tiles

[Jules001]

I am going to be having my whole bathroom re-tiled soon so will need about 22 sq m of tiles. I have looked in small local tile shops where the prices are coming out between �18-26 per sq m so it is looking pretty expensive. I have however seen some tiles at one of the diy superstores for �9 sq m. Are you just paying for the name of the tiles at independent shops or are they really any better quality than from the diy chains. The tiles from the diy store I saw are floor tiles which I guess must be pretty durable and as I am planning to use them on the wall this might add to the quality of the tile. so diy or independent - any views please?

[Rock'n'Roll]

If you live in NW,you could try Pilkingtons Factory shop,may pick up a bargain. Never been so don't really know

[Ethel]

Just shop around, I find independent cheaper unless the main chain have a promotion on.

Don't forget the cost of the adhesive and grout - much dearer than you might think.

[buildersmate]

Apart from Pilkington and a couple of others in the UK, most tiles come from Spain or Italy by roadfreight. Tiles are dirt cheap out there and the DIY sheds buy up complete container loads to get them shipped over here at lowish cost. So many tiles you find at the DIY sheds, you won't find at the independent stores, who invariably buys from a tile distributor (someone else in the chain to take a 20% margin on the deal). In terms of quality, there are certainly some poor quality tiles at DIY sheds - look at the quality of the screen printing of the 'pattern' on the tile and see if you are happy with it - some look really naff to me. Otherwise, its surely a question of finding something you like, and if that is available at a DIY shed, I'd just go there.

[Jules001]

thanks everyone, the tiles I am after are just matt black and white, so there is no pattern to worry about. That's why I was worried about the considerable difference in price between the independents and the diy sheds. However I think I might go with the diy shed as I can't see the difference in the tiles so will go with the cheaper option.