Ceramica Tiles Cheam is re-opening on 15th June!

Yippee! Cheam Tile Centre is re-opening on Monday 15th June!! We are delighted to announce that after the COVID-19 lockdown period, our Cheam showroom will be welcoming customers back through its doors.

We have implemented comprehensive safety measures in accordance with government guidelines to ensure a safe shopping environment for both our customers and staff. Our team has worked hard to prepare the showroom, implementing social distancing measures, enhanced cleaning protocols, and providing hand sanitizer stations throughout the premises.

Our full range of ceramic and porcelain tiles will be available for viewing, and our experienced staff will be on hand to provide expert advice while maintaining safe distances. We recommend calling ahead to book an appointment to ensure we can give you our full attention during your visit.

We look forward to seeing you again and helping you with your tile projects. Thank you for your patience and continued support during these challenging times.


Italian Tile Warehouse - Ceramica Addlestone is re-opening 15th June!

Yippee! Italian Tile Warehouse is re-opening on Monday 15th June!! After weeks of closure due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to reopen our Addlestone showroom to serve you once again.

The Italian Tile Warehouse at Ceramica Addlestone showcases an extensive collection of premium Italian porcelain and ceramic tiles. Our showroom features the latest designs from renowned European manufacturers, offering you authentic style and exceptional quality.

To ensure everyone's safety, we have introduced new procedures including limited customer numbers at any one time, contactless payment options where possible, and enhanced hygiene measures. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with your tile selection while adhering to all safety protocols.

Whether you're planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom upgrade, or any other tiling project, our Addlestone showroom has everything you need. Visit us from Monday 15th June onwards and let us help bring your vision to life.


Practical tiling tips Tips & Advice

Practical tiling tips from the professionals

Taking on a DIY project can give you a great sense of pride and achievement, and tiling is one of those jobs that looks professional when done correctly but requires careful planning and execution.

Preparation is Key: Before you start tiling, ensure your surface is clean, dry, and level. Any bumps or dips in the wall or floor will show through the tiles. Use a spirit level to check the surface and apply leveling compound if necessary.

Plan Your Layout: Always dry-lay your tiles before applying adhesive. Start from the center of the room or wall and work outwards. This ensures you have balanced cuts at the edges and avoids having very small tile pieces at the corners.

Use the Right Tools: Invest in quality tools including a tile cutter, notched trowel, spacers, and a grout float. The right tools make the job easier and produce better results.

Take Your Time with Grouting: Once your tiles are set (usually 24 hours), apply grout using a rubber float at a 45-degree angle. Work it into all joints, then clean excess grout with a damp sponge before it dries completely.

If you're unsure about any aspect of your tiling project, our experienced team at Ceramica Tiles is always happy to provide advice. Visit any of our showrooms for professional guidance.


Mosaic tiles Design Ideas

Injecting style with mosaic tiles

Mosaic tiles, perhaps more than any other, can really add a splash of colour and texture to a home. These versatile tiles offer endless design possibilities and can transform any space from ordinary to extraordinary.

Kitchen Backsplashes: One of the most popular applications for mosaic tiles is as a kitchen backsplash. The small format allows for intricate patterns and the ability to wrap around corners seamlessly. Glass mosaics, in particular, reflect light beautifully and are easy to clean.

Bathroom Features: Create a stunning focal point in your bathroom by using mosaic tiles in shower niches, behind vanities, or as a feature strip running horizontally around the room. Mosaic tiles are naturally slip-resistant when used on shower floors due to the increased number of grout lines.

Mixing and Matching: Don't be afraid to combine different mosaic styles or mix mosaics with larger format tiles. This creates visual interest and can help define different zones within a space.

Color Psychology: Blue and green mosaics create a calming spa-like atmosphere, while warm tones like oranges and reds add energy. Neutral mosaics provide a sophisticated backdrop that won't date.

Visit our showrooms to see our extensive range of mosaic tiles, from classic glass and stone to contemporary metal and porcelain options. Our design consultants can help you create the perfect mosaic feature for your home.


Floor tiles for family home Tips & Advice

Selecting floor tiles for a family home

With such a wide variety of floor tiles available in many different finishes and tones, it can be difficult to decide which to choose for a family home. The key is balancing durability, safety, style, and maintenance requirements.

Durability First: In high-traffic family areas, choose porcelain tiles with a PEI rating of 4 or 5. These tiles are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, dropped toys, and the general wear and tear of family life. Porcelain is denser than ceramic, making it more resistant to chips and cracks.

Safety Considerations: For families with young children or elderly members, slip resistance is crucial. Look for tiles with a textured surface or matte finish, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. R10 or R11 rated tiles provide good slip resistance for domestic use.

Easy Maintenance: Let's face it – family life can be messy! Choose tiles that are easy to clean and don't show every mark. Darker grout colors hide dirt better than white, and tiles with slight variation in tone are more forgiving than solid colors.

Underfloor Heating Compatibility: Many families are installing underfloor heating for comfort. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are excellent conductors of heat, making them the perfect pairing with underfloor heating systems.

Design Continuity: Using the same tile throughout open-plan living areas creates a sense of space and flow. Large format tiles (600x600mm or larger) minimize grout lines and create a contemporary, seamless look.

Our family-friendly tile experts at Ceramica can guide you through the selection process, ensuring you choose tiles that work for your lifestyle. Book a showroom appointment today.


Adding character with tiles Design Ideas

Adding character to your home is easy with tiles

With five spacious showrooms situated across the South East – in Addlestone, Ashtead, Amersham, Folkestone and Wimbledon – 'Ceramica' is a name that is associated with stylish, high quality tiles. We've helped thousands of homeowners add character and personality to their properties through carefully selected tiles.

Statement Walls: One of the easiest ways to add character is by creating a feature wall. Whether it's a rustic brick-effect tile in your living room or dramatic marble-look porcelain in your bathroom, a statement wall becomes an instant focal point.

Pattern and Texture: Patterned tiles are experiencing a renaissance. From Victorian-inspired encaustic designs to contemporary geometric patterns, decorative tiles add instant personality. Mix them with plain tiles for a curated look that's uniquely yours.

Wood-Effect Tiles: Get the warmth and character of natural wood without the maintenance. Modern wood-effect porcelain tiles are virtually indistinguishable from real timber but offer superior durability and water resistance – perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.

Metro and Subway Tiles: These classic tiles never go out of style. Arrange them in traditional brick bond, vertical stack, or herringbone patterns. Colored grout can further enhance the look – try dark grout with white tiles for an industrial edge.

Mixing Materials: Don't limit yourself to one tile type. Combining stone, porcelain, and mosaic tiles creates depth and visual interest. Our design team can help you balance different materials harmoniously.

Visit any of our showrooms to explore hundreds of tile options and get inspired. Our experienced staff will help you select tiles that reflect your personal style and add lasting character to your home.


Color palette for tiles Tips & Advice

Choosing a colour palette for your tiles: advice from the tile experts at our Folkestone store

Colour can be a very powerful psychological tool: it can be harnessed to evoke many different feelings and emotions in individuals. The choice of colour used in a room can impact on the occupant's mood, from relaxed to invigorated and sociable.

Understanding Color Psychology: Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows) energize and stimulate, making them ideal for social spaces like kitchens and dining areas. Cool colors (blues, greens, purples) have a calming effect, perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms where relaxation is key.

Light and Space: Lighter colored tiles make small spaces appear larger and brighter. They reflect natural light, creating an airy, open feeling. Conversely, darker tiles can make large spaces feel more intimate and cozy, but use them carefully in smaller rooms to avoid a claustrophobic feel.

Trending Neutrals: Grey continues to dominate contemporary interiors. From soft dove grey to dramatic charcoal, grey tiles offer sophistication and versatility. They pair beautifully with both warm and cool accent colors, making them an excellent foundation for any scheme.

Timeless Whites and Creams: White and cream tiles never date. They create a clean, fresh backdrop that works with any decorating style. White tiles are particularly popular in Scandinavian-inspired interiors and coastal themes.

Bold Color Choices: Don't be afraid of color! Navy blue, forest green, and terracotta tiles are making strong comebacks. Use bold colors strategically – perhaps on one feature wall or in smaller doses through decorative tiles.

Creating Cohesion: Your tile color should complement your overall interior scheme. Bring photos of your furniture, paint swatches, and fabric samples when visiting our showroom so we can help you create a cohesive color palette.

Our Folkestone showroom team has extensive experience in color consultation. Visit us to see how different tile colors look under various lighting conditions and get personalized advice for your project.


Sales Consultant position Careers

Sales Consultant – Ceramica Tiles Addlestone

We're looking for an enthusiastic, customer service-driven sales person to work out of our Ceramica Tiles Addlestone showroom. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established tile retailer with an excellent reputation across the South East.

The Role: As a Sales Consultant, you will be the face of Ceramica Tiles, helping customers choose the perfect tiles for their projects. You'll provide expert advice, prepare quotations, process orders, and ensure every customer leaves satisfied and inspired.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Greeting customers and understanding their requirements
  • Providing product knowledge and design guidance
  • Calculating quantities and preparing accurate quotations
  • Processing sales and maintaining customer records
  • Maintaining showroom presentation standards
  • Building long-term customer relationships

What We're Looking For: While tile industry experience would be advantageous, it's not essential. We value excellent customer service skills, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. You should be well-presented, articulate, and enjoy working in a customer-facing role. A genuine interest in interiors and design is beneficial.

What We Offer: Competitive salary with commission structure, comprehensive product training, career development opportunities, staff discount on tiles, and the chance to work with premium European tile brands in a professional environment.

To Apply: Please send your CV and covering letter to our Head Office. We look forward to hearing from motivated individuals who share our passion for quality tiles and exceptional customer service.


Wimbledon renovation project Case Study

Client case study: tiles for a stylish Wimbledon renovation project

Wimbledon clients provide details of their home renovation project with assistance from Ceramica's team of tile experts. This beautiful Victorian property required a sympathetic yet contemporary update that would respect its heritage while meeting modern family needs.

The Brief: The homeowners wanted to create a luxurious master bathroom and update their kitchen with tiles that would complement the property's period features while introducing contemporary elegance. They visited our Wimbledon showroom seeking expert guidance.

The Master Bathroom: For the bathroom, we recommended stunning Estatuario marble-effect porcelain tiles. These large format tiles (600x1200mm) provided the look of premium marble without the maintenance concerns. The subtle grey veining creates a sophisticated spa-like atmosphere. We used the same tiles on both walls and floors for a seamless, luxurious finish.

The Kitchen: In the kitchen, the clients chose classic metro tiles in a soft cream tone for the backsplash, installed in a traditional brick bond pattern with dark grey grout for definition. For the floor, we supplied hard-wearing porcelain tiles with a natural stone appearance that could withstand the demands of family life while looking elegant.

The Process: Our design consultant visited the property to take measurements and assess lighting conditions, ensuring the tile selections would work perfectly in situ. We provided samples for the clients to view at home and offered technical advice to their contractors regarding installation.

The Result: The finished project exceeded expectations. The Estatuario tiles transformed the master bathroom into a five-star hotel-worthy retreat, while the kitchen achieved the perfect balance of traditional charm and modern practicality. The homeowners were delighted with both the tiles and the service they received.

Client Testimonial: "The team at Ceramica Wimbledon were absolutely fantastic. They understood exactly what we wanted and guided us towards tiles that were perfect for our home. The showroom appointment was invaluable, and the tiles have completely transformed our house. We couldn't be happier!"


Natural porcelain tiles Product Spotlight

Porcelain tiles which echo the beauty of nature

Porcelain tiles which closely resemble natural materials, such as stone and wood, are an appealing option for home owners and offer many practical advantages. Modern manufacturing technology has reached a point where it's often impossible to distinguish high-quality porcelain from the natural materials they replicate.

Stone-Effect Porcelain: Our stone-effect porcelain tiles capture the organic beauty of materials like limestone, slate, travertine, and marble. Each tile features unique surface textures and natural color variations. Unlike natural stone, these porcelain tiles don't require sealing, are resistant to staining, and maintain their beauty with minimal maintenance.

Wood-Effect Porcelain: Wood-effect porcelain planks bring warmth and natural character to any space without the drawbacks of real timber. They're completely waterproof, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and even wet rooms – areas where real wood would warp and deteriorate. The color won't fade, and they're scratch-resistant, perfect for high-traffic areas.

Technical Advantages: Porcelain tiles are manufactured at extremely high temperatures, creating a dense, non-porous material. This makes them frost-proof (suitable for outdoor use), highly durable, and resistant to stains and moisture. They're also an excellent choice for underfloor heating systems due to their superior heat conductivity.

Environmental Benefits: Choosing porcelain over natural materials can be more environmentally sustainable. There's no mining or quarrying required for rare materials, and modern manufacturing processes are increasingly eco-friendly. Porcelain tiles also have a longer lifespan than many natural materials.

Design Versatility: Natural-effect porcelain tiles work beautifully in both traditional and contemporary settings. Create a rustic country kitchen with wood-effect planks, or achieve sleek minimalism with pale limestone-effect tiles. The versatility is endless.

Investment Value: While quality porcelain tiles represent an investment, their durability means they won't need replacing for decades. This makes them highly cost-effective over the long term and adds value to your property.

Visit any of our five showrooms to see our extensive range of natural-effect porcelain tiles. Our knowledgeable staff can explain the differences between various collections and help you choose tiles that perfectly suit your project requirements and aesthetic preferences.