Yes, we ship both parcels and palletised goods from our UK warehouse to customers in Northern Ireland.

For parcels, no EORI or XI EORI number is required, and deliveries proceed as standard without additional customs documentation.

For palletised goods, customs requirements differ depending on the intended use:

• If the goods are not intended for retail in Northern Ireland, no further customs information is required.
• If the goods are intended for retail in Northern Ireland, you must provide a valid XI EORI number so we can complete the necessary customs procedures before dispatch.

To obtain an XI EORI number, you must first apply for a GB EORI number and then convert it to an XI EORI via the UK Government portal: https://www.gov.uk/eori/apply-for-eori.

We must receive your XI EORI number before we can dispatch palletised orders intended for retail use in Northern Ireland.

Large format slabs (typically 1500 x 1500 mm and above) are delivered using secure wooden ‘A frame’ racks for transport. These deliveries are usually made using a curtain-sided Luton van or, in some cases, vehicles up to 26 tonnes. Please ensure the access road is suitable for large vehicles.

The wooden 'A frames' used for transport are not typically left on site unless prior approval has been granted. You will need at least two people on site to safely lift and move the slabs into the property. Slabs should be removed individually from this 'A frames'.

We ask that you prepare a clean and clear area of at least 4m x 3m within the property for safe slab delivery. This space should be vacuumed and suitable for slabs to be laid flat or leaned upright (up to a maximum of six slabs) against a solid wall.

To reschedule a delivery, or to change the address or site contact number, please notify us by email at least five working days in advance (excluding weekends and public holidays). It's also essential to inform us in advance of any road restrictions or special delivery requirements.

For more detailed information about shipping and delivery, please visit our Shipping Your Order page.

Laying tiles in a brickbond (or staggered) pattern is possible, but it is important to understand how tile manufacturing affects installation. All ceramic and porcelain tiles undergo a firing process which causes slight surface deviations known as bowing. This is a natural result of the heating and cooling cycle during production.

According to EU standards, a tile can bow up to 0.5% of its length. For example, on a 600mm tile, the centre could be up to 3mm higher than the corners. When tiles are laid in a brickbond format with joints aligned at the centre of the tile below, this bowing can create noticeable lipping—where one edge sits higher than the adjacent tile.

For this reason, it is generally not recommended to lay larger format tiles in a 50:50 brickbond pattern. If you choose this layout, we advise:

• Offsetting joints by no more than one-third (1/3) of the tile length
• Using a tile levelling system to minimise lippage and maintain alignment

Tile levelling systems are especially useful for large-format tiles (typically 800mm or longer). These systems help align the tile edges and flex the tile during installation to reduce unevenness caused by bowing or adhesive shrinkage.

For best results, always follow your tiler's recommendations and consider using a layout that minimises the visual and physical effects of tile bowing.

It is generally a good idea to match the colour of the grout to the main colour of the tile to minimize its appearance. However, there are exceptions where you may want to use a contrasting grout colour to create a feature or highlight traditional tile patterns.

Another factor to consider is the type of grout you use. Traditional cement-based grouts are durable but may fade over time, while epoxy grouts are more resistant to fading, retain their colour longer, and are waterproof, making them ideal for high traffic and wet areas.

Ultimately, the decision of what colour and type of grout to use will depend on your personal preference and the specific needs of your project.

For regular maintenance, we recommend using Fila Cleaner Pro, a high-quality pH-neutral cleaner that is safe for all types of porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles.

For deeper cleaning or to remove old wax treatments and stubborn stains, Fila PS87 is an effective alkaline-based cleaner. It’s particularly suitable for unpolished natural stone surfaces and general deep cleaning tasks.

If you need to remove post-installation residues or cement-based grout haze, Fila Deterdek is an ideal solution. It is specially formulated for acid-resistant surfaces and should be used with care, avoiding use on sensitive stones like marble or limestone.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using any cleaning product to ensure safe and effective results.

It can be challenging to order the right amount of tiles for a project because there may be difficult cuts that lead to breakages or tiles that are not suitable for use.

As a general rule, it is recommended to order 10% extra for cutting and waste. However, for smaller areas with large tiles, the wastage can be higher than 10%. To ensure that you have enough tiles for your project, it can be helpful to draw out the space and calculate the exact number of tiles needed, then add 10% for cutting and waste.

If you would like help estimating the number of tiles needed, you can talk to your installer or one of our team members. Please note that these are only estimates and we cannot be held responsible for over- or under-ordering due to circumstances that may arise during installation.

We always recommend using an S1 flexible adhesive. All our adhesives are S1 flexible.

The choice between standard and fast-set tile adhesive depends on several factors, such as the tile type, surface, and working conditions.

• Offers a strong bond with flexibility during installation
• Ideal for large format tiles and porcelain
• Commonly used for wall tiling to allow more working time

• Sets quickly — great when time is limited
• Not usually recommended for large format tiles (over 600x600mm), unless specified by the manufacturer or used with additives
• Commonly used for floor tiling to allow for quicker "walk on time"

Need help? Contact us for expert advice on the best adhesive for your project.