Why your tiler’s advice matters more than you think; A true Christchurch story

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When it comes to building or renovating a home, tiles are often one of the biggest design decisions you’ll make. They set the tone for bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces. They’re not just a surface, they’re a foundation of your home’s look and feel. But while most homeowners look first at price, your tiler often sees something far more important: quality.

This is a true story from one of our expert tilers here in Christchurch, and it’s a good reminder of why it pays to listen to the professionals who work with tiles every day.

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A tiler who knows his craft

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An independent tiler, someone who works with many suppliers around Christchurch, recommended one of his clients to come to Naturally Tiles. He didn’t earn anything for doing this. His reason was simple: he knows the difference between good tiles and budget ones, and he knows how much easier quality makes the installation. Less stress, better results, and ultimately a happier client.

The client came into our showroom, loved a few collections, but was focused on price. After looking around at other tile shops, they decided to save about $2,000 by going with a budget option from somewhere else.

At first glance, it seemed like a smart saving.

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The hidden cost of cheap tiles

When the tiler found out, he was disappointed. Not because the client hadn’t chosen our showroom, but because he knew what was coming. Cheap tiles usually mean:

• They aren’t rectified. That means they don’t have the precise machine-cut edges that allow for fine, tight grout lines (1-1,5 millimetre). Instead, they require wider grout lines, in this case 2mm or more, which changes the overall look of the floor and walls.
• They warp. The tiles weren’t perfectly flat. They had been rushed through a quick firing process to produce mass quantities at low cost. The result? Curves and bends in the tile that no installer, no matter how skilled, can completely hide.

For this tiler, the job became harder and slower. He spent two extra days laying the tiles, trying to get the finish as level as possible. Despite his best effort, dents appeared, especially at the corners. Walking barefoot across the floor, you could feel the unevenness.

The end result wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t the high standard the tiler takes pride in delivering. And the homeowner knew it.

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A $1.7 million home, compromised for $2,000

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This wasn’t just any house. It was the client’s dream home, a $1.7 million project. And yet, in the final details, they cut corners on the tiles. What seemed like a saving ended up being a compromise they’ll live with every day. The look wasn’t as clean, the finish not as sharp, and the feel underfoot less than perfect.

The client admitted later they regretted the decision. The $2,000 they saved on tiles came at the cost of quality and enjoyment in their new home.

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What this story teaches us

This story isn’t about us as a tile supplier. It’s about trust. Tilers handle tiles every single day. They see what works and what causes trouble. When a tiler recommends a supplier, it’s not because of loyalty or commissions, it’s because they know where the quality is, and they know quality makes the difference between a smooth job and a frustrating one.

A few key lessons from this story:

• Listen to your tiler. They are the ones installing the tiles, and they understand the hidden costs of cheaper products.
• Price isn’t the whole story. Saving a small amount upfront can cost more in labour, finish, and long-term satisfaction.
• Quality lasts. Rectified, properly fired Italian porcelain tiles create a flawless, long-lasting result that you’ll enjoy every day.

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Final thought

Your dream home deserves better than compromises. Tiles are not just about covering a surface, they shape how your home looks, feels, and functions for decades. The right choice will make both you and your tiler proud of the result.

As this Christchurch homeowner found out, the cheapest option can turn out to be the most expensive in the long run.

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Out of respect for the people involved, we won’t share names or photos from this story. If you’d like to know exactly which tile ranges were discussed, you’re welcome to get in touch with us directly.

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Ready to plan your project?

Before you choose tiles, explore our Free Tile Price Guide Tool. It helps you understand costs upfront and compare your options with clarity.

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