Tiles

A matt (or honed) tile has a flat, light-absorbing surface, while a polished tile is buffed to a gloss that reflects it. Polished finishes make a room feel brighter and larger; matt finishes are less slippery underfoot and hide water marks and dust better, which is why they are usually the safer choice for a floor.

No. Texture, thickness and material vary across the range, and some tiles are rated for walls only. The suitability is listed in each product's specification — check it before ordering, and speak to our sales team if you want one tile to run from floor to wall.

Measure the area in square metres and add roughly 10% for cuts and breakages — more if you are laying a herringbone or diagonal pattern, which wastes more at the edges. Tiles here are sold by the square metre, and each product page carries a calculator that turns your measurements into an order quantity.

Porcelain is fired dense enough that it does not need sealing, though the grout around it usually benefits from it. Natural stone is porous and does need sealing, both before grouting and periodically afterwards, to keep it from staining. The product specification says which material you are buying.

A soft cloth or mop and a neutral, non-abrasive soap solution is all that is needed for weekly cleaning. Avoid bleach, vinegar, baking soda and any acidic or abrasive cleaner — they dull a polished glaze and will etch natural stone. Wipe spills on stone promptly rather than letting them sit.

Every product page carries full photography and the size, finish and specification in writing. Some ranges also sell a sample folder you can buy outright, and the sales team will talk a glaze or a veining through with you over the phone.