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Frequently Asked Questions
CBFD offers a wide range of high-quality porcelain and ceramic tiles, the majority of which are Spanish-made. These tiles boast superior craftsmanship and durability, ensuring long-lasting performance for both floor and wall applications. With a variety of finishes, sizes, and patterns, CBFD tiles cater to modern and traditional design preferences.
CBFD sells tiles exclusively to approved retailers. Retailers interested in stocking CBFD products must contact CBFD directly to inquire about becoming a retailer. If they meet the necessary criteria, an account will be created for them to access the Retailer Portal, where they can view stock and pricing information. Public customers can browse the product catalogue and are directed to local CBFD-approved retailers for purchase.
If you are a pubic customer, visit the 'Resellers' page to locate your nearest retailer.
When it comes to tile wastage, the standard recommendation is 10%, but if you're opting for more intricate layouts like herringbone, or if there are many corners or cuts required, we suggest increasing the wastage allowance to 15-20%. As for warranties, tiles do not come with a warranty, but if a fault is found in production, the tiles will be replaced as long as the issue is identified before laying. Waste and basins, however, are covered by a 2-year warranty from supply to the store.
CBFD accepts returns on most items except cappings. Returns must be made within 7 days of purchase, and the stock must be from the same batch. A 30% return fee will apply, and the customer must arrange transportation back to the warehouse.
Finally, it's important to note that each new batch of tiles can have slight variations in colour and size, so there may be some differences between batches. This is normal and should be taken into account when planning for your project.
Of course, CBFD’s tiles are highly versatile, making them ideal for both residential and commercial spaces. Their robust durability ensures they can withstand heavy foot traffic, which makes them perfect for high-use areas like commercial kitchens, office buildings, and bathrooms, while still being stylish and practical for home installations like living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
The slip rating system includes two scales: the ‘P’ rating (Pendulum Test) and the ‘R’ rating (Oil-Wet Ramp Test). The ‘P’ scale ranges from P0 to P5, with P5 offering the highest slip resistance (lowest risk of slipping). The ‘R’ scale ranges from R9 to R13.
Slip rating guidelines:
P1: Suitable for dry indoor living areas with no exposure to water.
P2: Ideal for general living areas and some wet areas with minimal water exposure.
P3: Suitable for all internal spaces and covered outdoor areas.
P4: Recommended for both indoor and outdoor applications.
P5: Best for outdoor areas, but may be difficult to clean due to high slip resistance.
Tile installation depends on the type of tile and the surface you’re working with. For most CBFD tiles, the general process involves preparing the surface, applying a suitable adhesive, placing the tiles with even grout lines, and sealing them. Installation of larger format or specialised tiles may require professional assistance. CBFD recommends consulting a professional tiler for complex installations or when you have specific design preferences, but basic DIY installations can be handled with proper preparation and tools.
Maintaining CBFD tiles is relatively simple. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or mop is recommended, using a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damaging the surface. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals or scrubbers that can scratch or dull the finish. For tough stains, a mixture of warm water and a gentle detergent will help lift dirt without damaging the tile. Regular sealing may be required for some tiles to keep them looking fresh and protect them from moisture or staining.
Gloss finishes are easier to clean but show marks and dirt quickly, while matte finishes hide fingerprints and smudges longer, though they require more effort to clean.
Glossy surfaces are simple to wipe clean as dirt sits on top, but they tend to show fingerprints, marks, and water spots more easily.
Matte finishes, with their subtle, non-reflective surface, don’t reveal smudges as quickly, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. However, matte tiles can be harder to clean, as dirt can settle into the texture, requiring more effort to remove.
CBFD porcelain tiles are suitable for outdoor installations, offering durability and resistance to the elements. However, ceramic tiles are only suitable for interior use due to their susceptibility to weather conditions. Be sure to check the product specifications for each tile to confirm whether it is appropriate for exterior applications, which are located on their individual product pages.
There are several tile types that complement distinctive design aesthetics:
Natural Tiles: Made from materials like stone, slate, or travertine, these tiles bring an organic, earthy feel to spaces, enhancing both indoor and outdoor areas with a timeless, raw beauty. E.g. Stonepeak, Renaissance, Earth.
Heritage Tiles: Featuring ornate designs and traditional colour schemes, these tiles are ideal for restoring vintage charm in older homes or heritage-style architecture. E.g. Bel Histoire, Cappings, Victorian.
Coastal Tiles: Inspired by natural textures and ocean hues, these tiles often have soft, neutral tones and a weathered or textured finish, making them perfect for beachside or relaxed interiors. E.g. Tathra, Argos, Cosmo
The slip rating system includes two scales: the ‘P’ rating (Pendulum Test) and the ‘R’ rating (Oil-Wet Ramp Test). The ‘P’ scale ranges from P0 to P5, with P5 offering the highest slip resistance (lowest risk of slipping). The ‘R’ scale ranges from R9 to R13.
Slip rating guidelines:
P1: Suitable for dry indoor living areas with no exposure to water.
P2: Ideal for general living areas and some wet areas with minimal water exposure.
P3: Suitable for all internal spaces and covered outdoor areas.
P4: Recommended for both indoor and outdoor applications.
P5: Best for outdoor areas, but may be difficult to clean due to high slip resistance.
Tile variation levels determine the consistency or diversity in colour, pattern, and texture across tiles, influencing the final aesthetic of a space:
V1 (Uniformed): Offers a consistent look with little to no variation, ideal for sleek, modern designs.
V2 (Slight): Displays subtle differences in colour and texture, adding a natural yet controlled variation.
V3 (High): Features noticeable shifts in tones and patterns from tile to tile, creating a more dynamic and varied appearance.
V4 (Very High): Delivers a strikingly unique installation with significant colour, texture, and pattern differences, perfect for bold and artistic designs.
For more information, view our Tile Guidelines.
Ceramic tiles are made from coarser clay, while porcelain tiles use finer clay, specifically kaolin. Porcelain tiles are fired at higher temperatures, which makes them denser and more durable. In terms of properties, porcelain tiles are typically thinner, denser, and have a smoother finish, while ceramic tiles are thicker, less dense, and offer a variety of textures. Porcelain is also more durable and water-resistant, making it a better option for high-moisture areas. However, because of the finer clay and higher firing temperatures, porcelain tiles tend to be more expensive than ceramic tiles.
When choosing between 316 and 304 stainless steel, it's important to consider the specific environment in which the material will be used. 316 grade steel is highly durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for outdoor applications. It is commonly referred to as "marine grade" steel due to its ability to withstand exposure to harsh environmental elements such as saltwater and moisture, making it a popular choice for outdoor and coastal installations. On the other hand, 304 grade steel is best suited for indoor use. While it offers good resistance to corrosion, it is not as resilient as 316 when exposed to outdoor elements, particularly in environments with high moisture or salt content. Therefore, 304 steel is typically reserved for interior applications where it will be protected from extreme weather conditions.
Tiles with more faces, meaning greater variation in colour, texture, and pattern, help to replicate the natural inconsistencies found in materials like stone or wood. This variety creates a more organic, authentic appearance, making it less likely to notice repetitive patterns or "double-ups."
The added variation ensures that the installation looks seamless and dynamic, with each tile offering a unique element to the overall design, preventing a uniform or artificial look, especially in larger areas.
Cushion edge tiles have a rounded, softer edge, requiring 2-3 mm spacers for installation to maintain consistent grout lines. In contrast, rectified tiles feature sharp, straight edges, allowing for a tighter fit and smaller spacers, typically around 1.5 mm, unless specified otherwise. The smaller spacer gives rectified tiles a sleek, modern look with narrower grout lines. It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal installation.
At CBFD, we operate strictly as a wholesale business and do not sell directly to consumers. Our focus is on providing high-quality tiles and bathware to resellers, ensuring that they have access to our extensive product range for retail purposes. However, we understand the importance of giving potential customers a chance to experience our products firsthand. As such, we plan to offer samples of our products. These samples can be requested and will be sent out at a cost, which will be calculated based on the number and type of samples requested.
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Contact CBFD - We're here to help
Contact CBFD Tiles for product inquiries, showroom visits, or customer support. Get expert advice on premium tiles, basins, and accessories.
- (02) 4647 7949
- unit 1 / 62 turner road, Smeaton Grange 2567
- 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday - Friday