When it comes to choosing natural stone flooring, renovators often make the mistake of thinking that all the stone tiles Brisbane has to offer are made equal. It might be tempting to choose cheaper tiles when completing a home or apartment project. But, there are a number of issues with cheap tiles that are not obvious at the time of purchase. The most popular stone tile materials — slate, travertine, sandstone, granite and marble — all present different disadvantages, which are only magnified when cheaply produced.
Issues Regarding Cheap Tiles
Lower Wear Ratings and Durability
Cheaper stone tiles often have a lower density than their higher quality counterparts. Higher density tiles are heavier and less prone to cracking and splitting, as well as able to hold their colour better. Cheaper tiles can also mark or scratch easier. Therefore, choosing a higher quality tile, to begin with, can save you money in the future. You won’t have to replace as many damaged tiles from choosing a cheaper product in the beginning.
Manufacturing Inconsistency
Cheaper stone tiles, usually mass-produced, do not offer the same manufacturing consistency that higher quality tiles do. Cheaper tiles are often not consistently square, of the same thickness or perfectly level. These issues may not even be obvious until you attempt to lay the tiles. Higher priced stone tiles should have much less variance between tiles, offering a superior finished product. Remember, it costs the same to lay a ‘cheap’ tile as it does a more expensive tile. So, cutting down on quality doesn’t pay in the end.
End of Line Tile
If you’re lucky enough to find the stone tile you’ve been looking for, beware of the phrase “End of line” when purchasing. “End of line” means “Discontinued”. You may get a better quality tile for a lower price. But if there are breakages during transport or installation, or a miscalculation on quantities, you may not be able to get the same batch again or even the same tile.
How to Choose Stone Tiles Brisbane
When purchasing natural stone tiles, Brisbane homeowners and renovators need to conduct research and gain an understanding of the characteristics of the material you are looking to purchase. You need to ensure that it will be appropriate for your specific application and how much maintenance it will require to keep it looking its best.
For example, some natural stone tiles are too porous for use in a bathroom shower. Ask your tile retailer multiple questions. And get to know the material as much as you can before you make a purchase.
Quality Natural Stone Tiles in Brisbane
Materials, quality, budget, colour and design. These are the factors that you should be considering when it comes to choosing your perfect stone tiles. If you don’t want to choose poor quality tiles for your home or apartment block, explore tile products that would suit luxury homes or apartment developments.
Speak to a flooring expert and purchase your stone tiles from one of the premier tile stores Brisbane has on offer – contact Stone & Tile Studio today.