Frequently Asked Questions on Tiles:

Following are answers to some typical Tile questions. You may also find order specific and contact information with the links listed below.

Return Policy Sample Policy Shipping Policy

Visit our Tile Installation guide page for step-by-step instructions on how to install tiles.
Please contact us if you don't find the answer to your particular question below.
Policy/Product questions:
1. How long will it take to get my order?
All of our products have the availability listed on the item page. We update our website on a daily basis to give you the most accurate information we can.
If there is a backorder on the items, you will be notified within two business days of placing your order via email and by phone. Most of our items ship directly from the manufacturer to you.
2. Can I return the tile if I don't like it?
Yes, we accept returns on most items unless they are special order (please refer to our Return Policy page for non-returnable items). Items that are returnable will incur a 25% restocking fee to process the return.
If an item is defective, we will replace the item at our cost.
Please do not return anything without obtaining authorization. To return your unwanted products please contact us. No packages will be accepted without an RGA # posted on the package. Any items returned without authorization will be refused.
3. How would I locate a product on your site?
We have a superior search engine that allows you to find exactly what you are looking for. You may search by manufacturer, style, theme, finish, material or size. You can use any or all of these features to narrow down your search.
4. Do you offer expedited shipping?
Yes, we do offer expedited shipping. Our regular shipping method is Economy Saver, which is a generic term we use to describe a collection of serivces including, but not limited to, USPS, SurePost, UPS Ground and FedEx Ground. With Economy Saver shipping we will pick the best rate available at the time. For an additional charge we also offer standard UPS Ground, Next Day and 2 Day. Please see our Shipping page for further details.
5. Will all the tiles be an exact color?
The beauty of this product is the variation in shades and different color schemes on each sheet of tile. We do recommend choosing random sheets/tiles from each box before installing to achieve a unique look.
6. Do you provide the setting adhesive material for my order?
We do not supply or sell setting materials. They may be purchased from your local tile dealer and home centers.
7. What is California Proposition 65?
California's Proposition 65 entitles California consumers to special warnings for certain products that contain chemicals above certain threshold levels.
The general Proposition 65 notice is as follows:
WARNING: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Proposition 65 notice for wood products is as follows:
WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products generates wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Use a respirator or other safeguards to avoid inhaling wood dust.
How-To questions:
1. How do I install metal tiles?
Your metal tile should be installed using a high performance multi purpose mastic. Favorable results can also be achieved using epoxy based setting materials.
2. How do I install Solid Bronze tiles?
Tile should be installed as any other non-ceramic tile. A contractor should always be hired for the most professional results.
3. How do I install glass tiles?
To avoid affecting the color of glass tile, White modified thin-set is recommended for all installations.
Apply thin-set using a trowel as recommended by the manufacturer. Apply as much adhesive as can be covered within 10-15 minutes. Once set in place gently tap using a grout float to insure full bedding and a true surface
4. How do I cut Solid Bronze tiles?
We recommend a hack saw, jig saw (saber) or band saw using bi-metal blade.
5. How many tiles do I require for my project?
First measure each area height and width to be covered individually and then add the totals together which will give your "square feet". Reduce your calculations for all windows, doors, mirrors, bath tub etc.
Then allow for 5-10% for wastage and 10% for tiles installed diagonally. A good tile installation can last many years, so it is a good idea to store a few leftover tiles, in case a tile or tiles get damaged in the years to come.
6. Should I purchase extra tiles?
We recommend purchasing extra tiles. Always allow 5% for wastage and 10% for tiles installed diagonally.
7. Where should Glass tiles be applied?
All Glass tiles are indicated for Walls, Back splashes, and Tub Surrounds and Counter tops. Opaque, non-transparent glass tiles can also be used on horizontal surfaces like counter tops and vanity tops.
We do not carry floor-rated glass tiles.
8. How do I cut the Glass tiles?
Use tile nippers or a glass hand-cutter for smaller format glass tiles.
9. How do I maintain my Glass tiles?
We recommend mild soapy water or mild detergents and towel dry immediately. We do not recommend harsh chemical or cleaners.
10. How do I maintain my Metal tiles?
Household cleaners such as Windex or Fantastic are ideal. Never use acid based, strong solvents or abrasive cleaners. Use a dusting type motion being careful not to exert much force on the surface of tile.
11. How do I drill holes for my Bathroom Accessories?
Use a portable drill with a diamond bit drill for cutting glass. You will also need a water jacket for the drill to fit in. Attach the water jacket to a water hose – this will keep the bit cool, and inhibit friction that can prematurely wear out the diamond blade.
12. What color "Grout" do you recommend?
Choosing the finish of your grout color is a matter of preference and décor. If you choose a contrasting color it will act as a grid-like highlight for the tiles. If you use a matching or complimentary color the effect will be a more continuous.
13. What is the proper application of the Grout?
All tile joints can be filled flush with the tile, and free of all voids and pits.
For glass tiles, we recommend that the joints are filled to about 75%: if you leave the top edge of the tiles exposed, the tiles will be take in and reflect more light. Provided you use a high quality, modified thinset and a good grout (Mapei is a good brand for both), and follow proper installation instructions, 75% filled joints are more than sufficient for the tile bond.
Excess grout should be cleaned from the surface with a wet cloth or sponge while the grout is fresh and before it hardens. 24 hrs. after installation a grout film or haze will have formed'. Wipe this off with a soft cloth and water. For graphic details see our installation slideshows.
14. What size should my grout joint be and is there a specific size?
There is no specific standard size for the grout joint - it's a matter of preference.
Where your tiles adjoining dissimilar materials, ceilings, and wall edges, you will also need to add a similar sized expansion joint. This is a gap that is best filled with a rubberized sealant – do not grout the expansion joint, as it is there to absorb expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, and also will help if there are subtle shifts in the substrate.
15. How do I maintain Solid Bronze tiles?
We recommend a periodic light coat of Butcher's Wax with the powder-coated tiles being an exception.
Cleaning should be done with NON ABRASIVE household cleansers only. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals and solvents. Once dry, apply a light coat of Butcher's Wax and buff. The powder-coated tiles need only a dusting with a damp cloth.
16. Do you recommend installing metal tiles on the floor?
Metal Tiles are for Wall installations only. Floor installations are not recommended. Tiles are durable but will scratch and can be permanently damaged if used on floors.
17. What kind of surface can I install tiles onto?
Install only on stable, flat and clean substrates. Do not install directly on particle board, wood of any kind, or drywall. If you have these surfaces to work with, attach a cement backer board to the substrate to establish a flat, solid surface.
18. What about installation in submerged surfaces, like pools, spas and showers?
Water installations are relatively complex. They involve the use of a waterproof membrane, showerpans, and extra care establishing expansion joints. This is usually the domain of the professional installer. The pros often consult reputable online resources like John Bridge Tile Forums.
19. Can Glass tiles be installed outdoors?
Yes. Because they are impermeable, and extremely fade and stain resistant, glass tiles work well outside.
They should not be installed where they will are called on to absorb sudden, violent impact, or extreme thermal shocks – for instance, on tables where heavy outdoor objects are likely to be stacked, or in places under a hot, full sun where they get periodically splashed with cold water.
20. What if a tile falls off the mesh mounting or plastic facing before I install it?
Individual pieces are easily fit into the grid once the mesh mounted sheet is laid. For mesh mounted sheets, you can also reset the piece into the mesh with a small amount of white PVA (Polyvinyl acetate) non-water soluble glue, such as Weldbond. If the tiles are transparent, apply a lines of glue along ridges on the back and apply thinly, such that it isn't visible through the tile.
21. Should I cut Bronze and Metal tiles?
We do not recommend this, as these tiles have a complex pattern, which probably makes it prohibitively difficult, aesthetically speaking. However, it you still want to cut, we recommend a hack saw, jig saw (saber) or band saw using bi-metal blade.
22. Should I use a crack suppression membrane under my glass tiles?
A crack suppression membrane absorbs movement in the substrate. As glass is not pliable, it can break if it is held stationary by thinset while the substrate moves. So a crack suppression membrane is often called for. It is stuck to the substrate; tiles are then thinsetted on top of it.
It is a question of cost. If you have it in your budget, and the rest of the install is carried out carefully, a membrane is all upside. You can pick one up at most big box Home Improvement stores. Crack suppression membranes are typically only required on large format glass tiles. If there is movement under our tiles, they are unlikely to break – smaller tiles have a relatively high grout joint area/tile surface area ratio; the grout joints should absorb typical movement.