information and advice

The StoneSuperstore Info & Advice directory offers every day practical advice from which tiles to choose to installation recommendations and maintenance advice. With a combined 25 years’ worth of experience installing natural stone and porcelain tiles, along with many years selling the same products, our team can give you all the advice you need from project conception, to completion and beyond. There are various topics below that can help you along the way but feel free to call one of our team on 0161 277 6850 to discuss any issues or concerns you might have or for some general practical advice.

Outdoor Paving

11/05/2021

Natural stone paving ideas to improve your garden

It's hard to deny just how good natural stone paving can look in a garden, especially when you take the time to lay your patio and path pavers out properly. To help you get more out of your outdoor tiling, here are our top tips for using natural stone paving in your garden.

23/06/2021

The Benefits of Porcelain Paving in Your Garden

When it comes to laying down paving in your garden, you're going to want to use a material that is both long-lasting and durable, which is why we recommend choosing outdoor porcelain. Read this article to learn more about its benefits, as well as a few of our favourite porcelain paving ideas.

03/08/2021

How to Install Porcelain Paving

Here we go through the best ways to install outdoor porcelain paving. We go step-by-step through the different methods available giving the pros and cons of each and giving handy tips along the way.

01/10/2021

How To Lay Natural Stone Paving

Laying a set of fresh paving slabs is one of the best ways to spruce up your garden, path, or patio. And if you do it yourself, it doesn't have to be expensive either. Here is our full guide explaining how to lay paving in your garden properly so you can get it right the first time.

02/11/2021

How To Care For Natural Stone Paving

In this article we look at how best to look after your Natural Stone paving, including nine tips from checking slabs before installing to stain removal.

10/12/2021

How To Care For Porcelain Paving

Maintain the beauty and durability of your porcelain paving with our comprehensive guide to outdoor tile care. Discover effective porcelain paving cleaning methods, protection techniques, and essential aftercare tips, including before and after installation, to keep your outdoor spaces looking pristine for years to come.

23/04/2022

Porcelain: Can You Use Indoor Tiles Outdoor?

When it comes to nailing your home aesthetic, it can often be tricky to find materials and tiles that work both inside and out. Fortunately, here at Stone Superstore, we have just the solution. Read this article on indoor and outdoor porcelain to see how matching your tiles and paving can be used to benefit your home's style.

10/11/2023

Patio Ideas for Small Gardens

In this article, we’ve explored some of the most popular ways to make the most out of a small patio garden, including practical additions and quick updates to long-term design choices that’ll complete your chosen aesthetic.

Choosing your Natural Stone or Porcelain Tiles

27/05/2016

Can I get hold of samples of your tiles? Are they free?

In a word, yes. We offer 2 tile samples absolutely free of charge and for each subsequent tile sample we only charge for delivery at £2.50 per samples. All products listed on the website have free samples available. Standard cut tile samples are dispatched by Royal Mail. You can also get a larger 300x300mm tile sample free of charge by calling the office but we do charge delivery with FedEx at £10 which is refundable upon order.

03/10/2023

The Truth About Travertine

Not all travertine is the same, with varying levels of quality. However, the nature of this type of natural stone tile means it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the grades. In this article, we’ve explained what travertine is, including its origins, how to choose between the different qualities, and how to care for travertine tiles.

07/06/2018

What is Carrara Marble?

When it comes to aged and elegant-looking flooring, you can't do much better than Carrara marble tiles. Used for countless centuries, Carrara is one of the most luxurious marble tile options out there. Read this article to find out more about its history and how to properly take care of your marble flooring.

13/09/2018

How To Choose Bathroom Tiles

When it comes to tiling your bathroom, you need to be sure you pick the right tiles to match your home's aesthetic. From natural stone to porcelain effect, you have plenty of options to choose from. But if you want our tips to make it easier, we’ve outlined how to choose tiles for your bathroom.

14/09/2018

What is Dijon Limestone?

When it comes to choosing natural stone tiles, it's hard to go wrong with limestone. But which limestone is best for your home's aesthetic? In this article, we look at what Dijon limestone is, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it compares to other limestone tile options.

20/10/2018

What Are Porcelain Tiles and Their Finishes?

Are you interested in installing a shiny new set of porcelain tiles in your home? Read this article to find out exactly what porcelain tiles are, their advantages and disadvantages, and the different tile finishes and styles we can offer when you buy porcelain tiles with Stone Superstore.

20/10/2018

What Is Jaipur Limestone?

Thinking of choosing limestone for your natural stone flooring, but unsure of which type to choose? Read this article to find out what you need to know about Jaipur limestone, including its advantages and disadvantages, and how it compares to both Dijon and Jura limestone.

22/11/2018

What Is Jura Limestone?

If you're looking to install tiles in your home, it's hard to go wrong with Jura limestone. Beautiful and durable in equal measure, find out why you might want to pick Jura tiling over its Dijon or Jaipur cousins for your next home renovation project.

26/11/2018

What Are Honed And Filled Tiles?

If you are looking to buy natural stone tiles then you might well have come across the terms, "honed" and "filled". If you are not sure what these mean, this article explains these stone finishes and how they are achieved.

12/12/2018

What Are Chipped Edge Tiles?

Natural stone tiles come in a range of finishes and if you are looking at tumbled or antiqued tiles you may come across the terms tumbled edges and chipped (or chiselled) edges. In this article we explain these terms and the differences between the two.

10/11/2023

What is the Best Flooring for Pets?

If you own a pet, then you probably know just how messy your floor can get if you're not careful. This makes having the right flooring for your home very important to make cleaning up after them a breeze. Read this article to learn more about which floors are best suited for pets, as well as cleaning tips to bear in mind.

17/11/2023

Should I Choose Tiles or Wooden Flooring?

If you’re adding new floors to your home, the chances are you’ve come to a crossroads between tiles and wood flooring. To help you come to a decision, we’ve outlined their pros and cons, and compared each across a range of everyday factors from cost to durability and maintenance.

20/05/2016

The general facts about Natural Stone Tiles

Natural stone has seen a significant shift in popularity over recent years. Travertine was the forerunner about 8 years ago but tumbled limestone and marble is the material of choice these days. New production methods and lower prices have brought what was once for the select few to a whole new market.

21/05/2016

What Is Limestone?

Discover the pros and cons of limestone flooring for your home and garden. In this article, uncover the timeless beauty and durability of this versatile material, whether you're considering limestone for your indoor spaces or outdoor patio areas. Explore the unique colours and textures of limestone and learn how it can enhance the feel of any room.

21/05/2016

What Is Quartz?

One of the most sought-after tiling materials for gardens and kitchens alike, quartz tiles make for some beautifully stunning displays when installed correctly. But what exactly is quartz, and how is it formed into tiles? Read our guide, to find out everything you need to know about using quartz tiles in your home.

23/05/2016

Which tiles are suitable for which applications?

Natural Stone Tiles can be used anywhere in the house from kitchen tiles to bathroom wall tiles and everywhere in-between. Generally, you can use all the stone tiles we sell in any room. Limitations come on thickness and what can be used on walls. Most of the 2cm thick heritage stone we sell is only suitable for floor use but 10mm Jura Limestone tiles or Carrara Marble tiles are suitable for both floors and walls. This article tells you all you need to know about what you can use and where.

Tile Ordering & Delivery

27/05/2016

What is the best way to order from StoneSuperstore?

If you're ready to begin your new tiling project, you might be deciding on the best ways to order tiles from us for a swift delivery. Here at Stone Superstore, we offer easy online ordering to make your purchasing experience as straight forward as possible. Read this article to find out how to place your tile order from us.

26/05/2016

How long will delivery take after I've placed my order?

As Stonestore carries stock of all our products in our Manchester warehouse, we are able to offer a Next (Working) Day delivery service to most UK addresses for orders placed before 12:30pm. A lot of our customers prefer to opt for our slightly cheaper Nominated Day service, which typically takes two to three days, but the customer can choose a day convenient for them. This article gives more information on delivery options.

26/05/2016

Can I choose a specific delivery date?

Full information about our delivery service can be found on the Deliveries page of the website.

02/10/2023

Is a gravel driveway a problem for deliveries?

While a gravel driveway is a fantastic aesthetic piece to have in any home, and can look great with the right tiling, there are certain scenarios where such a driveway material can prove problematic for different types of deliveries. Here’s why you might have issues with a tile delivery from us with this type of drive, and how to get around the difficulty.

26/05/2016

Can my order be left with a neighbour if I’m not in?

You’re likely used to leaving everyday deliveries with a neighbour, but when it comes to ordering tiles, things are a little different. Read this article to find out more about Stone Superstore's delivery policy, so you know the details before you place your order.

27/05/2016

Do you make tile deliveries down narrow roads?

If you've ordered a brand-new set of tiles from Stone Superstore, but live down a narrow road, you might be concerned that we won't be able to deliver to you. However, fortunately, with the right prior arrangements we'll still be able to get your order to you on time. Read this article to find out how.

29/08/2018

Do you have you own warehouse where we can see stock?

One of the most important preparation steps for any tiling project is ensuring the products you want to buy are up to scratch. Here at Stone Superstore, there are a few ways that our customers can do just this. Read this article to find out more about seeing our products in person.

06/09/2018

Do You Import Your Own Stock Or Buy It From Wholesalers?

At Stonestore we import all our Stone and Porcelain tiles directly with no middlemen. We buy Natural Stone tiles direct from the quarries and Porcelain tiles direct from the manufacturers. We buy in bulk and run strict independent quality checks that ensures we can offer the best quality tiles at the lowest prices.

Tile Installation

21/06/2023

Will all tiles I order be from the same batch?

It’s only natural to wonder whether your tiles are all from the same batch or not. In this article, discover how to identify whether your tiles all have the same batch number, and what to do if they from different sets. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, our guide provides valuable insights and practical tips for success.

26/05/2016

Tile sizes always vary slightly. Here’s an explanation why

In this article, we’ll discuss how it’s completely normal for tiles from the same batch or collection to sometimes differ (slightly) in size to the dimensions stated on a box or website. We also explain why different tiles can vary by a few millimetres in size, and how to decide which tile size you need for your next project.

06/10/2023

Why are my natural stone tiles wet when delivered?

If you've ever ordered a set of stone tiles, you might have been somewhat surprised that they were wet when you received them. If this is the case, don't worry. It's completely normal for stone tiles to be wet at the point of delivery! Find out why in this article.

27/05/2016

How to Find a Good Tiler

If you're not an expert tiler but you still want a quality tiling job done in your home, then it's always a good idea to seek the services of a professional tiler. Read this article to find out more about finding a good tiler, as well as how much a good tiler might cost you.

26/05/2023

Do I need to seal my floor with a primer before tiling?

In this article, we’ll take you through the reasons why you should seal your floor with primer before tiling. Whether you’re working with concrete, wood, or other types of flooring, find out the benefits of using primer, as well as the different types. We’ve also provided a straightforward step-by-step guide to putting primer down, to ensure your tile installation goes smoothly and the result is long-lasting.

21/09/2023

Can you tile onto wood floors?

If you want to swap out your wooden floors for beautiful tiling, you may be wondering whether you can tile directly onto your floorboards, plywood, or chipboard, instead of ripping them up and having to lay a new foundation. Well, the good news is that it’s certainly possible! Find out more, here.

15/06/2018

How to Tile Over Tiles

Are you looking to re-tile different areas around your home? While tiling over older tiles is certainly possible, there are a few things you need to be aware of. In this article, we’ve explained why you might choose to tile over existing tiles, what to consider, and how to tile over your current floor and wall tiles.

20/06/2018

Where Is Best To Start Installing Tiles

Where to start tiling or "Setting Out" can take a bit of planning and thinking about. Measuring a room and deciding where to start, and end, tiling can be a daunting process for the uninitiated but with a little help and advice from Stonestore, you could be well on your way to getting your tiles laid in a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing way.

06/10/2023

Are hairline cracks in tiles normal?

There’s little worse than finishing your tile installation only to find that several of your tiles appear to be damaged. At least, that's what it can look like if you’re unfamiliar with the style. But are these hairline fractures actually what they seem to be? In this article, we’ve explained why certain cracks are completely natural, and actually sought after.

02/06/2023

What space should I leave between tiles?

In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tile spacing. This article includes an overview of the grout line size you should aim for when taking on a tile installation project, dependent on the tile, surface, and grout product, as well as what happens when you forget.

07/08/2018

Tiling over electric under floor heating

Whether you're fixing natural stone Cappuchino marble tiles, or classic polished porcelain tiles and electric under floor heating has been installed, you need to assess your substrate and consider a number of other factors before you begin fixing floor tiles.

10/08/2018

Tiling onto uneven floors

Are you ready to start your next tiling project, but have noticed that your floor is slightly uneven? Don’t worry, you can still achieve your chosen finish – there are just a couple of things you need to do first! In this article, we’ve explained how you can combat uneven floors, to tile onto existing tiles, concrete, and floorboards.

21/09/2023

Do I need to use trims for the edge of my tiles?

Using trims for the edge of tiles is common in many tile installation projects, for a multitude of reasons. But are they absolutely necessary, and what happens when you don’t use trims? In this article we explain what tile trims are, the different types, the benefits of tile trims, and how you can use them in each room of your home.

12/05/2022

How to Lay Floor Tiles on Concrete

While it's perfectly fine to lay your tiles on a concrete subfloor, it's not wise to simply start putting your tiles down and hope for the best. Instead, there are a few key steps you need to follow to get a smooth and perfect finish, all of which we'll discuss in this article.

31/05/2023

How to seal natural stone tiles before grouting

In this article, we’ve explained how you can seal your natural stone tiles, to provide lasting protection. Because natural stone is porous, it’s important to take steps that prevent your tiles from absorbing grime and grout, stains, and moisture. Not only does this improve their visual appearance, but it also ensures your tiles remain in the best condition for as long as possible.

28/07/2023

How much does a tiler cost?

Tiling your own home can be both satisfying and simple, with the right tools and instructions, but it's hard to deny the benefits of hiring a professional tiler. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about employing a professional tiler to help with your home renovation project, including the average cost.

31/05/2023

What Is A Reasonable Amount Of Tile Wastage?

When planning a tile installation, accounting for wastage is essential. After all, you don’t want to approach the end of your project and realise the remaining tiles are cracked or broken. We’ve explained how to approach tile wastage allowances by room size, room shape, and room type, to help you work out how many you’ll need.

08/08/2023

How To Clean Tiles Before Grouting

Grouting is an important part of the tiling process, but it’s crucial that you properly clean between your tiles first. Not only will this keep them in showroom condition for years to come, but it will also ensure that your grouting gets the best seal possible. In this article, discover our handy step-by-step guide to cleaning your tiles before grouting and regrouting.

20/09/2018

Laying Natural Stone Floor Tile ‘Patterns Sets’

Natural Stone pattern sets offer an alternative style to the more standard looks available by laying fixed length or even random length, square or rectangular tiles. Pattern sets are made up from sets of square and rectangular tiles of different sizes that should be laid in a pre-determined design. This article outlines how to lay pattern sets successfully.

21/06/2023

What To Do Before Tiling Over Vinyl Or Linoleum

Tiling over vinyl or linoleum is possible, and something you can do yourself; you’ll just need to make sure your pre-existing flooring is suitable first. In this article, we’ll discuss the ways you can check whether your vinyl or lino flooring is in the right condition and explain how you can tile over your existing substrate.

12/10/2018

What To Consider For DIY Tile Installation - Do's And Don’ts

If you are considering doing the tiling on your project yourself then there are a number of things you should carefully consider before starting. Many DIY tiling attempts end up with professional tilers being called in half way through to rescue projects that have proved too difficult or challenging for DIY. In this article we go through what should be considered.

18/10/2018

Are All Tiles Suitable For Walls And Floors?

Have you got your eye on a set of floor tiles that would look great on your wall as well? Thinking of using wall tiles on your floor for a more unique style? Take a look at this article to find out the difference between wall and floor tiles, and whether or not you can put wall tiles on the floor, or vice versa.

12/06/2023

Bedding Adhesives For Stone Tiles

It’s crucial to use the right type of bedding adhesive when laying stone tiles, as this can make or break your tiling project. In this article, we’ll go through the different types of tile adhesives and discuss the best adhesive options for your next project, whether you’re installing natural stone tiles inside or outside.

21/09/2023

How to prepare a floor for tiling

Whether you're planning on tiling over an old wooden floor, newly set concrete, or even other tiles, it's essential that you prepare your chosen surface properly before you begin. To make sure you do this right, here is everything you need to know about preparing different floors and walls for tiling.

20/09/2023

British Standards for tiling: Regulations and tolerances

When taking on any tiling project, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a professional with years of experience, it’s important to be aware of the relevant British Standards for tiling. In this article, we’ve explained why the British tiling standards are important, and outlined the main regulations and tolerances you should familiarise yourself with.

23/08/2023

What is the best tile adhesive to use?

Are you preparing for a tile installation project, or wondering how to re-tile a certain area of your home? No matter your chosen material, whether you pick porcelain or natural stone, it’s important you use the correct adhesive. In this article, discover how to identify the best tile adhesive for your project, depending on your surface and stone type.

02/06/2023

Tiling Onto A Lime-Based Floor

Lime-based flooring is widely considered to be a green alternative to concrete and is present in many homes and buildings. This article explains what limecrete actually is, including the advantages and disadvantages. We’ve also compared limecrete to concrete and highlighted the essential things to consider when tiling over a lime-based floor.

19/11/2018

Tiling Onto Calcium Sulphate (Anhydrite) Screeds

The use of Calcium Sulphate (Anhydrite) screed is becoming more commonplace as these screeds are relatively low cost and easy to use. However it is important to know that there are potential issues when laying tiles onto Anhydrite screed. This article explains these potential issues and shows how they can be easily avoided.

28/11/2018

What Is Tile Lippage and Is It Acceptable?

Lippage is a term referring to where tiles have some edges and corners higher or lower than others. There are several causes for lippage ranging from bad workmanship through poor substrate to poor tile quality. In this article we advise how to tell the cause of lippage what can be done to prevent it.

20/06/2023

Tiling Onto Screeds With Wet Underfloor Heating

Before you do any tiling, it’s first important to know whether any wet underfloor heating is in place. In this article, we’ve identified the different screed types, and explained why it’s important to be able to tell them apart, and outlined the ways you can prepare your substrate and tile over wet underfloor heating. Discover how to effectively tile over underfloor heating here.

09/08/2023

How to Lay Large Porcelain Floor Tiles and Paving Slabs

Wondering how to lay large porcelain floor tiles? In this article, learn about the differences between laying standard vs large floor tiles and paving, as well as the ways you’re supposed to install them according to the specifications laid out in the British Standard, including what to consider when tiling on different substrates.

06/10/2023

How to remove grout haze from wall and floor tiles

When it comes to keeping your tiles clean, there are few things more frustrating to see than grout haze. Not only is it unsightly to look at, but it can also be tricky to remove without the right know-how. Fortunately, here at Stone Superstore, we know exactly how to remove grout haze, and our guide will walk you through it.

03/11/2023

How to Choose the Right Grout Colour

Picking out the right grout colour to match, complement, or offer striking contrast against your tiles is essential, and will really help to pull your room’s aesthetic together. In this article, we’ve explored the available grout colours, what to consider when choosing grout, and some of the most popular tile and grout colour combinations.

Tile Maintenance

28/06/2018

How to clean porcelain tiles

While your porcelain tiles might look great when you first install them, if you want them to remain in tip top showroom condition, it's important that you take the time to clean them properly. Read this article to find out the best way to keep your new tiles sparkling clean the whole year round.

05/07/2018

How To Clean Natural Stone Tiles

Looking after a natural stone floor is easy as long as it was installed correctly in the first place. A simple cleaning regime using appropriate products will keep your beautiful stone floor looking like new for a long time but when it does need a proper freshen-up, there are companies that will come out and bring it all back to life for you.

31/05/2023

How To Repair Scratched Tiles

Repairing scratched tiles is easier than you think, and you can even take on the job yourself! In this article, we’ll take you through the straightforward steps to follow, if you’re hoping to repair scratched porcelain or natural stone tiles. We’ve also provided top tile maintenance tips for protecting your floor from future scuffs and scrapes.

28/07/2023

DIY Repairs To Stone Tiles

Whether your tiles have become cracked, chipped, or scratched, you may be able to repair them yourself. In this article, our step-by-step manual will equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need to revitalize your flooring. Inside, you'll find expert tips and tricks for assessing damage, identifying suitable repair materials, and executing flawless repairs.

29/10/2018

When to Use a Professional Tile Cleaning Company

While it might be tempting, especially if your floor has a few stains and scratches that need removing, you don't necessarily need to call a professional tile cleaner. In fact, in most cases, you can simply clean your tiles yourself. Read this article to find out when to call the experts.

14/06/2023

Re-Sealing Natural Stone Tiles - When and How Often?

Natural stone tiles are a popular choice for walls and floors, but they do require some maintenance every now and then to keep them looking their best. In this article, we’ll explain the importance of resealing your tiles, when that might need addressing, and how to reseal your stone tiles yourself.

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