Today, we’re diving into some essential tricks to ensure that when you step into the market to buy flooring for your home, you’re well-prepared to avoid scams and make smart choices.
Step 1: Market Scams to Watch Out For
When choosing tiles, always be cautious of showroom lighting, which can make every tile look better than it might actually appear in your home. Make sure to ask the showroom to turn off extra lights or take a sample outside in natural light to get a true sense of its appearance.
Pro Tip:
Once you choose a tile, sign the back of the sample. When the full shipment arrives, compare it to your signed piece to confirm color and style consistency.
Step 2: Quantity Confirmation
Ensure the showroom has the entire quantity you need in stock. If they’re only partially stocked, changes in batches can cause color mismatches in your floor pattern. Avoid this by choosing designs that are fully available in one go.
Step 3: Check Tile Grip for Wet Areas
For areas like washrooms, choose anti-skid tiles. Test this by placing a tile on the showroom floor and gently sliding your foot over it. If it provides good grip, it’s a suitable choice for wet spaces.
Step 4: Leveling and Slope Marking
Leveling is critical, especially between spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms. Be sure to have level markings in place to avoid water seepage or poor alignment issues. For bathrooms, make sure shower and drain areas have a slight slope to prevent water from spreading into dry areas.
Step 5: Choosing Durable Grout Materials
Cheap grouts may absorb water and discolor over time, turning black and unsightly. Opt for high-quality grout or a hardened alternative, like a grouting powder with a specific hardener, for a lasting finish.
Step 6: Natural Stone: Special Precautions
If you plan on using Italian stone, especially in outdoor areas or balconies, take extra precautions. Avoid Italian stone in balconies since it’s not as durable in fluctuating weather. For window sills, add grooves under the stone to prevent water from pooling near the wall and creating stains or seepage.
