Statements Tile

Thank you fellow Unilocaler for the tip on the discontinued tiles. Tiles here are beautiful and unique and pricier than what we were looking for, but seem worth the cost. Wasn’t expecting customer service after expressing interest in the clearance tiles, which is what happened. But, can’t complain because we walked out with some gorgeous tiles at clearance prices!

Statements has an excellent selection of contemporary, modern tile, their prices are reasonable, and the staff is great to work with.
I bought a bunch of tile for my bathroom from both Statements and Pental. I had a few minor blemishes in a couple of the tiles from both companies; Statements was quick to resolve all my issues and replaced the few blemished tiles. Pental on the other hand refused to be flexible in anyway, even though it was an in stock tile and I was only requesting to change out two tiles.

I’m sorry that reviewer Jodi had a two star experience by having to wait for 10 minutes, but I laughed when I read her review, because what she is describing is the perfect customer service when it comes to buying tile! Does it matter that a tile has a green vs gray undertone, or that another sample of the same tile looks different, or another is less expensive or more attractive to the spouse? Damn right! The person experienced with tile installation knows that what may be barely discernible in a sample makes a huge difference over 200 sq ft, or in differing light conditions.
The showroom vignettes are a tremendous help in translating how a tile transforms from sample to installation. Many tiles are stocked. Yes, I said IN STOCK. In the shipping area, they display discontinued tiles which can be purchased at bargain prices. I’m a designer and have used this showroom for years. They have an impressive selection of high quality tile, and a fantastic staff. I love doing business with Statements, and you will, too.

Okay… well, after reading the other reviews it’s clear that I’m the dissenting opinion.
I just came from 4 different tile stores in the area. At Statements Tile, I finally left after over 10 minutes of waiting while the single staff person on the floor mused with a customer about whether the tile they wanted had a grey undertone or a green undertone.
This involved staring silently at the tile while tilting it back and forth next to the window and pointing at different sections and then pulling another piece from the back for comparison… among other techniques.
It also included discussion about what this person’s significant other might think… and how he’s really fond of green… but the other tile was a little less expensive, which he’d also like… and how she really liked that tile because it looked «deco» and the way the pieces came together it might look like they cut them themselves… kind of like a mosaic… blah…blah…blah…
As the only other person in the room I stood there. Practicing my deep breathing. Then practicing my kegels. It was wicked obvious I had a question. If the person who worked there bothered to look at me and say «Hello» I may have said, «Hey, is there someone who can get me a sample of a couple of these?» But no! She stared quietly at the shifting light of the ceramic tile, entranced by it’s conflicting greys and greens.
At the end of all this, when I finally thought It was over and I could ask for my samples, the customer said, «Oh, and I have another question…» and on they went.
So, do I expect people to fawn all over me? No. Do I expect that as someone standing there with pieces of tile in their hands for 10 minutes that the employee will acknowledge me with «hello»…or a smile… or some freaking eye contact?! Yes! I do! Especially when I’m contemplating dropping $ 40/​square foot on some freaking green iridescent tile! Maybe I didn’t look like I was thinking of dropping five grand on tile but I assure you, I was! Don’t let the purple nail polish fool you.
I guess that the flip side to that «undivided attention» that another Unilocaler mentions is that if you want it, you better be the first one in the door when they open.
Oh. They do have some cool tile.

There is a snarl of streets down in Georgetown where you can find almost all of the tile/​marble stores in Seattle. Bellevue has a few sprinkled about but the Georgetown neighborhood is a treasure trove. And Statements is the crème de la crème.
I didn’t know much about tile before this research weekend. But now I know that there are dozens of styles, textures, and shapes out there. Whether you want a french cottage look, a japanese onsen look, or a mexican riviera look, there are at least a dozen tiles in each style. They’ve got several rooms with displays set up so you can get a feel for different arrangements of floor, backsplash, shower, or wall tiling or stonework.
Even if you don’t purchase tile, it’s worth a trip just for research and customer service. They’ve got fresh-​brewed coffee, apple cider, and brownies to sustain you. We spoke with Karen on our first trip and Miki on our second. Both were eager to answer questions, point out floor samples, or talk through some brainstorming ideas. We brought in photos of our space and they gave us helpful, honest feedback. Plus tile samples! We went home with a bag full of samples so we could touch and test and think through the options.