Why are expensive tiles better?
We are all happy to pay higher prices if we just understand why! But when it comes to tiles why are expensive tiles better? Here is our “guidebook” to help our customers to understand the higher costs of “nicer or better” ceramic tile products.
- Made in Italy 1.
All the technology to make tiles comes from Italy. Tiles made anywhere in the world are made using Italian machinery. Italy has all the good ideas first and then they sell them to everyone else.
- Made In Italy 2
Italians are the most stylish and design-driven nation in the world. Clothing, cars, and of course tiles.
- Printing technology 1
Look closely at the edges of lower price tiles, you can see a “picture frame” effect where the screen printing has missed the curved edge. However on digitally printed tiles, the printing covers the curved edges, and they will look much nicer on your wall or floor.
- Printing Technology 2
You can’t see any repeat of the design on digitally printed tiles. So higher value slate floor tiles can be as random in surface effect as real slate. But screen-printed tiles all have the same obvious similarities – if you look closely you can see the various elements of the artwork are repeated
- Printing Technology 3
Digital technology means more realism. Take a picture of some slate, computerize it, then print that picture onto tiles. Very high-resolution printing will give a 3D effect – even when the surface is flat!
- What a tile is made of
The body of a porcelain tile consists of higher-grade raw materials which are harder when fired. Tiles made from ‘local’ raw materials have a lower material value, and in mass production, this makes a difference.
- Rectified edges
Some tiles have perfectly square edges, not rounded edges. This extra process is called “rectifying.” It increases realism (eg. wood and stone look “sawn”), and means you can fix them with a very narrow grout joint to enhance the style and reduce cleaning maintenance.
- More equals less
If one range has one size, 6 colours, and a gloss surface finish, it is easier to mass-produce than the tile range that has 22 colours, 6 sizes all with a gloss or matt finish
- Flatness and “squareness”
Ceramic tiles are fired at 1200 degrees. Imagine how difficult it is to ensure that a large ceramic item doesn’t distort. Low-cost producers and their low-cost tiles will not be as flat or as square as the high-technology tile producers.
- Porosity
Some polished porcelain tiles are porous, and these require treatment with impregnating sealers to prevent staining. This characteristic typically applies to far Eastern tiles. Higher-priced European technology typically means sealing is NOT required.
Oh yes, there is more to tiles than just price!
Need more help? Just call our Tiles and Mosaics team on 0113 2310218. Alternatively, visit our Pinterest for inspiration.