đźš« Why You Should NOT Buy Tile from Big-Box Stores

(And Why ANSI A137.1 Certification Matters)

By J&R Tile, San Antonio TX

www.jandrtile.com

1. What Is ANSI A137.1—and Why Does It Matter?

Not all ceramic or porcelain tile is created equal. The ANSI A137.1 standard ensures your tile has passed rigorous testing for:

  • âś… Flatness and warpage tolerance

  • âś… Breaking strength

  • âś… Water absorption (think freeze/thaw resistance!)

  • âś… Color consistency and chemical resistance

  • âś… DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) for slip resistance

If a tile doesn’t meet A137.1—it simply doesn’t belong in your home or building.

2. The Truth About Big-Box Tile

Big-box stores like Home Depot, Floor & Decor, and Lowe’s sell tile that may look good—but behind that glossy finish are risks that cost time, money, and credibility.

Here’s why you should avoid them:

❌ Inconsistent Sizing & Dye Lots

  • Cheaper tile is often factory seconds or “job lots,” which can vary in color and size even within the same box.

❌ No Proof of Compliance

  • Ask for A137.1 certification or slip-resistance data, and you’ll likely get a blank stare.

❌ Higher Waste Rates

  • Warped or chipped tile means more over-ordering, more cutting, and more thrown-away money.

❌ Poor Long-Term Support

  • Tile gets discontinued fast. Good luck finding a match 6 months later for that cracked lobby floor.

❌ No Installation Support

  • No product reps, no tech support, no help if things go wrong on the job.

❌ YOU Take the Liability

  • If tile fails on your job and it’s non-certified, the installer and owner eat the cost.

3. What You Get with ANSI A137.1-Certified Tile

When you purchase through a professional tile distributor and installer like J&R Tile, you’re not just buying product—you’re buying performance:

  • âś… Tight tolerances for easier, faster installs

  • âś… Slip resistance that meets OSHA and ADA guidelines

  • âś… Guaranteed bonding performance

  • âś… Stain, fade, and etch resistance

  • âś… Warranties that actually pay out

4. The J&R Tile Advantage

What We Deliver

Why It Matters

Certified materials

We source only A137.1-rated tile from trusted manufacturers.

NTCA 5-Star installation

Our crews meet the highest national standards for quality.

Forensic-grade inspections

Every shipment is checked with precision tools for flatness, warpage, and slip resistance.

Ongoing material support

Need attic stock or repair tiles 5 years later? We’ve got you covered.

5. Don’t Gamble on Your Floors

Big-box stores are great for paint and plungers—not premium tile.

At J&R Tile, we combine compliant materials, expert installation, and real-world support to ensure your project looks great and lasts for decades.

👉 Get it done right. Contact us today at www.jandrtile.com or call (210) 349-8112.

J&R Tile — Built to Standards. Built to Last.