Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Tile is a 60x120cm polished porcelain wall and floor tile with a deep blue background and flowing gold veins. Tiles Paradise UK sells it for £27.95 per m², down from an RRP of £44.99 (price checked on 18 September 2026). Each tile is 9.5mm thick, has rectified edges and works with underfloor heating. Pallet deal listings use the shorter name "Thunder Gold" for the same 60x120cm polished tile.
Quick answer: Thunder Blue Gold suits bathroom feature walls, shower walls, kitchen splashbacks and dry indoor floors. It is not the best choice for a wet shower floor or for outdoor use, because the polished surface becomes slippery when wet.
Thunder Blue Gold 60x120cm at a Glance
Thunder Blue Gold is a large-format, rectified porcelain tile sold per square metre in boxes of two. The table below lists every specification confirmed on the product listing.
| Attribute | Thunder Blue Gold value |
|---|---|
| Full product name | Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Polished Porcelain 60x120cm Wall and Floor Tile |
| Also listed as | Thunder Gold (pallet deals) |
| Material | Porcelain |
| Colour | Deep blue base with gold veining |
| Finish | Polished (high gloss) |
| Size | 60 x 120cm (600 x 1200mm, about 2 x 4 ft) |
| Area of one tile | 0.72 m² |
| Tiles per box | 2 |
| Coverage per box | 1.44 m² |
| Thickness | 9.5mm |
| Edges | Rectified |
| Narrowest grout joint | 2mm |
| Use | Indoor walls and floors |
| Underfloor heating | Compatible |
| Published slip rating | None on the listing |
| Price per m² | £27.95 (RRP £44.99) |
| Price per box | About £40.25 |
| Price per tile | About £20.12 |
| Samples | £1.99 cut sample or £7.99 20 x 50cm sample |
You can order boxes or samples from the Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Polished Porcelain 60x120cm product page.
What Does Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Tile Look Like?
Thunder Blue Gold looks like a dark blue marble slab crossed by bright gold veins. The gold veins run in sharp, lightning-like streaks across a deep blue ground. The polished finish reflects light, so the gold appears to glow under warm bulbs.
The pattern is digitally printed onto the porcelain face. Each tile shows a different section of the vein pattern, so no two neighbouring tiles look identical. The blue reads darker in low light and more vivid in daylight.
Listed below are three things the product photos cannot show you:
- Vein scale: One 60x120cm tile carries long, uninterrupted veins, while a small cut sample only shows a fragment.
- Colour temperature: Warm white light (2700K–3000K) makes the gold richer; cool white light (4000K+) makes the blue look cleaner.
- Reflection: A polished surface mirrors windows and spotlights, which adds depth on walls.
The £7.99 20 x 50cm sample shows the vein flow far better than the £1.99 cut sample. Order the larger sample if the tile will cover a whole feature wall.
Is Thunder Blue Gold Real Marble?
No, Thunder Blue Gold is porcelain printed with a marble design, not natural stone. Porcelain is fired at high temperature into a dense body that resists water, stains and scratches. Natural blue marble with gold veining is rare, expensive and porous.
| Attribute | Thunder Blue Gold porcelain | Natural blue marble |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Waterproof body | Porous, needs sealing |
| Scratch resistance | High | Softer, marks more easily |
| Maintenance | Low, no regular resealing | Periodic resealing |
| Pattern | Printed, consistent colour range | Natural variation only |
| Price | £27.95 per m² | Usually many times higher |
| Underfloor heating | Compatible | Needs specialist adhesive advice |
Our guide to white marble effect porcelain vs real marble tiles explains the same trade-offs in more depth.
How Much Does Thunder Blue Gold Tile Cost?
Thunder Blue Gold costs £27.95 per m², which is about £40.25 per box of two tiles or £20.12 per tile. The RRP is £44.99 per m², so the current saving is 38%.
The table below shows typical project costs. Each figure adds 10% for cuts and wastage, then rounds up to full boxes.
| Project | Area | Area + 10% | Boxes | m² supplied | Tile cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen splashback (3.0m x 0.6m) | 1.8 m² | 1.98 m² | 2 | 2.88 m² | £80.50 |
| Small bathroom floor (2.0m x 2.5m) | 5.0 m² | 5.5 m² | 4 | 5.76 m² | £160.99 |
| Hallway floor (1.2m x 4.5m) | 5.4 m² | 5.94 m² | 5 | 7.2 m² | £201.24 |
| Feature wall behind a bath (2.4m x 2.4m) | 5.76 m² | 6.34 m² | 5 | 7.2 m² | £201.24 |
| Shower enclosure, 3 walls (3.0m run x 2.2m high) | 6.6 m² | 7.26 m² | 6 | 8.64 m² | £241.49 |
| Full bathroom walls (9m perimeter x 2.4m, minus 2.5 m² for door and window) | 19.1 m² | 21.01 m² | 15 | 21.6 m² | £603.72 |
Tile costs exclude adhesive, grout, backer board and labour.
How Much Is Delivery?
Standard pallet delivery is free on orders over £499 to the UK mainland. Orders between £100 and £499 pay £39.99 for standard pallet delivery. Express, next-day, day-specific and Saturday delivery depend on your postcode and show at checkout.
All tile orders arrive kerbside on a pallet. The driver cannot carry boxes inside, so someone must be home to receive the delivery.
When Is the Thunder Gold Pallet Deal Cheaper?
The Thunder Gold pallet deal becomes cheaper than single boxes once your project needs about 36 m² or more. The 50 m² Thunder Gold pallet deal costs £1,000, which equals £20.00 per m². Buying 35 single boxes (50.4 m²) costs about £1,408.68 at £27.95 per m².
Pallet deals suit whole-floor projects, open-plan kitchens, developers and tilers buying for several rooms. Stock and pallet sizes change often, so check the listing before planning around a pallet.
How Many Boxes of Thunder Blue Gold Do You Need?
You need the room area in m², plus 10%, divided by 1.44 m² per box, rounded up to the next whole box. A 5 m² floor needs 5.5 m² with wastage, which is 4 boxes.
Follow these steps to calculate your order:
- Measure the length and width of each surface in metres.
- Multiply length by width to get the area in m².
- Subtract doors, windows and areas covered by a bath or fitted units.
- Add 10% for cuts and breakages; add 15% if you plan to match veins across tiles.
- Divide the total by 1.44 and round up to whole boxes.
Order the full quantity in one go so every box comes from the same production batch. A second order placed months later can differ slightly in shade. The free Tiles Paradise tile calculator has a 60 x 120cm preset and adds the 10% wastage automatically.
Where Can Thunder Blue Gold Be Used?
Thunder Blue Gold can be used on indoor walls and floors in bathrooms, en-suites, kitchens, hallways and living rooms. Listed below are the best uses, ranked by how well the polished blue and gold surface performs:
- Bathroom feature wall behind a freestanding bath or vanity.
- Full-height shower walls and wet-room walls.
- Kitchen splashbacks behind a hob or sink.
- Living room or dining room feature walls.
- Dry hallway, living room and en-suite floors.
Bathroom Feature Walls
A bathroom feature wall is the strongest use for Thunder Blue Gold. One wall of blue and gold creates a hotel-style focal point without darkening the whole room. Tile the wall behind the bath or vanity, then keep the other walls in a warm white or light neutral.
Shower Walls and Wet-Room Walls
Thunder Blue Gold works on shower walls because the porcelain body is waterproof. The tile is not the waterproof layer, so the wall behind it still needs tanking or a waterproof backer board. Large 60x120cm tiles leave very few grout lines inside the shower, which means less grout to clean.
Bathroom, Hallway and Living Room Floors
Thunder Blue Gold is rated for floors and handles normal household foot traffic. Polished floors suit dry areas such as hallways, living rooms and bathroom floors outside the shower zone. Add a bath mat where people step out of the bath or shower.
Kitchen Splashbacks and Kitchen Floors
A Thunder Blue Gold splashback contrasts well with white, cream, navy or dark green cabinets. Porcelain handles heat and steam behind a hob, and the polished face wipes clean easily. Two boxes cover a typical 3m x 0.6m splashback run.
For more cabinet and worktop combinations, see our gold kitchen splashback tile pairing guide.
Can Thunder Blue Gold Be Used Outside?
No, Thunder Blue Gold is an indoor tile and should not be laid on patios, balconies or outdoor steps. Outdoor floors need a textured, slip-resistant surface, and outdoor porcelain is usually 20mm thick. A polished 9.5mm tile does not meet either need.
Is Thunder Blue Gold Slippery on a Bathroom Floor?
Yes, Thunder Blue Gold becomes slippery when wet, like most polished porcelain. The product listing does not publish an R-rating or pendulum test value (PTV), so treat it as a tile for dry floors and walls.
UK floor safety uses the pendulum test, set out in BS EN 16165. A wet PTV of 36 or higher means low slip potential, 25 to 35 means moderate, and 24 or lower means high. Polished tiles without a published wet PTV should not be used on shower floors.
Listed below are three safe ways to use Thunder Blue Gold in a bathroom:
- Tile the shower walls in Thunder Blue Gold and the shower floor in a matt anti-slip tile.
- Use Thunder Blue Gold on the main bathroom floor and keep a non-slip bath mat at the bath and shower exits.
- Pair Thunder Blue Gold walls with a blue matt floor such as the Sylvan Blue Marble Essence 60x60cm matt anti-slip tile at £29.99 per m².
More matt, slip-resistant options sit in the non-slip bathroom floor tiles collection.
Is Thunder Blue Gold a Good Choice for a Small Bathroom?
Yes, Thunder Blue Gold works in a small bathroom when you use it on one or two surfaces rather than every wall. The 60x120cm format creates fewer grout lines, which makes a small room look calmer and larger. The deep blue absorbs light, so covering every wall and the floor can make a small room feel enclosed.
Listed below are five rules for a small bathroom:
- Tile one feature wall or the shower walls only.
- Keep the remaining walls in warm white, soft cream or light grey.
- Hang a large mirror opposite or beside the feature wall to bounce light.
- Use bright, warm lighting; a single ceiling light leaves dark blue walls looking flat.
- Lay tiles portrait (vertical) on walls to make a low ceiling look taller.
See our guide to large format bathroom tiles for a luxury space for more layout advice.
What Grout Colour Goes With Thunder Blue Gold Tiles?
A mid-to-dark grey grout that matches the blue base gives Thunder Blue Gold the most seamless, slab-like finish. A warm beige grout echoes the gold veins for a softer, lighter joint. Bright white grout is the least forgiving choice because every 2mm joint shows and marks easily on floors.
| Grout direction | Example grout | Visual effect | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blend with the blue | Mapei Ultracolor Plus 114 Anthracite or 113 Cement Grey | Joints disappear; wall reads as one slab | Feature walls, shower walls |
| Soft mid-tone | Mapei Ultracolor Plus 112 Medium Grey | Slightly visible grid, forgiving of dirt | Floors, family bathrooms |
| Echo the gold | Mapei Ultracolor Plus 132 Beige | Warm joint that picks up the veins | Warm schemes with brass fittings |
| High contrast | Mapei Ultracolor Plus 100 White | Every joint visible, graphic look | Only if you accept more cleaning |
Test your chosen grout on the sample tile before you buy. The blue base changes under different bulbs, so compare grout swatches in the room where the tile will go. You can buy each of these colours in the Tiles Paradise grout collection.
How Much Grout Do You Need for Thunder Blue Gold?
You need about 0.08 kg of grout per m² for Thunder Blue Gold with 2mm joints. This estimate uses the standard grout formula for a 600 x 1200mm tile that is 9.5mm deep. A 2 kg bag covers roughly 26 m², and a 5 kg bag covers roughly 65 m², before mixing waste.
Wider 3mm joints need about 50% more grout. Our step-by-step how to grout tiles guide covers mixing, filling and cleaning the joints.
What Colours, Fixtures and Finishes Pair With Blue and Gold Tiles?
Brushed brass and brushed gold fittings pair best with Thunder Blue Gold because they repeat the gold veining. Matt black fittings add a darker, dramatic contrast. Chrome gives a cooler, coastal look that lets the blue lead.
| Scheme | Walls and cabinets | Fittings | Overall effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic contrast | White walls, white vanity | Brushed brass | Gold veins pop against the neutral |
| Warm luxury | Cream walls, walnut vanity | Brushed gold | Harmonious, hotel-style warmth |
| Dark drama | Charcoal walls, black vanity | Matt black | Blue recedes, gold glows |
| Coastal | Off-white walls, pale oak | Chrome | Light, airy, blue-led |
| Monochrome | White surfaces | Brushed nickel or silver | Blue becomes the single colour statement |
Listed below are Tiles Paradise fittings that repeat the gold tone of the veins:
- The Aquari Brushed Gold 2-Way Concealed Shower Set with 8" round rainfall head.
- The Lumora 600mm round LED bathroom mirror with a gold frame.
- The Verano 1200x500mm brushed gold heated towel rail.
Keep one metal finish across taps, shower, mirror frame and towel rail. Mixing brushed gold with chrome in the same eyeline competes with the gold veins. Our gold, white and black bathroom ideas show more gold-accent schemes.
Can Thunder Blue Gold Be Used With Underfloor Heating?
Yes, Thunder Blue Gold is compatible with electric and water underfloor heating. Porcelain conducts heat well, and the 9.5mm tile warms up quickly.
Listed below are the underfloor heating rules for this tile:
- Use a flexible S1 or S2 adhesive, because heating and cooling cycles move the floor.
- Let the adhesive and grout cure fully before switching the heating on, following the adhesive maker's timing.
- Raise the floor temperature gradually over several days the first time you use the heating.
- Lay a decoupling membrane over new screeds or timber floors to absorb movement.
Our guide on how to lay porcelain floor tiles on concrete with underfloor heating walks through each step.
How Do You Install 60x120cm Thunder Blue Gold Tiles?
You install Thunder Blue Gold on a flat, rigid surface with flexible adhesive, full back-buttering, levelling clips and 2mm spacers. Large polished tiles show every uneven edge, so preparation matters more than with small tiles.
Follow these installation steps:
- Check flatness. The surface must be level to within 3mm over 2 metres; use a self-levelling compound on uneven floors.
- Check the wall can carry the weight. Plaster and plasterboard have strict weight limits (see the table below).
- Choose a flexible adhesive. Use an S1 or S2 cement-based adhesive, especially over underfloor heating or timber.
- Back-butter every tile. Spread adhesive on the wall or floor and on the back of the tile to avoid hollow spots.
- Use levelling clips and 2mm spacers. Clips keep neighbouring edges flush; spacers keep the narrow joints even.
- Limit the offset to one-third. A brick-bond layout offset by one-third of the tile length, rather than half, reduces lippage on long tiles.
- Protect the polished face. Wipe adhesive off the surface immediately and avoid dragging tools across the gloss.
- Grout and clean. Remove grout haze with a pH-neutral cleaner so the shine stays intact.
Browse the Tiles Paradise adhesive collection for S1 and S2 flexible adhesives.
Can Thunder Blue Gold Go on Plaster or Plasterboard?
Thunder Blue Gold can go on plasterboard but usually not on bare gypsum plaster. A 9.5mm porcelain tile weighs about 22–23 kg per m², and adhesive adds several kilograms more. BS 5385 sets these maximum weights for tile plus adhesive:
| Wall surface | Maximum tile + adhesive weight |
|---|---|
| Gypsum plaster | 20 kg/m² |
| 12.5mm gypsum plasterboard | 32 kg/m² |
| Gypsum fibreboard | 40 kg/m² |
| Cement-based tile backer board | 50 kg/m² |
| Lightweight foam-core backer board | 60 kg/m² |
| Sand and cement render | 64 kg/m² |
Plastered walls should be stripped back or overboarded with a tile backer board before tiling. Shower walls need a waterproof board or tanking in any case. The Tiles Paradise backer board collection stocks 6mm and 12mm cement and XPS insulation boards. Our guide to marble wall tile weight limits in wet rooms explains substrate choices in more detail.
What Tools Do You Need for 60x120cm Tiles?
Listed below are the tools a DIYer or tiler needs for 60x120cm tiles:
- A rail tile cutter of at least 1200mm, or a wet saw.
- A 10–12mm notched trowel.
- A tile levelling clip system and 2mm spacers.
- Two suction lifters for carrying and placing tiles.
- A long spirit level or straight edge.
- A rubber grout float and a microfibre cloth.
Handle each 60x120cm tile with two people or suction lifters, because long tiles can crack if they flex while being carried. A confident DIYer can tile a splashback or feature wall, but many homeowners use a tiler for large floors and shower enclosures.
Does Thunder Blue Gold Need Sealing?
No, the Thunder Blue Gold porcelain body does not need sealing to be waterproof. The polishing process can open microscopic pores on the surface of some polished porcelain, so a quick stain test before grouting is still worthwhile.
Follow this 2-minute test on a spare offcut:
- Draw a line on the polished face with a black permanent marker.
- Wait one minute, then wipe with a cloth and a little white spirit.
- If the mark wipes away, the surface is ready to grout.
- If a faint mark remains, apply a polished-porcelain protector a few hours before grouting, following the product instructions.
A pre-grout protector also makes grout haze easier to remove. Seal cement grout lines in showers and on floors to reduce staining.
How Do You Clean and Maintain Polished Blue and Gold Porcelain?
You clean Thunder Blue Gold with warm water, a pH-neutral tile cleaner and a microfibre cloth or flat mop. Dark polished tiles show water marks and limescale more than light tiles, so drying the surface is the most useful daily habit.
Listed below are the maintenance rules for polished blue porcelain:
- Squeegee or wipe shower walls after use to prevent limescale spots.
- Use pH-neutral cleaners on the tile face.
- Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and wax-based products, which dull or smear the gloss.
- Avoid strong acid or bleach cleaners on coloured grout, which can fade the joint colour.
- Place felt pads under furniture on polished floors.
Our guide to cleaning bathroom tile and grout covers stubborn stains and grout care.
What Should You Check When Thunder Blue Gold Tiles Arrive?
Check every box on the pallet before you sign off, photograph any damage, and dry-lay tiles from several boxes before fixing any. Report damage or incorrect items within 2 working days of delivery, with photos taken while the goods are still on the pallet.
Listed below are the arrival checks for Thunder Blue Gold:
- Count the boxes against your order.
- Open several boxes and check corners and edges for chips.
- Check that the batch or shade codes match across boxes.
- Dry-lay tiles from three or four boxes to check colour and vein flow together.
- Keep all packaging until the job is finished.
Claims cannot be accepted after tiles have been cut or fixed. Leftover tiles cannot be returned. You can cancel a whole order within 14 days of delivery if the boxes are unused, unopened and resaleable; a restocking fee applies to tile returns. Optional Extended Delivery Protection (£9.99) gives you a longer window to report delivery damage.
Thunder Blue Gold vs Other Blue and Gold Tiles at Tiles Paradise
Thunder Blue Gold combines a deep blue base with gold veining in a 60x120cm polished format. The comparison below shows how it differs from close alternatives (prices checked 18 September 2026).
| Tile | Colour | Size | Finish | Price per m² | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder Blue Gold (this tile) | Deep blue with gold veins | 60x120cm | Polished | £27.95 | Statement walls, dry floors |
| Onyx Blue Marble Effect | Blue marble effect | 60x120cm | Polished | £24.99 | Blue schemes without gold |
| Sylvan Blue Marble Essence | Oceanic blue marble | 60x60cm | Matt anti-slip | £29.99 | Bathroom and shower-zone floors |
| Black & Gold Marble Effect | Black with gold veins | 60x120cm | Polished | £29.99 | Darker, high-contrast schemes |
Choose Thunder Blue Gold when you want blue and gold together on one surface. Choose Black & Gold for a darker scheme, and pair either polished tile with a matt anti-slip floor in wet zones. The full blue tiles collection lists every blue option in stock.
Who Is Thunder Blue Gold Best For?
Thunder Blue Gold is best for homeowners who want one bold, luxurious surface at a porcelain price. It also suits developers and tilers who want a statement tile that is quick to lay in large sizes.
Listed below are the buyers Thunder Blue Gold suits:
- Homeowners planning a hotel-style bathroom feature wall.
- Buyers who love marble but want waterproof, low-maintenance porcelain.
- Kitchen renovators who want a bold splashback.
- Projects above 36 m², where the pallet deal lowers the price to £20.00 per m².
Choose a different tile if you need a shower floor, an outdoor floor or a quiet, neutral scheme. A matt anti-slip tile, an outdoor porcelain slab or a light marble effect will serve those rooms better.
Shop Thunder Blue Gold and Related Collections
Listed below are the Tiles Paradise pages that support a Thunder Blue Gold project:
- Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Polished Porcelain 60x120cm – boxes and samples.
- Blue bathroom tiles – blue walls and floors for bathrooms.
- Gold tiles – gold-veined marble and onyx effects.
- Large format 60x120cm tiles – every tile in this size.
- Wholesale pallet deals – bulk prices for larger projects.
Related Tile Guides
- 12 blue bathroom tile ideas: shades, grout and layouts
- Gold marble effect porcelain tiles for bathroom floors
- Rectified porcelain tiles explained
- How many bathroom tiles you need
Thunder Blue Gold Buyer FAQs
Is Thunder Blue Gold the same tile as Thunder Gold?
Yes, the pallet deal listings use the name "Thunder Gold" for the same 60x120cm polished marble effect porcelain tile. The single-box product page uses the full name "Thunder Blue Gold".
What size is Thunder Blue Gold?
Thunder Blue Gold measures 60 x 120cm (600 x 1200mm) and is 9.5mm thick. It is only listed in the 60x120cm size.
Are Thunder Blue Gold tiles rectified?
Yes, Thunder Blue Gold tiles are rectified. Rectified edges are machine-cut square, which allows grout joints as narrow as 2mm.
How many Thunder Blue Gold tiles are in a box?
One box holds 2 tiles, which cover 1.44 m². You need about 1.39 tiles per m².
Can Thunder Blue Gold be used on a shower floor?
No, Thunder Blue Gold is not recommended for a shower floor, because the polished surface is slippery when wet and no slip rating is published. Use it on the shower walls and choose a matt anti-slip tile for the floor.
Can Thunder Blue Gold be laid in a herringbone pattern?
No, 60x120cm tiles are not practical for a herringbone layout. Stack bond (grid) or a one-third offset brick bond suit this size best.
Can you lay Thunder Blue Gold vertically on walls?
Yes, Thunder Blue Gold can be laid portrait or landscape. Portrait (vertical) tiles make a low ceiling look taller; landscape tiles make a narrow wall look wider.
Will the blue colour fade over time?
No, the colour is fired into the porcelain surface and does not fade in normal indoor light. Harsh acid cleaners can dull the polish, so use pH-neutral products.
Can I get a Thunder Blue Gold sample?
Yes, a cut sample costs £1.99 and a larger 20 x 50cm sample costs £7.99. The larger sample shows the vein flow and gold tone more accurately.
How long does delivery take?
Standard pallet delivery is estimated at 2–7 working days to the UK mainland, and it is free over £499. Faster options depend on your postcode and appear at checkout.
Can Thunder Blue Gold be cut with a manual tile cutter?
Yes, a manual rail cutter with a cutting length of at least 1200mm can score and snap Thunder Blue Gold. Notches, L-shapes and holes need a wet saw, angle grinder with a diamond blade or diamond hole cutter.
Does Thunder Blue Gold scratch easily?
No, porcelain is hard and resists everyday scratches. Grit under shoes and dragged furniture can still mark any polished floor, so use door mats and felt pads.
Last Thoughts on Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Tile
Thunder Blue Gold Marble Effect Tile gives a room the look of blue marble with gold veins while keeping the waterproof, low-maintenance body of porcelain. It performs best on feature walls, shower walls, splashbacks and dry floors. Order a 20 x 50cm sample first, plan a matt anti-slip floor for wet zones, and buy the full quantity in one batch. For projects above about 36 m², the Thunder Gold pallet deal gives the lowest price per m².