5 Mistakes To Avoid
When Shopping For Tile

There are quite a few mistakes that are made while shopping for tile. It's usually not even realizing it until after making the purchase.

A couple of these are little pet peeves of ours that we've encountered countless times over the years.

1.) Warped Tiles

How to check for warped tiles?

Simply get two tiles, place them face to face against each other, to where their finished surfaces are pressed together.

Press them together with your fingers in the middle, then look at the edges to see if there's a gap between the two tiles.

And repeat again, this time with your fingers pressed on one side or the other, near the edges of the set of tiles.

If you don't see a gap, then it's most likely great quality.

If you do see gaps, then the tiles are warped.

However, you don't always need to be too alarmed about warped tiles. It just requires a few extra tile installation materials and more time and patience to deal with it. Larger and longer tiles are more forgiving. We have many years of professional "tile bender" experience.

2.) Variable Sized Tiles

More often than I'd like to have encountered, the same manufacture run of tiles can vary in size.

Some are so slight that its not even noticeable to the average person.

Occasionally, there are some that are so blatantly obvious.

However, there are ways to go about using "sizey" tiles.

• If they have a rectified edge, you can set the gauge on your tile saw, then cut them all straight and to the same size.
• You can use wedges to adjust them to get a "happy medium" during installation.
• Bigger grout joints can help by giving the illusion that the tiles are not actually different sizes.
• Matching the grout color to blend in with the tiles can help "hide" the different tile sizes.

Look close to see the different sizes of tile. This was brought up to the contractor right away, but we were encouraged to work our magic.

3.) Clearance Discounted Tiles 

I get that you might be on a budget, as most of us are. So naturally, we are going to look into finding some good deals. And that could mean checking out what's been discounted and on sale, including the clearance section.

There are plenty of times that you'll find some decent tile for a great price. That's awesome! You scored!

There's usually reasons why they are discounted. They could be flawed, have a high return rate, or bad reviews. Or they could just be trying to rid of them to make room for new products.

Either way, they are most likely going to be discontinued. So, once they're gone, that's it. You won't be able to order more later on if you happened to need or want more.

4.) Not Purchasing Enough Tile

I've touched on this on our tile shopping tips page. Not ordering enough tile can be a little frustrating sometimes.

You're nearing the end of your tile project, go to grab some more tile to finish it off, but realize that you don't have enough. Now you have to make an extra trip back to the store, and hopefully they still have it in stock. Or you have to order it. This can possibly put the remaining tasks on hold until the tile work is completed.

The general rule of thumb is to order 10% - 15% more than the actual square footage of the area.

Calculating How Much Tile To Purchase

5.) Return Policies

Not checking the tile suppliers return policy can be an issue. Unless you're already dead set and pleased with what you picked out.

But, if you bought the tile and happen to change your mind later, you could run into the issue of not being able to exchange it. So you have to eat that cost and be stuck with it.

Purchase Return & Exchange Policies

Final Wrap up

I've come across these more often than I'd like to. And I've been a victim of some of these myself, as well. Which is why I'm passing along this information to you.

Not any of these could be your fault, but the potential mistakes can be avoided, as long as awareness succeeds excitement during your tile shopping adventures.

Dreaming of a brand new luxurious master bathroom? Looking to remodel that outdated kitchen with a modern counter top and beautiful backsplash? How about updating those old worn out floors with something a bit more durable and timeless? Perhaps you’re in need of some fresh and elegant ideas for your brand new custom home?

Look no further because we’ve got you covered!!

We provide tile installation services to home owners and general contractors for residential and commercial projects!