Help!: Porcelain tile and scratches

[DavidJ]

Hi
Im just about to put some Topps Tiles - Brussells Porcelain Item Code:811367 (highly polished) 60cm X 60cm (11mm thick) on to my kitchen floor (approx 30m sq), just have a few questions _
1- do they scracth/loose the high glossed polish easily some sites say polished porcelain tiles loose their shine/scratch within a couple of days of being laid?
2 - do they need to be sealed -if yes what is best sealer?
3 - Once sealed will this retain the polished surface?
4 -howoften will they need to be resealed?
5 -what is best product to clean tile with?
6 - The product originates in China
7 - Will they be prone to warping when fitted?
8 - Will they have a protective wax coat before fitting ? If yes how is this removed ?
9 - What would be a resaonble price to pay to have the tiles fitted ?
10 - could you reconend a better alternative -would it be better to get a glazed porcelain tile rather than a highly polished one?
　
Any advice on the above would be appreciated before I splah out on the tiles.
Many Thanks
　
DavidJ

[macten]

I would personally never have polished porc on my kitchen floor - you'll develop an OCD type cleaning behaviour in no time.
I would go for a glazed porcelain personally.

[John Benton]

Hi David

Didn't Topps give you any advice on how to treat and maintain the tiles prior to purchase?

[akinsontiles]

The unfortunate answer to yours questions are that Topps Tiles will probably be the best people to answer them. however I'll put my two pence in:
1. Possibly, depends on quality and if you are wearing hob nail boots or socks on them
2. Possibly - Porcelain sealer supplied by Topps will do fine
3. Probably - refer to answer 1
4. Dependant on wear and tear - would advise 12 monthly routine
5. I normally advise warm water and detergent such as fairy liquid dry mopped to remove smears
6. Lots of good tiles originate from China now so I wouldn't let that bias my opinion - market forces and all that.
7. Tiles fitted on a full bed to a suitable substrate should not warp however tiles may be warped prior to fitting. Check first!
8. A wax coating is often fsprayed onto these tiles to protect them during transportation. A cleaner can be applied to lift it off - see lithofin range for a good one. Its a pain - be prepared for some shoulder ache!
9. JUst get three quotes from local tilers to find an average price - post the job on the "tilers wanted" forum here.
10. There are numerous alternatives such as a conglomerate stone which may be more hard wearing or a natural stone such as cappucino marble but you would have maintenance issues with those too. Low maintenance would be ceramics with a glazed finish but it depends on your budget and the style you are looking for.

Regards


Paul

[slikt]

Wish I had gone with glazed porcelain floor tiles. . especially now with the addition to a new puppy. . lol. . OCD aint the word, I must clean the floor three times a day now

[Dave]

They can look the mutts nuts when laid right.. they do not scratch that easy and sealing is only to aid maintenance/cleaning of them..

If this is the look you want, then go for it imo...


One i did a while back..



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[nybor62]

nice floor dave

[Mccormac tiling]

Get some photos if you can of similar work that tilers have done. If done badly the tiles can look awful.
Watch out for bowed tiles too!!

[Daz]

These are Topps polished porcelain. I sealed them with LTP MPG Sealer.
As stated above, they look great when installed well and will last a lifetime if you treat them with respect.

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