Ceramic Tile Suppliers Serving the Ottawa Area
Ceramic tiles are a great option for floors, counters, and ceilings. Beautiful and durable, yet eminently affordable, ceramic tiles can give a feeling of elegance and style to virtually any room. Once you’ve decided to install ceramic tiles in your home, however, another decision must be made: that of choosing a ceramic tile supplier that serves the Ottawa area.
Points to Consider
Ceramic tiles are widely available. Many homeowners make the mistake of surfing the web to find the cheapest tiles, and coming to a decision based solely on price. In fact, there are a wide variety of different types of ceramic tiles, and some are more suitable than others for different rooms in your home. Before you buy, be sure to choose your supplier wisely. Here are some points to consider when looking for a tile supplier:
- Are they knowledgeable? Big box store employees or chain hardware store workers are by nature generalists. They may not have complete or accurate information on the tiles they’re selling. A company that specializes in ceramic tiles and stone is far more likely to be able to help you choose the right product for your purposes. For example, some ceramic tile is rated “Class 0,” which means that it is not meant for floors as it is not durable enough. Class 5 tile, on the other hand, can stand up to heavy traffic. Some tile is more water resistant, and therefore most suitable for bathroom showers.
- Do they carry a large inventory? Unless your supplier has a showroom with many different types of tile, you will not be exposed to the full range of products available to you. Perhaps you need tile that is a little smaller than average, or that’s an unusual shape. Maybe you’re unsure about colour, and would like to look at various hues. Ceramic tile comes in every colour of the rainbow, from subtle neutral shades to bold saturated ones. It can also be finished in various ways, with sand or ribbing for extra texture, for example. Tiles featuring patterns or art are also available…but you will never get to see the possibilities unless you choose a tile specialist with a large inventory.
- Is the company well respected? There’s no point in working with an unknown entity. Make sure the supplier you choose has been in business for several years, and that it has many satisfied clients. Some of Ontario’s best suppliers even import their own products, making them experts on particular stones and ceramics.
Be Creative!
One of the great advantages of ceramic tile is its versatility. Using varied shapes, colours, and sizes, you can create unique effects. Many homeowners like to use large wall tiles interspersed with rows of small tile in the same or a contrasting colour. Others add glass or metal elements. Tiles in a honeycomb shape can draw attention to your kitchen backsplash, or a mosaic made of brilliantly coloured tiles can become a focal point of your room.
Find the right supplier, and you’re sure to find just the right tiles!