FAQ’s
Q. Do you offer free shipping?
A. We can on large orders contact for details.
You can collect from our Norfolk showroom for free.
Q. I need help with my order, who should I contact?
A. You can email hello@naturaltile.co.uk for assistance.
Q. I’ve seen that tiles sometimes have a rating (R or PTV) - what does this mean?
A. The ratings given to tiles are relevant to their anti-slip properties. The R indicates a Ramp test and PTV is a Pendulum Test Value.
Ramp Test (R) - There is always a number after the letters - i.e R9 or R13. The higher the number, the more slip resistant the tiles are. A tile with a rating of R9 will provide little slip resistance, so these would be suitable for floor areas where they are not likely to get wet - a dining room or hallway, for example. Tiles with a rating of R13 provide the highest level of slip resistance and these are suitable for swimming pool surrounds, patios etc. You can feel the difference in the surface of the R13 tiles - they should feel slightly rough to the touch.
Pendulum Value Test (PTV) - Again, there is a number after the PTV to indicate the anti-slip qualities. And again, the higher the number, the more anti-slip the tiles are. A PTV rating of 0-24 indicates a low level of slip resistance, 25-35 shows a moderate level and the highest ratings are 36+.
Q. How do you source your tiles?
A. Here at Natural Tile (and our sister company, Maranello), we believe in offering everyone “something special”…
James, our owner, has travelled to Europe and America to personally source new product lines, so we often have tiles that you won’t find elsewhere.
We work closely with manufacturers in Spain and Italy so that your project can have that “WOW” factor. We must be doing something right as we often hear how our tiles are “the opposite of ordinary”!!
We have always been keen to find manufacturers that have an eco-friendly approach to the production of their tiles. This is demonstrated in two ways - the methods they use in their factories to reduce the environmental impact of their products and processes, and the use of recycled materials. We’re pleased to say that we have found manufacturers who share our goals and do their best to protect the environment.
Q. Do you recommend a particular adhesive or grout, and if so, why?
A. We wanted to continue with with our eco-friendly ethos when it came to tile adhesive and grout. We were keen to find a brand that offered environmentally-friendly products, without compromising on performance. We found this with Kerakoll - the international leader in the GreenBuilding sector.
Q. Is it worth paying a bit extra for tiles? I can’t really tell the difference between the tiles in different price brackets…
A. Higher priced tiles are usually manufactured in a different way to lower priced tiles. These manufacturing processes cost more and this is the main reason for the price difference.
There are a few differences that we can see with the naked eye. One common example is the “flatness” of the tile. Some budget tiles can have quite a bend in them - which can cause issues when laying them and they won’t be as aesthetically pleasing when the room is finished. Tiles that are at the higher end of the price range will always be flat, with straight edges etc. which will ensure that they look fantastic when they are installed.
Another factor with pricing is the variation in the tile. If the tiles are one colour and identical, they cost far less to make than tiles with many variations. You will often see a “V” (Variation) rating on tiles - V1 to V4. V1 tiles are one colour, with almost no perceptible variation between one and another. V4 tiles have lots of random variations - i.e. different patterns and different colours. These tiles cost more but will guarantee a unique finish to your project.
