Some tile manufacturers and retailers combat this problem by offering free ceramic tile samples. It’s not a perfect solution because often you’re receiving only tile slices, not entire tiles. But it’s a start and we like it. To that end, we are listing tile companies that offer tile samples with no catch. These are perfectly free tile samples, including shipping and handling (“S&H”). Additionally, we list the most expensive free sample*, a cautionary note, and a surprising bonus.
Most Expensive (Per Sq. Ft.)
$35 for basil with black patine
Watch Out For
Sample sizes are small—about 1.5" by 3". Even though no sample is ever quite big enough to visualize how an entire floor or wall will look, these barely make the cut. But still: it’s free, so how can you argue?
Nice Surprise
Samples arrived in a neat little box 2 days later. The best surprise is that a small- to mid-sized tile company that offers artistic tile has a free sample operation. We’re not sure how long this will last, but we love it while it’s still in place.
Most Expensive (Per Sq. Ft.)
$21.70 for Takla Italian porcelain plank tile
Watch Out For
Be careful of going over your limit of free items, or you will get dinged with high costs. Adding just one extra item will cost you $12 and 2 extra items will cost $32.
Nice Surprise
Only 2 days later, you will receive a huge bundle of 6" square floor tile samples. BuildDirect’s definition of “tile” is stretched to include Pedra Granite Modular, which is arguably more kitchen counter than tile.
Most Expensive (Per Sq. Ft.)
Cannot be determined, as Florida Tile does not list prices. However, Florida Tile informs us that the company’s entire catalog of field tile (but field tile only) is available for free samples.
Be Careful
Florida Tile’s online ordering system for samples is difficult. Evidently, they prefer you to call a salesperson rather than order online. Plus the sample program is more geared toward industry pros (architects, designers, etc.) than toward consumers, though consumers are still eligible for this program. Since you cannot see images of the tiles you are ordering, we recommend opening 2 tabs on your browser: one tab with the part of the site showing the tiles, another tab with the above-linked sample request form. Then, match the desired tile in the first tab with the drop-down lists in the second tab. This one is not easy.
Nice Surprise
A Florida Tile representative assured us that the full-size sample tile will be sent out. Even though this one is a toughie, it’s worth the effort. Two that we like:
Home Depot: A lesser known part of Home Depot’s website offers ceramic tile samples. You pay for the tile itself, but S&H is free. For example, you can get one tessera from the larger Sand Beach Pelican Glass mosaic. That tessera, individually $5.00, works out to be $180 per square foot. Builder Elements: The item is free, but you pay for S&H. With one tile that is normally about $14/sq. ft. (Porcelain Pebble Glass), payment for S&H would have been $7 for a 4" x 4" tile slice. This works out to $63 per square foot.
