What types of tile do you sell?
We sell all types of tiles including, ceramic, porcelain, natural stone/marble finish. We also have a wide range of mosaics and anti-slip tiles and we also sell wood-effect floor tiles.

Are tiles better than marble or granite?
People always ask this question and the answer is relative to the area that is being tiled. At ICPL we only sell top-quality tiles. Also, we ensure the quality upon every original purchase, each customer can be assured that they receive tiles from the same batch with the same shading and calibration.

Is Porcelain tile better than Ceramic tile?
Porcelain is actually a form of ceramic but made from a much finer, denser ceramic clay. Due to its higher density and being fired at higher temperatures, porcelain is much more resistant to wear, scratches and frost than regular ceramic tiles. Porcelain is more resistant to moisture than ordinary ceramic tiles. Up until relatively recently, it was almost all ordinary ceramic tiles that were in the market. Nowadays, it is generally just on walls or low-traffic floor areas (such as bathrooms) that regular ceramic tiles are used.

Can I use wall tiles on a floor?
Wall tiles are only suitable for use on walls, so we do not recommend to use wall tiles on floor. However, floor tiles can be used on walls or floors.

Are all tiles Non-Slip?
Non-slip is a misnomer when it comes to tiles. No tile can be guaranteed to be slip-proof. In Ireland and U.K, we tend to use German R-ratings, which are ramp-tested ratings, to rate the slip resistance of tiles. R-ratings range from R-9 to R-13, the higher the rating, the more slip-resistant tile. There are is no building regulation (at the moment) for slip-resistance, only guidelines, and anti-slip tiles do not have to be used in any given area but are definitely recommended for disabled-access bathrooms and public areas.
Essentially, any floor tile may be used on any floor. However, wherever floor tiles are used, the onus falls on the specifier/consumer to choose an appropriate finish in terms of performance and design. There is also a duty of care to provide solutions to potential problem areas where function has to take precedence over form and safety issues override cost. Commercially, it is necessary to conform to specifications laid out by relevant body. Domestically, it is up to the consumer to make up their own mind based on practical information and your needs and wants. Obviously, a polished porcelain or gloss glazed ceramic and porcelain tile is more slippery than natural finish porcelain or a matt glazed ceramic or porcelain tile.
In a nutshell, the main point to consider is that ALL floor surfaces are slippery when wet.

What should I consider when purchasing tile?
You must always verify that the tile is suitable for the intended use. Some tiles are appropriate for walls but not floors. Some are considered for indoor/outdoor, wet environments, countertops, and commercial projects. Other common considerations to be taken care are design, style, available colors, price, and material type. Material types include ceramic, glass, metal, concrete etc…

What is the difference between standard “ceramic” tiles and porcelain tiles?
Tile terminology is not easy understandable. Most types of tiles that are made from clay or a mixture of clay and similar materials, then kiln-fired, are considered to be a part of the larger classification called “Ceramic Tiles”. These tiles can be split into two groups, porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles. These non-porcelain tiles are frequently referred to as ceramic tiles, which different from porcelain tiles.
“Ceramic” or non-porcelain tiles are generally made from red or white clay fired in a kiln. They are always finished with a durable glaze which carries the color and pattern. These tiles are used in both wall tile and floor tile applications, are softer and easier to cut than porcelain, and usually carry a PEI 0 to 3 rating. Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are usually suitable for very light to moderate traffic and generally have a relatively high water absorption rating making them less frost resistant and they are more prone to wear and chipping than porcelain tiles.
Porcelain tile is generally made by the dust pressed method from porcelain clays which result in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained and smooth, with a sharply formed face. Porcelain tiles usually have a much lower water absorption rate (less than 0.5%) than non-porcelain tiles making them frost resistant or frost-proof. Glazed porcelain tiles are much harder and more wear and damage resistant than non-porcelain ceramic tiles, making them suitable for any application from light traffic to the heaviest residential and light commercial traffic. Full body porcelain tiles carry the color and pattern through the entire thickness of the tile making them virtually impervious to wear and are suitable for any application from residential to the highest traffic commercial or industrial applications. Porcelain tiles are available in matte, unglazed or a high polished finish.
Apart from our saltillo (clay) tile ICPL choose to offer our customers only the highest quality glazed and full body porcelain tiles to ensure years of worry free use, at competitive price.

Can ceramic tile be used outdoor?
To use outdoor, we recommend the tile must be frost proof and unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less.
What is the difference between glazed and full-body tiles?
Glazed tiles are coated with a liquid glass, which is then baked into the surface of the clay. The glaze provides an unlimited array of colors and designs as well as protects the tile from staining. The unglazed tiles are pretty much the same as the glazed tile, except that their surface is not coated. Full-body porcelain tiles do not show wear because their color extends throughout the tile, making them ideal for commercial applications.

Should a sealer be used on ceramic tile?
A glazed tile is already stain proof, so there is no need to use a sealer. You may use a penetrating sealer on your unglazed tile or your grout joints. The penetrating sealer is an invisible, stain resistant shield that is absorbed into the surface.

Where can your tiles be used and what is a PEI rating?
PEI classes range from 0 to 5. The Porcelain Enamel Institute rating scale is not a measurement of quality. It is a scale that indicates the areas of use what each manufacturer recommends and has designed their tile to fit. A PEI 2 tile has been designed for areas where very low traffic and soiling is anticipated. In most cases the aesthetic detailing of these tiles is of prime consideration. You will often find high gloss levels, vibrant colorations and metallic elements in this group of tile. Conversely, a PEI 5 tile has been designed for abusive extra heavy foot traffic. The technical aspects such as surface abrasion resistance will be considered and must be achieved first before aesthetic effects are incorporated.
Class 0 – No Foot Traffic:
Wall tile only and should not be used on floors.
Class 1 – Very light traffic:
Very low foot traffic, bare or stocking feet only. (Master bath, spa bathroom).
Class 2 – Light Traffic:
Slipper or soft-soled shoes. Second level main bathroom areas, bedrooms.
Class 3 – Light to Moderate Traffic:
Any residential area with the possible exception of some entries and kitchens if extremely heavy or abrasive traffic is anticipated.
Class 4 – Moderate to Heavy Traffic:
High foot traffic, areas where abrasive or outside dirt could be tracked. Residential entry, kitchen, balcony, and countertop.
Class 5 – Heavy Traffic:
Ceramic tile suggested for residential, commercial and institutional floor subjected to heavy traffic.

Does ICPL do tile installations?
We do tile installations. Please consult our Showroom manager.

How does buying tile from ICPL work?
ICPL is a wholesaler with proprietary Internet technology and free customer service to provide incredibly low prices on top quality building products.

I need lesser amount of tile than your minimum order quantity – where do I go from here?
You are requested to visit or contact our store and we will be happy to assist you with every required details.

Am I restricted to getting just one product in a container?
Container orders can comprise any combination of the colors, sizes, finishes and shapes that a factory produces. There is a minimum of one pallet per type. Tile is heavy and will require proper equipment or labor to accept goods on delivery. Please check weight of goods before they are delivered so you are properly prepared.

How much breakage should I expect with an order?
It is not unusual to have 2% – 3% of the tile broken to some degree (e.g. chipped edges). Any amount up to 10% is still considered acceptable. These damaged tiles can be used for the cuts you will need to make. If breakage is above 10%, we would ask you to have it noted on the logistics receiving document and take pictures. Please make a claim with us within 10 days of receiving the order.

Can I tile right over plywood?
Answer: Yes, you can, However, There are few precautions you need to take care of, as well as pitfalls to watch out for that either don’t exist, or aren’t as important when using backer board (CBU– Cementations Backer Units) as your underlayment. The thinset you use, how you lay your plywood down, how you SCREW it down, even the species and rating of the plywood used, all make a difference.

Does ICPL have glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles?
Yes, we carry both types of tiles, Glazed ceramic tile is very durable, when properly installed and cared for, it lasts longer than any non-tile material used for the same purpose. It’s one of the easiest surfaces to clean and maintain, because of its composition, it will not absorb odors, nor support allergens or bacteria. Note: when coated with a Grade III or higher glaze, ceramic tile is highly resistant to scratching and moisture

Does ICPL have products that pass the COF wet and dry friction requirements?
Yes, the majority of our products pass the C.O.F. Wet & Dry friction requirements with average scores of at least 0.60 Wet and 0.80 Dry.

What are COF, PEI, Shade Variation and Water absorption?
COF COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION:
1. Slip resistance COF= 0.60
2. Conditionally Slip resistance COF = 0.50-0.60
3. Questionable COF = <0.50

PEI RATING-
PEI I- Decorative tile, residential and commercial wall and barefoot traffic
PEI II- Wall and residential bath floor, soft soled traffic
PEI III- All residential and light commercial floors
PEI IV- Medium commercial and light industrial, institutional, moderate soiling
PEI V- Heavy traffic, abrasive dirt

SHADE VARIATION-
V1- Uniform- Minimal to no difference among pieces
V2- Slight- Distinguishable differences in texture and / or pattern within similar colors
V3-Moderate- While the colors present in a single piece of tile will be indicative to the colors to be expected on other tiles, the amount of colors on each piece may vary significantly
V4- Random- Random color variation from tile to tile, so that one tile may have totally different colors from that on another tile. Thus, the final installation will be totally unique.

WATER ABSORPTION-PERCENTAGE-
0-0.5%- Impervious-Porcelain tiles, frost proof.
0.5-3% -Vitreous- Red and White body wall and floor tile, frost resistant.
3-7% – Semi-Vitreous- Non- Frost proof red and white body floor tiles.
Over 7%- Non- Vitreous-Monoporosa floor and wall tile, double fire wall tiles, and earthenware.

What type of tile does ICPL carry?
With a variety of types ranging from Matte, Rustic, Semi-polished, Polished, and Textured for both Floor and Wall, ICPL product selection is to one advantage, it’s an ideal choice for floors, bathrooms, kitchens, indoor and outdoor. Accents like Water-jet Medallions and Listello Borders that give a touch of flare to an installation, giving the entire room the feel you’re looking for to either be rustic, classic or contemporary. ICPL products are well known to cover every room of your home or commercial project. Our high quality tile will last a lifetime while maintaining its luster for years.

Should I seal my tile?
Most tiles should NOT be sealed. Most glazed tiles, as well as porcelains, will not allow the sealer to absorb into the surface, and as a result, it dries on the surface as a white haze, which is a BEAR to remove. The only tiles which should be sealed are most natural stone tiles, quarry tile, or terra cotta.

Is tile or grout waterproof?
No. Even with a grout sealer, most sealers used these days are “breathable,” meaning the moisture can transmit through it, both in and out, so even sealer won’t make it waterproof.

Do you offer samples?
We offer sample but on paid basis, Please contact the nearest store or our area manager.

Delivery and Returns
How long will it take to get my delivery?
Your delivery will depend upon the method you have selected. Our standard delivery and collect from store is three working days. If there are going to be any delays to your order we will always make sure you are informed.

Can I collect from my local Ceramic Tile Distributors branch?
Yes. We have made it easy for you to collect from your local branch, and it’s free. When you are at the delivery stage simply enter your postcode and select your nearest branch. When your order is ready for collection you will be notified.

Do you accept Returns?
Returns may be made to your local Ceramic Tile Distributors branch as per the terms and conditions for return (excluding World’s End Tiles) free of charge or by contacting us to arrange a return.

Can I return my delivery if it’s not what I expected?
In line with the distance selling regulations you have the option to return your order to us as stipulated in our returns policy. Any special order items are unfortunately exempt. You should check your order prior to signing for it and we always recommend ordering a sample to color & shade match.

Do you carry stock?
We carry most items in stock so will be able to deliver within 3 working days. For large orders there may be times where we don’t have the stock available but we will always keep you informed and do our best to get your order to you within the time specified.

What is full bodied porcelain?
This type of porcelain has the same surface as the body. There are two main versions, the speckled (salt and pepper) and the micronized grain version.

What is doubled loaded (charged)?
Composed of fine speckle biscuit and micronized topping. The two layers are then pressed together prior to firing.

What are soluble salts?
Soluble salts composed of metal oxides and water are spread through a screen on white porcelain, which then penetrates the body of the tile and releases the coloring during firing.

What are mosaic tiles?
Mosaic tiles are very small tiles, typically less than 100mm square and are most commonly known as splash back tiles due to their popularity as a finish for kitchen and bathroom splash backs. They are available in many different materials including porcelain, ceramic, glass or natural stone, to name but a few. The finishes available will also vary and depend upon the material used.

What is glaze?
Glaze is made up of ground glass and color pigments which are used to create unique designs. It’s a surface covering that is vitrified by firing and strongly adhered to the ceramic or porcelain body tile.

What is absorption and how does it relate to purchasing tiles?
Absorption is the ability of the tile to take up liquids or vapors. Absorption plays a key role when it comes to outdoors, kitchen, or bathroom tiles. Ceramic tiles absorb 5% or less, porcelain normally absorbs less than 0.5%.

What are a Nano finish and the benefits?
Nano finishing is a “pre-seal”, it eliminates the need to seal polished porcelain tiles after they are installed. National Tiles polished Stratos range comes with a Nano finish which you can purchase from store.
Benefits:
1. Increases water and dirt resistants
2. Lifespan of Nano Sealant last between 6-10 years.
3. Sealant is also anti-bacterial
4. The anti-sticking technology prevents dirt from adhering to the surface, thus easy to clean and stain free.
5. Tile surfaces are no longer prone to mouldy growth.
6. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens or any other wet area in the home.

How can I level my uneven floor?
If you wish to tackle this problem yourself, you will need to use a straight edge such as a spirit level to identify any discrepancies. For cement floors use an internal and external self-leveler. Just pour it on and let it dry. For timber, sand over the area and screw down (instead of nailing) the moving boards to prevent squeaking.
For tiling over timber and other sub straights where cement sheeting is required, laying sheeting over your floors will help spread the load and level the space. Cement sheeting or tile underlay should be used.
Before you begin tiling, ensure the surface is clean and prepped. Any lumps under the tiles will produce a bump in the surface and cannot be sanded down once laid. National Tiles offer a range of floor levelers which either purchase online or trade area at any of our stores.

Am I able to return any unused tiles or features that are left over?
You may contact the store from where you have purchased the item, the same can be done on the basis of terms and conditions applied for return on the sole description of store management.

Can anyone come out onsite to discuss my tile selection requirements?
Absolutely, please call your local branch and they will be more than happy to send out a company representative who will be more than happy to assist and discuss your requirements.

I’ve placed an order and now I need to cancel it. What do I do and will I be charged?
Cancelled orders will be charged at 15% of the total cost.

Do you have all tiles in stock?
In most cases required stock is available on the spot, however depending on the tile we may require extra time to deliver due to production process.

What are my delivery options? Do I have to pay before delivery?
Order needs to be made and paid in full before 11am the day before requested delivery date because it needs time to be picked & packed. There’s a choice of what kind of delivery you choose – Manitou or hand unload.

Can I pick my tiles up directly from a ICPL store?
Tiles ordered online can also be picked up from your nearest store.

What will be the cost of delivery?
The cost of delivery with vary based on your area, please contact store management for the details.

Can you tell me when my delivery will arrive?
Unfortunately we are unable to specify delivery times, however we can request a morning or afternoon delivery and the driver will usually call 1 hour prior to arriving on site to ensure access is available.

What happens if my tile is damaged during shipping?
If your tiles arrive damaged, you must notify us within 24 hours of receiving your tiles. We will replace your tiles and ship them to you at our expense. You must keep the damaged items and all packaging material for shipper’s inspection.

Will someone be able to load my order into my car?
Absolutely, our in house friendly warehouse personnel will be more than happy to assist.

Can I order my tiles from one branch and pick them up from another?
Absolutely, we will Endeavour to fulfill all your requests so please discuss this with your sales consultant at the point of sale.