Quantum

• Are tiles sustainable?

  You might be surprised to learn that tile is not only cost-effective but is a great option for reducing negative environmental impacts, resource use, and demolition waste, when compared to most flooring products. Because tiles are incredibly hard and inert, as well as dent and spill-proof-, properly installed tile floor should be durable enough to last a lifetime, unlike other flooring which may need to be replaced. Thanks to this lifespan this means less money and resources go into extracting raw materials, transportation, installation, etc.

• Can cork flooring be used over floor heating systems?

  Yes! Due to the insulation properties of cork, the floor will heat up more slowly than conventional laminates or wood floors, but it will provide a slower release of heat over time. The surface temperature of the subfloor must not exceed 28°C (82°F). Remember that rugs or mats placed on top of the floor may function as heat accumulators and will increase the floor surface temperature more than the maximum surface temperature recommended (must not exceed 20 – 22ºC).

• Can I install cork floors in commercial areas?

  Yes, you can. Our cork flooring products are suitable for commercial areas with heavy traffic like department stores, lobbies, schools and open plan offices.

• Can I use any floor tile outside?

  We recommend using a porcelain tile to ensure that the tile is frost resistant. The best tile for you to use outside in areas exposed to weather and rain, or around swimming pools is a slip resistant tile. We do have a wide range of tiles which have both interior & exterior versions available if you are looking for a nice indoor, outdoor flow with your tiles.

• Do you carry stock of all your products?

  We carry a large and extensive range of products that we import from all over the globe, a lot of our ranges are super popular and occasionally we do run out of stock. In most cases we will be able to replenish our stock quickly.
  Some products shown on our website are indent products, which means we don’t hold stock of them in NZ, but we’re more than happy to order them in from overseas for your job. If you’re interested in learning more about this, please contact our team or visit a showroom.

• How is cork harvested?

  Cork is the bark of the cork oak tree, and it is harvested in an ancient and manual process without cutting or hurting the tree. Cork is first harvested when the tree is 25 years old and the trunk perimeter reaches 70cm. The bark regrows and subsequent harvestings take place every nine years, between the months of May and July. These trees have an average lifespan of 200 years, meaning that the same tree can be harvested 15 to 18 times during its life.

• Should I use grip tiles in my bathroom?

  Grip and Anti-slip tiles are designed for outdoor use where they can be brushed and hosed down.
  Keeping them clean indoors can become very challenging because of soap and dirt becoming trapped in the grip surface. A matt, microtech, or lappato tile finish is what we’d recommend for your wet areas to avoid slipping.

• What are rectified and pressed edges?

  Rectified edges mean these tiles have very square edges as a result of the cutting or grinding processes. This process allows for narrower grout joints, normally 2mm between tiles and results in a stunning contemporary finished look.
  
  A pressed edge refers to a tile that has finished, rounded edges, these tiles can have slight size variance between each tile. This a more traditional tile look as these tiles require more grout between the seams, and the grout is more noticeable.

• What are the main sustainable advantages of using cork?

  Cork is a climate positive product, meaning more CO2 is removed from the atmosphere than emitted when this product is being produced. Cork also continues to absorb CO2 in the environment even after it has been transformed into our cork flooring. The Montado forests of cork oak trees have high rates of biodiversity, turning them in one of the 36 worldwide biodiversity hotspots.

• What do the different tile finishes mean?
  • POLISHED – This finish is achieved when a tile has repeatedly passed under a series of polishing wheels, with each iteration using increasingly finer pads, water and a polishing compound. This process is repeated until a smooth and shiny reflective surface is achieved.
    
    
  • LAPPATO - A lappato finish, is also known as semi-polished or honed. They are the perfect balance between polished and matt tiles, with a higher shine than matt, but a gentler finish than a traditional polished tile.
    
    
  • MATT - Matt or matte, tiles do not reflect light and can be smooth or textured. They are designed to absorb light, the exact opposite of a polished or glossy finish. Matt tiles are more slip resistant than polished tiles when wet and are a very popular finish for interior floors
    
    
  • ANTI-SLIP – Also known as Grip finish – these are mostly used in outdoor locations. Anti-slip tiles have a fine grit or sand added to a matt glaze to create a rough almost sandpaper-like finish, this gives them a very high slip rating.
    
    
  • MICROTECH - The best of both worlds; a natural matt surface, but with slip-resistant qualities. This makes for an easily cleanable and practical surface, that can be used both indoors and out for that seamless flow, is comfortable to walk on, and remains slip-resistant when wet.
• What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?

  The biggest difference between the two is how they’re made and that affects how to use them: the clay used for porcelain tile is more refined and the tiles themselves are cooked for longer and at higher temperature.
  Because of these small differences, Porcelain comes out with a much hardier construction and less water absorption- less than 0.5%- making it typically more durable so they’re great to use on exterior walls or as flooring (both indoors and outdoors!) because of their capability to withstand heavy foot traffic.
  Ceramic on the other hand, will absorb more water as they are less dense and more porous making it a more affordable, albeit less durable, option; since they’re lighter and more delicate, and have a vast amount of colours and design options available, they are perfect for accent walls and kitchen backsplashes. Ceramic tiles are also more suitable for your DIY projects as they’re easier to cut.

• Where can I find you and your products?

  We have two showrooms one in Auckland and one in Palmerston North, if you cannot get to either of these we do have our products in many retail stores up and down the country. Get in touch with our team to find your nearest re-seller!

• Why should I purchase a floor with cork?

  Cork floors have at their core a natural product – cork. They are environmental friendly and produced from a renewable resource. In addition, this technology will provide you comfort and wellbeing. The products are silent and with natural thermal insulation, they provide walking comfort and are impact resistant. Adding to very high resistance and durability, no other flooring material combines all these benefits.