Due to the level of technology involved, clients are often reliant on the supplier to fully understand the requirements of the project. It may not be obvious to the client what kind of trade-offs are involved by the various options. Color matching, color strength, resulting sheen, durability, weather/moisture exposure, production scheduling, and costs all factor into the decision for the appropriate method and substrate to be used. For example, to simply say “ceramic” does not express the specific properties of the tile Group (I, II, or III) or moisture absorption (E value), or shaping (pressed, extruded, or ‘other’).
Likewise, without a range of resources, the tile provider may not be able to offer the best match for the project requirements. This may be resolved by submitting samples from the best two possible choices. Although advances have nearly closed the gap on ‘making all things possible,’ we emphasize ‘nearly.’