Servicing the Illawarra Since 1965

Our Tile Power store has a selection of wall, floor, pool and outdoor tiles with decorative borders, feature tiles, bathroom products including taps, baths, shower screens & vanities, glass mosaics, glues, adhesives and tile laying accessories.

Building a new home or renovating an old one can be a stressful time, especially when it comes to selecting your new flooring. There are so many new tiles on the market. So how do you select the tiles that you need. Some builders of new homes include tiles within the house package, but what about home renovators or those builders that don't. Here are 10 Tile Powers Tips to selecting the best tiles for the areas you need to tile.

Tip Number 1 - Plan Ahead

If you're doing the tiling yourself, a little time spent planning can pay big dividends. For floor tiles, allow for the depth of two tiles underneath the door. Start laying down tiles from the middle of the wall and work towards the edges, and ensure that rows of cut tiles are no smaller than half the full tile.

Tip Number 2 - Choose The Right Colours

Use cool colours for north facing rooms and warm colours for south facing rooms. Be careful when selecting tiles for interior bathrooms without windows - white, glossy tiles and artificiallight can make a very clinical combination.

Tip Number 3 - Choose The Right Sized Tiles

Small tiles can make a small room look smaller, but can add interest if used decoratively or as part of a feature wall. Large tiles can make a small room look larger, and are easier to maintain.

Tip Number 4 - Choose The Right Adhesive

Different surfaces need different adhesives and choosing the right one is essential. The experts at Wollongong Tile Power really know their trade and can show you the right adhesive to ensure your job has a professional touch.

Tip Number 5 - Always Use A Licensed Tiler

Trying to do your own tiling may seem like a good idea at the time, but if the basic rules aren't followed, it can turn out to be a very costly decision. That's why we always recommend that if in doubt use a licensed tiler. Just ask us for a list of local tradesmen.

Tip Number 6 - Order 10% More Than You Need

Tiles can go out of production and future batches can vary in colour. That's why we advise our customers to add an extra 10% to their tile calculations for cutting, breakages... and future mishaps.

Tip Number 7 - Don't Be Afraid To Ask

Every tiling disaster ever made could easily have been avoided had the tiler in question just stopped what they were doing and called an expert for help. So, it doesn't matter if it seems like a silly question, it probably isn't. Nothing's sillier than having to do the job again because you were too afraid to ask.

Tip Number 8 - A Good Tile Is A Good Tile, No Matter Where It's Made

While it's true that some of the best quality tiles in the world come from Italy, it's also true that the Italians are responsible for some really bad ones. That's why Tile Power sends representatives all over the world to seek out the very best. So, if it's quality you're after, speak to us at Wollongong Tile Power.

Tip Number 9 - Choose The Right Tile For Outdoors

There's a lot more to choosing outdoor tiles than just picking a nice design. As well as choosing a tile that's slip resistant, you now have to make sure it complies with a number of regulations. At Tile Power we've done the hard work for you and can help you choose a tile that not only complies, but also looks great.

Tip Number 10 - Visit Your Local Tile Power Store

We know our trade and we know how to help. So, if you have any further questions, thoughts or suggestions, don't be afraid to ask.

For information on laying tiles please download our info sheet.

Cleaning and Caring for your Tiles

All tiles and natural stone are alkaline by nature. Therefore the best way to clean them is with pH neutral or alkaline cleaning products (neutral for regular maintenance: stronger alkaline for periodic heavy duty cleaning). Use a stiff brush to help the cleaner do its job and if possible, use a wet vacuum to remove heavy duty cleaners.

The main rule to remember is – no acid (that includes vinegar, lemon juice etc.)!
Why?
Opposites attract! (eg. men & women;  north and south magnetic poles; acids and alkalies)
Here’s an example – if an acid (such as vinegar) is poured onto a soft stone like limestone, it will react almost immediately with the (alkaline) minerals in the stone, resulting in the formation of new compounds, which often appear as a nasty residue on the surface of the stone.

To ensure easier maintenance, all stone and most ceramic tiles should be sealed with a premium quality sealer immediately after installation. Penetrating sealers help to prevent oil or water based staining, BUT – they don’t prevent damage due to acid etching, so keep acids where they belong – in the cupboard !

Optical Hazing

What is Optical Hazing?
Optical hazing is a smoky, hazy, smudgy effect visible on the surface of the tile when a light source reflects at a certain angle across the surface of the tile.
Subsequently, this will not allow the polished porcelain floor to have a mirror like finish.

A polished porcelain tile is not a mirror and such an expectation is unrealistic.

Why and How?
It is an inherent characteristic of polished tiles, stemming mainly from the mineral content and manufacture of the tile.

It is caused by light reflection and bulk sunlight shining through large windows will increase the amount of haze visible.

Is it a defect in the tile?
Optical hazing has no effect on the technical performance of the tile and therefore is not considered to be a defect. Optical hazing is primarily an aesthetic issue.

We recommend
We strongly advise you purchase tile samples to take home and try in different locations and under various lighting conditions within your home.

Once tiles are laid, we cannot take responsibility if you are not happy with your choice.

Read about Optical Hazing
We recommend that you read the article on optical hazing in “Tiles Today”, volume 66, pages: 22-31.