Sample tile versus Actual tile

[Vick]

Hello

Has anyone had the same problem as us? We had a sample tile which we lived with for several weeks. We finally took the plunge and ordered 30m2. The tiler picked them up and laid more than half of the floor. The next day when we could walk on the tiles, we noticed that they were different to the sample tile and had a dark shadow running down each edge of the tile - very distressing! The suppliers will not refund us the tiles laid. We bought them from a reputable supplier and never in a million years did we think we would have to check the tiles to see if they were the same. Why display a sample if they are going to sell us a different tile?

Any advice would be greatfully appreciated. We now have no tiles, no kitchen, just an outside tap but lots of tears!

 

[Gazzer]

You will find that it is standard to read that Suppliers will not accept any responsibility once tiles are laid.

 

[Colour Republic]

Can you post a picture of both the sample and the tiles laid.

there will be a disclaimer saying that the tiles may have slight differences from batch to batch but depending on how different will determine if you have a claim or not

 

[Colour Republic]

What Sir Ramic says too!!! It is your responsibility to check they are suitable unless you can prove the tiles are faulty and only became apparent after laying for whatever reason

 

[Gazzer]

And dont forget that tiles are subject to shading, Batch numbers can vary a lot too.

 

[Vick]

You will find that it is standard to read that Suppliers will not accept any responsibility once tiles are laid.

That's what I was scared of. However, having contacted Trading Standards, there is a breach of contract as the tile does not match the sample displayed - breach of Sales of Goods Act 1979. Don't want to throw back at them legal speech, but the consumer must be protected.

 

[Gazzer]

I fully understand what you say but I think due to there being a time period between the sample being obtained and the actual tiles arriving I dont think you will get far.

I think the supplier will quote their terms and conditions inc the small print.

However I do wish you luck and would like to know the outcome.

 

[AliGage]

How different are these tiles?

 

[Vick]

How different are these tiles?

The sample in the showroom has been there for several years I believe. We were never advised of differencies in batches etc. The tile we chose was specifically a random patterned tile - a stone effect with faint black spots throughout. The tile on the floor has a concentration of black spots down one edge only of each tile to create an "attractive" shadow! The tiles look grubby down the edges and there is nothing that can be done. The tiles in my opinion have lost their random pattern and have a uniform pattern as each tile has come off the conveyor belt with a darker band - about 4 to 5 inches. Not noticed until laid - very unfortunate.

Apparently, according to Trading Standards, we have a contract with the shop and not the tile supplier. The shop did not suggest ordering a current tile from the manufacturer, or advise us of any discrepancies. Had we known, we would have checked a box first.

Will let you know the outcome.