BUYING TILES - know what you are buying

When buying tiles it pays to take time over the selection process. Unlike paint, when tiles are laid, if you decide they don’t look good you can’t just slap on another coat to fix the problem.

Here is a list of things to look for to make sure you are getting the product you are paying for and to ensure you won’t be disappointed with the end result.

1. Batches – like paint, wool and many other products, tiles are made in ‘batches’. This means that there can be colour and shading variation from batch to batch. If you are tiling one big area you need to make sure all the tiles are from the same batch. If tiling two or more separate areas then you can get away with different batches but you need to make sure the boxes don’t get mixed up between areas. All reputable tile manufacturers will stamp a batch number on the side of the tile box. This will be under the heading ‘tono’ or ‘shade.’ On receipt of your tiles you should check to see that they are all the same batch. If there is no batch number on the side of the box be very wary of the quality of the tiles you have purchased.

2. Calibration – This is the sizing of the tiles within the batch. Tiles between production runs may vary in size by as much as 5mm. Variations in the size of the tile, on a job, can be a tilers nightmare and spoil the finished look. Once again the calibration will be stamped on the side of the tile box. This will be under the heading ‘calibra,’ ‘calibre’ or ‘cal.’ The calibration will most often be a simple number from 0-9. Once again check that the calibration number is the same on all boxes.

3. Quality 1st choice/2nd choice – Most importers in New Zealand only import ‘First Choice’ product. However to ensure you have received first choice/first quality product this will also be stamped on the tile boxes under the heading ‘class’ or ‘choice’. For first choice product the box would show either ‘Prima,’ ‘A,’ ‘First Choice,’ or even ‘Export.’ If you are unsure of the quality always ask the supplier.

4. Place of Manufacture – All products produced in the European Union Countries must show place of manufacture. In regards to tiles this should be on both the tile box and stamped on the back of the tile and will simply say ‘Made in Italy, Made in Spain, Made in EU’ etc. This is an EU regulation. If the country of manufacture is not stamped on the box or tiles then they are not European manufactured and probably manufactured in China, South America or some other non EU country. Sometimes the boxes may have ‘Italian or European Quality, Style or Design,’ these are not made in Europe


LASTLY AND MOST IMPORTANTLY

Not all tile manufacturers have the same strict quality controls as adhered to by Porcelanosa and other quality European manufacturers Always check the tiles as outlined above on receipt of such. If you are not happy about something then you can go back to the supplier. If after the tiles have been laid you discover you have inadvertently received two (or more) batches or inferior quality tiles then you really only have two choices -

1. Live with it or
2. Rip them up and start again.

Neither choice a satisfactory outcome when some simple checks could have avoided the problem. Good luck in your tile choices and remember if in doubt ask the Sales Person you are dealing with.