FAQ

As an online-only outlet, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional range of high-quality tiles and surfaces at competitive prices. Operating exclusively online allows us to reduce overhead costs associated with physical stores and showrooms. This, in turn, empowers us to offer our customers significant cost savings, enabling you to access premium products at more affordable prices. Plus, the convenience of online shopping means you can explore our extensive collection from the comfort of your own space, at any time that suits you. With us, you’re not only getting top-notch products but also the benefits of an efficient and cost-effective shopping experience.

We appreciate your interest in trade discounts. At Emporio Surfaces, we have a pricing strategy that sets our rates approximately 33% below the typical price found at other outlets. This means that all our customers, including businesses and individuals, can take advantage of highly competitive prices without the need for additional trade discounts.

Our commitment to offering cost-effective solutions is aimed at ensuring that everyone benefits from our products and services at the best possible value. So, while we don’t offer specific trade discounts, rest assured that you’re already getting a great deal when you shop with us.

If you have any more questions or need further information about our pricing and offerings, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Support Team. We’re here to assist you with any inquiries you may have.

All items advertised on our website are in stock and ready to ship. We aim to have all orders delivered within 4-6 working days, from Monday to Friday, excluding weekends (Saturday and Sunday). This means that you can expect your order to arrive as early as the 4th working day or at the latest on the 6th working day.

It’s important to note that certain postcodes in Scotland and offshore islands may incur additional charges and may have longer lead times for delivery. To determine the precise delivery details for your specific location, simply enter your postcode during the checkout process. Our dedicated Customer Services Team will then calculate any potential additional charges and provide you with a more accurate delivery estimate.

We’re committed to ensuring that your orders are delivered in a timely and efficient manner, and our goal is to provide clarity and transparency in the delivery process. If you have any further questions or need assistance with your order, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Services Team.

You are welcome to pick up your goods from our warehouse. Please select ‘Customer Collection’ on checkout. Our Customer Support Team will then contact you to arrange pick-up and take you through your vehicle requirements. Click here for more information.

Yes, we are UK-based, and all our comprehensive stock is located right here in the UK. Local stock means precise delivery dates and significantly shortened lead‐times. Our tiles and slabs predominantly originate from Italy, renowned for producing some of the finest porcelain tiles in the world, ensuring the highest quality for our customers.

We are a UK only retailer. We do not offer shipping services to international locations.

In the context of our products, “job lot” refers to a unique and advantageous offering. It involves purchasing a specific quantity of tiles or slabs from a manufacturer, often at a discounted rate. These tiles are not seconds or returned stock but are typically lines that may have been discontinued or are nearing the end of their production. This approach allows us to provide our customers with remarkable savings compared to typical retail prices, making premium porcelain surfaces more accessible. Job lots are available in specific quantities, typically in one size and one finish, ensuring that you receive a cohesive batch for your projects. However, they are in limited supply, and once they’re gone, they’re no longer available, so it’s essential to act quickly to take advantage of these fantastic deals. We sometimes have additional stock of the same item available in a seperate batch. See “What is batch matching?”

Tile manufacturers produce tiles in ‘batches,’ and over time, the colour of these batches may undergo slight changes due to various factors such as alterations in raw material suppliers or the substances used in the production process. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as ‘batch variation’ within the tiling industry.

In some cases, the difference in colour between batches is barely noticeable, allowing for the completion of projects with tiles from different batches placed side by side. However, if the batch variation results in a more significant contrast, it may be necessary to utilise tiles from different batches in separate sections of the room.

To ensure uniformity in colour and minimise any noticeable differences, it’s advisable to use tiles from the same batch throughout the entire project where possible.

Yes, we offer samples of our porcelain tiles so that you can see and feel the quality of our products before making a purchase. Please use our sample ordering buttons on the tile page. Up to 5 samples can be posted out free of charge to a UK destination. If you require larger volumes of samples, please contact us. Tile samples are provided in 8 x 13 cm format.

When it comes to our product range, we specialise in porcelain tiles and slabs. Our focus is on providing the highest quality and most diverse selection of porcelain surfaces to cater to a wide range of design and architectural needs. By concentrating on porcelain, we can offer our customers an extensive array of options and styles within this category, ensuring you have access to top-notch products that meet your specific requirements.

Ordering an additional 15% to your m² requirement of tiles is essential to accommodate potential cutting needs and account for any wastage during installation. This extra allowance ensures that you have enough tiles to cover your project even if there are irregular cuts, accidental breakages, or the need for replacements in the future, resulting in a seamless and stress-free tile installation process.

Our commitment to delivering the finest porcelain surfaces has led us to offer products from some of the most esteemed Italian factories in the industry. These factories represent the pinnacle of tile production, and we’re proud to hold their stock within our inventory. Among them are world-renowned names such as Ariostea, Ceramiche Piemme, Edilgres, Eiffelgres, Fiandre, Iris Ceramica, La Fabbrica, Mirage, and Porcelaingres.

Ariostea, for instance, is celebrated for its innovative approach to porcelain surfaces, pushing the boundaries of design possibilities. Ceramiche Piemme is a brand recognised for its commitment to environmental sustainability, creating not only beautiful but eco-conscious tiles. Edilgres combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, resulting in exquisite porcelain products.

Eiffelgres is synonymous with architectural excellence, providing solutions for iconic projects worldwide. Fiandre boasts a legacy of producing tiles that exude elegance and sophistication, while Iris Ceramica, stands as a symbol of Italian design, offering a diverse range of porcelain solutions.

La Fabbrica is known for its commitment to both quality and aesthetics, bringing a touch of Italian style to every space. Mirage offers a blend of tradition and innovation, while Porcelaingres is synonymous with durable, high-performance porcelain surfaces.

These factories not only craft tiles and slabs that are aesthetically captivating but also prioritise performance, sustainability, and innovation. As a result, our relationship with these industry leaders ensures that you have access to the most exquisite and cutting-edge porcelain surfaces for your design projects.

Ready to place your order, but not in a rush for your tiles? You can take advantage of our complimentary warehouse storage for up to two months. If you need us to store your tiles for a longer duration, a small fee may apply.

A porcelain slab is a large, thin, and flat sheet made from porcelain. Porcelain is known for its exceptional durability, resistance to stains, and high-end aesthetic qualities. These slabs are typically used in a variety of applications, including countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and more, both in residential and commercial settings. Utilising the expansive size and attractive aesthetics of large-format slabs allows for extended runs, creating a seamless design with fewer grout lines. They are available in various sizes up to 3 x 1.5 m, and Polished, Honed and Natural finishes, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. Porcelain slabs are a versatile and popular choice for interior and exterior design projects due to their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile made from a dense, fine-grained clay that is fired at very high temperatures. This results in a durable and water-resistant tile that is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Porcelain tiles offer several benefits, including:

• Durability: They are highly resistant to scratches, stains, and wear.
• Water Resistance: Porcelain tiles are waterproof and suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Low Maintenance: They are easy to clean and maintain.
• Design Variety: They come in a wide range of colours, patterns, and sizes.

Yes, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for outdoor applications. Their low water absorption rate makes them frost-resistant and ideal for patios, decks, and even pool areas.

To clean porcelain tiles, use a mild detergent and warm water. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbing pads that could scratch the surface. Regular sweeping or vacuuming is also recommended to prevent dirt buildup.

While it is possible to install porcelain tiles as a DIY project, we recommend hiring a professional installer for the best results, especially for large or complex projects. Professional installers have the expertise and tools to ensure a precise and long-lasting installation.

Yes, porcelain tiles are compatible with underfloor heating systems. They conduct and retain heat effectively, making them a popular choice for heated flooring.

No, porcelain tiles are highly resistant to fading and discolouration, even in areas exposed to direct sunlight. This makes them a durable choice for both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Absolutely! Porcelain tiles are suitable for wall applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, and feature walls. They offer a stylish and easy-to-clean surface.

Porcelain tiles can be slippery when wet, especially in high-gloss finishes. To enhance slip resistance, consider using structured or natural finish porcelain tiles in areas prone to moisture. The Ramp Test and R Values are methods used to assess the slip resistance of porcelain tiles, especially in the context of safety and usability. For further information see Anti-Slip Ratings Explained.

Yes, porcelain tiles are a popular choice for fireplace surrounds due to their heat resistance. Ensure you consult local building codes for installation guidelines.

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain tiles can last for decades. Their durability and resistance to wear make them a long-lasting flooring and wall covering option.

Glazed porcelain tiles have a protective layer of glaze on the surface, which can add colour and design options but may be less slip-resistant. Unglazed porcelain tiles are more natural in appearance and offer better slip resistance, making them suitable for high-traffic areas.

Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures inside a kiln. This firing out process is not uniform which means some shrinkage and warping may occur. The rectifying process corrects these imperfections to create precision cut edges with accurate dimensions. All our porcelain tiles are rectified.

Yes, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for commercial spaces due to their durability and resistance to heavy foot traffic. They are commonly used in restaurants, offices, and retail stores.

Unlike some natural stones, porcelain tiles are UV, scratch, stain and thermal-shock resistant and 100% non-porous and therefore do not require sealing products. But while porcelain tiles are non-absorbent and stain resistant, the grout that surrounds the tile may not be. Cement based grout is a porous product that can absorb water and stain. We therefore advise that all cement based grout joints are protected using a dedicated grout sealer.

Porcelain tiles are generally considered environmentally friendly because they are made from natural materials and have a long lifespan. Look for tiles with certifications such as LEED for added assurance of their eco-friendliness.

The choice of grout colour depends on your design preferences. Matching grout to the tile colour creates a seamless look, while contrasting grout can highlight the tile pattern. Consider your overall aesthetic when selecting grout.

Yes, porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for showers and wet rooms due to their water resistance. Make sure to use appropriate waterproofing systems and follow proper installation guidelines to prevent water infiltration.

The term “Nominal Size” refers to the approximate size of a tile, typically used for general identification and classification. It is the stated or labeled size of the tile. The actual size of the tile, known as the “actual size” or “true size,” can be slightly smaller or larger due to manufacturing tolerances. For example, a tile with a nominal size of 300 mm by 300 mm might have an actual size of 298 mm by 298 mm. A tile with a nominal thickness of 9.5 mm might have an actual thickness of 10 mm.