Ordering tiles from China: what should my tiler check?
Ask your tiler to approve the tile for its intended location, measure full-size samples, agree shade and size matching, and calculate quantities from the actual layout. Add cutting and breakage allowances, then reserve matching whole tiles for repairs. Give the signed brief to Cambridge China Bridge.
Approve the tile for the actual location
Give your tiler a room-by-room brief covering walls or floors, wet areas, outdoor exposure and underfloor heating. Ask them to check the manufacturer's stated uses and supporting test information for the exact tile and finish. HSE notes that people often slip on floors left wet after cleaning. For bathrooms and entrances, ask for slip-resistance evidence relevant to expected wet conditions rather than accepting an 'anti-slip' description.
Have the tiler check the substrate, tile weight, adhesive, grout, waterproofing, movement joints and finished floor height as a complete installation. For outdoor tiles, ask for evidence of suitability for frost exposure. Record any unresolved questions before approving the order. Our construction materials guide covers the separate product documentation checks.
Measure full-size samples and try the layout
Request full-size samples of the proposed product, preferably drawn from the stock or production run intended for your order. A small display swatch cannot show the whole tile's dimensions or bowing. Ask your tiler to measure length, width and thickness across several samples, compare their diagonals and check edge straightness and flatness.
Dry-lay the samples with the proposed grout joints and pattern. Check alignment, height differences between neighbouring edges, thresholds, corners and visible cut edges. If the tiles have rectified edges, still agree the grout joint with the tiler. Record actual measurements and acceptable variation in the order brief. See making bulk production match the sample for the wider approval process.
Agree shade, size and batch matching
Ask the factory to identify the production batch, shade code and calibre code, meaning its size grouping, on carton labels. Agree matching shade and calibre across each continuous tiled area, including repair spares. Where the design intentionally varies, approve the acceptable range of colours and patterns rather than treating a photograph as the colour reference.
Ask for production tiles from different cartons to be compared together against the retained samples before dispatch. On arrival, have the tiler check labels and dry-lay tiles from different cartons before fixing. Hold unexpected differences for review. Our quality inspection guide explains how to turn these agreed checks into a shipment inspection. For inspection and dispatch scheduling, see our China ordering calendar guide.
Calculate cutting allowance from the layout
Have the tiler measure the surfaces and prepare the intended setting-out plan before you order. Include recesses, returns, steps, niches and tiled skirtings where applicable. Calculate tile quantities using the approved sample dimensions and grout joints, then convert the result into whole cartons using the factory's confirmed packing details.
Ask the tiler to show separately the tiles needed for the finished surfaces, cutting losses, pattern selection and likely handling breakage. Diagonal layouts, corners and awkward cuts need a different allowance from a straightforward layout. Check which offcuts can actually be reused. Agree a project-specific allowance rather than applying a generic waste percentage.
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Reserve repair tiles before installation starts
Agree a separate repair reserve with the owner and tiler, based on likely access work, vulnerable locations and available storage. Order it with the installation tiles and ask for matching batch, shade and calibre. Keep whole tiles suitable for future replacement; small offcuts may be useful during installation but do not replace a repair reserve. Later production may not match the installed tiles.
Set the reserve aside before cutting starts. Store it protected from damage, with carton labels, product details and a record of where each batch was fitted. Before ordering, have the tiler approve a written brief covering suitability, measured dimensions, layout, matching criteria, installation quantity, cutting allowance and repair reserve. Send that brief to Cambridge China Bridge so its staff in China can use it for factory enquiries and agreed checks.
Frequently asked questions
Can my tiler approve tiles from photographs?
Photographs can help shortlist a design. Ask your tiler to approve full-size samples and product information before ordering, so they can check dimensions, flatness, edges and suitability for the location.
How much extra tile should I order for cutting?
Ask your tiler to calculate it from the measured surfaces and setting-out plan. Allow separately for unusable offcuts, pattern selection and breakage, then round the order to whole cartons.
Do all my tiles need the same batch?
Ask for matching batch, shade and calibre within each continuous area and its repair reserve. If batches must be mixed, have the tiler compare actual tiles and approve the combination before dispatch.
Should I keep spare tiles for repairs?
Yes. Agree a repair reserve before ordering and keep matching whole tiles aside before installation. Retain carton labels and fitting records, because a later order may differ in shade or actual size.