Category: Article

Five Benefits of Using Ceramic Tile Flooring

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When planning a new floor, different options on the market always tends to make the process a tad bewildering. Amongst the options available, ceramic tiles are one of the better choices. Originally known for its tough and enduring properties, the recent decorator effect has added an extra spice to the overall popularity of ceramic tiles. From colonial to contemporary, these tiles have all kinds of designs, styles and patterns to match every specific need and want of the users. These tiles have wide adaptability and can be easily combined in almost any setting, including kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, etc.

There are several reasons why ceramic tiles are so enduringly popular amongst most homeowners. Here is a rundown on why people keep on coming for the not-so-meek ceramic tiles.

1. Environmental-friendly

Ceramic tiles are made out of a combination of clay and other natural materials, and do not contain any kind of odour, allergens or harmful/ toxic chemicals. Even the most modern glazed and unglazed tiles are made by using natural vitreous coatings, thereby making them all green.

2. Can Virtually Install on Any Surface

Ceramic tiles are known for their extremely versatile nature. You can have these installed on almost any kind of home surface, provided the surface is evenly levelled. The creativity and imagination of a person are the only limitations to its adaptability. From dining room porches to the hearth of the fireplace, nearly any surface can be easily tiled, both indoors as well as outdoors.

3. Makes One an Artist

The market is full of ready-made ideas to get one’s creative juices flowing. With a wide range of colours and patterns available, you can mix and match the tiles with the walls, and contrast both in an artistic manner. With some wild imagination, you can create abstract creations that even Picasso would find impressive!

4. Easy Maintenance

Ceramic tiles are usually good at sticking to their bases; they do not tend to move from the spot they were installed. If combined with good and levelled grouting, normal sweeping and mopping is all it takes to keep them as good as new.

5. Excellent Investment

Ceramic tiles are not one of the cheapest options available in the market, but their durability and aesthetic value tend to provide adequate value for the money invested. The initial investment would easily get diluted over several years of stunning appearance and minimal maintenance.

To find out more about the benefits of ceramic tiles for your flooring get in touch with the team here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse on 01332 75 70 70.

DIY Advice: Top Tiling Tips For A Professional Finish

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Tackling a tiling job in your home can seem like a daunting task, particularly if the room is large or you’ve not done any DIY tiling before, but it’s a straightforward process that, with enough care and the right amount of quality materials, anyone can take on.

With these top tips, and our range of high-quality tiles and tiling tools, you’ll be well on your way to a professional finish that’ll make your kitchen or bathroom shine.

Tip One: Preparation

Make sure you have more than enough tiles for the job – buy around 10% extra to give you spares in the event of breakages or future repairs

 

Make sure the surface you’re tiling is clean and dry

 

Apply sealant to any porous materials like plasterboard

 

If tiling a wall, use wooden battens to ensure your tiles are straight when applied.

 

Start from the centre and work our way outwards – that way, if you need to cut any tiles, these will be by wall or floor edges and give you an even look.

 

Finally, mix you’re your adhesive as per the manufacturer’s instructions and only use clean cold water – dirty or warm water can affect the adhesive’s effectiveness.

Tip Two: Tiling

With the right preparation, providing you work with care and don’t rush the job, the actual process of laying the tiles can be really straightforward and not really pose any problems. Get your ready mixed adhesive and apply it to the wall or floor covering 1m2. Apply your tiles with a firm twisting motion to ensure good and even contact with the surface – use tile spacers to ensure even spacing.

Leave any shaped or cut tiles until last, making sure you apply the tiles from the centre of the surface outwards to leave you with cut tiles at the edges rather than in the centre. Use a flatbed cutter for straight cuts, and a heavier tile saw for any tiles that need to be cut for things like pipework.

Tip Three: Grouting & Aftercare

 

After your tiles have all been fixed in place with the adhesive, you’ll need to leave them for at least 24 hours to allow them to dry before applying any grouting

 

It’s important to remember, though, that the adhesive will start drying long before this, so be sure to wipe down the tiles and your tools to avoid any issues with dried-on adhesive

 

When grouting, work the grout into the spaces between tiles and joints and remember to always wipe off any excess immediately before it has a change to dry

Finding The Right Tiles for You

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Our Buyers Guide To Tiles

From choosing stylish new furniture to the overall colour scheme, redecorating can be a lot of fun. Infusing a room with your personality can make it feel more like home and that’s why choosing the correct design is important. Whether on the floor or walls, tiles make an excellent addition. With various choices available, we’ll look at the main 4 and help you decide which is right for you.

Ceramic Tiles

Various styles, patterns and designs to choose from.
Made from natural minerals so doesn’t release odour.
Requires little maintenance, just occasional sweeping and mopping.
Durable as difficult to crack and responds well to moisture, water and steam.
Works well in kitchens, living rooms and bathrooms.

Mosaic Tiles

Colourful, reflects light well and adds luxury to the room.
Available in various shapes and sizes.
Resistant to mould, stains and mildew.
Does require regular maintenance as dirt can turn the tiles black.
Durable as resistant to cracking unless directly hit.
Works well on walls, floors and countertops in kitchens and bathrooms.

Porcelain Tiles

Available in both neutral and colourful tones, which last for many years.
Stronger than other varieties due to being scratch-resistant.
Stain- and moisture-resistant.
Requires little maintenance as an occasional wipe with a damp cloth will do.
Increases your home’s value.
Works well on floors and walls in both the kitchen and bathroom.

Natural Stone Tiles

Adds a contemporary and elegant look to your room, no matter whether you choose slate, granite, limestone or marble for example.
Easy to clean and doesn’t attract dust, hair or minerals.
The best option to combine with underfloor heating, as it conducts heat well.
Durable as it’s both scratch- and abrasion-resistant.
Increases your home’s value.
Works well on floors, walls and countertops, both internally and externally.

We hope this post has helped made your tile choices easier. Still unsure? Our team have a wide range of experience within the tile industry and can offer you their expert advice. No matter the style or look you are aiming for, and the budget that you are working with, we can find you the perfect solution. Call us today on 01332 75 70 70 or visit us at our showroom at a time that suits you. We look forward to welcoming you.

A New Year, a New Bathroom: Big Bathroom Trends for 2015

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As we enter 2015 for a brand new year, we thought we would update you on the biggest bathroom trends of this year so you can take full advantage of them. Whether you want a luxurious bathroom to relax in, or a space that will impress your guests, these styles will bring flair and sophistication to your home.

Continue reading “A New Year, a New Bathroom: Big Bathroom Trends for 2015”

Essential Advice For Getting Your Conservatory Ready For Spring

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It might seem like it’s been a long time coming, but the spring is almost upon us; our cars aren’t frosted over in the mornings, temperatures are starting to hit double figures and we’re actually starting to feel the warmth of the sun, instead of just being blinded by it on our drive home.

With that in mind, preparations need to be made to make the most of the warmer weather, and if you have a conservatory then that’s the place to start. These top tips will help you transform your conservatory from a cold, uninviting room that’s been neglected to a vibrant, warm and welcoming relaxation spot.

Revitalise The Design & Introduce Plant Life

Interior design is an important aspect of any room in your house, whether it’s something you simply do subconsciously or something you set out to change or do a particular way. Spring designs are all about making your conservatory feel relaxing and inviting, as well as fairly light and bright – much like the weather and landscapes outside.

Soft blues, creams, greens and yellows work well as choices for colour schemes, and can be applied to everything from your painted walls and floor tiles to upholstery and furniture. We stock a huge selection of floor tiles, and you’ll be bound to find something in our range that fits your new bright design.

Plant life and flowers can also be introduced to complement your colour scheme, as well as adding to the relaxing nature of your conservatory. Look for plants with pastel-coloured flowers, such as tulips or African lilies.

Refresh Your Conservatory’s Flooring

This can tie in with the interior design section of this article, but changing our conservatory’s flooring can simply be a way to refurbish something that’s perhaps looking a bit old and tired and in need of an overhaul. When it comes to flooring in your conservatory, especially in the warmer temperatures of spring and summer, then wood flooring and carpets can often be not so great a choice – they have a tendency to fade and be affected far more by the direct sunlight and the heat of the sun than other kinds of flooring.

Quality stone or ceramic tiles from our range of floor tiles here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse will help you transform any conservatory into something far more appealing and inviting. We stock a wide selection of styles and colours, allowing you to pick the right design for your home. Combined with our quality underfloor heating systems, you won’t ever want to leave you conservatory!

Call us today on 01332 75 70 70 to discuss your options and for some expert advice on tiling your conservatory.

 

Featured Image: Flickr – Martin LaBar

Invisible Comfort: The Benefits Of Underfloor Heating In Your Home

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A luxury once reserved for the comfortably well-off, underfloor heating is no longer an unreachable dream for your home. Now more efficient and affordable than it’s ever been, underfloor heating can be the perfect addition to your home.

Although it’s particularly popular to install in bathrooms, where you usually have to tiptoe across cold tiles or laminate, the reduction in cost and increase in the efficiency and effectiveness of modern systems mean that it’s an ideal heating choice for any number of rooms in your house.

Saves Space

The beauty of underfloor heating is in the name – while the fact that it’s underneath your floor is one of the reasons why it’s so effective, it also means that you can comfortably heat any room in your house with a system that’s hidden and literally takes up no extra room.

By ditching bulky radiators in favour of any of our underfloor heating systems here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse, you’re able to open up your bathroom, living room or bedroom up with some welcome additional space.

Effective & Efficient Heating

By radiating heat from the ground up, instead of heating from the centre of the room like most conventional radiators, underfloor heating systems actually allow you to feel the benefit of the systems output.

As such, you get a much more noticeable heating benefit in lower areas of the room, whereas conventional radiators would leave floors cold and waste energy by heating more towards the ceiling. Plus, if you install underfloor heating in your bathroom, nothing beats stepping onto pre-heated floors first thing in the morning!

Lowers Heating Bills

This really rolls on from the fact that underfloor systems run much more efficiently than their radiator cousins – by heating your rooms more effectively with less energy used, your bills will be lower. It’s really as simple as that! Savings can be anything small such as under 15%, or as high as 40%, depending on the cost and effectiveness of your current heating system.

If you’re looking to reduce your heating bills, but at the same time increase the efficiency of your home’s heating system, then look no further than the underfloor heating ranges we offer here at Raynesway Tile Warehouse.

Our friendly knowledgeable team can help you pick the right size and type of system that meets your needs. Call us today on 01332 75 70 70 for expert advice and information on our full range of systems.