FAQ’S
SAMPLES
Samples can be ordered through one of our 200+ authorized showrooms in the United States and Canada. To find the showroom nearest you, go to the Visit a Showroom page.
We ALWAYS recommend asking your local showroom for a sample before placing your order (especially if you’re ordering a Special Order product). If they don’t have your specific sample on hand, they can order it from us. Ordering a sample may seem like an extra step, but it’s the best insurance in making sure that you’re happy with your selection for years to come.
ORDERING
Orders can be placed through one of our 200+ authorized showrooms in the United States and Canada. To find the showroom nearest you, go to the Visit a Showroom page.
Measure twice, order once…that’s our motto! Make sure that your designer or contractor has measured carefully before placing your order. We recommend ordering a minimum of 15% overage (sometimes more). Ordering overage is necessary to accommodate cuts, and avoid add-on orders. Due to the handmade nature of our products, there WILL be variation from batch to batch and lot to lot. We cannot guarantee that additional product ordered at a later date will be an exact match.
Out of respect for long standing relationships with our showrooms, we do not sell directly. All of our products are sold exclusively through Sonoma Tilemakers Authorized Dealers. We work with over 200 showrooms in the United States and Canada. To find the showroom nearest you, go to the Visit a Showroom page.
Our products are sold through over 200 authorized showrooms in the United States and Canada. To find the showroom nearest you, go to the Visit a Showroom page.
Yes. We recommend ordering a minimum of 15% overage, but sometimes more. If you are ordering a decorative tile, creating a pattern, or planning a more complex layout (like herringbone), you might consider more.
Ordering overage is necessary to accommodate cuts, and to avoid add-on orders or delays to your installation. A small percentage of breakage in transit should be expected. Due to the handmade nature of our products, there WILL be variation from batch to batch and lot to lot. We cannot guarantee that additional product ordered at a later date will be an exact match.
If you end up with a little extra, don’t worry! We highly recommend that you keep it. Keeping your extra tile is great insurance in case you ever need to make a repair in the future. It will be much easier and less stressful to use your extra tile than hope we can match it years later.
If you didn’t order enough tile, we will do our best to match what you received in your first order. Due to the handmade nature of our products, there WILL be variation from batch to batch and lot to lot. We cannot guarantee that additional product ordered at a later date will be an exact match.
To place an add-on order, return to the showroom where you placed your original order. Take a sample of your tile, along with your order # if you have it. Your showroom will work with us to place your order.
ASTORIA
LA TERRAZZA
Don’t worry. It is normal for efflorescence to occur after moisture has evaporated from La Terrazza. La Terrazza may arrive damp after transit, and it will become damp again during installation. If efflorescence occurs, it can easily be removed with a fine steel wool pad or soft scrub brush. We always recommend testing a small area before first.
STELLAR
TABOO
VIHARA
Vihara should always be installed with the paper facing OUT (as per our installation instructions). Paper facing is used on Vihara glass because it is transparent or translucent, where mesh backing will not work. The paper is adhered with a water-soluble glue and will be removed after the mosaic has been seated into the thin-set. DO NOT install the tile with paper embedded into the thin-set.
Vihara is a paper faced product, meaning that it is installed with the paper facing out. The paper will be removed during installation. The FLAT side is the outside of the tile, which is attached to the paper and will be visible after installation. The BEVELED side is the back of the tile, which will be mounted on the wall. The purpose of the bevels is to provide more surface area to adhere to the thin set during installation.
Vihara tile is perfectly imperfect. Surface folds and shallow cracks are to be expected with this handcrafted product. They are a surface feature that is present before installation and do not affect the integrity of the tile. Be aware that the handmade surface of Vihara glass tile will collect grout during the grouting process. The amount of grout “visible” after installation will depend primarily on the contrast between the grout color and tile color, how well the tiles were cleaned before/after grouting, and viewing distance.
BEFORE installing, the installer should carefully read the installation instructions.
INSTALLATION
Be aware that you are responsible for determining the acceptability of the product prior to installation. Sonoma Tilemakers is in no way responsible for the installation of our tiles or thereafter.
We recommend:
- Inspect all boxes for damage upon arrival.
- Inspect all tile in all boxes.
- Double check that you have enough tile to complete the project with some leftover. Take into account grout spacing and cuts. If you need additional tile, do not start the installation until you have it.
- Hire an experienced installer who uses TCNA guidelines.
- Make sure they have read the installation instructions.
- We do not recommend having your tile installed before you have seen it.
If you end up with a little extra, don’t worry! We highly recommend that you keep it. Keeping your extra tile is great insurance in case you ever need to make a repair in the future. It will be much easier and less stressful to use your extra tile than hope we can match it years later.