How to buy tiles online Uk
At a time when technological progress is advancing very quickly buying tiles online has become a very regular thing for homeowners, designers and contractors across the Uk. If you are planning to renovate the bathroom, kitchen or any outdoor spaces, shopping online for tiles it is very convenient. From the comfort of your home you can easily browse through the wide range of tiles and can secure a deal which suits the purpose and the budget of your project.
But before you start searching for the new exciting ideas there are a few key points which have to be considered: how to shop online for tiles in the Uk, what the main things to taken into account, the advantages and disadvantages of online shopping.
Kilimanjaro green metal porcelain 60x120cm
How you should shop for tiles online?
Before you look at some tiles think about these:
Where are you going to use the tiles - bathroom walls/floor, kitchen/lounge floor, patio etc.
The style which suits the property- rustic, classic, industrial.
The materials needed and their specification- ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass in matt or gloss finish.
Specific tile size and layout - the appropriate size for the room and waste.
How to choose the right type of tile?
Each material has its distinction and purpose:
Ceramic - For kitchen splash backs, bathroom and accent walls.
Porcelain - High durability and less water absorption, perfect for floors and outdoor spaces.
Natural stone - High end materials but which requires annual sealing and special care.
Mosaic of stone, porcelain, glass, metal - perfect for accents in showers or any feature walls. Stone mosaics can be used on the floor for an elevated look.
Outdoor slabs - made from porcelain with a very realistic print and the best
resistance against frost, heat and slip.
Concrete Parma Beige Patterned Outdoor Porcelain Tiles 60x60cm
How to choose a good online retailer?
Is worth considering online stores which:
Have an explicit and clear product description.
Offer tile samples delivered to your address.
Offer transparency and delivery across the country.
Have good customer assistance and positive reviews.
Why should you order samples?
It is very difficult to judge a tile look by its picture on the screen. Colours and finishes may appear different to the reality that's way is always recommended to order a sample before placing an order. In this way you can control these situations:
- colour variation
- different texture and finish
- size and thickness
Which specifications do you need to check?
PEI rating - the wear resistance
Slip rating - R9-R13 specifically wet areas
Water absorption - for wet areas ( bathrooms, shower rooms), outdoors.
Tile thickness and their compatibility for the underfloor heating.
Impero slate outdoor porcelain tiles 60x90x2cm
What are the final details before the check out?
What are the delivery charges and lead time.
- minimum order requirements
- returns and damage policies
What are the advantages and disadvantages of buying tiles online?
Advantages
-A very wide selection of tiles.
-Convenience of ordering any time from any place.
-The most competitive prices and offers.
-Samples delivered to your door.
- The possibility to see customer's feedback and real pictures of their projects
- Online tools to estimate the quantity and to help with the layout planning.
Disadvantages
The batches of tiles do vary, so the exact colour is very hard to guess. The advice here would be to buy the tiles you need from the same batch you had the sample.
Colour mismatch, try to order tiles at the same time with your sample to avoid having different batches and slightly different colours.
Delivery damage- do not order the tiles delivery the same day you'll need them, if there is some damage which happens due to the fragile nature of the product, make sure there are at least 7 days to have the replacement done. Check the pallet thoroughly and report the damage during the 24 hours.
Do not forget to add delivery costs and check the points of collection if any available.
Difficulty of returning tiles- most of the companies will apply restocking charge and delivery costs back to the supplier. Usually leftovers can not be accepted because of the different batches in the warehouse.
Botanical Romantic ceramic tiles 25x75cm
A few tips for online shopping
Have a look at the product reviews before your final decision.
You can ask for advice from the customer service regarding the product and the best practices.
Choose natural and long-lasting styles and designs.
Take advice regarding installation costs, bigger tiles require very professional tools and higher installation fees.
Oxid Brown Porcelain Tiles 90x90cm
Final thoughts
Shopping for tiles online in the Uk offers great range of tiles, flexibility and budget friendly opportunities. On the other hand you have to be very careful with the accurate measurements, planning in advance and taking into the account tile's colour variation.Do not forget to add the extra amount for waste and cuts and take advice from a tiler before making the final decision.
Following the right approach buying tiles online can be a relaxing, stylish and cost-effective process which is accessible from the comfort of your home and delivers a stunning result for your project!
Have a look at our collections and gather more ideas for your creative mindset!
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