I recently did a complete bathroom makeover which included a tile floor, a complete tiled shower and wall tiles.
FITZGERALD'S had all of the different tiles I was interested in and needed. They also had the BEST TILE BACKER BOARDS, thin set mortar, caulks and grouts.
I got PROFESSIONAL ADVICE, a GREAT PRICE and made life long friends.
I had originally thought of simply using the "discount" tiles and equipment, but once you know the differences it becomes VERY APPARANT that a family owned and operated business that sells first class materials is the ONLY WAY TO GO !!!! The discount tiles are not deeply and fully glazed which gives you a bad finish and the sizes are off by very small amounts; a 32nd of an inch over the course of a tile run can add up quickly making your grout lines not line up properly. Scott and Brian made me aware of this and I CONFIRMED IT myself after a closer examination of the discounted materials. The discount stores are basically selling 2nds and poorer quality materials; why else would they be priced so low.
In the long run, it may have cost me a mere COUPLE of dollars more for the material purchase, but I got a 100% lasting finish, actually saved time and a great deal of frustration on the installation, and great follow-up advice by true knowledgeable, experienced, professional tile folks. They live and breath tiles.... and they weren't working in the hardware department yesterday.....LOL
I thank them for my beautiful finished project.
FREEMAN F. MARSHALL read more