Tiling is an essential part of any home's interior design. Aesthetically pleasing, durable and suitable for a wide range of uses, this covering adds character to rooms while meeting precise technical requirements. But how are the tiles offered by Thomas & Piron selected? Where do they come from? How can we guarantee that they will be available on site without delay? To answer these questions, we took a behind-the-scenes look at this precise management process, involving strategic choices, logistics and customized customer support.

Tiling is a key element in any building, both for its aesthetic appeal and its durability. At Thomas & Piron, we take a rigorous approach to tile sourcing, from the selection of suppliers right through to delivery on site.

“In the tile world, the benchmark countries are Italy and Spain,” explains Olivier Cognaux, Group Buyer at Thomas & Piron. “Our suppliers are mainly Italian, with a few Spanish partners”. This strategic choice enables the company to guarantee high-quality materials and reliable logistics.

Each year, almost 150,000 square meters of tiles are purchased directly from 8 partner factories. “We have to work with companies capable of ensuring permanent stock and on-time delivery,” explains Olivier Cognaux. The reliability of these partners is essential to avoid stock-outs and meet installation schedules.

The choice of materials is based on strict criteria, first and foremost their resistance. “The first thing we look at is wear resistance,” explains Olivier Cognaux. For guidance, the European PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating, which assigns a score from 1 to 5 to materials, is a benchmark for assessing tile robustness against abrasion and slipperiness.

“We prefer PEI ratings of 4 and 5, or even 3 in some cases. Below that, we don't offer them in showrooms,” explains Olivier Cognaux. This high standard guarantees customers products that are suitable for everyday use and will stand the test of time.

The world of tiles is constantly evolving, and Thomas & Piron keeps abreast of new developments at trade shows, such as the CERSAIE fair in Bologna, where new collections are unveiled every year.

“Our suppliers come to us after this event to present market trends,” explains Olivier Cognaux. “This year, we're seeing a return to beige tones and a reduction in grey shades.

Formats are also evolving. “Large formats are in vogue. Today, 60x60 is the norm, but 80x80 and 60x120 are also increasingly popular. Historically, 45x45 dominated, but customer preferences have changed, and Thomas & Piron is adapting its collections accordingly.

In terms of textures and colors, “the trend is towards uniform colors and 3D textures with a slight relief”, not forgetting imitation parquet, much appreciated for its warm aesthetic appeal. “We also offer outdoor tiling, with 2 cm-thick models that provide continuity between the interior and the terrace,” adds Olivier Cognaux.

The 2,500 m² showroom in Our (Paliseul) is a key passage for future homeowners. “All material choices are made here, including bricks, window frames, staircases... and, of course, tiles,” emphasizes Olivier Cognaux.

With over 1,000 tile references, the showroom features immersive settings in tiled sanitary cubicles. This enables customers to see the materials in real-life context, a major asset in helping them make their selection. “88% of customers find what they're looking for in our showroom,” says Olivier Cognaux. For the remaining 12%, a network of partners with their own showrooms further extends the possibilities.

The support process is designed to facilitate choice: an initial discovery visit followed by an appointment with a project manager, who advises and helps finalize the selection. “We take into account criteria such as tile resistance and suitability for the customer's project,” adds Olivier Cognaux.

As soon as a customer chooses a tile, Thomas & Piron immediately ensures its availability. “Once the selection has been made, we reserve the necessary quantities directly with the factories, even if installation takes place 6 months later,” explains Olivier Cognaux.

Unlike other companies, Thomas & Piron does not stock tiles on its site, but organizes transport on a just-in-time basis, guaranteeing delivery synchronized with the progress of the works. “We always allow for a safety margin to compensate for any production problems. The priority is to ensure that goods arrive on time, so as not to delay work,” adds Olivier Cognaux.

The choice of tiling is not just a question of aesthetics. Its efficiency with underfloor heating is a strong argument. “With an average thickness of 9 mm, ceramic tiles conduct heat very well,” explains Olivier Cognaux.

Parquet, on the other hand, presents more constraints. “Solid parquet can accommodate underfloor heating, but laminate doesn't work because the underlay slows down heat diffusion,” he explains. Tiling therefore remains one of the best options for a well-heated, energy-efficient home.

In order to offer an ever more immersive experience, Thomas & Piron regularly upgrades its showroom. The company is also committed to ensuring the stability of its collections over several years, an essential criterion for after-sales service. “The aim is not to change ranges every six months, but to ensure continuity so that our customers can find their tiles again if necessary”.

Thanks to a rigorous selection of suppliers, an immersive showroom and well-oiled logistics, Thomas & Piron accompanies its customers in their choice of tiles with expertise and exacting standards. Every step of the way is designed to offer quality materials in line with the latest trends and the specific requirements of each project. With carefully selected materials, an immersive showroom and expert advice, every detail is designed to create an interior that combines comfort and durability.