Tile Buying Guide & Resource Hub
Bringing over 60 years of combined experience to every home improvement project in Market Harborough.
Embarking on a tiling project can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We have compiled our expert knowledge into this guide to help you make informed decisions about materials, preparation, and maintenance—ensuring your project is a success from the first tile to the last.
1. Measuring Up
How much do you need?
Accurate measuring is the foundation of any project.
- The Rule of Thumb: Measure the total area (length × width) of your walls or floors.
- The Waste Factor: Always add at least 10% to your total area. This accounts for tiles that need to be cut to size, as well as a small reserve for breakages during installation or potential future repairs.
- Complex Layouts: If you are choosing a herringbone or diagonal pattern, we recommend adding 15% for extra cuts.
2. Choosing the Right Material
What material should you use?
Not all tiles are created equal. Understanding the material is key to long-term performance:
- Porcelain: The gold standard for durability. It is dense, highly moisture-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic floors, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
- Ceramic: A lighter, more cost-effective option. Perfect for wall applications where there is less wear and tear.
- Natural Stone: Beautiful and timeless. Please note that natural stone requires sealing and regular maintenance to protect it from staining and wear.
3. Selecting Your Finish
What finish do you need?
Accurate measuring is the foundation of any project.
- Gloss: Reflects light, making smaller rooms feel larger and brighter. Best suited for walls.
- Matt: Offers a modern, understated aesthetic. It is excellent at hiding dust and water marks and provides better grip, making it a popular choice for floors and busy family areas.
- Anti-Slip (R-Rated): Essential for wet rooms, bathrooms, and outdoor patios. Look for high R-ratings to ensure safety in damp conditions.
4. Preparation
The Secret to a Perfect Finish
Accurate measuring is the foundation of any project.
- Check the Surface: Ensure your walls or floors are clean, dry, flat, and free of dust.
- Priming: Never skip the primer. It seals the surface and ensures your adhesive bonds securely, preventing tiles from lifting or cracking over time.
- Adhesives: Always use a professional-grade adhesive suitable for your specific tile type and substrate. If you are ever unsure, check in with our Trade Counter team—we stock the industry-leading BAL/Dunlop range with a 10-year bond guarantee.
5. Aftercare & Maintenance
How to keep them looking like new
Keep your tiles looking brand new with these simple steps:
- Cleaning: Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners that can damage grout or tile surfaces. A simple ph-neutral cleaner and a microfibre cloth are usually all you need.
- Grout Care:If your grout starts to look tired, professional grout cleaners can refresh the colour without the need for a full re-tiling.
- Sealing: If you chose natural stone, remember to re-seal your tiles periodically as recommended by the stone manufacturer.
Need Specific Advice?
Every project has its own unique challenges. If you are unsure about technical specifications, substrate preparation, or layout design, our team is here to help.
Call our team on (01858) 461286, or visit the Fortnum Tile Studio in Market Harborough for a one-to-one design consultation.
