RULE 1. Select a reputable and competent supplier, Luigi recommends The Tile Depot... is there anyone else?
RULE 2. Select a reputable and competent installer. We can introduce you to independent tilers but as we have no authority over them we can have no responsibility for installation matters. If in doubt ask the tiler for previous job references.
RULE 3. Assume nothing. Not all tiles are equal. Tell your sales consultant what and where you are tiling and they will assist you with a suitable tile.
Unglazed porcelain tiles are very hard wearing but as they are still slightly porous (less than 0.5%) they can mark more readily than a glazed tile and may need sealing.
The wearability of a glazed tile can vary and most manufacturers apply an abrasion or PEI rating to their tiles. As a guide, dark colours often have a lower PEI rating than light colours. The following indicates the appropriate locations for each PEI rating:
PEI 0 & 1: Wall Tile
PEI 2: Bathrooms Only
PEI 3: Throughout House
PEI 4: Light Commercial
PEI 5: Intense Traffic.
RULE 4. Checks before installation
Because tiles are batch manufactured at very high temperatures, variations in shading, sizes and quality can occur.
Manufacturers will not accept claims for these items after installation. Therefore it is IMPORTANT that BEFORE INSTALLATION you and your tiler read the instructions on the manufacturers packaging and:
CHECK that you have been supplied the correct tile and that the grade, tono and calibre numbers are consistent on all boxes.
CHECK that the tono (shading) is acceptable as you may be supplied from a different batch to the shop sample.
CHECK that the tile sizing is acceptable. For 1st grade tiles, variation of up to 0.6% within any lot are permitted under international grading standards. Our prices and calculations are based on nominal sizing indicated by the manufacturer.
CHECK that your tiler understands his responsibility not to install any tiles that may have defects. Tiles with appearance defects (for 1st grade tiles up to 5% of any lot) can usually be used for cuts.
CHECK that you have sufficient tiles to complete your job and hold a few spares in case of future change or damage. We can assist with an estimate from your plans or drawings but cannot guarantee accuracy. Always check with an onsite measurement.
RULE 5. Look after your tiles. They require minimal maintenance but are not bullet proof. We recommend sealing grout with a penetrating sealer to make water penetration more difficult and cleaning easier. Unglazed porcelain is also easier to maintain if sealed.
All our prices represent good buying but not even Luigi can beat the old proverb “you get what you pay for”. Budget tiles will have more defects and variations compared to top end product. Don’t just focus on the unit price, consider the total cost (price x area) before making your decision.