Marble tiles have historically been the premier choice of sculptors, artisans and builders for creating wonderful pieces of architecture, and is also the material of choice for creating monuments, building columns, bathroom walls and partitions, as well as for flooring purposes.

There are many types of marble tiles available today, and among these types are the glazed and unglazed varieites. Glazed marble tile surfaces are smooth and hard, and has the ability to resist water stains.

Unglazed marble tiles are scratch resistant, but are more prone to stains because it doesn’t have a tougher surface unlike glazed marble tiles. These are just few of the varieties of marble tiles sold today, and a thorough research will help you find more unique and elegant designs that would suit your preferences.

The Internet Is A Convenient Place To Shop For Marble tiles

Consumers today are given more convenient options to shop for the things they need, and while they could shop through traditional means, the Internet is fast serving as an alternative and convenient venue for purchasing different products and services. The Web now serves as a host to many online home décor and specialty interior design shops, which sell just about anything from lamps, chandeliers, carpets, home appliances, and all types of tiles.

However, unlike physically visiting a shop and personally browsing through the selections available, shopping on the Internet is a different experience, as online buyers need to view and make choices based on the photos displayed, and rely on the descriptions and content given by online stores. Internet buyers need to ensure that they buy good-quality material, and at the most appropriate prices. They also need to ask online tile dealers important questions, such as:

• Could You Give Me A Complete Overview Of The tiles You're Selling?

Marble floor tiles these days have a wide offering of designs and color patterns, and they could range from either polished, tumbled or honed tiles. An online dealer should be able to give adequate descriptions of the tiles they are selling, so that you would have a better idea on which ones are good for your home.

Honed marble tiles are utilized to provide more floor traction, whereas polished tiles are used to provide a more elegant look, but they could become slippery when wet, necessitating the placing of bath mats to prevent accidents. Tumbled marble, on the other hand, with its old-world feel and rustic look, is also becoming a popular design for homeowners.

• Are Your Prices The Same As The Ones Sold In The Nearest Home Décor Store?

Marble floor tile sizes usually range from 305 x 305 mm, 500 mm, to 800 mm free length. The tile finish also differs, and they range from either polished, gauged or beveled. In stores, these stones have prices ranging from $5 to $20 per square foot.

Glass tiles, on the other hand, can range as much as $25 to $50 per square foot, depending on the design. Do a comparison of the different online tile shops, and compare prices. In addition, also check out if their prices are at par with the shops in your area, and ask if the adjusted online prices are inclusive of shipping and delivery charges.

• What Are Your Warranty Or Refund Options?

As you are buying a product online, you need to find out the tile shop's product warranty or refund policy, just in case you perceive you're getting a substandard, or lesser-quality tile. Ask them, if they would allow you to return the product?, or would they have money-back guarantees?, and would they offer to replace your product , in case they won't give you back your money?.

With the proliferation of thousands of online shops selling different types of tiles, it would be safe to first seek consult with industry experts and long-time dealers and manufacturers, so that online consumers could get the best tiles at the most reasonable prices.

Wherever you may be located, it would also be a nice start to drop by the Web site of the Marble Institute of America (MIA), a nationwide industry association. The MIA's Web site helps consumers get advice on tile cleaning and care, installation guidelines, as well as in finding reputable tile contractors and dealers nationwide.

Vanessa Arellano Doctor