FAQ

The company's commitment to protecting and preserving the environment is based on the belief that sustainable development is our common obligation.  
As an ecologically aware company, we use environmentally friendly cleaning methods, a closed wastewater cycle and wet grinding technologies for natural materials. Waste management includes the prevention & reduction of waste generation and its harmful effects on the environment and waste management. For the purpose of recycling, waste is collected separately in the designated area and handed over to the appropriate authorized company for further processing.

Gorenje Keramika is Slovenian by birth. The brand was founded back in 1974 and is now a part of Hisense Europe Group. It is the only company in Slovenia that specializes in production of ceramic tiles.
Gorenje Keramika guarantees the authenticity of each product and ensures the company's commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, which is present in each product and in all stages of production, including distribution and product life cycle.

The concept of ceramic tile in a broader sense encompasses all types of tiles that are made of clay or a mixture of clay with other natural materials, and then kiln-fired. The two basic subgroups of ceramic tiles are porcelain and non-porcelain tiles, which differ in the material itself, manufacturing technology, technical properties and purpose of use. Non-porcelain tiles are usually called ceramic tiles in the narrow sense, and are thus separated from the porcelain.

The main difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles is in the water absorption. Porcelain tiles have extremely low water absorption (less than 0.5%), which is why they are classified as frost-resistant and are also intended for outdoor application. Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, have a higher water absorption, so they are used only indoors.

Gorenje Keramika produces wall ceramic tiles, which are made of red clay and glazed with a durable layer of glaze, which makes the tile surface durable and extremely easy to clean and maintain. These tiles are exclusively designed for indoor wall installation. They are softer and lighter than porcelain tiles, making installation easier and the walls less heavy.

Porcelain tiles are heavier, stronger and more durable than ceramic, so they are also suitable for installation on the busiest walking surfaces or outdoor. Gorenje Keramika offers glazed porcelain tiles that will ensure long-term carefree use.

The body of the tiles is made of completely natural materials (clay, sand), which is transformed into an extremely solid and durable building element by firing at high temperatures. Due to the nature of the material, there are minor differences in dimensions (calibre) and shades, compliance of which is regulated by the European standard EN 14411. When purchasing (or buying more) ceramic tiles, pay attention to matching shades and calibers in all packages - both are listed on the side of the package. Before you install the tiles, we recommend mixing them from multiple different packages and check the shades and calibers before installation. If you are satisfied with the resulting image, only then move on to the installation process.
With the latest trends in ceramics, tiles replicate patterns of nature, accordingly, we offer collections of tiles that contain several diverse faces, which differ in color, shade, or pattern. The variability of these is defined by labels from V1 (uniform appearance) to V4 (stronger shade and pattern variation).

Yes, but this depends heavily on the installation. Keep in mind that ceramic tiles are as strong as the surface on which you will lay it. Improperly prepared surface means a greater possibility of damage and detachment of the tiles from the surface. For optimal durability, the installation should be carried out by professionals who are experts on how to lay tiles without irregularities, thus ensuring a sustainable longevity of products.

For glazed porcelain tiles, the anti-slip class is measured in accordance with DIN EN 16165 B, which is a standard by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN). The test method involves a person wearing required footwear and treading on a ramp inclined at various angles. The results acquired with this method are classified into 5 ratings, from R9 to R13, which coincide with the prescribed ramp angles. Category R9 includes glazed porcelain tiles with a lower anti-slip rating (average slip angle between 6-10 °), while  glazed porcelain tiles marked R13 have the highest anti-slip rating (average slip angle above 35 °). The higher the anti-slip rating, the better the grip of the walking surface.

Yes - our glazed porcelain tile collections (produced according to the “gres porcellanato” technology) are suitable for installation on all areas of your home - hallways, bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bathrooms, and are ideal for installation on outdoor surfaces. They are a natural and safe choice - durable, safe, ecological and hypo-allergenic, as well as resistant to fire and frost. Their body is made of completely natural material (mostly clay and sand), which is transformed into an extremely solid and durable construction material by firing at high temperatures. When installing, make sure that no moisture penetrates between the installed & grouted ceramics and the surface. Although frost-resistant adhesives are on the market, water intrusion on cold days can cause ice to form, which can cause ceramic detached.

We recommend that you leave the installation of tiles to experts who specialize in this field. They will provide you with the best end result with their knowledge and skills.
If you are going to install the tiles by yourself, inquire all the details required for the installation: the place of installation (indoor, outdoor, wall, floor..), what type of tiles do you need, laying method, what to look for when you are renovating and which steps to take when you are installing them in a new-build property...
A qualified tile installer has to follow instructions stated by the manufacturer Gorenje Keramika d.o.o., where he says that the appropriation of shades and calibers (inadequate dimension) must be checked before installation and any discrepancies must be reported before the installation. We do not accept complaints about already installed ceramic tiles.

- Before installation, check the caliber, shade and quality of the product.
- We recommend mixing tiles from various boxes to check the shades and calibers before installation.
- In order to prevent unwanted appearance of the installed tiles, we recommend arranging the tiles on a flat surface and proceed with installation only if you are satisfied with the resulting image.
- Read and follow the warnings printed on the cardboard box.
- Before installation, soak wall tiles in water.
- Use appropriate tools for installation of ceramic tiles (diamond blade cutter, square-notch trowel, white rubber mallet, tile nipper and rubber grout float).
- Make sure that the surface, onto which the tiles are to be installed, is flat, clean, protected against moisture and free from all impurities (e.g. paint).
- When applying the adhesive strictly follow the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer.
- To ensure correct installation, we recommend the use of a bubble level.
- Glazed porcelain tiles must be installed with a maximum of 30% offset, never with a 50% one.
- To seal all edge joints on wall and floor surfaces, bathroom silicone should be used. This is especially true in the case of installing ceramic tiles on top of the underfloor heating system, where expanding of materials occurs after the floor heating is turned on.
- A qualified tile installer should select proper dimension of the grouting, in order to ensure the proper structure of the pattern within the permitted discrepancies.
- Immediately after installation of the tiles, before the grouting material and adhesive are hardened, clean the surface of the tiles with sponge and clean water. Do not use hard materials which might cause damage to the surface of the tiles (metal trowels, abrasive cleaning agents...). Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the adhesive.

Usually, you can install tiles on top of existing tiles, but you have to be certain that the original surface has been installed correctly and is free of damage and hollow sound (stuffing). Before installing the tiles on top of tiles, thoroughly clean the original surface (so it's non-greasy and dust-free). Coat the surface with a suitable coating. When installing, use flexible adhesives suitable for installing ceramics on ceramics. During the installation itself, follow the manufacturers' instructions on the preparation of materials and drying time. If the original surface was not installed properly, it may make higher costs than expected in the future. Keep in mind that overlapping floor tiles, can cause problems when opening and closing the door.

Wall tiles aren’t appropriate for the floor, for a variety of reasons. They are only suitable for installation on wall surfaces. While glazed porcelain tiles can be used on the wall or on the floor.

Glazed porcelain tiles are ideal for installation above underfloor heating. They are made of natural substances which have thermal-conducting properties. That means they withstand, transfer and hold heat very well. It is important to ensure the correct installation process and products are used when installing glazed porcelain tiles with underfloor heating. Use an adhesive that is suitable for installation above underfloor heating, do not install tiles right up to the wall, use a flexible silicone that allows stretching and shrinking of the surface during heating and cooling... Having said all that, we recommend checking with the contractor for further details regarding the installation process.

To calculate the quantity, multiply the sides of the area and add 10-15% to the calculation. The additional % depends on the surface type, the installation method and the format of the tiles. This additional quantity will serve you for cuts, if breakage occurs and in case of possible unforeseen replacements in the future.

A qualified tile installer should select proper dimension of the grouting, in order to ensure the proper structure of the pattern within the permitted discrepancies.
- Immediately after installation of the tiles, before the grouting material and adhesive are hardened, clean the surface of the tiles with sponge and clean water. Do not use hard materials which might cause damage to the surface of the tiles (metal trowels, abrasive cleaning agents...). Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the adhesive.
Glazed Porcelain must be Installed with a MAXIMUM of 30% offset, never with a 50% one.

The choice of grout color is a personal preference of the individual, and depends on the desired final appearance of your space. We would advise you to choose a color that will make your daily cleaning easier or that you consult an expert from whom you will buy the grout for advice.

During installation and grouting, remove excess adhesive and grout, as this will prevent the possibility of damage to the surface of tiles or corners. Glue in the joints can cause the grout to tint. Always clean the tiles with water and suitable cleaners.
Never use cleaning agents made on the basis of hydrofluoric acid or its derivatives. Hydrofluoric acid will cause irreparable damage to the surface of the tile.
As a general rule, the higher the slip resistance class, the harder is cleaning. Please take into account this fact when selecting the right tile for your intended use.