Can You Really Buy Tile Online? Your Ultimate Guide as a DIY'er
Let's Talk Tiles
As a seasoned repairman and self-proclaimed DIY evangelist, I have to admit that there was a time when I wasn’t sold on the concept of buying tiles online. But in the digital age we live in, has buying tile online become the ultimate tool in the DIY enthusiast's kit? Can you really achieve professional-grade results by clicking and dragging items into your virtual shopping cart? Well, pull up a chair, my friend, because you're about to walk into the world of online tile shopping, one click at a time.
Can You Really Buy Tile Online?
Yes, and yes again! You can indeed buy tiles online. Companies have bridged the gap between your home renovation dreams and the computer screen. Today, you can check out an infinite array of tiles from the comfort of your home—or office, or coffee shop—basically anywhere with wifi. The variety is endless, with materials that range from porcelain and ceramic to granite, marble, slate, and even glass. And all this comes without the need to step away from your lukewarm latte or face the horror of traffic.
Advantages of Buying Tile Online
A Smorgasbord of Choices
And now for the fun part! Going online for tile shopping is like being a kid in a sweet shop. The possibilities, the sweet, sweet possibilities! From mosaic to subway tiles, from terracotta to travertine, all in just a tap or click away, the variety would spin you around and leave you giddy - in a good way, of course.
Competitive Prices
Online marketplaces have an incredible capacity to drive prices down. This is because they operate on a much larger scale than your local retailers do. By buying directly from manufacturers, these platforms often sell at a cheaper price. Because hey, no one really likes a middleman, right?
Convenience
Did I mention the part about shopping from your pajamas while sipping your favorite brew? Convenience is the backbone of online shopping. Imagine having the ability to get through your entire tile shopping in between episodes of your favorite Netflix show.
Pitfalls of Buying Tile Online
Of course, for the sake of balance, and honesty, we need to address the elephant in the blog. There are a couple of challenges associated with buying tiles online.
Can’t physically see or feel the tile
This is the number one challenge. However, many online retailers now offer sample tiles, which you can order before committing to a bulk purchase.
Shipping and Handling
Due to the weight of tiles, shipping can be expensive and will need to be factored into the total cost. Plus, any breakages or damages during shipping might cause delays in your project.
Best Practices for Buying Tile Online
Review Return Policies
Always check the return policy on tiles before making the purchase. Some online vendors accept returns, while others may not. You'll want to know this ahead of time.
Buy Extra Tiles
As a tip from your friendly online repairman, always buy extra tiles. This will cover any breakage during shipping, any breakage during installation, or future replacements if required.
Bringing It Home
Buying tile online removes the hassles of physically visiting different shops, offering a variety of options at usually lower prices. There might be a couple of challenges, but with a careful approach, you can work your way around them. So, dear DIYer, power on that laptop, pour yourself a cuppa, and let's get tile shopping! Who knows? That dream renovation might just be a click away.