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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the questions we get asked most frequently. We hope this helps you understand our products and services, but if you don’t find what you are looking for here please Contact Us. We are happy to answer any question you might have!

General

Are you open to the public?

Yes; our Maple Grove and International Market Square showrooms are open to the public. We have professional associates that can help you with all of your tile needs. Please visit us and be inspired!

Are all of your products in stock?

Many of the collections featured on our website are stock; however, our website does feature collections that we promote as special order. These products are not stocked but are available for specification and as special order. We also carry additional lines which are not shown on our website but are only available in our showrooms and throughout our dealer distribution.

What is your return policy?

Retail customers may return unused regular stock tile up to 30 days from invoice for a refund. Special order tile may not be returned. Discontinued and close out tile may not be returned.

Does your company install tile?

We do not install tile. We are a distributor. If you have made selections from our inventory we can provide you with recommendations for a tile installer or a dealer to supply and install our products.

Selecting our Products

What does shade variation mean?

The color shade or shades of all tiles vary to some degree from piece to piece and from production run to production run. Many series are designed to have a great deal of variation as part of the visual design. Tiles are rated as follows:

  • V1 = Uniform Appearance
  • V2 = Slight Variation
  • V3 = Moderate Variation
  • V4 = Random Variation

My tile contactor asked me to make my tile selections. Do I need to make an appointment to make selections?

Appointments are appreciated, but not required. Walk-ins are always welcome at our Maple Grove and International Market Square showrooms.

Can I get samples?

We check out samples from all of our showrooms for you to take with you and view in your space or to coordinate with other design elements. If you are outside of the Minneapolis area, please Contact Us for further information about your sample needs.

What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?

Porcelain tiles are also ceramic tiles, but porcelain tiles have specific technical properties. Porcelain tiles are made using finer materials and are fired under intense pressure and temperature so they are more dense than ceramic. This higher density makes them more suitable for more demanding applications, such as high traffic areas and exteriors. Porcelains are categorized by a water absorption rate of 0.5% or less. Non-porcelain tiles have water absorption rate of more than 0.5%.

Can I select natural stone for my shower?

Yes; however, when using natural stone in a shower you must understand the sealing recommendations and proper maintenance products. Many porcelain tiles are manufactured to resemble natural stone and are a great alternative for ease of maintenance in a shower area.

Installing our Products

What grout joint size should I use for my installation?

The common practice today is to use a spacing of 1/8″ to 3/16″; however, your tile may determine what size grout spacing you should use. Please use manufacturer recommended minimums as a guide to determine grout joint size.

How do I attach my fixtures?

Tileware fixtures require hardware to be attached during tile installation. See Tileware Fixtures for more installation information. For other surface mounted fixtures, we recommend using a clear 100% silicone. Tape the fixtures in place overnight to prevent any slipping.

My installation has a haze on it after I grouted. How do I get it off?

A proper clean up after grouting is very important. If a haze exists the following day and is difficult to remove Contact Us for a recommended cleaner that will remove the grout haze.

How do I plan my shower installation?

Most installers begin on the back wall first. The sidewalls are installed next with the cuts back in the corners. Follow TCNA guidelines for all tile installations.

How do I determine how much tile to order?

As a general rule you should calculate how many square feet you will be covering and then add 10% to allow for cuts and waste. If you are installing a complicated pattern it is best to add 15% for waste.

What do I do to my walls before installing a backsplash?

Make sure the wall is clean and free of any grease, dirt or oil. Tile can be installed over a painted or primed wall. Do not install over raw sheetrock.

How do I install my tile?

Please consult TCNA guidelines for all tile installation best practices. We can provide you with recommendations for a professional tile installer or a dealer to supply and install our products following these TCNA guidelines.

Care and Maintenance

How do I clean my tile?

Ceramic and porcelain tile require little maintenance. You should select a non-acidic cleaner designed for tile and stone care as a general cleaner.  See our Care and Maintenance page for details of products sold in our showrooms.

My grout is dirty. How do I clean it?

Grout maintenance is important. Dirty grout may require use of an intensive acidic cleaner designed to remove deep dirt and restore grout color. After cleaning, the floor must be cleaned with clear water and allowed to dry. After cleaning, grout must be resealed for proper protection.

Visit a Showroom

Our extensive showrooms offer a relaxed and enjoyable space to make your perfect tile selection.

Showroom locations

Discover Our Products

Find the perfect tile or mosaic for your space by browsing our wide selection of porcelain tile, ceramic tile, wall tile, mosaics, natural stone tile, glass tile and metal tile.

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Request Product Information

Interested in a specific collection? Need a product sample? Looking for additional technical information? We are happy to help with any request you may have!

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