Frequently Asked Questions
We know how important it is to get all the details right for your project, whether you're a homeowner refreshing a room or a builder managing a large-scale renovation. On this page, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions, covering topics from product selection and tile calculator tips to ordering, delivery, and more.
If you don't see the information you're looking for, feel free to contact us. We're here to help you bring your vision to life with the best quality tiles, bathware, and accessories.
Products
Do I need to seal porcelain tiles?
No. Porcelain tiles are hard and dense with a smooth surface, making them non-absorbent to sealers.
What tiles should I pick for wet areas? Are tiles waterproof?
The majority of tiles are suitable for wet areas, but when choosing tiles for spaces like a bathroom or kitchen, you should take slip resistance and water absorption ratings into account. It is not necessary to waterproof grout; instead, epoxy grout can be used to prevent discoloration and staining.
What is shade/batch variation?
Tiles boxes display a ‘batch number,’ which indicates the items specific production run. As with most products, tiles may vary in shade, colour, size and appearance from batch to batch.
We want you to be happy with the end result of your tiling. To ensure this we recommend you check that all boxes delivered display the same shade/tone/reference numbers. Laying constitutes acceptance of the product so it is important to identify any issues prior to laying.
What does “Rectified Tiles” mean?
Rectified tiles are machine cut after their manufacture (by water or laser jet) to give the tiles a 90 degree angle square edge. This gives the tile a “slab like” minimal look and is often desired for aesthetic purposes, as grout lines are less obvious.
What are the different types of tiles?
Ceramic:
Wall and Floor Ceramic tiles are made from clay, pressed, glazed, then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The finished surface glaze gives a tile its unique colour and pattern. This glaze can be glossy, matt or in some cases contain ‘grit’ to make a tile more slip resistant.
More than most other surface covering materials, tiles keep looking good for a lot longer thanks to their resilient nature. Being hard and strong and having low porosity (especially glazed products) means that tiles resist scratching and withstand the wear and tear of everyday traffic better than most other materials. They are also hygienic/non-allergenic and generally easy to clean and maintain. Not to mention other benefits like having high stain resistance, don’t fade and are fire and static resistant.
Porcelain:
Refers to ceramic tiles that are made from finer clays, with a higher silica content. Porcelain tiles have added ingredients to give superior density and strength. They are pressed under greater pressure and fired at higher temperatures. Consequently they tend to be stronger, less porous, more resilient products than traditional wall tiles or glazed ceramic floor tiles.
Why ceramic tiles are not good for my floor?
We advise using porcelain because it is a more robust, long-lasting, and stronger than ceramic tiles.
Toilet Flush Types
Rimless Tornado
Design - Rimless tornado toilets blend a rimless design with a dynamic tornado flush mechanism.
Advantages - This innovative design ensures superior hygiene and ease of cleaning.
The tornado flush provides a powerful and thorough cleaning action, minimising the risk of bacterial buildup.
Flushing - High efficiency.
The cyclonic motion optimises water distribution, achieving a comprehensive clean with reduced water usage.
Rimless
Design - Rimless toilets do not have a traditional rim around the inside edge of the bowl.
Advantages - They are easier to clean and more hygienic compared to traditional rimmed toilets.
Without the rim, there are fewer places for germs and dirt to be trapped.
Flushing - The flushing system in rimless toilets is more efficient and requires less water to achieve a thorough cleaning.
Tornado
Design - Tornado flush or cyclone flush toilets, use a powerful and efficient vortex flushing system.
Advantages - This type of flush is highly efficient in cleaning the bowl and reducing the amount of residual waste.
It's also quieter and uses less water.
Flushing - The tornado provides a more powerful flush, which is effective in waste removal and cleaning the bowl with minimal waste usage.
Box Rim
Design - Box rim toilets, also known as boxed rim or rimmed toilets, have a rim that encircles the bowl with holes or slots under the rim.
Advantages - They provide a more consistent flush compared to older rim designs, as the water is distributed more evenly around the bowl.
Flushing - The flush is generally more controlled and can be more effective in cleaning the entire bowl surface compared to older rim designs.
Orders
How much wastage do I need?
In order to account for waste, BBC Tiles advises ordering an extra 10-15% of your purchase. If you want to request the same tile or batch years after the job is finished, it can be challenging to find it. In the future, replacing tiles will be much simpler as a result of this.
Additionally, if you are buying tiles that are on sale, it is always a good idea to purchase extra because, if you need to cover waste, the manufacturer may no longer carry that tile or that batch of tiles.
Some areas will need more cuts, which usually results in more waste. Always check the quantities with your tiler or builder before placing your purchase.
How much grout do I need?
These grout calculators are very user-friendly instruments that help with grout quantity estimation:
What should I take into account when I want to choose the perfect tile?
There are a few important aspects to keep in mind when selecting the best tiles for your project, including:
- Room size: Large tiles make a space look larger and more spacious.
- Material: The durability of a tile can be predicted by the material used. Always choose tile materials that can withstand the use they will receive.
- Size: It's amazing how much of a difference tile size can make in a space, whether it makes it feel bigger or smaller.
- Colour: Darker colours can be used to create a more sophisticated look, while lighter colours tend to brighten the space.
- Pattern: The busy pattern tricks the eye into believing there is more floor space than there is, so play a bit choosing the perfect tile. They're ideal for bringing personality to the space. However, plain tiles will make your place look minimalist and elegant.
- Grout: A contrasting grout will draw attention to the lines and design.
- Price: Finding the perfect tiles begins and ends with finding something within your budget. When tiling your house, keep your budget in mind at all times.
Returns & Refunds
What is your returns policy?
Please visit our returns policy page.
Delivery
I need to change my delivery address. How can I modify?
If your tiles have not been delivered yet, send us an email at info@bbctiles.com.au as soon as possible, providing your details such as full name, mobile number, sales order, and the correct address.
What should I do if my tiles arrived broken?
Any damaged or broken tiles must be reported in writing via email to info@bbctiles.com.au within 48 hours of arrival, along with photos of the damaged product.
After the tiles have been installed, claims will not be valid.
Do you deliver overseas?
Unfortunately, we do not deliver our tiles overseas.
How long does delivery take?
When you place an order here at BBC Tiles, our team will always check to see if the tiles you selected are in stock.
If your tiles are in stock, they usually take around 2-4 days or within the week to get delivered to our showroom from our supplier's warehouse.
Tiles can be delivered to site within a week to two weeks of ordering, subject to stock check and availability.
If your tiles are not in stock, we will advise of the estimated time of delivery (ETA).
I got a wrong item delivered.
If you received the incorrect item, please contact us promptly; we will assist you in resolving the situation.
Click & Collect
Why isn't Click & Collect available for the item I need?
Only products that are in stock will be available for Click & Collect.
When can I pick up my Click & Collect order?
After placing your order successfully, simply wait for us to send you an email letting you know it is ready. Then, you can come to the store assigned with your receipt to pick up your items.
How does Click & Collect work?
You can place an online order and pick up your goods from BBC Tile Centre using the free Click & Collect service.
Other
When are you open?
View our opening hours for all our showrooms here.
However, you can email us at rockdale@bbctiles.com.au whenever you wish, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Do you know any tiler who I might ask?
Unfortunately, we do not reference any tiler. Sorry for the inconvenience.