Everything you want to know
Answers to the most common questions about our tiles, samples, ordering, and services
Products & tiles
Common questions about our tile ranges, specifications, and suitability
All prices on tile.co.uk are quoted per m². Most tiles are sold by the box — each product listing shows the box coverage in m², so you can see the total box price before adding to your basket. Some tiles are sold by the tile or by the sheet; where this is the case it will be clearly noted on the product page.
You can generally use floor tiles on walls. Floor tiles are denser and heavier, which can make fixing trickier — a suitable tile adhesive is essential.
We do not recommend using wall tiles on floors. Wall tiles are typically thinner and not rated for foot traffic or load-bearing use. Always check the product description for application guidance before purchasing.
Porcelain tiles are fired at a higher temperature and have a lower water absorption rate (≤0.5%), making them denser, harder, and more suitable for wet rooms, outdoor use, and high-traffic areas.
Ceramic tiles are slightly more porous and easier to cut, making them a good choice for walls and lower-traffic floors. They are usually lighter and less expensive than porcelain.
Only tiles specifically described as suitable for exterior use should be used outside. These are typically porcelain tiles with very low water absorption that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.
Look for the 'Outdoor' tag or check the product description. Our Provence and Pierre Paving ranges are designed specifically for outdoor use.
Most porcelain and ceramic tiles work well over underfloor heating systems. Natural stone tiles can also be used but conduct heat differently. Wood effect tiles are a popular choice as they feel warm underfoot while giving the look of timber.
We recommend using a flexible tile adhesive rated for UFH — our ProFlex SP or SPES adhesives are suitable choices.
Measure the total area you want to tile in m² (width × height for walls, length × width for floors). Add 10% for cuts and breakages on straightforward rooms, or up to 15% for rooms with angles, features, or diagonal layouts.
Divide your total (with wastage) by the m² coverage per box shown on the product page to get the number of boxes needed. Always round up to whole boxes.
For a quick and easy calculation, use our Tile Calculator — enter the dimensions of the area you're tiling and the size of the tile you'd like to use and it will work out the quantity for you.
Yes — tiles are manufactured in batches, and there can be slight shade variation between batches. Each box is marked with a shade code and calibre number. When ordering, always order slightly more than you need so all boxes come from the same shade batch.
If you later need to top up, we'll do our best to match the shade, but an exact match from a different batch cannot be guaranteed.
Split face tiles are panels of natural stone or quartzite slices arranged in a brick-like pattern, creating a textured, three-dimensional feature wall effect. They are typically used on interior feature walls and fireplace surrounds.
They are fixed with a cement-based tile adhesive applied with a flat trowel to both the wall and the back of each panel. Grouting is not usually required — the natural stone joints are part of the look.
The dimensions shown (e.g. 30x60cm, 7.5x15cm) refer to the face size of a single tile — width × height for wall tiles, or width × length for floor tiles. These are nominal sizes; actual dimensions may be very slightly smaller due to manufacturing tolerances.
Free samples
How our sample service works
Yes — the vast majority of our tile range is available as a free sample at £0.00. Simply add the sample to your basket and check out. Standard delivery charges may apply depending on your order total.
You can order multiple samples in a single order. We'd recommend ordering all the tiles you're considering at the same time so you can compare them side by side at home in your own lighting and against your fixtures.
Samples are dispatched in compact postal boxes designed to fit through your letterbox. Any tile larger than 15×15cm will be sent as an off-cut rather than a full tile.
For smaller tiles — such as a Metro 10×20cm or a Rustico 7.5×15cm — we'll do our best to send a full-size tile. For larger tiles, such as outdoor or large format tiles, expect an off-cut that accurately represents the colour, finish, and texture of the full tile.
Please note we only send one copy of each tile requested — the sample service is to help you assess the quality, texture, and colour of a tile, not to set up a display.
For multi-pattern tiles we'll send two different prints to illustrate the range of patterns or colours you can expect. Depending on the tile size these may arrive as off-cuts (for example, the Nikea 20×20cm is sent as two half tiles, and wood effect tiles as two different off-cuts). If your overall sample box is overweight, this may reduce to one off-cut.
Samples are sent via Royal Mail 48-hour service and should arrive within 2–4 days of dispatch. You'll receive a dispatch confirmation by email once they've been sent.
Most of our range has a free sample available, but a small number of products may not. If you can't find a sample for a specific tile, please contact us on 0330 002 0850 or email hello@tile.co.uk and we'll do our best to help.
No — you can order samples as a guest without creating an account. Creating an account does make it easier to track your orders and reorder in future.
Ordering & payment
Everything about placing an order and payment options
We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Klarna. We also accept payment by bank transfer (BACS) — if you'd like to pay this way, please contact us on 0330 002 0850 or email hello@tile.co.uk for bank details before placing your order.
We're unable to take payment over the phone — all orders need to be placed and paid for online. However, our team is happy to help you choose the right tiles, calculate quantities, or talk through your project before you order. Give us a call on 0330 002 0850 and we'll point you in the right direction.
If your order hasn't been dispatched, we'll do our best to amend or cancel it. Please contact us as quickly as possible on 0330 002 0850.
Once an order has been dispatched it cannot be cancelled before delivery. You would need to follow our returns process once the order arrives.
Yes — all prices shown on tile.co.uk include VAT at the current UK rate. Your order confirmation and invoice will show the full VAT breakdown.
Yes. For large orders or trade enquiries, contact us on 0330 002 0850 or email hello@tile.co.uk with the tiles and quantities you need, and we'll put together a detailed quote for you.
Yes — you can add tiles, adhesives, grout, tools, and samples to the same basket and check out together. Please be aware that many of the tiles we offer are special order items that are dispatched directly from the supplier rather than from us. Any special order products are clearly listed as such on the product page, along with the relevant delivery details.
Delivery
Shipping, lead times, and what to expect on delivery day
Tiles are heavy and fragile, so they are delivered on a pallet by a specialist pallet courier. The driver will bring the pallet as close to your property as is safely possible, but cannot carry tiles inside. Please ensure someone is available to receive the delivery and help move tiles to where they need to go.
In-stock orders are dispatched within 24 working hours (Monday–Friday). Once dispatched, delivery is typically within 2–5 working days. You'll receive tracking information by email as soon as your order has been dispatched.
Special order products that come directly from the supplier may have different lead times — these are detailed on the individual product page.
We deliver to mainland UK only, including mainland Scotland. We are currently unable to deliver to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, or other offshore locations. If you're unsure whether your address falls within our delivery area, please contact us before ordering.
Before signing for your delivery, inspect all boxes carefully for any visible damage. If boxes are damaged, note this on the delivery paperwork before signing ("received damaged") and take photographs.
Once signed for as received in good condition, making a damage claim becomes more difficult. Open all boxes and check tiles before your tiler starts work — we cannot accept claims for damaged tiles once installation has begun.
We do not currently have a customer collection facility. All orders are delivered to your address. If you have a specific requirement, please contact us to discuss what might be possible.
Returns & breakages
What to do if tiles arrive damaged or you have tiles left over
We're sorry to hear this. Please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs of the damaged tiles and the outer packaging. We'll arrange a replacement or refund as quickly as possible.
This is why we always recommend inspecting all boxes before signing for delivery, and checking all tiles before your tiler begins work.
Unused, unopened boxes in their original packaging can be returned within 28 days of delivery. Please contact us to arrange a return — tiles cannot be sent back via a standard parcel courier and must be collected on a pallet. A return delivery charge will apply.
We recommend always ordering with 10–15% wastage built in rather than re-ordering later, as tiles from different production batches may not match exactly.
Unfortunately we cannot accept returns of opened boxes. Tiles from opened boxes cannot be re-sold, and we are unable to verify the condition of individual tiles once the box has been opened.
If the tiles are unused and in their original unopened packaging, contact us within 28 days and we can arrange a return and a replacement order. Return delivery charges apply. We recommend using our free sample service before ordering to confirm the tiles are right for your project.
Adhesives & grouting
Choosing the right adhesive and grout for your tiles
Ready-mixed adhesives come pre-mixed in a tub — no preparation needed. They are suitable for ceramic wall tiles in most domestic settings and are easy to use. They are not suitable for porcelain tiles or tiles larger than 300×300mm.
Cement-based adhesives come as a powder and are mixed with water on site. They offer higher performance, greater flexibility options, and suitability for porcelain, large format tiles, natural stone, and wet rooms.
Porcelain tiles require a cement-based adhesive — ready-mixed adhesives are not suitable. We stock a range of cement-based adhesives including the UltraTileFix ProFlex SP and Mapei Mapeker Rapid Set Flex, both suitable for porcelain wall and floor tiles.
Flexible (S1 or S2 classified) adhesives are recommended for: underfloor heating systems, large format tiles (600mm+), natural stone, exterior applications, and any area subject to slight movement or vibration.
For standard ceramic wall tiles in a domestic bathroom without underfloor heating, a standard C1 or C2 adhesive is usually sufficient.
Tiling over existing tiles is possible if the existing tiles are firmly bonded, flat, clean, and free from grease or contamination. A cement-based adhesive with a primer coat is usually recommended. We'd always suggest removing loose or hollow-sounding tiles before beginning. For large areas, removing existing tiles and starting fresh gives the best long-term result.
This depends on the adhesive used. Ready-mixed adhesives typically require 24 hours before grouting. Rapid-set cement adhesives such as ProFlex SP can be grouted after as little as 4 hours. Always follow the specific guidance on the adhesive packaging. In wet rooms or on impervious backgrounds, allow at least 3 days before grouting regardless of adhesive type.
For most tiles it doesn't matter, and grey is the standard choice. Use white adhesive for light-coloured natural stone (to avoid the grey showing through), pale translucent mosaic tiles, and very light-coloured tiles where bleed-through at grout joints would be visible. Both grey and white variants have identical technical performance.
Trade accounts
Information for contractors, developers, and tiling professionals
Yes — we offer trade pricing for contractors, developers, interior designers, and tiling professionals. Sign up for a trade account using the Trade account sign-up link at the top of our website, or contact us on 0330 002 0850 to discuss your requirements.
The vast majority of our products have no minimum order quantity — you can order as few or as many boxes as you need. A small number of specialist trade products do carry a minimum order requirement, which is clearly stated in the product description where it applies.
Absolutely. We regularly supply tiles for large residential and commercial developments. Contact us on 0330 002 0850 or email hello@tile.co.uk with your project requirements and we'll provide a competitive quote, including bulk pricing and phased delivery options if needed.
Yes — VAT invoices are available on request. Please contact us on 0330 002 0850 or email hello@tile.co.uk after placing your order and we'll issue one for you.
For large projects where you need tiles delivered in phases, please contact us to discuss stock reservation. We'll do our best to ensure all tiles for your project come from the same production batch, which is particularly important for avoiding shade variation across a large installation.