What should I look out for when buying tiles?

2. Do you already have other tiles?

It is possible to tile over old tiles, so you don't have to break everything out first. Keep in mind that the floor will be higher. Calculate in advance whether your doors can still be opened and closed. Also make sure you buy primer for non-absorbent substrates. If you use the wrong primer, the tiles will not adhere properly. The underlying tiles should also be flat and firmly attached for optimal adhesion of the new tiles.

3. Is the tile rectified?

Rectified' means that the sides of the tile have been ground exactly at right angles after the firing process. This is indicated by the abbreviations RTT, RETT and REC. The grinding is done very precisely. As a result, all tiles from one production are exactly the same size. There is no deviation between them, so you can joint very narrowly. This gives a tighter end result. However, it is important that the tiles are placed on a flat surface. Height differences are quickly visible with this type of tile. For a rectified tile, a joint of 2 mm is often used.

Rectified tiles are not ground after the firing process. The rounded finish gives them a classic, personal look. The fact that tiles are not ground is less noticeable because this type of tile is laid with a wider joint. In fact, for non-rectified tiles, a joint of at least 3 mm is recommended.

4. What is the R value (slip resistance) of the tile?

The slip resistance value is indicated by the letter R, followed by a number. This value is determined using slip tests with water and oil, and indicates the slipperiness and slip risk of a tile. Depending on the slope tested, the tile is given its final anti-slip value. The most common values are R9 (in normal use) and R10 (e.g. in bathrooms and kitchens, where water is used). R11, R12 and R13 are often used in public areas or in industry. Additional requirements are often imposed for swimming pools.

5. What is the PEI (abrasion resistance) value of the tile?

Some tiles are more resistant to wear than others. It is therefore important to consider the wear group when buying. This allows you to check whether the tile is suitable for the desired application. Living room floors, for example, have a lot to endure because they are walked on a lot.

For floor tiles, the international PEI value (Porcelaine Enamel Institute) is used. The tiles are machine-sanded through a rough surface. This simulates intensive use throughout the product's lifetime. Based on this test, a tile is classified in a scale.

The scale runs from 1 to 5. A tile with PEI 1 is only suitable for very light use. PEI 2 is suitable for quiet use and soft footwear. This tile is recommended for installation in the bathroom. Tiles from PEI 3 can be used in hallways, living rooms and kitchens. PEI 3 lends itself well to normal use and clean footwear. A tile with PEI 4 is suitable for intensive use and dirty footwear. We recommend PEI 5 for very intensive use.

6. How many tiles do I need?

You also need to calculate the surface area of the room. By multiplying the length of the room by its width, you will know the number of square metres you need. It is important to always take cutting losses into account. We recommend buying an extra 10% on average. Are you going to lay a pattern, such as a diagonal or herringbone? Count on a standard 15% cutting loss.

The amount of cutting loss also depends on the size of the room. Add 5% for a space smaller than 4 m² and for unusual spaces, such as a niche or cove. Ask one of our salespeople for more information on specific tiles. It is always wise to stock up on some extra tiles. Should you ever get damaged, the tile can easily be replaced with a tile of the same colour and size (shade).

Calculation example

One of your bathroom walls is 2.50 metres high and 2 metres wide, i.e. 5 m². If there is a window or door in the wall, include it in the calculation. Suppose you have a window measuring 1 x 1 m. Subtract 1 m² from the total wall area. Make a separate calculation for each wall. For this wall, you will need 5 - 1 = 4 m² of tiles.

You also need to take the cutting loss into account. Add 10% of the number of square metres to 4 m². 10% of 4 = 0.40. 4 + 0,40 = 4,40 m². Our experienced sales staff will help you calculate the number of tiles required.

Tip: In our webshop, you will find a handy tool with each tile. Here you can enter the area of the room. To the right, enter the desired cutting loss. After filling in, the number of boxes and square metres you need will appear at the bottom.

I want to buy extra tiles. What should I pay attention to?

It may, of course, happen that you like yournew tilesso much that you want to tile another room with the same design. However, you cannot automatically order the same colour and size. Tiles always vary slightly in size after production. The colour may also be slightly different.

Per production, also known as 'shade', they do have the same deviation. The same shade is always sold per order, but it may happen that you receive tiles from a different production if you wish to purchase the same tile at a later date. Therefore, ask whether the same shade is still available. This way you can avoid size and colour discrepancies. Always check yourself before installing the tiles whether they have the same shade code.

All tips at a glance

Use these tips to find the perfect tile for any room in your home!

• Ask yourself in advance where you will lay the tiles and whether you will lay them over existing tiles. This will determine the type of primer you need.
• Calculate the number of square metres of tiles you need and allow for wastage.
• Decide whether you want a rectified tile or not.
• Choose the right PEI and R-value according to the room.
• Take into account different productions when you want to order tiles.

Want to get started yourself? Then take a look at thisstep-by-step plan to lay your floor tiles.