FAQ's

General Questions

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    Yes. We stock all of our products. We also show a selection of specialty items that we can custom order for your specific needs.

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    We do not have a design service. However, our showrooms have consultants who are trained and experienced with the products we carry and are happy to help decide which products best compliment each other for your particular project.

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    No. Scientific studies have found that granite countertops pose no significant radon or radiation risk. While it's true that some types of granite do emit radon gas, the studies have shown that even the most active test samples of granite most commonly used in US countertops contribute emissions that are below the levels requiring EPA-recommended remediation. And most fall below what the EPA would consider "background levels" of radon.

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    Depending on future needs, keeping an extra box or two on-hand could be beneficial. Always refer to your installer when determining quantities.

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    For definitions to various terms, please visit our Glossary of Terms.

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    We have a variety of custom items including medallions, fireplaces, columns, mosaics and decorative listelles. There are also a variety of natural stones in many different sizes and colors. Please contact your nearest location for details.

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    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: Some porcelain products, as noted on the pertinent product pages within this website, contain Lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

    WARNING: Granite, Marble, Quartzite and Quartz products, as noted on those product pages within this website, contain Crystalline Silica, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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    These terms refer to travertine stone. Travertine has holes naturally. The holes will either be filled at the factory or filled when the stone is installed. Filled vs. unfilled products provide a very different look, therefore it is important to view both materials in an installed setting to determine the look most preferred.

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    Product can be returned within 30 days with a 25% restocking fee. Only full box quantities may be returned, no loose or single tiles will be accepted. Custom/special order materials require a 50% deposit upon order and are non-refundable.

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    Yes, we are open to the public.  Our showrooms are a great place to collect ideas for your project and our informative staff is happy to assist in your selections.  Please contact your nearest showroom location for hours of operation.

Installing Products

Selecting Products

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    No, they are not. However, many of the colors we carry in slabs are also available in tile.

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    Yes, we have medallions that can be customized to best fit your style.

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    Yes, we understand the importance of coordinating all the elements for your home and are happy to provide samples during your selection process.

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    One of the benefits of natural stone is the variation it provides. No two pieces ever look the same. You are welcome to see the current lot when you pick up your stone, however you cannot hand select individual pieces of tile.

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    Most of our locations have slab areas where you can approve materials. Contact your nearest location for more information.

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    Slate is not usually recommended for inside a shower area due the oxidization that can occur. However, we recommend other materials that don't oxidize, such as quartzite. Quartzite has some of the variation you see in slate, but is comprised of other minerals that tend to hold up better in a shower application. Quartzite is a natural stone, therefore sealing is recommended. Another alternative would be porcelain tiles, which resemble the look of slate and do not require sealing.

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    Due to the fact that slate is a natural product, there are minerals in it that may weather differently over time. Slate is used for exterior installations in many climates that do not experience freeze/thaw conditions. As far as flaking, this is typically referred to as shaleing and is a normal characteristic of slate due to the layers in this type of stone.

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    The application (for use in a shower, floor, etc.) and the traffic levels it will experience will determine the type of tile you should select. All of our floor tiles are durable enough for residential use. We also have products made specifically for commercial applications. We are happy to direct you to the product that best suits your needs.

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    In fountains and pools the material used most commonly at the water line is porcelain tile. Other products that also work well are glass tiles, granite, and a few quartzites (Golden Gate, Golden Green, Ostrich Grey). If the tile isn't continually submerged under water, there are many other decorative products that may be used as well. For a steam shower, granite, porcelain and glass tile are the most durable products.

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    Both materials are of excellent quality and durability. Ceramic/porcelain tile is a man-made product and natural stone is quarried from the earth. Natural stone is varied in color and no two pieces ever look the same. It is unique and timeless. Many ceramic/porcelain tiles are made to mimic some type of stone. They are a bit more controlled in range and variation, however many people have difficulty distinguishing between natural stone and ceramic/porcelain tile due to the advanced technology used today. Natural stone requires periodic maintenance vs. ceramic/porcelain, which requires no extended upkeep and is virtually maintenance-free.

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    The availability of trim pieces varies based on the product selected. Please refer to the products section for more information.

Care And Maintenance

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    A steam cleaner can be used to clean grout and porcelain or ceramic tile. It should not be used to clean natural stone. Some of the more decorative marbles and granites have soft veins. The force of the water vapor from the steam cleaner might deteriorate the stone.

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    Yes, and it is recommended to fill the holes. When the installer sets your floor, he/she will fill the voids with the grout color of your choice.

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    Yes, granite countertops should be sealed periodically. In a new installation, ask your installer if the countertop has been sealed and what product was used. If it has not been sealed, then use a penetrating sealer made for granite. Sealers, cleaners and other products can be purchased at your nearest location. Sealing granite will provide a barrier that will give you time to clean up a spill before it penetrates into the stone.

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    Grout cleaners are available for stubborn stains. Otherwise, use a ceramic/porcelain tile cleaner with clean water for regular cleanings.

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    Cracked tile will need to be replaced. Cracked grout can be removed with a grout saw and then re-grouted

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    The frequency in which you need to seal your stone surface depends on the area in which the stone is installed. On average, it should be sealed every one to three years. Higher traffic areas may need to be sealed more often. There are several variables that affect this timeframe:

    1. The type of stone and its porosity
    2. The traffic in your business or home
    3. How often you clean your floor
    4. The type of sealer that has been used previously

    If you are going to work with a company to have your stone sealed, they may be able to create a recommended schedule for resealing based on these variables.

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    Sealing the grout will add a barrier that will give you time to clean up a spill. Please refer to manufacturer information for more details.

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    For everyday cleaning, simply use a Ph-balanced natural stone cleaner to care for your stone. Natural stone needs to be sealed after installation. There are many sealers on the market that are made specifically for natural stone as well as companies that specialize in sealing and maintaining natural stone.

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    Sealing adds a barrier to the stone that will give you time to clean up spills that may potentially discolor the stone. Enhancing a stone brings out the natural colors of some stones.

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    Granite is like any other surface. If exposed to germs, the germs will sit on the surface until cleaned. There are stone cleaners available that are safe to use in most areas of the home, which will help eliminate germs.