Question 1

What is the difference between Victorian, geometric and encaustic tiles?

Accepted Answer

Victorian geometric tiles are unglazed, single-colour clay tiles cut into squares, triangles, hexagons and octagons, laid to form a pattern — the classic hallway floor. Encaustic tiles have the pattern formed from two or more coloured clays inlaid into the body, so the design never wears off. Modern 'Victorian-style' patterned porcelain prints the same look onto a hard-wearing porcelain body: far cheaper, far quicker to lay, and the right answer when the budget will not stretch to true geometric.

Question 2

Do you install new Victorian geometric floors in period homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes — new installation is what we do. We set out and lay complete geometric and encaustic floors in period hallways, porches and corridors: dry-laying the field and borders, centring the pattern on the true axis of the space, then cutting the perimeter so the border runs straight down the hall. We do not take on restoration of existing original floors; new installations only.

Question 3

How do you seal a Victorian tiled floor?

Accepted Answer

With a breathable, impregnating sealer — never a plastic topical coating. Old floors typically sit on lime or sand-and-cement without a damp-proof membrane, so they need to let moisture pass; trap it under an acrylic coating and it goes cloudy and lifts. We let the floor dry fully, apply an impregnating sealer, then a boiled-linseed-based or matt finishing sealer if you want the traditional low sheen. Re-seal every 3–5 years in a busy hallway.

Question 4

How much does a Victorian geometric hallway cost?

Accepted Answer

A true geometric hallway in London is typically £180–£300 per square metre supplied and laid, because the tiles themselves are expensive and the setting out is slow and skilled — every border, corner block and octagon-and-dot field is laid piece by piece. Patterned Victorian-effect porcelain achieving a similar look is usually £90–£140 per square metre. Send photos and measurements for a fixed installation price.

Question 5

Will a Victorian floor work in a modern house or extension?

Accepted Answer

It works beautifully, and we fit them into new builds and extensions regularly — porches, boot rooms, garden paths, utility rooms and kitchen zones. On a modern screed we install over a decoupling membrane with flexible adhesive, which is more forgiving than the original sand-and-cement bed and works over underfloor heating. The pattern is centred on the room's true axis, not the walls, which are rarely square.

Question 6

Can you match tiles when extending an existing pattern?

Accepted Answer

For new installations, yes. We identify tile size, body colour and finish, then source from makers who still produce traditional dimensions so a new floor ties into an adjoining pattern or an existing threshold. We do not undertake repair or restoration of original floors.

Question 7

Are Victorian tiles slippery and are they suitable for a porch?

Accepted Answer

Unglazed geometric tiles have a naturally good grip and are the traditional porch and path material, which is why so many survive a century later. For an external porch or step we use frost-resistant, unglazed tiles with an R10 or better rating, bed them on a fully solid bed with correct falls away from the door, and use a frost-resistant grout. Polished or glazed Victorian-effect tiles should stay indoors.

Victorian & geometric tiling, laid the traditional way

Timeless style, set out by hand

New installations

Authentic patterns

Correct substrate

Sealed & protected

Get a fixed price

Victorian & geometric tiling questions