Where do you guys buy quality tiles? Please.. - Tile Advice

[redchair]

Hi all,

No doubt a simple question for many so hoping for some advice. I'm at a complete loss as to where I should be buying quality subway/metro tiles. I was going with Topps and then I read some bad stories regarding quality. CTD has plenty, but I've no idea of the quality. Then there's Mandarin Stone (long delivery times) and Fired Earth, but their Metro/Subways all need sealing (is this even an issue)

I'm after a basic 200x100 white tile, preferably one which I can purchase matching trim (pencil or bullnose). So where have you bought quality without issues such as being bent, biscuit showing or pain in removing packaging (transport glue).

Again, basic question but you guys would be massively helping me out. First time tiling and I don't want it made any more of a challenge than it already will be.

All the best and thanks in advance.

G

 

[Dave]

I use CTD. 👍. Great service.
As for matching pencil/ bullnosed tiles. They are a thing of the past tbh. You can get listello’s and dado tiles but usually just the victorian styles.

 

[redchair]

I use CTD. 👍. Great service.
As for matching pencil/ bullnosed tiles. They are a thing of the past tbh. You can get listello’s and dado tiles but usually just the victorian styles.

Thanks Dave, appreciate it.

Fired Earth do a range with pencils etc. but they require sealing. Is this something you'd avoid for a shower wall?

 

[Dave]

Thanks Dave, appreciate it.

Fired Earth do a range with pencils etc. but they require sealing. Is this something you'd avoid for a shower wall?

what material are they ?

 

[redchair]

what material are they ?

Its the Architecture range, assuming glazed ceramic, but doesn't say anywhere.

Architecture White Matt 10x20

The Architecture range fuses classic elegance with clean, structural style. Simple lines can create versatile designs by using several sizes together in patterned combinations or by mixing the gloss and matt finishes.

www.firedearth.com

 

[redchair]

Ceramic. Spoke with them and apparently they advise sealing as a couple of customers have noted absorption in showers.

 

[Dave]

Ceramic. Spoke with them and apparently they advise sealing as a couple of customers have noted absorption in showers.

Some ceramic can absorb through the finished surface. So using an impregnator will help , lifespan of the sealer depends on products used to clean , a regular maintenance plan will be required

 

[redchair]

thanks mate. Appreciate the advice. I’ve decided I’m going to get the flat metro from CTD and attempt to mitre the corners. Don’t like the look of the trims I’ve seen and I’m not convinced using a trim at the niche will look good. I’ve seen a 5 min mitre vid on YouTube, how hard can it be......
obviously joking but I’ll be giving it a go anyway!