Tile Retailers

Today I would like to share some of my learning / tips on tile selection. I would say, the choices for tiles are so plentiful that it confuses me more than clarify.

You can buy from the tiles shops recommended by your ID or contractor. They usually have a business (some times, personal) relationship with a few shops that they always patronize. They may get better rates or better services from these shops because of their long-standing relationship. No harm visiting them first and perhaps what you like is already there.

But if you have the time and energy, I strongly advise you to shop around and source for the tiles you like best and bring the tile samples to your ID or contractor’s “friendly shops” – sometimes, they do carry these tiles too, sometimes they can “borrow” from their competitors and sell it to you at “contractor price”. By doing this, you still get tiles from your ID or contractor so next time, anything goes wrong, you can still approach your ID or contractor to rectify. Unlike lights, I recommend that for tiles, you try to get it from one source only.

There are many tiles shops in Singapore, too many if you ask me.
You can try walking down Balestier Road or Defu Lane in your comfortable shoes from dawn to dusk. But I would like to highlight a few good ones that I have visited ;- Hafary, Hup Kiong, Lian Seng Hin, Stiles (Changi Road).

They have many imported tiles for your expensive taste buds. Most tiles these days come from China. Always ask the salesperson to explain to you the pros and cons of the tiles you like. Always tell them where you would like to install them. Of all the salepersons, I strongly recommend Eggie from Lian Seng Hin. He is very patient, very knowledge about tiles quality but best of all, he will help you to save money. The young lady salesperson from Hafary was the worst salesperson because she does not even know that there are full-bodied homogenous tiles! I ended up teaching her.

Do not assume that all China tiles are bad and that all imported tiles are good. Know the different properties of the stone materials you like – marble is most classy but it can be porous, granite is very hardy & durable but they have limited color range, homogenous tiles are cheap and good but within the same box and patch, the color run may be so bad that you may end up with different shades of white homogenous tiles. Be mentally prepared.

My learning and tip on tiles selection

-- when you enter the shop, ask the salesperson to show you their “best sellers”. From there, you can get an understanding of what is in trend now. Why some people prefer these tiles. What are the price ranges like.
-- Bring your floor plan. On the spot, they can do a cost estimate for you on the materials you like. That is very useful when you later approach your ID or Contractor’s “friendly shop” to get the tiles from them. It gives you a better edge at negotiating the prices that your ID or contractor may quote.
-- Always chose rougher or slip-resistance type of tiles for wet areas like toilet and kitchen. Beauty is important but falling down and breaking your back is no laughing matter too.
-- Do not put wall tiles on the floor. This may sounds like a stupid school experiment but Eggie said that some customers really insisted on doing so. Wall tiles are thinner tiles therefore they may not withstand the heavy usage on the floor. Install at your own risk.
-- Larger tiles can be installed quicker than smaller tiles. Factor that in when you calculate labor cost.
-- Ask whether trim pieces such as bull-nose tiles (tiles with one or two rounded edges rather than four 90-degree corners) and cove (curved) tiles are available in a tile you're considering. For installing tile on steps and in bathrooms and kitchens, these pieces can be critical to aesthetic success.
-- Remember that high-sheen tiles will quickly show dull footprints from people and pets.
-- Choose a large, light-colored tile if you want a room to seem larger. Choose smaller, darker tiles to make a space seem smaller and more intimate and cozy.
-- Before actual lay, ask your ID or contractor for a Dry-lay (set on the surface without grout) party, Bring popcorn.

That is all for now.... Pls wait for my next post.

In the meantime.... hang loose and enjoy life ~~~


End of Part 3.