Frequently Asked Questions
Tiles
How much breakage should I expect with an order?
It is not abnormal to have 2 – 3% wastage for cutting around windows and doors. Any quantity up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make.
How much breakage should I expect with an order?
It is not abnormal to have 2 – 3% wastage for cutting around windows and doors. Any quantity up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make.
What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited range of colours and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated.
What is the difference between standard “ceramic” tiles and porcelain tiles?
Ceramic or non-porcelain tiles are commonly made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are almost always finished with a durable glaze which carries the colour and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating
Porcelain tile is a tile that is generally prepared by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles making them stain resistant.
Full body porcelain tiles carry the colour and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear and are suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial applications. Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.
Double loaded porcelain tile process is similar to the single powder full body wear- resistant process except that a second loading of very fine coloured powders is applied t the surface creating the aesthetic beauty. Double loaded porcelain is manufactured with two layers of porcelain pressed together and then fired. The top layer is pressed to the base porcelain layer under high pressure. This top layer is comprised of porcelain clays randomly infused with various colour pigments that create an infinite range of colour combinations and patterns emulating that of natural stones. The bonded porcelain is then fired.
Glazed polished Porcelain tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colours and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic.
Roller printed tiles are coated with a print which is then pressed and baked into the surface of the tile. When we use this method of printing it gives some differentiation to the tiles thus meaning not all the tiles will look identical, there will be slight image differences.
What size tile should I use?
Using big tiles in a small area will visually expand the room. However dramatic tile patterns could make the room look smaller.
Can I install tiles over existing tiles?
Yes, however you have to make certain the floor surface is even and that the height doesn’t obstruct with the height of the doors, else you will need to sand your doors to be able to open and close them again.
Ready Made Granite
What is granite?
Granite describes stones that originate from deep in the earth’s molten mantle. As this lava-hot material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline, granular structure, which is where its name comes from. These stones are made up of minerals such as quarts, feldspar and mica. These combinations form an extremely durable stone ideal for kitchen counters. Granite is durable enough to resist mild scratching from knives and pots and pans. It is also resistant to high temperatures of up to 400 degrees Celsius, although we suggest you don’t put your surface to the test in this area, in case you cause permanent damage
What is granite?
Granite describes stones that originate from deep in the earth’s molten mantle. As this lava-hot material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline, granular structure, which is where its name comes from. These stones are made up of minerals such as quarts, feldspar and mica. These combinations form an extremely durable stone ideal for kitchen counters. Granite is durable enough to resist mild scratching from knives and pots and pans. It is also resistant to high temperatures of up to 400 degrees Celsius, although we suggest you don’t put your surface to the test in this area, in case you cause permanent damage
What is the difference between natural stone and man-made stone?
Natural stone is natural product, Man Made stone is an engineered product.
How do I clean and maintain my granite tops?
We recommend sealing the top upon installation and there after every 2 years. Simply wipe with warm soapy water using a damp cloth. Ordinary cleaning with a damp cloth will keep your tops polished surface looking like new and to avoid dulling the surface, be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaner.
What is the appropriate thickness for kitchen tops and vanity tops?
Slabs are manufactured in 30mm thickness & Splashbacks are 20mm thickness and are strong enough for any domestic application.
Cladding
Taking care of sandstone cladding
Sandstone cladding is kept clean by brushing the stone with a wet brush. Simply brush stone used on external surfaces while rinsing off with a hose pipe.
Natural stone sealers are available should you prefer to seal your sandstone.
Taking care of sandstone cladding
Sandstone cladding is kept clean by brushing the stone with a wet brush. Simply brush stone used on external surfaces while rinsing off with a hose pipe.
Natural stone sealers are available should you prefer to seal your sandstone.
What are the products made of?
It’s a natural stone product cut from the quarry in the Lesotho Mountains which is then calved to its desired shape
Will algae and moss grow in dark moist areas?
Yes, just like natural stone, our products are porous, so all those uglies are going to appear, at some stage. Sealing the product will slow this process down, significantly.
Laminated Flooring
How do I clean my laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a beautiful, low maintenance, long-lasting flooring. There are several simple steps that you can take to keep your laminate flooring clean and to ensure that you get many years of service from it. Simply dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wooden floor accessory to keep your laminate floor clean from dust, dirt or grit.
How do I clean my laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring is a beautiful, low maintenance, long-lasting flooring. There are several simple steps that you can take to keep your laminate flooring clean and to ensure that you get many years of service from it. Simply dust mop or vacuum with a soft brush or wooden floor accessory to keep your laminate floor clean from dust, dirt or grit.
What are the advantages of laminate flooring over those of solid hardwood flooring?
One apparent advantage is that of price; laminate flooring is typically half the cost of traditional hardwood flooring. Additionally, laminate flooring is intended to be easy to install and is generally an excellent choice for most do-it-yourselves, where solid hardwood requires a specific level of proficiency. Installing laminate doesn’t involve nails, and more recently has done away with glue as well in many cases. Laminate flooring can therefore be installed fairly quickly and inexpensively. Laminate flooring is generally designed to be scratch-resistant and fade resistant, two areas where solid hardwood flooring is known to be more vulnerable.
How can I get the shine of my floor to increase?
The shine cannot be customized as it is a manufactured characteristic. Therefore, you must never wax or polish a laminate floor.
What is a laminate flooring AC rating?
AC hardness ratings are a standardized measurement. The AC measure rates abrasion resistance, impact resistance, resistance to staining and burns, as well as thickness swelling along edges. If laminate flooring cannot meet the requirements for each of these ratings, approval for a given AC rating will be denied. Here is a more detailed guide:
- AC3 can be applied to more varied locations, such as small offices and other light commercial location
- AC4 can be installed in higher traffic commercial areas such as boutiques, busier offices, and restaurant