Care Instructions

  • To remove everyday wear-and-tear on your tile we suggest using soap and water and a clean rag or mop. Diluted dishwashing soap does the job without the worry of damaging the tile or stripping the sealer from your grout.. Avoid using cleansers that contain acids (phosphoric acid), as some tiles in the Fireclay offering are not acid resistant (see the Debris and Vitrail Colors and Specifications download for specific glaze information). Some tiles should be towel dried after cleaning to avoid watermarks caused by hard water. To clean grout haze, use a weak vinegar solution with a soft rag or a manufactured grout-haze-remover type cleaner.
  • We recommend that you clean your newly installed floor 72 hours after installation (this amount of time is needed for your grout and thin-set to cure and for excess moisture to evaporate). All dirt, dust and grout haze should be removed and the floor given enough time to dry before applying 2-3 coats of sealer to your grout. To guard against stains from dirt and oils, 2-3 coats of Aqua Mix Sealer Choice Gold does a great job. We recommend sealing 1x per year.
  • You should be able to use any cleaning product specified for tile, though we suggest first testing the product to be sure. A good rule of thumb is using cleaning products that do not contain phosphoric acid. This ingredient is common in many harsh-smelling cleaners.  If you have selected a non-acid resistant Fireclay glaze please avoid cleansers that contain acids such as vinegar and lemon juice. Also avoid highly abrasive cleansers on higher gloss tiles as they may become scratched.

 

FAQ

  • Do you have stock in all colors and shapes?
    Due to the uniqueness of each order we do not stock standard colors or sizes. We have stock in samples of 2” x 2” and 4” x 4” tiles in all glazes for color reference.
  • Why is it so expensive to order less than 10 square feet of tile?
    Believe it or not, it is very time consuming to produce small quantities of tile. The set-up time to make 10, 100, or 500 square feet takes the same amount of time - changing tools, cleaning glaze guns, setting application parameters, etc. So, the production cost per square foot is considerably higher for the low quantities.
  • Why is it suggested that I purchase 10% over the amount required for my installation.
    10% is a general rule of thumb when ordering tile. It’s meant to cover loss of material during cutting and possible job site jostling. Most often when a unique, handmade tile cut has been made, the remaining piece of tile cannot be used anywhere else, resulting in fewer tiles than expected. Placing smaller refill orders after the initial order can be costly and time consuming, and can often be avoided by ordering the recommended 10% overage. As a general rule, tile is one of the last materials installed on a project. As well, due to the inherent batch variation with Fireclay tile, a second run could end up looking different from the original order.
  • What do you recommend using to cut Fireclay tile?
    Use a diamond blade wet saw. Make sure that the cutting blade is in good condition. A finer blade will make a finer cut.
  • Why type of grout should I use?
    Use a sanded grout with a 3/16” grout line. We recommend a grout color that blends with the tile or is lighter in color than the tile.
  • Do I need to seal my tile?
    Our Vitrail Series Tiles are pre-sealed before packing with penetrating sealer. This protects them during installation and grouting. We recommend that a coat of penetrating sealer is wiped on the Vitrail Tiles after grouting and drying. We recommend sealing 1x per year thereafter. We suggest sealing for non-acid-resistant tile in an area such as a bathroom or pool to prevent a patina from forming on the tile. It is always a good idea to seal your grout however, to ward off staining and discoloration from harsh cleaners and hard-water.
  • Do you offer a porcelain tile line?
    Fireclay Tile products are stoneware tile, which differs from porcelain in the coarseness of the clay, the lower firing temperature and overall porousity. However, our clay bodies are very unique for stoneware, as they are vitreous (virtually non-porous) and very durable. In many cases our tile can easily take the place of porcelain.
  • Can I order a gloss glaze in a matte finish?
    No, glaze formulas are unique to their color and finish which cannot be modified independently. However, there are some similar colors in both finishes. If this isn’t the case with the color you’re requesting, we may be able to custom develop something similar with a different finish (note - this would qualify as a custom job and incur additional development fees).
  • What is the recommended grout line?
    We recommend 3/16” (1/4” for 12” modules).
  • Can I install with a very tight grout line and not the recommended size of 3/16” (3/16” for 12” modules)?
    Possibly, however it depends on whether or not the natural irregularity in tile size and shape allows for a tighter fit (typically easier with smaller sizes). It also requires a much more skilled installation to get a good end result. If the grout line is too tight the tile could chip at stress points while the grout dries. Your tile installer should have a grout selection kit with the many shades of grout available and there will likely be a choice that blends in with the tile rather than creating contrast.
  • Do I need to do a mortar set or can I get away with a Thin-set?
    This question is best answered by your installer, contractor or architect. Generally, an installation in a wet area, like a shower or bath, requires a mortar set and dryer areas are fine to use Thinset. We recommend thinset. Some mastics may be suitable for our tile but please check with your installer or retailer as mastics vary by type.
  • What type of grout should I use?
    We recommend using a sanded grout. The grout should be a natural color or a color similar to the tile. Dark grouts with pigments can stain the tile and should be avoided.
  • Can I mix different glazes and sizes in my installation?
    Our tile is not necessarily modular from one size to another. Many shapes and sizes can be used together, but we recommend asking us first or ordering samples. We recommend keeping to a single clay body, as our clay bodies (Debris and Vitrail) shrink at different rates with the result that our Vitrail body tile is slightly smaller than our Debris body tile.
  • Can I use a gloss-finished tile on the floor?
    Higher gloss can scratch and wear faster on a floor (think stones embedded in shoes). Also, a gloss will be more slippery and could be unsafe in wet areas.

    If you do choose to go with a gloss finish on your floor we recommend smaller tiles with more grout joints to increase slip resistance.
  • Is your tile frost proof or resistant?
    The Vitrail Series is frost resistant but NOT frost proof. The Vitrail Series is suitable for outdoor installations in warmer climates but not colder climates.
  • What about tiles for pools, spas or fountains?
    For tile installations in these areas please only use a glaze that is not acid sensitive. Our glazes are marked with their individual sensitivity to acidity.

 

join our email list
stay connected
facebook
twitter