Floor tiling (ceramic & porcelain) Sunninghill

Porcelain is denser, harder and absorbs almost no water, so it suits high-traffic areas, kitchens and anywhere that gets wet. Ceramic is lighter, easier to cut and more affordable, and works well in bedrooms and low-traffic rooms. Porcelain needs a stronger adhesive and is harder to cut, which affects labour. A qualified pro in Sunninghill can advise on your specific situation.

Yes. Tiles will follow whatever is underneath, so an uneven screed leads to lippage and cracked tiles. A tiler will check the floor and may recommend a self-levelling compound or screed repair before laying, especially for large format tiles.

Sometimes, if the existing tiles are well bonded and level and door heights allow for the extra thickness. A primer and a suitable adhesive are needed. Where tiles are hollow or the floor is uneven, it is better to remove the old tiles first.

A tiler typically lays 10 to 20 square metres a day depending on tile size, pattern and how much cutting is needed. Grouting follows once the adhesive has set, usually the next day, and the floor should not carry heavy traffic for 24 to 48 hours after grouting.

Labour is priced per square metre, with large format tiles, diagonal patterns and rooms with many cuts costing more. Removing old tiles, levelling the floor, adhesive and grout are usually quoted separately from the tiles themselves.