7 Tips When Buying Tile Online
Buying tiles online opens up a world of design possibilities that may not be available at your local home center. You get access to thousands of styles, colors, and materials right from your couch. While it is a convenient way to find the perfect tile, it can also feel a bit uncertain if you have never done it before. How can you be sure about the color? What about the texture?
A successful experience comes down to being a prepared and informed shopper. We have put together our top tips to help you shop with confidence and make sure the tiles you love online are the tiles you love in your home.
Always, Always Order Samples
This is the most important step in the entire process. Colors on your screen can look different in real life due to monitor settings and lighting. A sample lets you see the true color, feel the texture, and check the finish with your own eyes.
- View in Your Own Light: Look at the sample in the actual room where the tile will be installed. See how it looks in natural light during the day and under artificial light at night.
- Test It Out: Place the sample on your floor or against your wall. Live with it for a few days. See how it looks next to your cabinets, countertops, and paint colors.
Double-Check Your Measurements
It sounds simple, but measuring correctly is key to avoiding delays and extra costs.
- Measure Twice, Order Once: Carefully measure the length and width of your space. For a quick estimate, multiply these numbers to get the square footage.
- Add Extra for Cuts and Mistakes: Always order about 10-15% more tile than your exact square footage. This extra covers cuts for around fixtures, mistakes during installation, and future repairs. Running out of tile halfway through a project can be a big problem, especially if the dye lot is sold out.
Understand the Different Tile Materials
Not all tiles are created equal. Knowing the basic materials will help you choose the right one for your project's needs.
- Porcelain Tiles: Known for being incredibly durable and dense. They are great for high-traffic areas like floors and kitchens because they resist moisture and wear very well.
- Ceramic Tiles: A versatile and often more budget-friendly option. Perfect for walls and bathroom floors. While strong, they can be more prone to chipping than porcelain.
- Marble Tiles: Offers a beautiful, natural look with unique veining. It is important to know that marble is a softer, more porous stone that requires sealing and careful maintenance, especially in kitchens.
Look for Key Product Information
A reputable online tile store will provide detailed information about each product. Before you buy tiles online, look for:
- PEI Rating: This tells you the tile's hardness and wear resistance. A PEI of 3 or higher is good for residential floors, while a PEI of 1 or 2 is best for walls.
- Slip Resistance: For bathroom or kitchen floors, look for a tile with a textured or matte finish for safety. A "COF" (Coefficient of Friction) rating of 0.5 or higher is considered slip-resistant.
- Recommended Use: The product description should clearly state if the tile is meant for walls, floors, or both.
Inquire About Batch and Dye Lot Numbers
Tiles are made in large batches, and color can vary slightly from one batch to another. Always ask if your entire order will come from the same dye lot. Mixing lots can lead to slight color differences that will be very noticeable once installed. A good retailer will make every effort to ship tiles from a single batch for a consistent look.
Read the Return Policy Carefully
Before you click "checkout," understand the store's return policy. Tiles are heavy and fragile to ship.
- Restocking Fees: Some companies charge a fee for returns.
- Return Window: Know how long you have to return unused tiles.
- Condition: Make sure you know if boxes need to be unopened to be eligible for return.
Consider the Full Cost
The price per square foot is just one part of the cost.
- Calculate Shipping: Many online retailers, including us at Tile Mart, offer transparent flat-rate shipping. This helps you know the full cost upfront without any surprise fees later.
- Don't Forget Supplies: Remember to factor in the cost of grout, mortar, and other installation supplies.
Buying tiles online does not have to be a leap of faith. By taking these simple steps – ordering samples, measuring carefully, and reading the fine print – you can make the process smooth and successful. It is all about giving yourself the information you need to create a beautiful space you will enjoy for years to come.
Add link to our Sample Program page: https://tilemart.com/pages/sample
Add: At Tile Mart, we offer a 365-day return policy. Read more about returns here.
