
Advice & Support
Technical Support & Troubleshooting

FAQ's
Your questions answered.
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Do you take back any unused tiles?We will accept returns of unopened tile boxes / stone crates to our warehouse if this is in excess of the 10% allowed for wastage. A credit will be raised for returned goods minus 20% restocking charge once the returned goods have been checked for condition. Special order tiles and stone are non returnable and non refundable. We do not accept returns of open/part boxes or crates.
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What is so special about Foras Originals Porcelain?We source our Originals Porcelain collection from the finest Italian factories. Italy is a world leader in printed tile technology, providing innovative and varied patterning for an authentic look. The tiles are also rectified (cut after firing) meaning that they can meet a tight size tolerance, cutting down on wastage and an allowing for precision grout lines. Many of the tiles come in finishes and thicknesses which allow the same tile to be used inside and out; perfect for extending your living space seamlessly into the garden.
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Should I choose natural stone or porcelain?This is entirely personal preference however you might want to consider the following when making your decision: There is no other material like natural stone, it looks and feels amazing however you will need to care for it to keep it looking its best. You will need to apply sealers and choose your cleaning materials carefully. Mess and spillages will need to be cleared promptly to prevent absorption into the stone. That said, some stones are more forgiving than others due to their colour, finish and porosity; please contact us for more information about stone types and suitability. The advanced technology used to manufacture porcelain tiles means that you can achieve almost any look from natural stone to polished concrete to bleached driftwood with the minimum of effort. It is easy to lay and even easier to live with as it requires no sealing, is low maintenance and you can clear up any mess in the morning without disastrous repercussions! When considering natural stone versus porcelain think about your lifestyle and ask yourself what you want from your tiles and how much in return you are prepared to give, hopefully that will help you reach the right decision.
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How do I calculate how many square meters I need?Take the widest points of your space horizontally and vertically and multiply them by each other. For instance you measure your space as 2.5 meters horizontally and 3.5 meters vertically: 2.5 meters x 3.5 meters = 8.75 square meters Always double check your measurements with your installer or builder if you are unsure and order extra for cuts and wastage (this is usually between 5 – 10%).
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Do you offer an installation service?We offer full installation support, including all preparation, fixing and finishing products for both porcelain and natural stone along with contacts to tradespeople who can install the material for you. Please email info@foras.co.uk for more details.
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What is so special about our Foras Originals Natural Stone?Our stone is hand selected; each crate is thoroughly inspected before dispatch so you can rest assured that the stone you have seen is the stone you will receive. We have spent many years curating a collection of beautiful stones, which offer great value and are of exceptional quality. We keep our stone laid in our own showrooms and gardens so we can vouch truthfully for its durability, practicality and finesse.
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Do you offer samples?Samples are available to add to your basket on the product page. Or you can send your request directly to info@foras.co.uk. We are happy to send up to 4 sample tiles free of charge, delivery charges do still apply. Samples are sent in 140mm x 140mm squares, you can purchase full size samples if you require.
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How often do I need to seal my natural stone floor?It depends on where it is laid and how much use the area gets. On average a high traffic area may require sealing every 3 -4 years while a low traffic area can last considerably longer between applications.
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How should I clean my external stone paving?Watch our HOW TO video here.
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I have black spots all over my natural stone patio, what is it and how can I get rid of it?That is what’s know as Lichen (pronounced Ly-Ken), it’s a tough little bugger and likes nothing more than to reside on your lovely driveway, patio, brickwork etc. In fact it isn’t overly fussy where it lays it’s roots, it is quite partial to sandstone but it will appear pretty much anywhere. It’s a type of airborne spore which blows in off trees, settles on your stones and then spreads. It digs itself deep into the stone with a root like structure and is extremely hard to remove even with a pressure washer. Treatment with our Natural Stone Chlorine Cleaning Kit can help to rid you of your unwanted guests however you must exercise caution when using chemicals and avoid contact between your plants and green vegetation and the chlorine solution. Please read our technical data sheet for more information. Watch our HOW TO video here.
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How much does it cost to seal a natural stone floor?This will vary depending on the porosity of your stone and the finishing product that you are using, therefore we recommend that you allow between £3.00 – £5.00 per square metre.
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My natural stone floor has a red wine stain, is it ruined forever?Not necessarily, a good quality stone that has been sealed properly can usually be bought back to it’s former glory so it’s always worth seeking professional advice. Please contact us for more information.
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How should I clean my internal natural stone floor?Take care when cleaning your natural stone floor. Here's what we recommend. - Sweep with a soft broom or vacuum with a brush attachment to remove debris. - Prepare pH-neutral cleaner with warm water (not hot) and clean with a damp mop or cloth. - Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners. - For stains, use a soft brush with the solution and scrub gently. - Rinse with clean water and dry with a towel or microfiber cloth to prevent spots. - Apply a sealant regularly as per instructions to protect against stains and moisture. - Consistent maintenance keeps your stone floor in excellent condition.
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Can any porcelain indoor tile be used both indoors and outdoors?While porcelain tiles are versatile and durable, not all indoor porcelain tiles are suitable for outdoor use. Indoor tiles may not have the necessary frost resistance, slip resistance, or durability required to withstand outdoor elements. For outdoor applications, it's crucial to choose tiles that are specifically rated for external use. These tiles are designed to handle varying temperatures, moisture, and other weathering factors. Always check the manufacturer's specifications before installation to ensure the tiles meet the requirements for outdoor use. If you have any specific requirements or need further advice, our friendly Foras team are always here to help you make the best choice for your space!
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Can I use Foras 10mm and 20mm porcelain tiles both indoors and outdoors?Absolutely! Foras offers versatile 10mm porcelain tiles which can be used internally on both walls and floors. For exterior applications, these tiles are also suitable as long as they are installed on a solid concrete base and feature a non-slip surface for safety. Regarding our 20mm porcelain tiles, while they are perfect for robust outdoor use due to their thickness, they are not suitable for wall installations. Whether you’re looking to enhance your interior spaces or create durable, stylish outdoor areas, Foras has you covered with our specialty porcelain offerings!
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What is a batch number and why is it important when purchasing porcelain tiles?A batch number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific set of porcelain tiles produced under the same conditions and at the same time. It allows manufacturers to trace production details, including the exact materials used, the production date, and quality control measures applied. When purchasing porcelain tiles, especially for a project requiring uniformity like flooring or wall installations, ensuring that all tiles come from the same batch number is crucial. This is because tiles from different batches may have slight variations in color, texture, and size due to the natural differences in raw materials and production processes. At Foras, we strive to help our customers achieve a cohesive and aesthetic outcome, and understanding the importance of batch numbers is key to obtaining a consistent look in your sculptural or tiling projects.
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What are the benefits of porcelain tiles?Porcelain tiles are highly valued for their durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility. They are made from refined clay and fired at higher temperatures, resulting in a dense and robust material that resists water, stains, and wear. This makes them ideal for areas with high foot traffic or spaces prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, our porcelain tiles come in various designs, colors, and finishes, allowing you to create unique and stylish interiors that complement your Foras sculptures perfectly.
Installation Guides
1. Allow the adhesive to dry. The joints should be filled using a suitable stop mould grout.
2. Clean out any dust, dirt and adhesive from between the tiles and make sure that the joints are dry.
3. Approximately 3 parts grout powder should be added to 1 part water, ensuring that the powder is added to the liquid to prevent the product from flash setting. Manually mix the grout to reduce the amount of air incorporated into the mix.
4. Holding a soft rubber grout float at 45°, sweep the mixed grout diagonally across the tiles, ensuring that the grout is pushed fully into the joints.
5. Clean off as much grout from the surface of the tiles as possible and allow the grout to become touch dry. Clean off the grout residues with a damp sponge wiped diagonally across the tiles.
6. Allow the tiles to dry and buff the surface with a dry cloth. Any stubborn residues may be cleaned off with washing up detergent mixed with warm water within 24 hours of grouting.
NB. Before grouting commences trial a small inconspicuous area to check that the grout does not stain the tiles. If there is any risk of staining, the tiles should be fully sealed using a proprietary sealer before the grouting begins.
Note: All the adhesives and grout mortars used to fix the stones should be mixed in accordance with the instructions given on the manufacturers’ product data sheets and bag instructions.