Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I use tiles?
Wall and floor tiles can be used in nearly any situation providing the correct adhesive and grout is used and also the correct tile chosen.
Q: Can I tile over old tiles or should I remove them?
Yes you can fix tiles over existing tiling, but first you need to check that the existing tiling is firmly bonded to the background, then clean and degrease the tiles. We receommend that Ardex P4 Primer and a polymer enhanced adhesive is used.
Q: Can I tile directly onto a wooden floor?
Yes, but some floors need additional preparation. Contact us if you require information on the additional preparation of a wooden floor.
Q: What preparation is required for new plaster?
All new plaster must be allowed to dry for 3 weeks. Please make sure the correct wall tile adhesive is purchased.
Q: Can I mix tiles from different ranges?
Yes, providing they are of the same size and thickness. Please take note that the sizes listed are nominal, meanig that they can vary between batches of tiles slightly.
Q: What does “tile grade” mean?
At Target Tiles, we like to categorise our floor tiles by using a grade system from 1 – 5, this helps us and you determine if the tile is strong enough for the application, 5 is the strongest, as is usually a porcelain tile.
Q: Can I use floor tiles on the wall?
Yes, but all surfaces have a maximum weight threshold they can take. Floor tiles are generally heavier than wall tiles so please check with us first.
Q: Can I use wall tiles on the floor?
Generally not as the glaze and materials used are not hard wearing enough.
Q: Where do I start my tiling from?
Measure the width of the wall and mark the centre with a vertical line. Tile outwards from this line towards the edges. For our free DIY Tiling Guide click here.
Q: Is the right adhesive important?
Yes, vital to your success. If in doubt get in touch with us here.
Q: Do I really need spacers?
Yes, on all wall and floor tiles. Correct spacing allows movement of the building walls and floors without the tiles cracking or blowing.
Q: When do I remove the spacers?
You don’t. Just leave then in and grout over them. They should be below the surface of the grout and invisible.
Q: What is the best tool to choose?
Choose a good quality, manual cutter with blade-guide and built in snapper. We supply these – just visit the tools section on our website.
Q: How do I cut L-shapes?
First score the edges of you shape with your normal cutter, but don’t snap them. Nibble out between the score lines with tile nippers or purchase an electric tile cutter.
Q: How do I cut a curve?
Score a straight line from each end point of the curve and snap this off normally. Then nibble out the remaining part of the curve with your tile nippers.
Q: Making pipe holes?
Buy a hole cutting attachment for your electric drill. We supply these with special teeth for ceramic tiles. This will give you a perfect smooth hole in the correct position. For tiling round existing pipes you then need to split the tile in half (using your normal cutter) across the centre of this hole. You then place each half back round the pipe.
Q: Is the right grout important?
Yes, the correct grout is important, you may need a flexible grout, or even a 2 part epoxy grout for your specific situation.
Q: How long do I leave my tiles before grouting?
You can apply the grout any time after 24hrs, unless a rapid setting tile adhesive has been used.
Q: How do I put the grout on?
Apply a small area at a time, using a proper tiling rubber squeegee. Clean off excess immediately using clean water and a proper tile sponge. When dry, polish tiles with a cloth for a professional finish.
Q: How should the finished surface look?
The grout finish should be smooth and nearly flush with the top surface of the tiles.
Q: My Floor layer has finished tiling the floor, the floor is still a little dusty, and should I mop it clean.
No, DON’T use a damp mop on your floor immediately after it being laid and grouted. By doing this any fine powder most likely left on the floor will be trapped in the water and may leave ugly and hard-to-remove streaks all over the floor. For the first few days or so, just use a soft cloth to dust mop the floor until (no whitish powder) is being removed .Test this with your hand by rubbing the floor.
Q – When my floor is ready for mopping can I use my normal floor cleaner
No, DON’T use your everyday Household cleaning products on natural stone floors. A lot of everyday brands of floor and wall tile cleaning products are harmful to both the protective sealer, as well as your stone. The sealer that has been applied can be broken down by bleach and other abrasive products over time. This leaves the natural stone “exposed” and more susceptible to staining. Specialist stone wash can be purchase as not much more cost than normal cleaners. These are more mild detergents which both preserve and re enforce the sealer which has been applied, as well as clean stone tiles. Lithofin Easy Care is a great example of good quality everyday stone cleaning product.
Lithofin Easy Care is ideal for use on honed limestone, travertine, or any porous stone tiles, which have had only impregnating sealers applied. Use Lithofin Easy Care, on floors sealed with Lithofin MN Stain Stop, Lithofin MN Colour Intensifier, Lithofin MN Slate Seal and tiles sealed with linseed oil.
Q – My Tiles are very dirty. What can I use that is safe on stone, but will also clean the tiles and renovate my Stone floor?
Intensive cleaners are available for natural stone tiles. Lithofin Wexa is a deep cleaning for natural stone tiles and will NOT affect the sealer already on the natural stone tiles. Lithofin Wax off is a natural stone remover for removing sealers already on the floor and taking the floor back to a state where a new sealer would be applied and Lithofin MN Power Clean Care is For thorough cleaning of floors in case of general dirt, grease, water marks and dusting, etc. For final cleaning of new surfaces at building sites. This product is recommended for all types of natural stone, but especially for polished marble and limestone.
Once floors are clean a new sealer can be applied Lithofin MN Stain stop Eco is ready-to-use special impregnator that is water based and nearly odorless. The easy to apply treatment ensures the ultimate protection against water and oil stains and facilitates daily maintenance. Lithofin MN Stain stop is special impregnator that provides optimal protection for absorbent natural and artificial stone surfaces, setting the standard in protection levels. Largely prevents oil, water and grease penetration and simplifies maintenance. Highly recommended in kitchens and bathrooms, etc., and with a Food & Hygiene Certificate it is ideal for use on work surfaces.
