Tile laying combines exacting technique with an eye for design. Like any major home purchase, it can be plagued by buyer traps and seller tricks. A construction expert, Fedor Vasiliev, founder and general director of GLAVSNAB, shared practical guidance on how to secure the finishing materials that truly meet the project’s needs.
Vasiliev emphasizes a simple rule when ordering tiles: every box should bear identical markings. Manufacturers usually print product specifications on the box, sometimes including shade details. Sellers may use a jumble of letters and numbers that can confuse buyers, with the aim of slipping in leftovers from underperforming lots. A buyer might quickly inspect a few packages, sign the paperwork, and only during installation notice shade variations. This underscores the necessity of checking every shipment, not just a handful of samples.
Yet it would be unfair to lay all blame on the seller. Some tile brands employ marking systems that can create shade variation between factory batches. A square divided into cells of different shades serves as a visual cue for the likelihood of color differences. Recognizing these markings and understanding what they indicate for a project is essential. For instance, certain letters signal specific properties, and decoding them helps prevent surprises when tiles arrive on site.
One key indicator is the water resistance coefficient, often denoted by the letter E. This spec provides a rough sense of how a tile will perform in moist environments. For rooms with higher humidity, selecting tiles with a water resistance indicator at a modest level helps ensure durability over time. In addition, the designation PEI signals wear resistance. Tiles rated PEI 0 are best saved for walls, as they are more prone to chipping in high-traffic areas; PEI 5 tiles are built for heavy loads in bustling spaces. For a typical home, PEI 2 or 3 tiles offer a balanced mix of durability and price.
Another practical reality is that not every shipment arrives in perfect condition. Damage can occur during loading, transit, or unloading, and some drivers hurry handovers to avoid potential claims. The safest course is to inspect every package thoroughly on delivery rather than relying on a quick cursory check. If defects or mismatches are found, request compensation from the supplier. If the response is unsatisfactory, arrange a return of the batch. Transporting tiles in a personal vehicle can provide greater control over the process and accountability for transport safety, reducing the risk of hidden damage or miscounts in the shipment.
Today many households tackle renovations themselves, yet the experience remains consistent: careful preparation saves time, money, and frustration. A well-documented receiving process, attention to batch variation, and a clear plan for selecting the right wear rating and moisture resistance can help homeowners achieve a flawless tile finish that endures. Those who follow a methodical approach are less likely to encounter post-install surprises and more likely to enjoy spaces that look as good as the day they are completed. This thoughtful, hands-on approach to tile procurement is especially relevant for Canadians and Americans undertaking bathroom and kitchen projects, where moisture and high-use conditions demand reliable performance and consistent color.
In practice, the reality of do-it-yourself renovations is that roughly one in three households in the region proceeds with home improvements without professional installation. This trend underscores the value of understanding tile markings, choosing the right specifications, and maintaining vigilance during delivery to ensure a lasting, satisfying result. (Source: GLAVSNAB interview with Fedor Vasiliev)