I'm not sure anyone can really answer this for you...

The advice about mixing tiles as they come from the boxes is *just in case* there is a little variation in the pigments, etc. It's actually more important with solid color, smooth tile vs. tiles with a lot of variation, where the differences within the box tends to hide differences between the boxes.

You are aware that tiles have a 'v' number or equivalent that lets you know how much variation there is within that color/tile family? Higher numbers mean more variation.

I've been looking at some italian tile sold through arizona tile works. I bought a couple of boxes, and it frankly isn't as good as I'd hoped. The pale box is quite uniform in color, the darker stuff is much better, but both have certain texture patterns pressed into them that repeats. The color variations help hide it, but it is there all the same.

I honestly think the best course of action is to do a LOT of looking, and when you think you've found *the* tile, buy a box, lay it out were you can look at it. Worst case scenario, you won't like it, and you'll have to toss it [or use it somwhere it won't be seen-- under the washer/dryer?] Not cheap, but cheap insurance against ending up with a whole floor you hate.

If you get an entire box [typically 10 square feet], you should see a pretty good cross section of every color/texture in that tile line.

But I wouldn't count on each box containing exactly the same number of light ones, dark ones, etc.

One thing I learned quickly after visiting tile stores is that the "tile guys" selling the tile seemed to make up their answers as they went along.

I found the tile of my dreams called Statements Status. The board showed several sizes, but not a subway tile. I asked if it came in a subway tile, to which they responded..."If it's not on the board they don't make it"

They had another board that had similar tile by the same manufacturer with subway tiles, and on the board with my tile they didn't have any bullnose or corner pieces, so I thought to check I'd visit the website. Of course they did carry my tiles in 3x6 sizes. I emailed them and they quoted a price (Statements) as a guideline. While waiting for the price from Statements, I called the store again, different guy, who said "Of course they have 3x6" He took my order and charged me $23.50 a sq ft as well as shipping.

Statements emailed me back and their price was $68.50 a sq ft for the same tile (they don't sell direct so it was a guideline). NOTHING is cheaper in Alaska so I called the store and talked to the owner. They had ordered a totally different tile, from the same company in a 3x6 tile. I paid the difference (it was supposed to be $68.50 sq ft) and they agreed not to charge for shipping because I was nice about it.

I also had asked if I needed anything else for a backsplash. I'd forgotten my measurements and asked the first guy if he knew a standard for a full backsplash height. He said "Oh they're all 3'" Ok that seemed large to me, but I thought he'd know and ordered enough tile for a 3' tall backsplash, and he didn't even mention bullnose pieces, (I learned about those later). Tile came, I realized the need for bullnose (learned what it was then LOL) and had to order even more hand made tile to match the first batch. I know have about 2' extra tile so I can do a 4' high backsplash...if the cabinets weren't in the way LOL

For the next tile, a 24x24 piece from...dang I've forgotten, anyhoo, a gorgeous crocodile pattern in deep brown, I called the company directly and had them walk me through an order, and then called the store with specifics. I saved about $2000 by doing this (the cost of the screw ups in the backsplash) and ended up with exactly what I needed (plus 10% of course).

So don't trust the sales people..call or email the tile company and get what you need from them, then order the tile from the store. SOOOOO much easier!

Thanks so much orubis and igloochic (perfect for Alaska!) for your insights. There sure is alot to learn.

I do know about the V ratings, just wish they'd add another one such as a number that indicates "the percentage of tiles that are completely unique out of every 100 tiles."

With less variation (lower V number) then it matters less if a greater percentage of the tiles are identical, but I do want enough variation to make it interesting and to hide dirt or flaws.

ALOT of shopping--that is really true!

You're right, it does seem that I'll have to bite the bullet and order a box or two of what I think is my first (and maybe second) choice tile.

Now, if I could just get to THAT point!!

Or just go with natural stone, but there are issues there as well.

Does anyone know about the Portobello and/or Imola Sirrah lines in terms of number of tiles that are totally unique in a batch of 100 or so?
Thanks again! Love this forum

Lainie