Question 1

What tiles work best behind a kitchen hob?

Accepted Answer

Any ceramic or porcelain tile handles kitchen heat without issue. We use a heat-resistant adhesive in the zone directly behind the hob as standard. Glass tiles are also fine but require a white adhesive bed to preserve colour. Avoid natural stone directly adjacent to flame if possible.

Question 2

How do you cut around kitchen sockets and switches?

Accepted Answer

Precisely, with a diamond blade. All socket and switch cutouts are measured and cut before the tile goes on the wall. We refit the faceplates after tiling, so you get a clean, professional finish with no visible gaps or chipped edges.

Question 3

Can you tile a herringbone floor in my kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Herringbone is one of our most requested patterns and we have laid it in dozens of Sussex kitchens. It requires more cuts and planning than a straight bond, but the result is well worth it. We always dry-lay the pattern first to confirm the layout.

Question 4

How long before I can use my kitchen after tiling?

Accepted Answer

Adhesive typically needs 24 hours before grouting, and grout needs a further 24 to 48 hours before the area can be used normally. We advise on the specific products we use and the curing time required. Most kitchens are back in use within 48 to 72 hours.

Question 5

Do you remove old kitchen tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can strip existing tiles and assess the substrate condition before retiling. On plasterboard, old tiles often take the plaster face with them, which means the board needs to be replaced. We quote for this contingency before work starts so there are no surprises.

Question 6

What grout colour should I choose for my kitchen?

Accepted Answer

A mid-tone grout is the most practical choice for kitchens as it hides grease and cooking splatter better than bright white. Matching the tile colour closely gives a seamless look; contrasting grout makes the pattern pop. We carry a wide range of colours and show you samples on site.

Question 7

Can you tile a kitchen floor with underfloor heating?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the best conductors for underfloor heating systems. We use a flexible adhesive compatible with heated substrates and allow the system to be off during installation and the initial curing period. We run through the commissioning process with you before we leave.

Question 8

What anti-slip rating do kitchen floor tiles need?

Accepted Answer

For a domestic kitchen, slip resistance of R10 or above is recommended. Near the sink or in an open-plan kitchen-diner, R11 gives added safety. We advise on appropriate tiles when we see the layout.

Question 9

Can you tile a kitchen island on all four sides?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tiling a kitchen island requires mitred corner cuts or a profile trim at every external corner, and careful planning to keep the pattern consistent around all four faces. It is a satisfying job to get right and it looks exceptional when done properly.

Question 10

Do you work with handmade or bespoke tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Handmade tiles have more variation in size and surface, which means the adhesive bed, spacing and grout joint need more attention. We enjoy working with handmade tiles. The result has a warmth and character that factory-perfect tiles cannot replicate.

Question 11

How much does a kitchen splashback cost?

Accepted Answer

A kitchen splashback typically costs 40 to 60 pounds per square metre fitted, depending on tile type and pattern. A standard 1.5 metre by 0.6 metre splashback would be around 350 to 500 pounds. We quote the full job before any work starts.

Question 12

Can you colour-match grout to my tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can source grout in virtually any colour to match or contrast with your tiles. If you are using a very specific or bespoke tile, we can arrange samples of different grout colours before the job starts.

Surface	Recommended Tile	Key Advantage
Splashback	Metro, ceramic, glass mosaic	Heat resistant, easy to clean
Kitchen floor	Porcelain, large format	Anti-slip, durable, minimal grout
Full wall run	Large format, subway, handmade	Consistent joints, contemporary feel
Feature island	Mosaic, handmade ceramic	Designer finish, high impact

Kitchen Tiling in Sussex, Splashbacks and Floors Done Right

Kitchen Tiling FAQs