Tile manufacturers have to meet the internationally recognised standards of quality, and more obviously their product must be ‘fit for purpose.
After production takes place tiles are inspected and selected on the basis of 2 main criteria – technical and aesthetic.
If for any reason tiles have flaws that are visible (these could be very obvious or less evident) then they are downgraded from choice 1 to choice 2 (‘choice’ is also sometimes described as ‘selection’)
see note below about choice 3.
Much depends on the factory concerned, and everyone differs in how stringently the downgrade is approached, and of course, each applies what they have developed as their own individual interpretations.
However, in many instances, the downgrading from 1 to 2 can happen for reasons that are insignificant – for example
- Some pollution on the surface that cannot be seen from a standing position
- A printing incorrection that is apparent as a visual defect
- Perhaps a slight variation above the acceptable tolerances for planarity (flatness)
- Tonal variation outside of the standard range parameters set by that factory for that colour (in other words a grey could be slightly darker or slightly lighter than a ‘standard’ but still be very closely representative)
Tiles categorised as Choice 2 are without doubt ‘fit for purpose’ and so if your requirement is a large garage floor for example where the aesthetics are of slightly less concern, or perhaps external tiling which is subject to rain/dirt – then a saving up to 20% can be achieved by utilising choice 2.
The UK supply chain and the market is into choice 1 and so that’s what you should expect to see printed (usually in ink-jet) onto the side of a box of tiles
If following the ‘choice 2’ route your best bet is to request a sample so that you can compare it with displayed items and judge for yourself.
Note: Choice 3 – Tiles selected for choice 3 would typically go to a market where there is little or no need for high esthetics, just a very low cost.