Thank you for the high quality service and workmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW
Which range of tiles do you sell?
We sell the vast and comprehensive range of natural stone tiles by Beltrami, a renowned Belgian company who are one of the largest natural stone distributors in Europe. With many hundreds of tile sizes and formats available in over 70 natural materials, we believe that Beltrami’s range covers every requirement in the natural stone tile market.
Do you sell ceramic tiles?
No, we only deal with natural stone tiles. However, we do sell Beltrami’s special range of Marmocer tiles, which consist of a layer of natural marble bonded to a ceramic backing.
Are natural stone tiles really expensive?
Not necessarily. We have many materials and formats which are priced at under £50 per square metre, and for large quantity orders our prices start from £27 per square metre. Where a particular material in the range is fairly expensive, we often have a less expensive alternative to consider. For example, Thassos white marble tiles are over £100 per square metre, but the alternative Crystal White marble starts from only around £50 per square metre.
How hard wearing is natural stone on a floor?
Natural stones vary in wear resistance, so it is important to select a material which is suitable for the area being tiled. Softer limestones, travertines and marbles are fine for light domestic use, but if the area is to experience heavy footfall (e.g. a reception area or walkway), you should choose a hard wearing granite, slate or basalt.
Do you have natural stone paving suitable for external use?
Yes, a special selection of materials and formats are approved as suitable as external paving. These include flamed, chiseled and bush hammered finishes, for extra grip when the tiles are wet.
MATERIALS
What kinds of natural stones are available in tile format?
Beltrami’s tile range encompasses around 70 different materials, covering all types of natural stone: limestone, travertine, marble, slate, granite, basalt, quartzite and sandstone.
Where do the stones come from?
The tiles originate in renowned natural stone quarries around the world, from as far afield as Brazil, India, Africa, and the Far East. Each material’s origin is indicated on each product page.
Can you tell me if these quarries use ethical practices?
Yes, Beltrami insist that all their suppliers sign up to the ‘Code of Conduct for Natural Stone’. This ensures that the quarries are carrying out best ethical practices, such as not using child labour, and limiting the environmental impact of their quarrying activities. More information can be found on the Beltrami website.
What kinds of limestone flooring do you have?
A comprehensive range of 25 different limestones is available in the Beltrami range, reflecting the popularity and practicality of using limestone as floor tiles. Colours are mainly warm shades of cream, beige and brown, but overall range from the very light (Antalya Cream) to almost black (Noir d’Orient). Well known materials such as Belgian Blue Stone (Belgian Fossil), Mocca, Jura Beige and Simyra are all available in tile format.
What is travertine, and do you sell it?
Travertine is a light natural stone which is naturally pitted. These holes are normally filled with cement, and the finished surface is honed or polished. There are 2 travertines in the Beltrami range: Travertino Romano Classico (vein-cut), and Tuscany (cross-cut).
Why is travertine so popular?
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, travertine is a very cost effective solution where the appearance and feel of limestone is desired. Our quality Tuscany travertine tiles start from around £40 per square metre.
I have seen travertine tiles much cheaper than that, why are yours so expensive?
There is a huge variation in the quality of travertine tiles available on the market. The integrity of this stone relies on the quality of the cement filler and the process used to apply it to the material. Poor quality cheap travertines often look great when supplied and installed, but problems can arise, such as the cement filler falling out, as soon as 12-18 months after installation. We appreciate that our travertine tiles are not the cheapest on the market, but we prefer to offer a product from a renowned natural stone distributor, who have good quality control procedures in place.
Where would marble tiles be suitable for use?
Due to their attractive appearances and high polished finish, marble tiles are ideally suited to bathroom use, as floor or wall tiles. Marble can be used as flooring in other light domestic applications, where a honed finish would usually be recommended. The unique Marmocer range allows large format marble tiles for flooring, something which is often not possible in solid natural marble, due to the fragility of the material.
Where should granite tiles be specified?
As the most wear resistant type of natural stone, granite is ideally suited to commercial installations, where a heavy footfall is anticipated. Granite tiles in a textured finish, such as flamed, are also ideal for outside use.
What is basalt?
Basalt is a very hard volcanic rock that can be compared to granite in terms of wear resistance. Basalt tiles mostly have a uniform grey colour, making them a popular choice for contemporary, minimalist interiors. Twilight basalt in a flamed finish is also ideally suited to external paving applications.
What is the appeal of slate tiles?
Slate tiles are generally the least expensive option for natural stone tiles, but can still offer excellent wear resistance, and good design opportunities. By their nature, slates tend to be dark colours, although some multicoloured slates such as Mayur and Rich Autumn are also available. Many slates can also be used externally.
Can you send me samples of the stone?
Yes. We can organise for Beltrami to send small (10 x 10cm) samples to you in the post. Please try to limit your request to 2 or 3 different materials, to avoid the need to send samples by courier.
Will the sample be representative of the tiles I receive?
The sample should be taken as just an indication of the colour and characteristics of the material. Natural stones are subject to variations in colour and veining from batch to batch, and sometimes even within the same batch. Therefore, we cannot accept a complaint that a batch of stone delivered does not match a sample previously sent.
How can I deal with colour variations within the same batch?
Before fixing the tiles, the tiler, in conjunction with the client, should mix the tiles in order to achieve a harmonious appearance of colours and shades. Please be aware that installation is acceptance. After installation, no complaints will be accepted by us or Beltrami about the appearance of the tiles.
What are the lines I can see in some of the stones? Are they cracks?
Many natural stones, particularly marbles and limestones, contain naturally occurring fissures which appear as lines in the surface. These lines are not cracks but are inherent in the material, and as such do not represent a weakness in the tile. Sometimes these natural fissures are known as open veins so are filled with a resin or cement. This is not only unavoidable, but is in fact accepted in the natural stone industry as necessary in order to deliver a sound surface.
TILE FORMATS
What size are the tiles that you sell?
This varies, but the ‘standard’ tile size tends to be 400 x 400mm. Larger square tiles are available, right up to a massive 900 x 900mm in some materials. Smaller wall tiles, at 305 x 305mm, are available in marbles for bathroom use.
Are there any shapes other than square tiles available?
Yes, many materials are available in rectangular tile formats (e.g. 600 x 400mm). You can also order tiles in Random Lengths and varying widths, to create your own designs. And for a real ‘wow’ factor, a few selected materials can be ordered in a stunning Roman Pavement pattern.
How thick are the tiles?
This varies between different materials and tile sizes, but standard 400 x 400mm tiles tend to be 20mm thick. You should allow for tolerances on the sizes and thicknesses of all natural stone tiles.
Is there an option for thinner tiles?
Yes, a special range called Beltraline is available. These tiles are calibrated, usually to a thickness of 12mm or 15mm, depending on the material. Perfectly calibrated tiles allow quick and accurate laying, and the precision cut edges allow fine joints (3 to 4mm for 400 x 400mm tiles).
What kind of tolerance is there on the tile sizes?
For standard tile formats, you should allow a tolerance of +/- 2mm. For Beltralinea tiles, allow a tolerance of +/- 1mm. Some materials, due to their nature, have an even greater tolerance of +/- 5mm. We can advise this when you make your enquiry.
I have seen tiled walls using thin strips. Do you sell these?
Yes. This format is known as Beltralinea, and is available in almost every material. The strips tend to be either 70mm or 140mm wide, and 400mm or 600mm long (consult each material’s price list for available sizes). This allows you to create stunning contemporary linear effects on feature walls, in kitchens, in bathrooms, behind reception areas… in fact anywhere you wish to create an impression!
Is there stone cladding available with a more rustic look?
Yes. Take a look at the range called Beltralinea Stoneskin. Pieces of natural cleft (riven) stone are bonded together in sections, allowing you to easily clad a wall to give a rustic look, like dry stone walling. Special corner pieces are also available for a truly professional finish.
Do you do mosaics?
Yes, the Beltralinea Mosaics range offers 3 mosaic patterns in 6 materials. The small mosaic pieces of stone are glued onto a standard netting of 305 x 305mm, to allow ease of fixing.
What are Marmocer tiles?
Marmocer is an innovative product which combines the beauty of marble with the strength and practicality of ceramic. A 4mm layer of natural marble is bonded to an 8mm ceramic tile, creating an overall tile thickness of 12mm. This allows tile sizes of up to 600 x 600mm, something which would not be possible in a thin natural marble. The tiles are stronger and lighter, offering great benefits to the installer.
What if I need some fabricated tops or other shaped pieces in the same material as my tiles?
No problem. We can buy most tile materials in large slab format, allowing us to offer any bespoke stone surfaces you may require – for example, vanity tops, shower trays or bath surrounds. We have a fully operational stonemasons workshop, with over 100 years experience of cutting and shaping natural stone. The only limits are the size of the slabs, and your own imagination!
FINISHES
What is a honed finish?
A honed finish is achieved by finely rubbing the surface of the stone with different grades of abrasives. The result is a smooth, matt finish, which gives a minimal reflection. Honed is the most recommended finish for internal flooring.
Why aren't all stones offered in a polished finish?
Only particularly dense stones with certain mineral elements can take a polish. In particular, granites and marbles are offered in a polished finish, but also some of the harder limestones. Polished finishes are recommended more for wall tiles than for flooring, as walking across a polished floor can soon dull the polish.
What are ‘antico’ finish tiles?
The tiles are hand honed, then tumbled (or roll washed). This gives the floor the impression of a worn look, as if it has been used for years and has a natural patina from the start.
What is ‘brossato’ finish?
The tiles are honed, hand honed, then brushed. This gives an attractive slight texture to the surface, and also makes the flooring relatively anti-slip. This finish is offered on Simyra, and its versatility makes it one of the most popular materials in the Beltrami range.
Where would a flamed finish be appropriate?
Flamed finishes are created literally by bringing flames into contact with the rough sawn surface, usually of a granite or basalt. The result is a textured and highly anti-slip surface, making flamed tiles ideally suited to external applications, or other wet areas (e.g. around a swimming pool).
HOW TO ORDER YOUR TILES
Where can I find your prices?
There is a downloadable PDF price list on each material's product page. Our tile prices are in four price bands, so the price becomes more competitive for larger quantity orders.
I like the look of your prices. What do I do now?
You can send an enquiry by clicking 'Request more info' on a product page. Alternatively, send us an email at info@ivettandreed.co.uk. We will get back to you via email as soon as possible (usually within 1 working day). Or of course you can call us on 01223 213500, or visit our Cambridge showroom, to discuss and place your order.
How do I place my order?
Once we have discussed and finalised your tile choice, an order will be raised. This will be emailed or faxed to you for your approval. For direct delivery orders, full payment is required to confirm the order. You can pay by credit or debit card over the phone, or by cheque if you prefer.
DELIVERY & INSTALLATION
Do you hold the tiles in stock?
With such a vast product range to choose from, it would not be practical to stock tiles ourselves. Instead, tiles are ordered in from Beltrami’s vast stocks in their Belgian depot. Trucks come over to the UK every week, so delivery can normally be made within 7 to 10 days from order. Certain tile formats may be non-stock items, and as such will have a longer lead time. This can be advised before you confirm your order.
Can the tiles be delivered direct to my site or property?
Yes, providing the delivery location meets the access criteria. Larger tile orders will be delivered using Beltrami’s own large articulated lorry with hi-ab crane. Smaller orders will be delivered by a pallet courier with tail lift.
What kind of access does the delivery vehicle need?
It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that access is OK for delivery. Please bear in mind the size of the vehicle; it is not possible to deliver along narrow driveways or single track country lanes, for example. Narrow, double-parked city streets would also make delivery impossible. Please be aware that if a delivery cannot be made due to poor access, redelivery or restocking charges will apply.
Will the driver move the tiles once he has unloaded?
Delivery is ‘kerbside’ only, and the driver will not be expected to move the tiles to a further location once unloaded. For example, it is impossible to move a pallet across a gravel drive or uneven ground using a pallet truck.
How will I know when the tiles are coming, and do I need to be present?
We will be normally able to specify a delivery date if required, but not a specific delivery time. Someone will need to be present when the tiles are delivered to sign the delivery note.
What happens if some of my tiles are chipped on the edge?
Due to the fragile nature of natural stone, some minor damage during transportation is almost inevitable. The customer should always order 5% to 10% more tiles than are required, to cover wastage (minor damage, breakages during cutting, contingencies). If the edges of a few tiles are slightly chipped, these tiles should be placed to one side and used for cuts, or against the wall, where possible. If, despite following these measures, there are not enough tiles to complete the installation, you should contact us as soon as possible, and we will arrange for replacement tiles to be sent.
What if the damage is more severe, e.g. broken tiles?
You should inspect the delivery of tiles as soon after delivery as is practical. If serious damage and breakages is apparent, please take photographs of the damage and email them to us, along with an estimation of how many of the tiles are broken. This information allows Beltrami to feed back to the pallet courier, and claim for the damage.
How long will it take to get my replacement tiles?
Replacements will be prioritised to help minimise disruption on your installation. Even so, it may take up to 7 to 10 days to deliver the replacements, or longer for non-stock formats. The damaged tiles should be placed back on the pallet, ready for Beltrami to collect.
I have under-ordered and need more tiles. Will the tiles match my initial delivery?
This cannot be guaranteed. Natural stone will always vary from batch-to-batch, and sometimes even within the same batch. It is always best to over-order to ensure you have enough tiles to complete the job in one go, and to mix the tiles before laying to achieve a harmonious appearance.
Is it easy to maintain a natural stone floor?
Yes, by following the correct care and maintenance procedures, it is possible to maintain the natural beauty of a stone floor. It is vital to use only cleaning products which are suitable for natural stone. We recommend the Lithofin range of products, which have a specially developed alkaline formula. To avoid unnecessary scratching of the stone surface, it is possible to take preventative measures. For example, place felt under the legs of chairs.
Can natural stone tiles be laid where there is underfloor heating?
Yes, providing the correct adhesives and grouts are used, and the heating is turned on gradually in accordance with the recommendations of both Beltrami and your underfloor heating manufacturer.
Do you offer a tile installation service?
This depends on the location, size and nature of the job. We are happy to quote to install large domestic and commercial projects in our local region (generally within 50 miles of Cambridge). For smaller domestic installations of Beltrami natural stone tiles, it would normally be more cost effective for you to use your own tiler. It is always essential to use a professional tiler who is experienced at handling and installing natural stone tiles.
Are there any installation instructions?
We can provide technical sheets for each material which includes installation guidelines for you to pass on to your tiler. It is not possible to provide precise instructions, as it is the responsibility of the professional tiler to select a tile format and material which is suitable for the area being tiled. It is essential that Beltrami’s installation recommendations are followed, as they will not accept any complaints due to a problem arising from incorrect installation.
Do you sell adhesives and grouts?
We can order adhesives and grouts from Beltrami’s own product range to be delivered along with your tiles. However, it is often difficult to estimate how much adhesive and grout will be required for an individual job. Therefore, we normally recommend that you buy adhesives and grouts from a local tile consumable shop, which would enable you to return to buy additional bags if required. Please note that it is up to your installer to ensure that the adhesives and grouts used are suitable for natural stone, and suitable for the area being tiled.
Mr & Mrs O from Wilburton (Feb 2010)