Sourcing Quality Tiles for your Commercial Project

Designing a commercial project is not an easy task. With a list of endless duties, the last thing you need is to worry about sourcing quality tiles from a reliable supplier. We’ve developed this straightforward how-to guide so you can streamline your tile sourcing process and ensure a hassle-free experience. Finding the right tiles for your project is a long-term investment and so should be chosen with care and attention to detail. Read on to learn more about tile sourcing.

Why Early Tile Planning Matters

The final result of your tiles will determine your project’s overall outcome. That’s why it’s paramount to be prepared and confident in your choices early on. Planning ahead allows you to consider your requirements and expectations without the time pressure. We advise creating a clearly defined brief for your supplier, including all necessary factors like timelines, quantity, and aesthetic preferences. This will make the entire sourcing and delivery process much easier and less stressful for everyone involved.

Early communication with your suppliers is another excellent way to ensure reliable collaboration. This approach offers several benefits, such as gaining deeper insight into their tile collection, ensuring you’re fully aware of all your options before making a selection. Early engagement also means you can rely on their technical expertise and advice to choose the best tile for your requirements and desired aesthetic. You’ll be able to stay up-to-date, or even ahead of trends, and secure early pricing and quotes, helping you manage your budget and avoid costly surprises. Being in touch early with your suppliers allows you to optimise your overall decision-making for the best quality tiles available. Crucially, it also enables you to determine early on whether your chosen suppliers are the right fit, without impacting your project timeline.

Your Tile Sourcing Checklist

Before selecting your tiles, you’ll want to consider a few key factors that will ultimately impact their final quality and style.

Traffic resistance and durability are paramount, especially for areas anticipating heavy footfall, as these qualities directly contribute to the tiles’ endurance and longevity. Similarly, stain resistance is a critical consideration, particularly in environments like restaurants where accidents and spillages are inevitable. Beyond these, general factors such as ease of maintenance, sustainability, overall appearance, and, of course, your budget should all play a significant role in your decision-making process.

What to Look for When Choosing a Tile Supplier

Now that you understand when to contact your supplier and what makes for quality tiles, it’s time to find a reliable and reputable supplier who will support you through the entire purchasing and installation process.

When it comes to selecting a supplier, look for a partner who offers more than just tiles but also excellent customer service. Prioritise a diverse product range and high quality, alongside exceptional customer support and aftercare. A truly dependable supplier provides dedicated assistance, guiding you through every stage from initial inquiry to post-installation queries. This ties directly into their expertise and experience; a knowledgeable team can offer invaluable advice and insights. Ensure they offer robust logistical solutions for smooth delivery. While competitive pricing is important, it’s important to consider it against the overall value and service they provide.

Avoiding Tile Sourcing Headaches

Avoiding common mistakes when working on commercial projects is paramount, and sourcing tiles is no exception.

It’s tempting to focus solely on the lowest price, but this can be a costly mistake. Prioritising long-term quality means investing in durable, top-of-the-range products that won’t easily damage, ultimately saving you from expensive repairs or replacements down the line. Another crucial step is to meticulously calculate the number of tiles you need, then add more. This extra buffer isn’t just a lifesaver for miscalculations; it also provides essential spares in case of accidental damage during installation or even years down the line. Imagine the frustration of needing just a few tiles only to find them out of stock or, worse, discontinued! Finally, always maintain open and clear communication with your suppliers from start to finish. Misunderstandings, like a mix-up with tile colours after delivery, can cause significant setbacks to your project. Proactive and consistent communication ensures everyone is on the same page, minimising the risk of costly errors and ensuring a smooth, successful outcome.

Partner with Expertise

Ultimately, the quality and aesthetic of your chosen tiles play a significant role in defining the overall success and lasting impression of your commercial project. At Shaw Stone, we value great customer service and premium products. That’s why our team goes above and beyond to ensure your requirements are met. By choosing us, we guarantee a bespoke service, tailored exactly to your needs, along with regular updates and advice on anything you may require.

Elevate your commercial project today by visiting our contact page, or call our supportive team today at 01329 844 474. We look forward to hearing from you soon!