05/18/2026
Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Tile:
1. Ordering the Wrong Quantity
Buying only the exact square footage of the room. Running out of tile mid-project means ordering from a new batch (dye lot), resulting in noticeable color or shade variations.
🔸 Always order 10% to 15% extra for standard layouts, and up to 20% extra for complex cuts like herringbone or chevron patterns
2. Choosing Based Only on Appearance
Buying a beautiful glossy or polished tile for a bathroom floor or entryway. Slick, non-slip rated tiles become severe fall hazards when wet.
🔸 Always check the tile's specifications. Look for a high CoF (Coefficient of Friction)
3. Skipping samples.
Falling in love with a tile under bright showroom spotlights, only to install it at home and find it looks completely different in natural or warm ambient lighting.
🔸 Always take samples home. Lay them flat on the floor or lean them against the wall where you plan to install them, and observe how they look at different times of the day.
4. Overlooking Tile Maintenance
Selecting natural stone (like travertine or marble) without realizing the porous material requires constant sealing, specialized cleaners, and is prone to staining or pitting in wet areas.
🔸 Consider your lifestyle. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are highly durable, non-porous, and significantly easier to maintain than natural stone.
5. Ignoring Tile Thickness and Transitions
Buying various types and thicknesses of tiles for different rooms without planning how they will meet at the doorways. This can lead to awkward, uneven transitions and tripping hazards.
🔸 Always verify the thickness of the tile and coordinate your choices so room-to-room transitions remain smooth and flush.
6. Treating Grout as an Afterthought
Letting the installer pick the grout color at the last minute. The wrong color can totally change the graphic feel or intended aesthetic of the tile.
🔸 A matching color creates a spa-like, seamless aesthetic, whereas a contrasting color creates a bold, geometric look.
The Fix: Do your research. Make sure where you're shopping for tile has a staff of professionals that understand the specs, allows you to take samples home, and can help you make the right selections.
Our showroom has industry professionals that can assist you to avoid project pitfalls.
