Castle Tile - Costa Mesa, California

Christene Strong

I will just share my email I sent to Kimmara.

We had ceramic tile in our kitchen that was original to the home for 30 years and we lived here for 7 years and not a single scratch or chip. We bought big-box store tiles for the bathroom in 2013 and not a single scratch in 7 years. We remodeled our entire kitchen in 2019 and decided to pay 3x more for expensive Italian porcelain tile from a dedicated tile store, castle tiles. We bought extra to put under all our cabinets because we thought it would last.
Within a year we had 1 chip on it. I was bummed, but thought it's fine I will just replace it in the future. Within 2 years. We had 3 places with chips and dings. It's completely unacceptable. It is so easily scratched that one time I tried to vacuum and there was a scratch on it. It is incredibly poorly made. See pictures attached. I have no idea what to do at this point.

Kimmara responded,

Thank you for sending the pictures. I will forward them to the tile vendor along with your explanation.
I will get back to you when I hear back from them.

30 days later she sent me:

Please let me know if you would like replacement tiles for the 2-3 tiles. Porcelain tile is durable and considered acceptable for floor and wall use. Proper installation and use of the recommended setting materials and grout installation should be followed to avoid breakage, chipping of the tile.
Example/ hollow sounds coming from the tile may indicate improper installation and will cause cracking and chipping, tile does not crack or chip on its own. The Tile Vendor said they have not had complaints about the tile, but they can offer to give you replacements for the ones that have chips.
Please let me know if you would like to get the replacement tiles and I will order them.

I responded
Your response somehow insinuates we have incorrectly installed the tile. There is no hollow sound. Installation is not the problem. This tile is very soft. Beyond the chips it is easily scratched. I've attached just a few photos of scratches that will not come off. We are very unhappy with this tile. I urge you to do your own experimentation of how soft the surface of this tile is, instead of immediately take the Vendor's word and blame your customer for installation. I guess replacements is the only options but it will be very expensive and the longevity is highly questionable.

It's been another 22 days and no response. If this is the experience you want to have after spending a lot of money here.

roy svarc

Great showroom and installers
Kimara and Shane are super knowledgeable
And super helpful when it comes to full renovations.
Recommend to everyone to stop by.

Chris Lacy

I’m General contractor, and I refer all my customers to Castle Tile. They’re always very friendly and helpful with all my clients. They have an amazing selection of tile for all your tile needs. There knowledge always makes picking out the right tile easy, and simple. Thank you!

Nancy Preston

Ray, the owner, has been great! I have used Castle Tile in two major renovations, and they have dine a superb job. The selection of granite and other stones is plentiful. They have wonderful fabricators and installers. I have come back for multiple requests for other minor jobs and they have been willing to do them with the same quality of workmanship. Highly recommend them, and I have to my friends as well.

Ted McFadden

I've been working with Castle tile for almost 20 years now. They've done multiple projects for me and both installation and repair and I've always been more than satisfied. When I refer them to my customers the feedback is always terrific.

William and Kimmara run a great business. Highly recommended!

John Austin

We found Kimmara to be extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. She seems to be genuinely interested in guiding her customers to the products which will succeed in accomplishing their desired results. She has excellent taste and the ability to visualize the look her customers are hoping for.

Karl Mahan

I’m a local tile contractor located in Huntington Beach. I have been doing business with Castle Tile.
I always know when I send a client to Castle Tile that they are in good. Kamara and Kathy are very knowledgeable and incredible designers. They will spend quality time with you and give professional advice on all your tile needs.
They have a incredible show room with a wide variety of tile. They have a great selection of plank flooring, 12x24, also beautiful glass tile

Alice Toth

I’ve used Castle Tile for 2 major renovations. First for my kitchen last year and most recently for my master bathroom. Kimmara was so helpful and friendly both times. I came to her shop several times while trying to decide on the right tile and she never made me feel like I was a bother. She personally helped me choose the tile and made great suggestions. She researched a manufacturer I saw on Houzz that she didn’t carry and ordered me samples. I am grateful that they let you take samples home too. I would highly recommend Castle Tile and will definitely use them again.