Porcelain tiles are harder, denser and more water-repellent than ceramic tiles. This is why in certain applications; porcelain tiles may be a better option than ceramic tiles.

When tiling outdoor or wet areas, it is important to consider how the face of your tile will be impacted when it is wet. Many matt-finish tiles will be become extremely slippery when wet, which is why a non-slip tile is often a safer option. However, the more slip-resistant a tile is, the more difficult it will be to clean.

It is important to choose a tile that is suitable for your specific application – wall tiles cannot go on the floor, whereas floor tiles can be used on the wall using the correct tiling method.

Porcelain and ceramic adhesives are specially formulated to suit their respective tiles. It is important that large-format floor tiles or hard-bodied tiles are matched with a porcelain adhesive to ensure a long-lasting fix. Ceramic wall tiles are always paired with a ceramic adhesive, and certain ceramic floor tiles can also be used with a ceramic adhesive. Certain areas might not be able to be out of service for long periods of time, and therefore require the use of a fast-setting adhesive. Our house-brand porcelain fix is a 12-hour set to ensure efficiency in your project, however we do stock up to 2-hour setting adhesive.

Spacers range in size from 2mm-8mm for average floor and wall tiles. It is generally recommended that ceramic wall tiles are used with a 2 – 3mm spacer, while ceramic floor tiles are used with a 5mm spacer. This is often to make up for the tile not being rectified. Rectification is the process by which a tile is cut after firing to ensure that all lines are perfectly straight and every tile is the exact same size. Unrectified tiles will sometimes have a slight pillowed edge or may differ in size very slightly. Unrectified tiles will need a larger spacer in order to make up for any slight differences in the tile’s size.

Porcelain, granite and marble tiles are usually installed with a 3mm spacer. Large-format rectified tiles are often used with a 2mm spacer.

A substrate is the underlying layer or area which is properly prepared to ensure that your chosen tile remains long-lasting and secure. It can be a lengthy and expensive process; however, it is necessary for your tile application.

Do you have a dark space with little-to-no natural light?

Using tiles with a glossy finish in a space with little or no natural light will ensure that more light is reflected off the face of the tile, thus making the space seem more alive.  This – especially in partnership with a light tile – will make your dark space come to life.

For any accidents

By purchasing an additional 5%-10% on top of your original square-metreage required, you are reassured to have enough tiles should any chips or breakages occur while tiling.

For small spaces

Choosing a tile that is light in colour will work to expand your space, and make it appear bigger than what it is. A light-coloured neutral tile will act as a good base for whichever colours you choose to accent your space with.

Every space gives off a certain atmosphere. Instead of trying to go against the flow of the space, go with it. Use images to help you envision your space or visit our style and inspiration page to help you visualize your dream. Using a mood board or having some visual inspiration will assist you in taking your interior design in the right direction, or assisting our sales consultants in advising you to the best of their abilities.

Whether you’re a DIY specialist or a professional tiler, tile levelling systems are essential. A tile levelling system consists of clips in various sizes and reusable wedges bought separately that work together to make sure that your tiles are laid evenly and are level with one another. At Cash Tiles we are one of the leading stockists of this two-in-one tool. With the advantage of minimizing lippage and creating equal space between tiles, this tool will give your space a professional touch.

Choosing the correct spacer for your tiling application is also crucial. As a rule of thumb, 600×600-sized tiles require a 2mm spacer, while most ceramic floor tiles require a 5mm. Don’t forget to ask one of our well-informed consultants what the correct size for your specific tile will be.

Tile edge trims are not just for aesthetic purposes. They protect the tile, frame window sills, and box-in plumbing. They also create a smooth transition and offer safety as a stair nosing, while giving the perfect finish to your tiling. At Cash Tiles we offer a variety of edge trim options, including stainless steel, aluminium, straight or square-edged, and various colours or powdercoats. 

According to TAL adhesives, the lack of movement joints in a tile panel is a major cause of tile failure. When a space is tiled, it is important to include movement joints so that when normal movement of the structure occurs over time, there is space for the tiling to expand and contract. Movement joints should be located at a maximum of 5 metre centres for interior surface bed applications and a maximum of 3 metre centres for suspended or exterior applications (balconies or second floors) as well as around the perimeter.

We are stockists of TAL tile adhesives at very competitive prices. The various TAL tile adhesives are formulated according to specific applications such as porcelain tiles, ceramic tiles, mosaics, and substrate preparation. Cash Tiles stocks all the tile adhesives required, from keycoat primer to porcelain tile adhesives and grout. All our customers have immediate access to the expertise of TAL technical advisory staff to offer advice on any aspect of tiling, including free detailed materials and methods specifications. Our house-brand porcelain adhesive is manufactured specifically for us by TAL.

When it comes to modern interior design, form and function need to go hand-in-hand. As popular aesthetics move towards neutral tones and natural finishes, tiling solutions must follow suit. At Cash Tiles we have a beautiful range of stone and concrete finish tiles that are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. A perfect example is our Duplocem or Duplostone range, which features a range of neutral greys and beige tones in either a cement or stone finish. These tiles are internal/external tiles, which means that special technology is built into the body of the tile. This technology enables a matt finish when dry but a higher slip-resistance when wet. These tiles are a popular choice as they can be used inside your house, on your balcony or even next to your pool.