Is Heath Tile Worth The Cost?

Ceramic tiles are one of the more popular options available today to re-do your floor, backsplash, and more. Although commonly known for their durability and easy maintenance, ceramic tiles also have the surprising benefit of being naturally odor-resistant. You'll likely encounter them at Heath Ceramics, a California-based company on the pricier end of the scale. While the cost of Heath tiles might make you hesitant, it may be worth splurging on if you value artisan products. 

Established in 1948 by husband-and-wife duo Edith and Brian Heath, Heath Ceramics is now renown for a range of products including dinnerware, decor, and tiles. Heath is known for their sustainability practices. Each factory is powered only by renewable energy and their tiles are also certified for chemical transparency by Declare, a platform that shares healthy building productss. However, the main factor that sets Heath apart from other manufacturers is that they hand-make each tile.

Compared to mass-produced tiles, hand-made ones tend to be longer-lasting, as they are made with more attention to detail. Another main benefit is that each tile is unique which brings additional beauty and character to your home. This particular quality is what many celebrate Heath for. One reviewer (via Yelp) wrote that Heath tiles "are simple, exquisite, and timeless," while another stated (via Yelp), "To be around Heath ceramics is to be given a sensory, tactile visual treat. Each piece, from a coffee cup to a background tile is simple and exquisite."

Although Heath tiles are known for their beauty, the old adage, "Beauty comes with a price," can be taken literally here. Generally, ceramic tile ranges between $12 to $45 per square foot. Although Heath offers made-to-order tile options where the prices vary depending on the collection, trim, and other factors, it's budget-friendly options fall towards the higher end of that scale. These include purchasing a ready-to-ship product at $28 per square foot, or browsing its overstock shed in California, where tile costs $14 or $22 per square foot depending on the quality.

Another factor driving up Heath's cost is that you should order 20% more tile than you think you need. This is a common practice especially when ordering handmade tile as you can expect that tiles may slightly vary in size or have irregular shapes. So, you will likely need to cut pieces during installation, and the remaining portion of that tile can't be used elsewhere. 

In addition, the natural variations in handmade tiles can make installing Heath's products more time-consuming.  These won't be neatly proportioned, pre-made tiles you can easily lay out on your floor. You will likely need to utilize tile spacers. Cutting tiles also takes time as you'll need to take and double-check measurements. Overall, you will likely need to pause throughout your installation to check your layout's progression and adjust pieces as necessary.

For many, Heath tiles are an investment. If you decide to purchase them, you want to ensure that your product holds up over time. On average, ceramic tiles already last between 75 to 100 years. However, proper maintenance will save you from dealing with problems like breakage or major stains that could require replacing specific tiles or even your entire floor.

For the most part, ceramic tiles are easy to maintain, especially when glazed as the process makes them stain-resistant. This is because glazing makes your tiles non-porous so liquids that could stain clay aren't actually able to penetrate the tile's surface. Because your tiles are non-porous, they are also water-resistant, which is what makes ceramic tiles great options for bathrooms. While you can clean with a broom, mop, or vacuum, avoid using steel wool or scouring pads on ceramic tiles, as these products can scratch the surface. For Heath's products, you should be able to use any tile-safe cleaning product, but if your tile has a non-acid-resistant glaze, the company suggests avoiding cleaners with acids like vinegar and lemon juice. 

To further extend your tiles' lifespan, it's necessary to use a grout sealer. Heath Ceramics itself recommends sealing their tiles because it will assist with preventing grout haze which is a dull film that may appear on your tiles after you grout them. Applying sealant is an easy DIY task as long as you research the proper sealant for your floor and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application.