Frequently Asked Questions
1. What colour grout should I use for my stone and/or tile?
Grout colour is very important as it can make such a difference to the overall look of the floor or wall. Although very much a personal choice, we would always recommend choosing a colour that blends with the stone or tile so that you are focusing on the tiles, not the grout joints. However, dependent on the tile you use, there are grout colours available to make the area more of a feature.
2. What does the slip rating of a stone/tile mean?
Most tiles are assigned a slip rating that will guide you as to which tiles are suitable for your project. For example, a high-slip resistant tile is suitable for a wet environment or external environment where the risk of slipping is greater. There are two different ways slip testing is done, with some materials having a PTV rating and some an R rating.
3. What are PTV / R ratings?
PTV stands for pendulum test value, which essentially measures how slippery a floor surface is when a foot comes in contact with it. PTV also calculates slip-resistance, and is measured with a pendulum that mimics a shoe on a surface. The results will determine the PTV or R rating and thus the suitability of the tile, for example:
PTV 11 - 18 (R9) - low friction. Suitable for dry internal domestic floors such as kitchens, dining areas and hallways.
PTV 18 - 34 (R10) - medium friction. Suitable for internal domestic floors subject to occasional wetting, such as bathrooms.
PTV 34 - 51 (R11) - high friction. Suitable for external areas such as patios, walkways, dressing rooms and pool surrounds.
4. How does a pendulum test work? (PTV rating)
Two types of rubber are used to measure the resistance of both barefoot and footwear. The slides make contact with the tile in the same manner as a human heel would at the point that slips occur. After striking the test surface, the foot swings and a measurement is taken to see how the friction of the surface reduces the energy of the foot. The test is conducted in both dry and wet conditions. A tile with a high slip resistance has a lower probability of a slip.
5. How does a ramp test work? (R rating)
First of all, a ramp is covered with the flooring material that is to be tested. The ramp angle then increases in degrees until the tester, who is either barefoot or wearing a predetermined shoe type, slips. The test is then repeated on dry floors, wet flooring and contaminated floor surfaces. The results of the tests performed are averaged and the floor material is given an R rating.
6. How should I cut my tiles?
Tiles should always be installed by a dedicated professional who is used to dealing with these products due to different materials needing different care, tools to cut, and installation. Natural stone and tiles can be cut using a diamond blade – ideally a water-cooled machine. Some porcelain, glass and ceramic tiles can be cut with a scribe and break type cutter. Tiles which are extremely thin will require various specialist tools due to having less surface tension. These tools include glass cutters and manual tile cutters, along with a tile cutter ruler. A specialist frame used alongside a hand-held angle grinder may also be required.
7. Can the driver take my goods into the property and help unpack?
No, unfortunately not. The delivery service we offer is a kerbside delivery via a tail lift courier. Once unloaded, the goods are the responsibility of the site team. The delivery driver is not insured to help handle the goods, move the goods into the property or remove packing, therefore it is essential that someone is present to receive the order.
8. Installation Guides
Interior Installation Guide here
Exterior Intstallation Guide here
Glass and Mirror Installation Guide here
Patterns and Layouts Guide here
9. Stone & Tile Glossary
SHIPPING
1. What are your shipping charges?
Please view our shipping charges table here
2. Where do you ship to?
Mainland UK, please enquire for further shipping queries
3. How will my delivery be made?
Small orders are sent via parcel carrier delivered to door (small format, less than 4m2). Large orders are delivered on a large curtain sided lorry with a tail lift, kerbside only.
4. What do I do if my order arrives damaged?
Whilst we make every effort to package our stone and tiles to ensure they are protected, damage during transit is still posssible. If you recieve damaged or incorrect products, we will take full responsibility and send replacements as long as the are not installed.
Please ensure that shortages and damages are reported with photographic evidence via email to sales@capietra.com within 3 days of delivery.
5. How quickly can I get my tiles as I have a tiler booked?
Our Delivery turnaround time is 3-4 working days from your order, but please enquire if you need your products sooner - we will do our very best to help.
6. How do I know when my delivery is arriving?
When giving us your phone number for delivery, you should receive a text message prior to your delivery. If there are any delivery issues, you will recieve a call.
7. Can I get a call before my delivery to ensure someone is there?
Yes, you can request a call - the driver will call on the number given when ordered if they arrive at the property and no one is there or they can’t find the address.
8. Can I specify a delivery date?
Yes, when you go to confirm your order, you can select a delivery date.
9. Can I give delivery instructions?
Yes, when you go to confirm your order, you can write a comment for the delivery driver. Just be aware that they are unable to help with moving or unpackaging your goods as they are not insured to do so.
ONLINE ORDERS
1. What payment methods do you accept?
We accept, Credit/ Debit Card, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay
2. How do I know if tiles are in stock?
The stock levels are shown on each product page
3. Can I amend my order once it's been placed?
You can contact sales@capietra.com to see if your order can be amended, but once the order has been dispatched, amends cannot be made.
4. Should I order extra tiles to be on the safe side?
We recommend adding an extra 10% to your order for cuts and wastage, you can use our 10% wastage tick box to add this on without the calculation. We recommend 15% extra for herringbone floors as these can create more wastage than other layouts.
5. Once I've placed an order can I track it's progess?
You can contact our customer service team via email at sales@capietra.com or call 01380 735886 to track your order's progress.
6. Can I collect my online order?
Currently, when ordering on the website, delivery is the only option avaliable. If you would prefer to collect, please contact sales@capietra.com to order with collection.
7. Can I guarantee my tiles will match my sample?
Samples will be a cut or full tile of the real thing, but please note that on some tiles (particularly those with varied colours or textures) batch variation is regular, so there is a possibility that your sample tile may vary slightly to your full order.
8. I have already placed or recieved an order and have a question or query
Please contact our Customer service team on sales@capietra.com with you query, please provide your order number.
9. If a product is out of stock, when will it next be avaliable?
Each product has different lead times, you can find out when the product will be next available by contacting our team on sales@capietra.com
DELIVERY
1. How do I know when my delivery is arriving?
You should have selected a delivery date when ordering your tiles, and you can double check this on the order confirmation sent via email.
2. How should I unpack/store my order?
When you receive your order, its recommended you open the boxes/pallet to check the tiles are in good condition. We advise that tiles should be stored inside unless they are well covered from weather conditions.
3. Is there anything I should do once I get my delivery?
We advise you open the boxes/pallet to check the tiles are as expected and with no damages to report. Make sure they are stored in a suitable area.
4. Who will deliver my order?
Small orders are delivered via DPD, Larger Pallet orders are delivered via our 3rd party courier Willmotts, Pallet Force.
5. Can the driver take my goods into the property and help unpack?
The driver cannot assist with moving goods into your property. They will drop at the nearest hard flat standing to your door.
RETURNS
1. Do you accept returns?
Yes, As long as the goods are unused, in original packaging and with full box quantities. We will process your refund within three working days of receipt, less a 15% restocking fee.
2. Can I return left over tiles?
If you have left over tiles, you can only return if they are in full box quantities in the original packaging. You must aslo return them within 30 days of delivery.
3. I have cancelled my order; how long will it take to get my refund?
As long as the goods arrive back to us in a resaleable condition, we will process your refund within three working days of receipt, less a 15% restocking fee.
4. Do I have to return my tiles in the original packaging?
Yes, goods must be unused and in original packaging.
5. When wouldn't I be able to return tiles?
You are unable to return your tiles if they are end of line, outlet, special order, made to order, or if they have been used and are not in full boxes.
SAMPLES
1. Can I order samples?
Yes, you can order samples of all our tiles online.
2. What type of samples can I order?
You can order a free cut sample of most of our tiles. If the tile is less than 45 x 45cm, you can order a full tile sample. You can order a 30 x 40cm sample of tiles larger than 45 x 45cm.
3. What size is a free cut tile sample?
Normally, this is 10 x 15cm.
4. What is the limit on ordering samples?
We have a limit on both 30 x 40cm samples and free cut samples. You can order up to 6 free cut samples, and you can order up to ten 30 x 40cm samples, with a limit of 4 samples of the same product.
SEALING
1. Do my tiles require sealing and what do I seal them with?
Natural Stone- YES – Stain Block Eco or Stain Block / Stone Shield
Terracotta - YES – Stain Block Eco and Stone Shield or Linseed Oil and Bees Wax -SEE Sealing guides in the question below for different finishes.
Terrazzo - YES – Stain Block Eco or Stain Block
Reformed Stone – YES – Stain Block Eco or Stain Block / Stone Shield
Crackle Glaze Products -YES – Crackle Glaze Sealer
Victorian Style floor collection – YES – Porcelain Pre grout barrier
Porcelain - NO
Ceramic – NO
Porcelain Paving - OPTIONAL Pre Grout Barrier
See Ancillaries Instruction Guides on the Product Pages' Downloadable Guides.
2. What is the best way to seal terracotta?
3. Do you have any guides to sealing tiles?
Please find our sealing guide here
4. Do I need to seal crackle glazed wall tiles?
Yes, Crackle Glaze Wall tiles need to be sealed especially if used in a wet area, please see our Crackle Glaze Sealer
CLEANING
1. What is the best way to clean ceramic tiles?
Any Regular Cleaner
2. What is the best way to clean porcelain tiles?
Any Regular Cleaner
3. What is the best way to clean natural stone & marble tiles?
pH neutral cleaners – All Clean or Clean & Sheen. For any very hard to remove dirt we recommend Deep Clean or Paving Deep Clean. Please note, the tiles will need to be resealed after using a Deep Clean product.
4. What is the best way to clean terrazzo tiles?
pH neutral cleaners – All Clean or Clean & Sheen.
5. What is the best way to clean Minérale tiles?
pH neutral cleaners - All Clean
6. What is the best way to clean terracotta tiles?
pH neutral cleaners - All Clean or Clean & Sheen
7. What is the best way to clean limestone?
pH neutral cleaners– All Clean or Clean & Sheen. For any very hard to remove dirt we recommend Deep Clean or Paving Deep Clean, Please note the tiles will need to be resealed after using a Deep Clean product.
8. Can I use a steam cleaner on my tiles?
Not suitable for products such as Natural Stone, Terracotta, Minerale. Porcelain is normally fine for steam cleaning.
GROUTING
1. Is tiling without grout possible?
Not generally, due to the natural expanding and shrinking from heat/cold. However our Minérale range does not require grouting.
2. How do I clean grout off the surface of my tiles once laid?
If you are struggling to remove grout from the surface of your tiles, we would recommend using our Cement, Grout & Salt Residue remover.
3. What colour grout should I use for my stone and/or tiles?
It's all down to personal preference, but you are welcome to contact us for recommended grout colours or to find out the colours used in our imagery.
4. How do I grout tiles?
Mix the grout according to the instructions on the bag, then work into the grout joint using a grouting float. Leave to dry and wash excess away as per instructions on the bag.
5. Is there a stain proof grout?
Yes we sell a Stain Proof Resin Grout which has a much higher stain resistance then our standard resin cement grout.
6. Will grout stain stone and tiles?
Yes this is a possibility, especially where strongly contrasting colours are used. Also, this is more common with natural materials and terracotta. If stains occur, try our Cement, Grout & Salt Residue Remover.
PRODUCT SUITABILITY
1. Are your tiles compatible with underfloor heating?
All our floor tiles are compatible with underfloor heating, with the exception of our Minérale range.
2. Can I use your tiles around a fireplace?
Yes, as long as they aren’t in direct contact with the heat, with the exception of our Minérale and Terrazzo ranges. Recommended distance between heat is above 20cm.
3. Are your tiles heat resistant?
Our porcelain and ceramic and terracotta ranges are all heat resistant. However, our other material may be damaged by prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
4. Can I use your tiles in a shower?
The majority of our tiles can be used on shower walls, with the exception of Minérale. Terracotta and Crackle Glazed tiles can be used, provided they are sealed with Crackle Glaze Sealer. Not all our ranges can be used on shower floors due to slip resistance and water absorption. Please check the slip rating on the product pages or with our team if you are unsure.
5. Can I use your tiles outside?
Not all our materials are suitable for external use, please check the product pages on our website for further information.
6. Can I use your tiles on a wall?
Please check the product pages on our website for further information.
PREPARATION & LAYING
1. How do I prepare for tiling?
For best practice we would recommend the removal of any original tile floor, however this is not necessary if you are installing minerale range which can installed as a floating floor. The surface should be as flat and as level as possible – An ideal surface to tile onto is a screed or a waterproof overboards such a nomoreply or dukkaboard.
2. How do I measure my room?
Measure the length and width of the area and multiply these together to get the M2 area. For complex shaped walls or floors, break the area down into several smaller squares or rectangles, and add the M2 of each smaller area together. To find out the M2 of a triangular shaped area, multiply both the length and width (the sides of the triangle that meet at a right angle) and divide the answer by two. We always recommend ordering an extra 10% to account for breakages, cuts and wastage during installation, and this should also cover you for any miscalculations.
3. How do I make sure I order the right quantity?
We recommend measuring your area to get the M2, and adding an extra 10% to account for any breakages, cuts and wastage.
4. Can I install tiles myself?
Yes this is possible, however we would recommend the use of an experienced tiler for the best results. If you do decide to tile on your own, then there are many useful video guides online. Please refer to our installation guidelines.
5. Do I need to order anything else with my tiles?
For all our ranges except minerale, Adhesive and Grout are required. Natural Stone, Terracotta, Terrazzo, Victorian Style Floor and Crackle Glaze tiles will also need sealant. All of these items are available for purchase at Ca’ Pietra here.
4. Do I need to mix my tiles before laying them?
We recommend that you open a box of tiles and view all of the variations before installing them. If a tile has lots of varation, you may want to choose how each tile is laid to acheive an even looking mix once installed. Most of our tiles will be mixed in the box, so this is unnecessary.
6. How do I cut into corners and odd shapes?
Please refer to our Installation Guidelines.
7. Do you have any installation guides?
8. Can I tile onto plasterboard?
Tiling onto plasterboard is not advised, due to the softness and water absorbsion of the material. We would recommend over boarding with wall tile boards, and also applying waterproof tanking in any wet areas.
9. Can I tile over a timber floor?
We would always recommend installing a waterproof overboard such as nomoreply or dukkaboard before tiling over timber floorboards. We would never recommend tiling directly on top of wooden flooring.
10. Can I tile over a floating floor?
This is not advised as a floating floor needs the ability to expand and contract when the temperature changes. Tiling over a floating floor could result in cracks and breakages.