1/135 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750
A rectified tile will have straight cut edges whilst a non-rectified tile will have a slightly rolled edge. Rectified tiles allow for a grout joint of 1.5mm whilst non-rectified tiles will need a grout joint of 3mm. On uneven surfaces non-rectified tiles can be easier to lay and avoid lippage.
The main difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles is the density of the tile
biscuit (body of the tile). Porcelain tiles have a dense biscuit and are less porous than ceramic tiles making them more suitable for high traffic areas. However ceramic tiles are still suitable for low traffic floors and wall installations.
Most tiles will not need to be sealed as they are glazed and already have a factory seal on them, however we strongly recommend that any natural stone products are sealed, this includes any mosaics that contain natural stone. We have an extensive range of high-quality sealers. (see our sealers).
We also have a range of easy to use grout sealers. Grout sealers are an easy way to keep your grout looking as clean as the day it was installed, they also prevent your tile grout from staining. Therefore, we recommend sealing any grout lines that may be hard to clean or are at risk of staining. (see our grout sealer).
We strongly recommend adding 10% to all measurements to include for wastage and cuts, however some larger tiles and spaces which require more cuts may require up to 20%.
Slip ratings are a good way of distinguishing what tiles are suitable for certain outdoor areas. Any outdoor areas which are undercover such as alfresco or patios can have tiles with a slip rating of R9 or R10. Areas which are not undercover or exposed to water need a slip rating of R11 or R12.
If you would like your tiles to have a seamless look, then we recommend picking the grout colour that matches closest to the colour of your tile. However in some situations grout can be used to create a feature or contrast, for example using a dark grout with a white tile to make the laying pattern a feature. (see our range of grout colours).