FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions.

CAN CEMENT TILES BE INSTALLED OUTDOORS?

There are several considerations in regards exterior using of Cement Tiles. First, tiles may experience some cracking if installed in an environment with freeze conditions. A second consideration for outdoor installations is sun exposure. The tile colour may diminish with UV exposure, especially blue and green pigments. Furthermore, if you want to keep a glossy, perfect nish, we do not generally recommend them for outdoor use.



CAN I INSTALL YOUR TILES ON THE KITCHEN BACKSPLASH?

Yes, certainly. As with any installation, however, they should be well sealed to prevent staining.



CAN I USE YOUR TILES AROUND THE FIREPLACE? ARE THEY HEAT-RESISTANT?

Our tiles are fired in kilns at very high temperatures. They can be used in fireplace installations and will not be damaged by heat.



CAN CEMENT TILES BE USED WITH RADIANT HEAT FLOORS?

Yes, cement tiles have excellent thermal mass and are sublime with a radiant heat oor. When installing over radiant heat, we suggest a larger grout joint (3-4 mm) instead of the small grout joint (1-2 mm) we normally recommend. Also, the grout material should be exible. This will allow for some natural expansion/contraction of the heated oor without cracking the tiles.



WHAT SIZE DO YOU SUGGEST FOR GROUT SPACING?

Our Cement Tiles are sized to accommodate a 1 to 2 mm grout space, a much tighter grout joint than is typical with ceramic tiles, so the visual effect is more like a carpet. Many factors determine the size of a grout joint. It is important to discuss it with both your architect and installer.



ARE YOUR CEMENT TILES PRE-SEALED?

We always send our tiles in a natural state, therefore they must be always sealed upon installation. When needed, the necessary treatment products can be sent along with the material but they would have to be applied on site.



DO I NEED TO SEAL THE CEMENT TILES?

Yes. Sealing is essential to protecting the beauty and ensuring the longevity of any cement tiles.



WILL THE TILE BE STAINED BY WINE OR ACIDS?

If it is correctly sealed, it will not absorb stains. Soda, wine, acids, etc. should not be left to sit on the tile as they will eventually eat through the sealer and stain the tile.



HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY CEMENT TILES?

The tiles should be cleaned with pH-neutral soap and water. Do not use any acids or bleach on these tiles. If sealed with a topical sealant, they may need to be resealed every couple of years.



Placing an Order

WILL SETTING TILES ON A DIAGONAL REQUIRE MORE MATERIAL?

Yes, typically more material is required when tiles are set on a diagonal versus a straight-set. Please refer to your installer when determining how much material is needed.



WHAT SIZE DO YOU SUGGEST FOR GROUT SPACING?

Our tiles are sized to accommodate a 1 to 4 mm grout space, depending on the format. Many factors determine the size of a grout joint. It is important to discuss this with both your architect and installer and follow a jointing scheme.



CAN I USE YOUR TILES AROUND THE FIREPLACE? ARE THEY HEAT-RESISTANT?

Our tiles are fired in kilns at very high temperatures. They can be used in fireplace installations and will not be damaged by heat.



CAN I USE YOUR TILES IN THE SHOWER?

Yes, our tiles are suitable for wet applications. Please note that in regularly wet areas, such as showers, it is common for some tiles to darken and lighten as they become wet and then dry.



CAN I USE YOUR TILES IN EXTERIOR APPLICATIONS?

Our tiles can be installed outside on vertical surfaces with no issues. We do not recommend using our tile outside on horizontal surfaces. Please contact us and we will help determine the suitability of our tiles for your exterior installation.



IS TILING WITHOUT GROUTING POSSIBLE?

In practice, tiling without grouting is not recommended. Even for cut edge tiles, minimum 1 mm and better yet, 2 mm grouting is recommended.



WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MY TILES?

For everyday cleaning, simply use a pH-balanced natural cleaner to care for your tiles. We do not recommend the use of any acids to clean our tiles and it is always wise to test any other cleaning methods in an inconspicuous area of your installation.



Glazed Tiles

CAN CEMENT TILES BE INSTALLED OUTDOORS?

There are several considerations in regards exterior using of Cement Tiles. First, tiles may experience some cracking if installed in an environment with freeze conditions. A second consideration for outdoor installations is sun exposure. The tile colour may diminish with UV exposure, especially blue and green pigments. Furthermore, if you want to keep a glossy, perfect nish, we do not generally recommend them for outdoor use.



CAN I INSTALL YOUR TILES ON THE KITCHEN BACKSPLASH?

Yes, certainly. As with any installation, however, they should be well sealed to prevent staining.



CAN I USE YOUR TILES AROUND THE FIREPLACE? ARE THEY HEAT-RESISTANT?

Our tiles are fired in kilns at very high temperatures. They can be used in fireplace installations and will not be damaged by heat.



CAN CEMENT TILES BE USED WITH RADIANT HEAT FLOORS?

Yes, cement tiles have excellent thermal mass and are sublime with a radiant heat oor. When installing over radiant heat, we suggest a larger grout joint (3-4 mm) instead of the small grout joint (1-2 mm) we normally recommend. Also, the grout material should be exible. This will allow for some natural expansion/contraction of the heated oor without cracking the tiles.



WHAT SIZE DO YOU SUGGEST FOR GROUT SPACING?

Our Cement Tiles are sized to accommodate a 1 to 2 mm grout space, a much tighter grout joint than is typical with ceramic tiles, so the visual effect is more like a carpet. Many factors determine the size of a grout joint. It is important to discuss it with both your architect and installer.



ARE YOUR CEMENT TILES PRE-SEALED?

We always send our tiles in a natural state, therefore they must be always sealed upon installation. When needed, the necessary treatment products can be sent along with the material but they would have to be applied on site.



DO I NEED TO SEAL THE CEMENT TILES?

Yes. Sealing is essential to protecting the beauty and ensuring the longevity of any cement tiles.



WILL THE TILE BE STAINED BY WINE OR ACIDS?

If it is correctly sealed, it will not absorb stains. Soda, wine, acids, etc. should not be left to sit on the tile as they will eventually eat through the sealer and stain the tile.



HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY CEMENT TILES?

The tiles should be cleaned with pH-neutral soap and water. Do not use any acids or bleach on these tiles. If sealed with a topical sealant, they may need to be resealed every couple of years.



Cement Tiles