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Covid-19 Updates

TILE IMPORTER COVID TRADING CONDITIONS UPDATE: WE ARE FULLY OPEN!

We are delighted to announce that our store is now fully open without any restrictions. Our top priority has always been to provide exceptional service while ensuring the safety of our customers and staff.

During these unprecedented times, we have adapted our business model to comply with the COVID restrictions put in place by the Victorian State Government.

Both Trades People and Customers are welcome without any limitations, and there is no need for a prior appointment. Our sales team is ready to assist you with any inquiries you may have.

You can easily purchase from the many products listed on our website, and for any special orders or items not listed, please feel free to email us at quotes@tileimporter.com.au.

We continue to provide our normal courier service for all deliveries.

We will remain vigilant and make changes to our model if necessary. Please check our website regularly for any updates.

We would like to express our gratitude for your cooperation and support during these challenging times. We look forward to seeing you soon at Tile Importer and wish you good health and safety.

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Tiles Melbourne

At Tile Importer, we live up to our name — and then some. We are your one-stop shop for porcelain, ceramic, and various other tiles in Melbourne. Browse our extensive, curated collection of tiles for the best materials for your home or commercial project.

Top Selling Tile Products

Melbourne’s Premier Porcelain and Ceramic Tile Supplier

The quality of the tiles supplied by Tile Importer is of paramount importance to our brand. Tile Importer customers have come to expect nothing short of a wide selection, superb quality, and highly competitive pricing.

We supply tiles suitable for flooring, splashbacks, shower enclosures and decorative walls. 

Browse our inventory online (with our help), make your selection, order it in-store, and pick it up (or get it delivered) within a few days. How simple is that? Whatever style you are looking for, we cover the entire spectrum. 

 

Trusted Tiles, Renowned Suppliers — and Unbeatable Prices

All of our tiles are supplied by Volare Concepts, Stoneworld and TP tiles. We can supply any of the tiles from their extensive range at competitive prices. Delivery usually takes a couple of days, depending on availability.

Tile Importer is pleased to stock the following styles of functional tiles in Melbourne: 

  • Porcelain Tiles
  • Large Format Tiles
  • Outdoor Tiles
  • Outdoor Pavers
  • Slim Porcelain Tiles
  • Ceramic Tiles
  • Mosaic Tiles

Shop for your tile needs online or come and see us in-store to browse our collection of tiles in Melbourne, in our newly renovated showroom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of porcelain tiles?

Tile Importer stocks the following types of high-quality porcelain tiles in Melbourne: 

  • Polished or semi-polished: As the name suggests, an elaborate polishing technique is used to finish the tile after the firing process. High-quality porcelain does not require any further treatment after polishing. Some lower-density polished porcelain tiles must be sealed, depending on the manufacturer. It’s important to note that a polished surface is not a glaze.
  • Glazed porcelain: Once a porcelain tile has been glazed, no further treatment is required, as these tiles are non-porous.
  • Matte, honed or natural porcelain: These tiles come out of the kiln in this form and require no further processing or sealing.
  • Rock finish or structured porcelain: These tiles are extremely textured and often used for external purposes. Normally, sealing is not required.

What’s the difference between porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles?

Porcelain tiles are a type of ceramic tile known for their strength and low porosity, making them less absorbent. Porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for areas like bathrooms and kitchens, which are likely to become wet. 

Whilst the preparation of ceramic and porcelain tiles are similar, it is the pressing and firing process that results in the porcelain tile having the superior characteristics of being much stronger and less porous, generally with a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less.

How do I maintain porcelain and ceramic tiles?

The maintenance and cleaning requirements for tiles are as follows:

  • Glazed Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles: Sweep or vacuum and then wash using a specialised tile cleaning agent. Rinse the surface thoroughly afterwards with clean water to avoid residual streaks, detergent marks and films as a result of excessive use of cleaning agents.
  • Polished Porcelain: The cleaning and maintenance of polished porcelain is similar to ceramic tiles. However, different polished porcelain brands may recommend varying methods of cleaning and maintenance, so it’s best to ask your tile merchant for the most suitable cleaning products and methods. 
  • Glass and Metallic: Be careful not to use abrasive applicators such as scouring sponges.
  • Unglazed Tiles: All unglazed products have a level of surface porosity, which usually means more attention is required to retain cleanliness. Spills or accidents that result in contaminates on the surface may stain. Often, unglazed tiles are sealed for ease of maintenance or future cleaning.
  • Wax and Porcelain: In some instances, the manufacturer will coat their tiles with a protective wax layer. You should consult your tile merchant about the timing and removal technique for a protective layer.
  • Physical protection layers: As the name suggests, this is the presence of a film on the tiles typically to protect it in transit. We would recommend this layer be removed from the tile prior to grouting in most cases, depending on the type of layer present.
  • Slip-Resistant Tiles: Slip-resistant tiles have a more textured surface, which may prove more difficult to clean. Depending on the surface type, scrubbing equipment and cleaning products may be necessary. If required, clean with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  • Initial Cleaning: Generally, the tiling contractor should not leave any adhesive or grout residue on the tile surface. However, it is normal for there to be a little post-installation cleaning needed. Damage can occur if incorrect chemicals or cleaning methods are used, so ask your tile merchant which are the best products and methods.

Do all porcelain tiles require sealing?

No, not all porcelain tiles need sealing. It depends on the type of porcelain and its porosity. However, if you do seal your porcelain tiles, it should last 5 to 10 years. Check with the manufacturer of the sealant for specific recommendations or if you need to reseal your tiles. 

Do my porcelain tiles need sealing?

You should always ask your tile merchant whether your specific tiles require sealing. Then you need to determine what kind of sealer is best suited to your porcelain tile. Generally, sealing is seen as an aide to the prevention of staining. As a rule, due to the low levels of porosity found in porcelain tiles, a penetrating sealer should be used. Normally, polished porcelain requires sealing, as the polishing process causes minute micro pores.

Some manufacturers pre-seal their products in readiness for the laying process. When dark-coloured grout is used on porous tiles — if your porcelain is not pre-sealed — your tiles should be pre-sealed prior to the grout to ensure it does not bleed into the tile. When using light grout, you may wish to pre-seal dark porcelain tiles.

How are porcelain tiles laid? 

In all cases, the appropriate type of adhesive must be used. The flatness of the surface is also paramount. If not, tile lipping may occur. Before installation, uneven surfaces should be levelled out with the use of a floor leveller or floor screed. 

Your tile installer should be able to guide you through any questions you may have, so don’t be afraid to ask.

How should I clean wax residue from porcelain tiles?

Sometimes, in the production process, wax is added to the surface of the tile for protection. There are various effective products on the market to clean this residue from the surface of the tiles and you should ask your tile merchant which product is best suited to your porcelain. Prior to tiling, you should ask your tiler if they will remove the wax once the job is complete.

How much does it cost to lay and level porcelain tiles?

In many cases, the end result of laid porcelain requires a very straight-level surface. So, in some cases, tilers will charge a higher rate for laying and levelling porcelain tiles. You should always consult a qualified licensed tiler.

What is rectification?

This is a process whereby tiles are cut during manufacturing, generally with a watered diamond blade, to ensure all tiles are consistent in size.

What is efflorescence, and how can I clean it?

Efflorescence is a white discolouration caused by minerals in cement. It is most noticeable on dark materials but can occur on any cement-based system. 

This is not normally a problem, as only insignificant amounts of white discolouration make it to the surface of the grout during normal curing. However, because it is water soluble, under certain conditions, the migration of the discolouration to the surface can be increased.

If the system takes longer to cure or if there is more water present during curing, there is more time available for it to be carried to the surface. 

Sometimes, minor efflorescence can be removed by using normal cleaning methods, whilst more difficult stains can be treated with specific products. Ensure the grout has had sufficient time to cure, or you may make it worse by increasing the water on the surface.

How can I remove mould from grout?

Many grouts on the market have mould inhibitors, which can help reduce mould growth. Mould can still occur if the conditions are severe or if a grout without mould inhibitor has been used. 

Mould can be removed using specialised grout cleaners. Gels are particularly effective, as they can be left on the grout in badly affected areas before washing it off. Heavy-duty cleaners can help remove soap scum and other dirt build-up in extreme circumstances. 

How often should I reseal a sealed porcelain tile?

A good quality sealer should last 5 to 10 years, so you shouldn’t have to reseal your tiles often. However, do consult your sealer manufacturer if you have any queries or concerns. 

Can I use acid to clean fully glazed tiles?

Do not use acid, unless recommended by your merchant, to clean fully glazed tiles as this may affect or damage the surface.

What is the best way to clean glass and metallic tiles?

Avoid abrasive applicators and use appropriate cleaning methods and products recommended by your tile merchant.

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