Question 1

What types of ceramic and porcelain tile do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles in commercial environments. Standard commercial formats include 300x300mm, 300x600mm and 600x600mm ceramic and porcelain wall tile; 300x300mm, 600x600mm and large-format (600x1200mm and above) floor tile; mosaic tile; and feature tile in selected areas. Floor tile slip rating is specified to the project brief: R9 for general circulation, R10 for commercial kitchens and catering areas, R11 for wet rooms and changing areas. We install to BS 5385 for system selection, bedding, jointing and movement joint provision.

Question 2

Can you install large-format porcelain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Large-format porcelain (600x1200mm and above) requires careful substrate preparation, back-buttering technique, full-bed adhesive coverage and movement joint placement to the manufacturer's and BS 5385 requirements. We install large-format porcelain in commercial corridors, reception areas, feature walls and higher-specification washroom refurbishments.

Question 3

Do you waterproof wet areas before tiling?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Commercial wet rooms, shower areas and changing facilities require a waterproofing membrane or tanking system beneath the tile before grouting. We install liquid-applied or sheet membrane systems in wet areas prior to tiling, with full drainage and threshold detailing to prevent water ingress behind the tiled finish.

Question 4

How does ceramic tiling differ from hygienic cladding?

Accepted Answer

Ceramic tiling uses individual tiles with grout joints. Grout is permeable, discolours under repeated cleaning and can harbour bacteria in high-hygiene environments. For commercial kitchens required to meet food safety regulation, NHS clinical areas and food production environments, hygienic sheet cladding with chemically welded joints is the specification-correct alternative: it eliminates the grout joint as the principal hygiene failure point. Ceramic tiling is appropriate in amenity washrooms, general changing facilities, feature walls and environments where the specification does not require seamless, grout-free surfaces. Where the brief calls for both, we deliver both under one contract.

Question 5

What tolerances do you work to?

Accepted Answer

We install to BS 5385 as a minimum: lippage between adjacent tiles not exceeding 1mm (or the manufacturer's stated tolerance for the tile format), consistent grout joint width throughout, and movement joints provided at perimeters, changes of background and at maximum 4.5m centres in large floor areas. FIS Site Guide tolerances are our benchmark. Where the project specification exceeds BS 5385 minimum tolerances, we work to the specified requirement.

Question 6

Can you coordinate ceramic tiling with your dry lining work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and that is typically the strongest argument for including tiling within our scope. When we are delivering the dry lining as part of the same package, the substrate arrives at the correct standard, the tiling sequence is coordinated into the programme before first fix, and there is one accountable point of contact for both trades. This reduces the coordination risk that arises when tiling and dry lining are in separate sub-contracts with separate programming, handover and defect responsibility.

Ceramic Tiling in Bristol

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