Buying tiles for your residential or commercial property can be costly, especially if you did not take the time to weigh all the possible options. Are there any tips helping save tile costs?You have to know the different types of tiles and suppliers. If you invested your time well, then you can save a significant amount of money.

In this post, we will show you 10 tips to save tile cost when sourcing tiles. The information here is helpful and is out of the experience. Keep reading.

Types of Tile

How to save tile costs?You need to know how many tile types before purchasing.Tiles come in various designs, patterns, shapes, and materials. Choosing the most appropriate for your application can save you thousands of dollars. There are tiles for outdoor use and indoor use. Some can be installed in wet areas, while others work best in dry areas.There are many tile types and you may feel confused when buying tiles. Here we classify tiles into 3 main types according to tile water absorption, variety, and applications to help you understand easily. Let us explore the tile options available.

1.Ceramic Tiles

ceramic tile priceCeramic tiles are suitable for kitchens and bathrooms but can also be installed in any other room. They are cost-effective but are not durable as other options out there. They require regular maintenance to extend their service life. And if done correctly, ceramic tiles can last for decades.

Ceramic tiles are ideal for designs because they come in many shades, styles, and patterns. This is good news for interior designers looking for a particular theme in their respective rooms.

Ceramic Tile Price: normally cheaper than porcelain tiles

2.Porcelain Tiles

porcelain tile priceIf you need to install tiles in high-traffic areas, porcelain might be the best option. They are more durable than ceramic tiles, but that comes at a cost. The installation of porcelain tiles requires experience. If well done, then you can expect a lifetime service. You are, therefore, encouraged to look for a professional if you do not have the needed skills.

Porcelain tiles can be installed in any room. Whether it is a commercial building or a residential property, they can be the best choice for you.

Porcelain Tile Price: normally more expensive than ceramic tile

3.Marble Tiles

Natural marble tile priceNatural marble tile has been a flooring material for millennia. It has stood the test of time because of its beauty, size, style, and elegance, making them the best option for luxurious interiors but require more maintenance than many other tiles. If not well-taken care of, marble tiles can be damaged and lose elegance.It need high maintenance cost because it’s stained and scratched value is greater than other tiles.

Marbles Tiles Prices:Quite expensive comparing with normal tiles,sometimes 10 times prices of porcelain tiles

Pros

  • Elegant and upscale appearance
  • Easy to clean and polish
  • Add value to the property
  • Natural beauty
  • Resistant to radiant floor heating

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Slippery
  • Susceptible to scratching
  • Require proper sealing when installing

4.Wood Look Tiles

wood look tile priceIf you like the natural grains in the wood for your floor, then you no longer have to expensively buy the woods. There are floor tiles designed to look like wood on the floor. Advancement in technology has made it possible to replicate the wood structure and grains in ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Choosing wood look tiles comes with many advantages and disadvantages. They are durable, easy to clean, budget-friendly, and elegant. They are also more environmentally friendly than other tile options. However, wood look tiles are colder under the foot, slippery, and require skills to install.

Wood Look Tiles Prices:Closer prices to ceramic tiles

5.Cement Tiles

Cement Tiles pricesCement or concrete tiles or any other product are structurally stronger compared to others. These tiles are best used for commercial buildings, where they can withstand wear and tear better than ceramic and hardwood tiles. They are best for stairs, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.

On the upper hand, cement tiles are durable, easy to maintain, unlimited design options, heat resistant, easy to repair, and eco-friendly. However, they are thicker, heavier, and porous. If not correctly installed, damping can occur.

Cement Tiles Prices:More expensive than porcelain tiles

6.Terrazzo Tiles

terrazzo tile priceTerrazzo Tiles are not popular among property owners but are a good choice for flooring if your budget allows. They are durable, eco-friendly, have many design options, and ideal for indoor and outdoor applications.

On the downside, Terrazzo Tiles are expensive, feels cold underfoot, and challenging to install. Always seek professional services when you want to install them. Otherwise, you can mess up everything.

Terrazzo Tiles Prices:Closer prices to cement tiles

7.Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tile priceMosaic tiles are usually for decoration purposes. They are installed on the floor by assembling small pieces together to produce a state-of-art design. The tiles can also be used for decorating walls. When buying mosaic tiles, you can find them as small flat squares of colored glasses or stones.

There is no other tiling option that is as visually appealing as mosaic tiles. When combined with appropriate lighting options, you can create an attractive and unique feature. They are also durable, eco-friendly, versatile in design, and are affordable. On the downside, they are fragile, takes time to install, and can very slippery when wet.

If you care about the appearance of your kitchen, then you must have heard of Sintered Stone. They are famous for kitchen flooring and countertops because of their durability, waterproofing, stain resistance, and durability.Comparing with natural marbles,sintered stone tiles are much cheaper and more designs to choose from but  installation requires professionalism.Sintered stone tiles can be used for table tops,vanities tops and many other kinds of furniture decors.

Mosaic Tiles Prices:Much higher than porcelain tiles

8.Sintered Stone

Sintered Stone tile priceSintered Stone is an artificial construction material engineered to replicate marble and granite. Unlike granite and marble, which take many years to naturally form, Sintered Stone is made in the factory in just a few hours. Technology has made it possible to speed up the process.

If you care about the appearance of your kitchen, then you must have heard of Sintered Stone. They are famous for kitchen flooring and countertops because of their durability, waterproofing, stain resistance, and durability.Comparing with natural marbles,sintered stone tiles are much cheaper and more designs to choose from but  installation requires professionalism.Sintered stone tiles can be used for table tops,vanities tops and many other kinds of furniture decors.

Sintered Stone Prices:Cheaper than natural marble tile but more expensive than normal tiles

9.Bathroom Tiles

Bathroom Tile priceOne of the reasons why homeowners choose tiles for their bathrooms is the ease of cleaning and maintenance. Bathroom tiles are water-resistant, durable, and cost-effective. Once installed, they can last for many years.

However, they are slippery when wet. You have to be careful when walking on wet bathroom floors.Keep in mind that it is inportant to choose tile water absorption less than 0.5% for bathroom wall.

Bathroom Tiles Prices:Closer to ceramic tiles

10.Outdoor Tiles

Outdoor tile priceThere are tiles designed for outdoor applications. They should be porous to drain water, UV-resistant to avoid fading, resist wear and tear when installed on high-traffic areas. Additionally, these tiles are slip-resistant and should withstand varying outdoor temperatures.

You can choose porcelain, ceramic, granite, slate, travertine, or other materials with such qualities. Also, you have to consider the specific application. An outdoor tile that performs well for pool decks might not be suited for flooring patios.

Outdoor Tiles Prices:Higher price than indoor tiles,the thicker tiles,the higher prices.

Q1:What’s the differences between ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles?

Ceramic Tiles

  • Clay based tile
  • Fired in a kiln
  • Density less than procelain tile
  • Water absorption ratio more than 0.5%
  • Finishes:gloss,semi-gloss,matt and rustic
  • Soft surface,more comfortable to walk
  • Cool in warmer cliemet
  • Application area:indoor wall and floor

Porcelain Tiles

  • Clay based tile
  • Fired in a kiln
  • Density more than ceramic tile
  • Water absorption ratio less than 0.5%
  • Finished:gloss,semi gloss,matt and rustic
  • Water resistance
  • Application area:bathroom shower area,outdoor patio,terrace,interior floor and wall

Q2:What’s the differences between natural marble tiles and glazed marble tiles?

Natural Marble Tiles

natural marble tiles
  • Every piece natural marble tiles don’t look the same
  • High cost
  • May require an expert to cut
  • Requires frequent dust and damp mops
  • Hard to delivery and install
  • Application area:walls (interior), moderate traffic floors

Marble Look Tiles

Marble Look Glazed Tile
  • Factories can customize many designs
  • Low cost
  • Can be cut easily
  • Porcelain tiles can be easily cleaned with a mop or a sponge
  • Easy to delivery and install
  • Application area:both interior and exterior,both floor and wall

How Much Tile Cost Do I Need?-Tile Prices Example

Tile prices are different a lot in different markets.Here we take two examples to compare tile prices between USA (Home Depot)and China.

Tiles CatagoryTile SizesHome Depot Tile

Prices /sq. ft.

China Tile

Prices/sq. ft.

Ceramic Tiles Prices18” x 18”US$0.8US$0.5
Porcelain Tiles Prices24” x 24”US$3.49US$1.3
Marbles Tiles Prices12” x 24”US$18.31US$5
Wood Look Tiles Prices6” x 24”US$1.5US$0.5
Cement Tiles Prices16” x 16”US$8.3US$3
Terrazzo Tiles Prices16” x 16”US$7.5US$2.8
Mosaic Tiles Prices12” x 12”US$10.99US$2.3
Sintered Stone Prices63” x 126”/US$4
Bathroom Tiles Prices12” x 24”US$1.99US$0.4
Outdoor Tiles Prices12” x 24”US$3.49US$0.6

Tile Prices Comparisions Between Home Depot and China Tile Markets

Bonus

Above prices are collected dated 22nd June,2021.It may be not 100% correct as time passing.

Above prices are just for reference.It may differ if tiles coming from different brands.Contact us if you would like to know more detailed prices for buying tiles from China.

Home Depot does not have prices for sinterered stone tiles because this tile is latest design in China and may not be commond in other countries.

Tile Price: 10 Tips Help You Save $5,000 on Tiles Cost

1.Buy from China Directly

As mentioned above tile prices comparisons between USA and China,we find that it is quite worth buying tiles from China directly.
Dealing with middlemen or buying from a retailer will cost you more than purchasing tiles directly from manufacturers in China. It might take you time to settle on a particular company, but the effort is worth it. Factories usually sell on whole prices provided they clear their warehouses for new products.

When buying directly from China, you need to know or at least have experience in international shipping. Know the logistics and customs charges on the flow tile you need to buy. Identifying a shipping company to help you is safer. More information about buying tiles from China please check our other post in details “How to Import Tile from China”.

2.Buy from a Tiles Manufacturer

Buying directly from a tile manufacturer will save you a lot, especially if buying in bulk. The prices of floor tiles are usually higher at the retail shop than the factory price. Approach a renowned tile manufacturer to place an order. Without knowing it, you shall have saved hundreds of dollars.

3.Take Advantage of Tiles Discounts, Promotions, and Offers

If not in a hurry to renovate your property or do the finishing, then you can wait for promotions and offers. Also, if ready, then you can shop for floor tiles at a time when manufacturers or suppliers offer discounts and other lucrative promotions for future use.

It will cost you much less to buy tiles on promotion or offers compared to the market price. Do your timing and save.

4.Do Price Comparison of Different Tiles Brands

This statement is self-explanatory. Different tile manufacturers will price their products differently. When you want to save when shopping for tiles, ask for a quote from many companies. You will be surprised by the price variations.

You are better off going with the lowest-priced tiles, but be keen on the quality. There is a possibility that they are cheap because of their low quality.

5.Choose Simple Tiles Designs to Reduce Tiles Cost

As the tile designs get more and more complex, they take time and resources to produce. It is the end-users who bear this additional cost. So, you are way much better off choosing a simple but attractive design for a minimalistic room.

Going for a poor design can ruin the look of your property. Do not be possessed by saving at an expense of your comfort. The choice should be pleasing and offering the satisfaction you needed.

6.You Must Consider Types of Materials Used

There are different types of tiles, as we have seen from the previous section. When buying tiles and you want to save, you need to choose just what you need. Compare different tiles, their pros and cons, and where they are best used. Going for high-end tiles when you do not need it will cost you much money for nothing.

Go for an Easy to Install Tiles, You’ll Save on High Installation Costs

Installation cost also contributes to the overall renovation project. Even if you are installing tiles for the first time, considering the cost of installing a given type of tile will save you. You are better off choosing a tile you can install yourself, or at least, costs you less to hire a professional.

Some tiles, such as mosaic, are consuming time to install, and you cannot do it yourself if you do not have the skills. Such types should be avoided if you have better alternatives.

7.Go for an Easy to Install Tiles, You’ll Save on High Installation Costs

Installation cost also contributes to the overall renovation project. Even if you are installing tiles for the first time, considering the cost of installing a given type of tile will save you. You are better off choosing a tile you can install yourself, or at least, costs you less to hire a professional.

Some tiles, such as mosaic, are consuming time to install, and you cannot do it yourself if you do not have the skills. Such types should be avoided if you have better alternatives.

8.Reduce the Number of Deco Tiles

Decorative tiles are expensive. The more such tiles you include in your floor design, the higher you will pay. You can trade between beauty and cost and find an optimum point. Your floor should still have the visual appeal you are looking for and, at the same time, costs you less.

9.Opt for Standard Tiles, Not Customized Designs

Customization is expensive because the manufacturer has to redesign the tiles and reprogram machines. This process takes time, which equates to a high cost. Pre-made or standard tiles are produced in bulk. This large-scale production is what makes them cheaper.

Fortunately, standard tiles are also of different designs, finishes, and sizes. You only choose what works for you and will meet your design specification. Or, at least, come close to what you expected.

10.Get Assistance from China Sourcing Agent

You can be overcharged just because you are new in the world of sourcing tiles from china. If you need to save and be on the safer side, ask for help from an experienced agent. With his or her experience in the industry, he or she can help you identify a reliable tile manufacturer with the most competitive price. You will find it is quite simple to buy tiles from China with help of a professional sourcing company.

Bonus tip:

A Proper Market Research is a Must before Making the Final Decision

Conclusion to Save Tile Costs

Choosing the right tiles can help you save money by considering every possibility and matching the result with the intended application. Using the 10 tips presented in this article, you can save a significant amount on tile costs. Invest your time in sourcing the right product and reap the benefits later.

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