FAQ – Tiles & Floor tiles

Here we have compiled frequently asked questions and answers about tiles and floor tiles. Our ambition is for you to feel confident and secure in your choice. You are always welcome to visit us at our store at Karlavägen 7 in Stockholm or contact our customer service at info@sekelskifte.se if you have any questions or concerns.

1. What is the difference between tiles and floor tiles?

Tiles are glazed wall tiles that are mainly used on walls in kitchens and bathrooms, for example. Floor tiles are unglazed, harder, and more durable tiles that are suitable for floors.

2. What is a "fris"?

A frieze is a decorative border around a floor, usually laid in a contrasting pattern, color, or format. It was common at the turn of the century and is used in halls, bathrooms, and entrances. A center field (checkered or straight) is often laid with a border around it in a different color or direction. We sell friezes by the meter, with all the parts included to create the decorative pattern.

3. Which colors and patterns are most typical of turn-of-the-century style?

Popular tile colors and patterns at the turn of the century varied, not least depending on location. In stairwells and entrances, more intricate patterns, detailed friezes, and contrasting colors were often used. In homes, the patterns were often simpler, in a checkerboard or octagon format with two colors. In some cases, single-color floors with square tiles were used.

Tile colors often came in white and off-white, shades of green such as bottle green and olive green, cobalt blue and gray-blue tones, and darker red. Common colors on floor tiles were: white, beige, and black; earthy tones such as brick red, chocolate brown, and ochre; and lighter, more saturated tones such as pearl gray, gray-blue, and gray-green. Feel free to browse our guides for more inspiration:
Inspiration & Guides – Floor tiles
Inspiration & Guides – Tiles

4. What is floor tiles made by?

Our floor tiles from Winckelmans is produced in a very hard material made from natural clay and minerals. The raw material is pressed and fired at high temperatures, resulting in low porosity and high wear resistance. The result is a tile that can withstand both time and use – in homes as well as in public environments.
Our clinker tiles from Winckelmans have been used in flooring since the late 19th century – often in high-wear environments such as stairwells and entrances. They are through-colored, frost-resistant, and extremely dense, making them ideal for flooring in bathrooms, hallways, and kitchens.

5. Why can tiles vary in size and surface?

Our tiles and floor tiles are natural and fire-based materials that may exhibit natural variations in both shade and size. Minor dimensional deviations occur and may mean that tiles are slightly larger or smaller than the specified dimensions. This is part of the nature of the material and is not considered a manufacturing defect. We always recommend that tiles be checked before installation.

Granite tiles may also have small, fine lines or slight crackling around the edges, which is completely natural for this type of material. Glazed or crackled tiles may sometimes emit a faint clicking sound, which usually stops after impregnation. This is due to the special manufacturing process used for this material.

6. Can I order a sample plate?

Yes, either via our website, or pick up a free sample, subject to availability, at our store at Karlavägen 7 in Stockholm or at our pick-up warehouse at Västbergavägen 43 in Hägersten. Please note that the sample tile is primarily a color sample in the form of a thinner, smaller square tile and may also differ slightly in shade from the production batch you subsequently order.

7. Can I get a color code to match other details (e.g., NCS or RAL)?

Unfortunately, we cannot provide exact color codes, as our tiles and floor tiles is made from natural materials and may therefore vary in shade between different production batches. We recommend that you order a sample tile instead. Please note that the sample may differ slightly from the batch you subsequently order.

8. Can I combine Winckelman's floor tiles with underfloor heating?

Yes, Winckelmann's floor tiles Works well in combination with underfloor heating.

9. Can I use Winckelman's floor tiles in bathrooms and kitchens?

Yes, floor tiles Works well in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens. Winckelman's granite tiles are very durable and absorb minimal water, making them particularly suitable for high-traffic areas. They are also untreated/matte, which reduces the risk of slipping.

10. Can you have floor tiles Outdoors?

Yes, floor tiles Granite ceramic tiles are ideal for outdoor use. Our tiles from Winckelmans have low water absorption, making them a durable choice for entrances, porches, and conservatories, for example, with minimal risk of slipping. This applies to all our floor tiles, regardless of color or format. Keep in mind that outdoor installation places higher demands on materials, sub-construction, and fixings and joints adapted for outdoor environments. It is therefore important that you inform your tiler, who needs to assess and approve the conditions on site.

11. Need floor tiles and tiles are impregnated?

Winckelman's floor tiles has a very high density and absorbs minimal water, which means that it usually does not need to be impregnated. In certain particularly exposed environments, such as bathrooms/shower rooms, hallways, or kitchens, we recommend using an impregnation to prevent substances that can cause stains (e.g., grease) from penetrating the pores. For optimal protection, apply a new coat approximately every 5 years, depending on location and wear. Perform a water test: drip water onto the tile and see if the bead remains or not. If the water is absorbed and darkens the surface, it is time to impregnate again. We recommend: Environmentally friendly impregnation for cracked tiles.

However, many choose not to impregnate and are very satisfied with that.

However, cracked tiles must be impregnated/sealed both before and after grouting to prevent dust and dirt from sticking to them.

12. How should I think about joint width?

For a classic turn-of-the-century look, a slightly narrower joint is often recommended. Guideline: Wall tiles: approx. 2 mm, Floor tiles/floor: approx. 2–3 mm.

13. What color grout should I choose?

Around the turn of the century, gray grout was most common, often in a shade close to the color of the tile itself. For those who want a more prominent and decorative effect, darker gray grout can be used to create contrast and highlight the shape of the tile.

We offer grout in two different shades of gray: silver and graphite gray, which can be used for both tiles and floor tiles. For white/light-colored floor tiles, we recommend a lighter grout to avoid discoloration on the tile surface. We offer two shades of gray in our range: Schönox SB silver gray tile grout 15 kg and Schönox SB dark gray tile grout 5 kg.

14. What do you use to clean tiles? floor tiles with?

Use a mild cleaning agent and warm water – avoid products containing strong acids or abrasives, which can damage the joints. We offer specially developed cleaning products that are gentle on both the surface and the environment.

General cleaning: 1 liter all-purpose cleaner - Fila Cleaner Pro
Joint cleaning: 750 ml. Grout cleaner - Fila Fuganet
Descaling: Fila Deepclean 750 ml
Highly concentrated cleaning agent suitable for removing stains: Highly concentrated cleaning agent - Fila PS87 Pro 1L
Please read our guide here: Cleaning tips for Victorian Floor Tiles from Winckelmans

15. How do I calculate consumption for floor tiles?

To calculate consumption of floor tiles Measure the floor area (length × width) in square meters. Example: A bathroom floor that is 3 meters long and 2.5 meters wide: 3 m × 2.5 m = 7.5 m². If you have an irregular floor, divide the area into smaller rectangles and add up the sub-areas. Each product page specifies how many packages are needed per square meter. To calculate the border, measure the perimeter of the room. Tile borders are sold by the meter and include the complete pattern.

If you provide us with information about the dimensions that the tiles will cover, we will be happy to help you calculate the amount of material required.

When laying tiles, you should allow for a waste margin of approx. +10% for standard straight laying, or possibly +15% for diagonal laying, patterns, or extensive cutting, especially at corners, pipe penetrations, and pattern laying. Please check this with your craftsman.
It may be wise to save a box from the original batch in case you need to do minor renovations in the future or if one or more tiles happen to get damaged.
When installing, we recommend opening several boxes and mixing the tiles for a more uniform overall appearance, as different production batches may have slight differences in shade. Uneven walls are best adjusted at the frieze rather than on the large tiles.

16. Can Winckelmann granite clinker tiles be cut?

Yes, granite tiles can be cut. They are very hard and compact, so it is important to use the right tools, such as a wet saw with a diamond blade. We recommend that you seek the help of a tiler.

17. Do I have to buy whole packs of tiles and floor tiles, Or can I buy individual tiles?

Our tiles and clinker tiles are sold by the pack, not as individual tiles.

FAQ – Tiles & Floor tiles (delivery)

1. What is the delivery time for tiles and Floor tiles?

Tiles in stock are usually shipped from us within 2–5 business days. Delivery time then depends on the recipient country and location. You can also choose to pick up your order at our warehouse at Västbergavägen 43, Stockholm.
Ordered goods normally have a delivery time of approximately 4–6 weeks, but may take up to 10–12 weeks, depending on whether the goods are in stock at the supplier or need to be manufactured. We recommend that you order well in advance.

2. Can tiles and other products from your range be delivered together?

Yes, that usually works well. Your other items will then be delivered together with the pallet of tiles.floor tiles.

3. How are tiles delivered and floor tilesDo I have to stay at home?

Tiles and floor tiles Always delivered on pallets and considered bulky goods. Delivery is made to the address (not to an agent), regardless of the number of boxes.

You need to be at home to receive and sign for the delivery, and check that the goods are undamaged. If you discover any transport damage upon delivery, this must be noted immediately with the driver before you sign. If you discover any hidden damage when you open the boxes, this must be reported to us within 48 hours via our forms.

4. Which countries do you supply tiles to? floor tiles To? Are customs duties included in the shipping costs?

We supply tiles and Floor tiles to all countries. Any customs duties are paid by the recipient and invoiced directly by the freight forwarder.

5. Can I return tiles and floor tiles?

Yes, it is possible to return tiles and floor tiles, provided they are intact, dry, undamaged, and unopened packages. The goods are returned on pallets. To register a return, fill out our forms.

You can also return tiles and floor tiles to our warehouse at Västbergavägen 43 in Hägersten (Stockholm). In that case, please contact Customer Service beforehand. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns of tiles and floor tiles at the store on Karlavägen 7 in Stockholm.

It may be wise to save a box from the original batch in case you need to do minor renovations in the future or if one or more tiles happen to get damaged.