of property developers, self-builders, and large-scale refurbishments far better than standard ceramic.

Key Differences Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Understanding the core technical differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles helps you match the right product to the right project. Here is a clear breakdown of where they differ.

Density and Hardness

Porcelain tiles are significantly denser and harder than ceramic tiles. This is because of the finer clay and higher firing temperature used in production. On the Mohs hardness scale, porcelain typically rates higher than ceramic, meaning it is more resistant to scratching and surface damage from daily use. For high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, retail spaces, and commercial flooring, porcelain is the stronger and more durable choice.

Water Absorption

This is one of the most important differences between ceramic and porcelain tiles. Porcelain tiles absorb less than 0.5% water, making them virtually impermeable. Standard ceramic tiles have a much higher water absorption rate, sometimes as high as 10%. This means ceramic tiles are less suited to wet areas, outdoor spaces, or environments where moisture levels are high. Porcelain tiles can be used in bathrooms, swimming pool surrounds, outdoor terraces, and commercial kitchens with confidence.

Durability and Lifespan

Because porcelain tiles are harder and denser, they last longer under pressure. They resist chipping, cracking, and surface wear better than ceramic tiles. For property developers and self-builders who want a finish that holds up over the long term and reduces maintenance costs, porcelain tiles offer far better value over time.

Weight

Porcelain tiles are heavier than ceramic tiles of the same size. This is something to factor into project planning, particularly when tiling walls or upper floors. The additional weight means subfloor preparation may need more attention, and wall adhesive selection needs to match the tile weight. Our team at Porcelain Tiles Direct can advise on the right preparation for your specific installation.

Ease of Cutting

Ceramic tiles are easier to cut because they are softer. A standard manual tile cutter can handle most ceramic tiles without difficulty. Porcelain tiles, being much harder, require a diamond-tipped wet saw or a high-quality angle grinder with a diamond blade to achieve a clean cut. While this adds a step for the installer, the payoff is a longer-lasting, higher-quality finish. We have a detailed guide on how porcelain tiles are cut on our website if you want to know more about this process.

Cost

Ceramic tiles are generally less expensive than porcelain tiles at the point of purchase. However, the overall cost picture changes when you factor in lifespan, maintenance, and replacement. Porcelain tiles last significantly longer and perform better in demanding conditions, making them the more cost-effective option over the full life of a project.

At Porcelain Tiles Direct, our direct factory-to-project supply model means you get porcelain tiles at highly competitive prices. By removing unnecessary steps from the supply chain and taking advantage of favourable currency exchange rates, we pass real savings directly on to you.

Appearance and Finish Options

Both ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a huge range of colours, patterns, and finishes. However, porcelain tiles offer some additional options that ceramic tiles cannot match. Through-body porcelain tiles, also called full-body tiles, have the colour and pattern running all the way through the tile body, not just on the surface glaze. This means that if the tile chips at the edge, the damage is far less visible. Porcelain tiles are also available in large format sizes that would not be structurally practical in ceramic.

Where Should You Use Ceramic Tiles?

Ceramic tiles are a practical choice for low-traffic indoor areas where moisture levels are controlled. Good applications include:

• Internal walls in living rooms or bedrooms
• Low-traffic bathroom walls (above the waterline)
• Decorative splashbacks
• Feature walls in dry areas

They work well in situations where budget is the main consideration and the area does not face heavy wear, moisture, or temperature changes.

Where Should You Use Porcelain Tiles?

Porcelain tiles are the better choice for almost every other application. Their superior performance makes them the right product for:

• Kitchen floors and walls
• Bathroom floors, walls, and shower enclosures
• Hallways and high-traffic areas
• Outdoor terraces, patios, and balconies
• Commercial spaces, offices, and retail environments
• Underfloor heating installations
• Areas exposed to frost or temperature fluctuation

If you are a property developer or self-builder, porcelain tiles are the professional standard. They hold up better, look better for longer, and add more value to a finished property than ceramic tiles.

A Quick Comparison Table

Why We Focus Exclusively on Porcelain Tiles

At Porcelain Tiles Direct, we made a deliberate decision to specialise entirely in porcelain tiles. After 14 years working in this industry, we have seen first-hand how porcelain tiles outperform ceramic tiles in real-world projects. Our customers are property developers, self-builders, and project managers who need a product that delivers excellent results time after time.

Our direct factory supply model means we can offer a wide range of porcelain tiles at prices that reflect our streamlined supply chain. We ship door to door, cutting out the middlemen and passing the savings directly to our clients. Competitive currency rates allow us to source premium porcelain tiles from leading factories and deliver them at highly competitive prices across the UK and internationally.

For professional guidance on tile selection and installation standards, the Tile Association provides trusted UK industry resources. The British Ceramic Confederation also publishes useful information on tile production and standards.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

The difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles comes down to performance, durability, and application. Ceramic tiles have their place in light, dry, low-traffic indoor settings. But for any project that demands long-term performance, moisture resistance, or a high-quality finish, porcelain tiles are the clear choice.

If you are planning a project and want honest, expert advice on the right porcelain tiles for your needs, our team at Porcelain Tiles Direct is ready to help. Get in touch today and find out how our direct factory supply model can deliver the quality and value your project deserves.

The post The Difference Between Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles: What You Need to Know appeared first on Porcelain Tiles Direct.

The British tile and interiors industry has been shaken by the collapse of Fired Earth, a name long associated with craftsmanship and luxury. After forty years in business, the Oxfordshire-based brand entered administration in late 2025, closing all twenty of its UK showrooms and leaving 133 employees redundant. For decades, Fired Earth represented the pinnacle of British home design, admired for its curated collections of ceramics, marbles, and mosaics.

Its demise, however, highlights the deep structural changes taking place within the retail landscape. Mounting losses, rising operational costs, and the shift toward online purchasing proved fatal for a company dependent on physical showrooms. Despite generating £15 million in turnover, losses of £1.6 million in 2024 alone underscored a business model struggling to adapt to modern realities.

As consumers mourn the loss of a beloved brand, one company has quietly ensured continuity: Porcelain Tiles Direct, a modern supplier that continues to provide the same style, quality, and craftsmanship that Fired Earth once championed.

Porcelain Tiles Direct: Redefining Tile Supply for a Digital Age

For over fourteen years, Porcelain Tiles Direct has built its reputation as a direct importer and exporter of high-quality porcelain and stone tiles. The company’s innovative “door-to-door” model cuts out unnecessary intermediaries, delivering products straight from the factory to the project site, whether a large-scale development, a private home, or an international build.

This direct approach ensures clients benefit from:

• Competitive pricing, thanks to currency-optimised rates.
  
• Faster delivery times by bypassing traditional retail distribution.
  
• Consistent quality, through long-standing relationships with global tile manufacturers.
  

While others relied on expensive retail showrooms, Porcelain Tiles Direct embraced efficiency, technology, and transparency. This approach not only future-proofed the business but positioned it perfectly to support clients now left stranded by Fired Earth’s closure.

Continuity of Style: The Designs Customers Still Love

The closure of Fired Earth has left many designers and homeowners searching for tiles to match existing projects or complete unfinished renovations. Fortunately, Porcelain Tiles Direct continues to supply many of the same materials and designs that defined Fired Earth’s legacy.

Customers can still find luxurious options like East Hampton Marble, known for its classic veining and coastal charm; Aegean Pink Marble, which brings soft, Mediterranean warmth; and the beautifully textured Seaspray Green Stacked Marble Mosaic, ideal for creating natural, tranquil spaces.

 Core and Ore Ltd can offer a large selection of bathroom and brassware ranges, providing clients with a broader solution that complements tile design and specification. This ensures that homeowners, designers, and developers can continue sourcing complete interior packages, from tiles to taps, through a trusted network.

For modern interiors, Porcelain Tiles Direct offers collections such as Monet Lorica, Pure Shower, and Haus Modernist, each showcasing the brand’s ability to merge timeless design with contemporary flair. These tiles mirror the sophistication once associated with Fired Earth but are now available through a more efficient, accessible platform.

Learning from Fired Earth’s Mistakes

Fired Earth’s collapse serves as a warning to traditional retailers in the luxury home improvement sector. The company’s fixed showroom costs, heavy staffing needs, and dependence on foot traffic created a business model that was unsustainable in the post-pandemic world. As more consumers shifted online, competitors with leaner operations and digital expertise gained an advantage.

Porcelain Tiles Direct took the opposite path. From its inception, the company prioritised direct sourcing, logistical excellence, and online accessibility. Rather than maintaining costly showrooms, it reinvested savings into better pricing and service quality. The result is a business perfectly aligned with modern consumer behaviour – where homeowners and professionals alike expect to research, compare, and order premium tiles online.

A Nationwide Network Delivering Quality Across the UK

With a strong UK-based supply chain and trusted partnerships across the country, Porcelain Tiles Direct ensures the same level of consistency and quality once expected from heritage retailers like Fired Earth. From London to Leeds, Edinburgh to Exeter, the company delivers directly to projects of every size, bringing premium tiles straight from the factory to your door.

Clients can continue to find collections such as the Patisserie Hevin Blue Patterned Tile, Andalucia Belmez Patterned Tile, and Terrazzo Bosello Green Base Tile, alongside contemporary favourites like Frammento Multi Terrazzo and South Cliff, each showcasing a fresh interpretation of timeless British style.

This UK-wide service means whether you’re renovating a townhouse in Brighton, updating a cottage in the Cotswolds, or managing a development in Manchester, Porcelain Tiles Direct provides reliable delivery, consistent quality, and seamless customer support every step of the way.

Serving Developers, Designers, and Homeowners Alike

Porcelain Tiles Direct understands that every client has different needs. Developers value bulk ordering and reliability; designers look for unique materials; homeowners seek both beauty and value. The company’s model caters to all three.

For developers, Porcelain Tiles Direct offers competitive trade pricing and dependable delivery schedules. Self-builders and renovators appreciate transparent communication and curated collections that suit any design vision. Architects and designers benefit from technical expertise, from slip ratings to shade variation management.

Core and Ore Ltd supports clients seeking complete bathroom solutions, offering tiles, brassware, and bathroom products that align in both style and quality. This partnership is already assisting customers affected by Fired Earth’s closure, helping to fulfil ongoing projects that were mid-specification or awaiting order approval.

Every client, regardless of project size, receives the same care and commitment, a hallmark of the company’s ethos.

Preserving the Fired Earth Aesthetic

The visual identity that made Fired Earth so distinctive lives on through Porcelain Tiles Direct’s extensive catalogue. The East Hampton collection evokes coastal refinement with its crisp, marble-inspired look. The Medina tiles continue the North African tradition of hand-crafted patterning, while Bastide captures rustic Provençal charm for farmhouse-style interiors.

For clients seeking an artistic touch, designs inspired by Neisha Crosland and Bert and May bring geometric precision and boutique creativity to contemporary spaces. The company’s Haus Modernist line, meanwhile, offers architectural simplicity for minimalist design schemes.

Even the intricate beauty of Patisserie Hevin Blue Patterned Tile and the Mediterranean vibrance of Andalucia Belmez Patterned Tile continue to be available, ensuring customers can replicate or extend their previous Fired Earth projects without compromise.

The Broader Industry Shift: From Showrooms to Smart Sourcing

Fired Earth’s closure is part of a wider pattern in the British tile industry. In recent years, several major players such as CTD Tiles and Johnson Tiles have either restructured or shut down operations due to unsustainable costs. Manufacturing has increasingly moved abroad, and the future lies in global sourcing and efficient distribution, not domestic production and retail overhead.

Porcelain Tiles Direct has mastered this transition. Its expertise in trading, import logistics, and direct supply positions it as a model for the industry’s future. The company’s “factory to project” philosophy ensures materials move seamlessly from source to site, eliminating unnecessary costs and delays.

As a result, the same aesthetic excellence once associated with British design houses now thrives within a modern, digital-first infrastructure.

The Sustainability Advantage

Beyond price and efficiency, Porcelain Tiles Direct is committed to sustainability. Many of its collections, including Frammento Multi Terrazzo, incorporate recycled materials and eco-conscious production methods. By sourcing from factories that adhere to stringent environmental standards, the company ensures that beauty never comes at the expense of the planet.

In an era where sustainability is integral to both architecture and interior design, this commitment resonates strongly with developers and homeowners alike. Porcelain Tiles Direct’s approach demonstrates that modern design can remain environmentally responsible while retaining the luxury finish and durability clients expect.

Technical Expertise That Delivers Confidence

One of the defining advantages of Porcelain Tiles Direct is its deep technical understanding of tile performance. From ensuring correct slip resistance for wet areas like bathrooms and pool surrounds to guaranteeing frost-resistant tiles for outdoor applications, every product is selected with precision.

The company’s experienced team offers detailed guidance on installation, maintenance, and material selection, ensuring projects run smoothly from design to completion. Whether a client orders a few boxes of Medina tiles or a full container of Terrazzo Bosello Green Base Tile, every shipment undergoes rigorous quality checks before dispatch.

This reliability has earned the company a reputation for professionalism qualities that clients once associated with Fired Earth’s heritage but now find in Porcelain Tiles Direct’s hands-on, globally connected service.

A Legacy Reimagined

Fired Earth’s collapse marks the end of a chapter in British design, but not the end of its influence. Many of the looks that defined the brandcoastal marbles, patterned ceramics, artisanal mosaics, live on through Porcelain Tiles Direct’s curated collections.

The East Hampton Marble continues to bring light and elegance into interiors. The Aegean Pink Marble carries a warmth that suits both traditional and modern spaces. The Seaspray Green Stacked Marble Mosaic evokes tranquillity and texture, ideal for bathrooms and feature walls. The Bastide collection captures countryside sophistication, while South Cliff adds a sleek, contemporary twist to urban designs.

By preserving these timeless aesthetics, Porcelain Tiles Direct bridges the gap between the old world of design heritage and the new era of efficient, digital commerce.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tile Design in the UK

The British tile market is evolving rapidly. As traditional retailers close and manufacturing shifts overseas, the industry’s future belongs to companies that can combine design expertise with logistical agility. Porcelain Tiles Direct exemplifies this balance, combining craftsmanship with technology, global reach with local service, and value with elegance.

For clients left uncertain by Fired Earth’s administration, the message is clear: the styles you love have not vanished. From East Hampton to Medina, from Haus Modernist to Andalucia Belmez Patterned Tile, Porcelain Tiles Direct continues to supply the very designs that shaped British interiors for generations.

What has changed is how they reach you faster, more affordably, and without compromise.

Conclusion:

Fired Earth’s fall may symbolise the end of an era, but it also signals the rise of a smarter, more resilient model of craftsmanship and commerce. In a world where digital access and direct sourcing are redefining luxury, Porcelain Tiles Direct stands as the natural successor to the heritage of British tile design.

With fourteen years of expertise, a network of partners, and a commitment to choice, quality, and efficiency, Porcelain Tiles Direct ensures that beautiful, lasting design remains accessible to everyone, from individual homeowners to international developers.

The closure of Fired Earth may have closed showrooms, but it hasn’t closed opportunity. Thanks to Porcelain Tiles Direct, the story of British tile artistry continues refined, renewed, and ready for the future.

Discover the Next Chapter in Tile Design

If you’ve been affected by the closure of Fired Earth, or if you’re seeking the same exceptional quality tiles for your home or project, Porcelain Tiles Direct is here to help. Explore our full range of premium porcelain, marble, and patterned tiles, including favourites like East Hampton Marble, Seaspray Green Stacked Marble Mosaic, Aegean Pink Marble, and Andalucia Belmez Patterned Tile, available for delivery across the UK and worldwide.Visit www.porcelaintiles.direct today to request a quote, browse our collections, or speak directly with our tile experts.
Door to door. Factory to project. Choice, quality, and efficiency wherever you are.

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You can of course always contact a professional tiler to help with your porcelain tiling or you can tile yourself. This blog is for those willing to give it a try –

What you will require:

Tile cutter
Primer
Grout Float
Tile adhesive/grout
Spacers
Measuring tape
Pencil
Notched trowel
Washboy
Sponge
Bucket
Spirit level
Rubber mallet
Safety gear (gloves & goggles)

*every home project is different – this is only a rough guide on what you need, you may require more depending on the project.

First we need to prep, ensuring the subfloor is clean and there is plenty of space.

Plan, plan, plan!! – Set out the exact position of your tiles.

When floor tiling it is recommended that you use a cement based flexible tile adhesives.

You will need to use a notched trowel to spread the adhesive on to your floor, you must ensure there is a full amount of adhesive behind the tile.

Making sure the surface is ready to tile –
Make sure the surface is level and dry
There is no dust or dirt
Primed
No movement

It is important not to tile directly on to your floorboards, instead you should overboard with plywood or tile backing boards. Making sure that the floorboards are screwed down properly into the joists.

For plywood you will need:
18mm WBP plywood
Screw into the floorboards at 200mm centres

For tile backing boards:
6mm cement backer boards
Foam backer boards for floors with electric underfloor heating.

*overboard your current floorboards

We never advise tiling directly on to existing tiles, but if you choose to do so you must ensure that they are fully bonded to the original substrate.

Decoupling membranes / anti fracture mats

These help prevent the risk of your tiles cracking by absorbing the lateral movement in the floor below.

Self levellers are simple to pour and mix, they leave you with a smoother level surface. Self leveller is recommended with underfloor heating as it can help to cover electric cables.

Priming is always an important process before we begin tiling this increases the strength of the adhesive bond.

Now for the tiling!

It is recommended to begin by working on small sections around 1 m2. Starting from the centre of the room and working out towards each wall.

You should apply adhesive to the floor using the trowel.
Ensure a full bed behind each tile.
Place your tile onto the adhesive.
Place the next tile in the same way inserting spacers into the gap – these will be grouted over.
When you reach the wall you will then have to cut the tile.

For cutting porcelain tiles you will need a high quality tile cutter!

Grouting is the next step, this prevents moisture and dirt getting behind the tiles. When mixing grout simply add water and mix.
To apply the grout:
Add grout to the grout float
Run the grout across the surface of your tiles
Push the grout into the gaps
Remove any excess grout

When the joints have all been filled it’s now time to clean, this can be done with a washboy set. (don’t use too much pressure).

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Selection of Porcelain Tiles

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