I bought 12" x 12" ceramic tile from Lowe's branded as SURFACE SOURCE with a PEI rating 4. I bought each tile for $0.58 each. I want to use the tile for the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and living room. The tile was made in Mexico. I think the tile was being discontinued at Lowe's. Thus, I think that is why the price was so low. Did I make a mistake? The tile looks good and feels good so I do not see a problem with. I need an honest opinion.
2007-11-27 13:17:55 · 7 answers · asked by jerry_taylor31 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
I bought 900 tiles and have a 10%+ buffer.
2007-11-27 14:04:00 · update #1
Porcelain tiles are usually baked at higher temperatures than ceramic tiles. The higher temperature usually means better grade. Most porcelain tiles today have a PEI rating of 5, or suitable for heavy-duty traffic.
Be careful about what is advertised as porcelain tile. Since not all ceramic tile is porcelain. I believe porcelain tile starts at a rating of 3 and goes up to 10 for commercial use so It would be a good tile. I suppose it would be suitable for residential use in your home.
I don't see any reason for not using it, unless you expect it to stay perfect for 40 years.
DIY Doc you get a thumbs up from me. You seem to try hard and give good advice.
2007-11-27 14:48:46 · answer #1 · answered by Parercut Faint 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi Jerry,
You got a great deal! Just install it with care and it will last for a long time. But do be careful with your installation and be sure to use a good underlayment. Also, I would recommend laying out your job so that you have at least 5% of the tiles left after the last room. That way if you do have some that break you can easily replace them. A PEI rating of 4 is the second highest rating - good for all residential applications.
Enjoy your good fortune and your good shopping skills - that was a smart move!!
2007-11-27 22:08:10 · answer #2 · answered by Steve in NC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will not wear as long as more durable higher priced tile, but it will last for many, many years. By the time it needs replaced again you'll probably have moved or want to replace it anyway. So, no, I don't think that you made a mistake if it is installed correctly.
2007-11-27 21:36:08 · answer #3 · answered by Turnhog 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all I hope you bought all they had, and had them check other stores.
Certainly it's not unusual for a tile selection to go out of production. OPEN STOCK doesn't promise forever.
The rating # refers to durability; YOURS being quite high. 58 cents is fair.
With no offense at all to Mexico; most of OUR tile is created there. Italy is another source but I think number 3 on the list.
Steven Wolf
miles and miles of tile
2007-11-27 21:44:03 · answer #4 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
its cheaper tile, but lowes discontinues most tile after two years or so. hope you bought enough tile for the job(20% more than you need).
2007-11-27 21:54:59 · answer #5 · answered by jgonzos6 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it will work. You'll notice in a year or so that it's starts to crack and chip however. Although that is based more on your installation as well as the type of tile.
2007-11-27 21:23:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
The tile will be fine, your best assurance will be the prep work, make sure your floor has no give whatsoever. The installation is what is important here.
-n don't drop any hammers on it ok?
2007-11-27 22:38:11 · answer #7 · answered by cedykeman1 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋