FAQs
General Questions
Selecting Products
Installing Products
Care and Maintenance
General Questions
What do some of the terms on your site mean, such as honed, rectified, listelle, etc.?
For definitions to various terms, please visit our Glossary of Terms.
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Are your locations open to the public?
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 you in your selections. Please contact your nearest showroom location for hours of operation.
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Does AZT provide a design service?
We do not have a design service. 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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What is your return policy?
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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What do you offer as custom-made products?
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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Should I buy extra material? How much?
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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Are all of your products in stock?
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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What is filled? Unfilled?
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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Selecting Products
What is the difference between natural stone tile vs. ceramic/porcelain tile?
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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How should I decide which type of product to use?
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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Can slate be used in the shower?
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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Can slate be used outside, in uncovered areas? If it flakes, is that normal?
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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Are all granite colors available in tile form?
No, they are not. However, many of the colors we carry in slabs are also available in tile.
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What can I use in a pool or fountain? A steam shower?
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 and granite. 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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What trim pieces are available?
The availability of trim pieces varies based on the product selected. Please refer to the products section for more information.
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Can I customize a medallion?
Yes, we have medallions that can be customized to best fit your style.
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Can I get samples or your products?
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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Can I pick my slabs in my home state?
Most of our locations have slab areas where you can approve materials. Contact your nearest location for more information.
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Can I hand-pick my natural stone?
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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Installing Products
How big of a grout joint should be expected for tile/stone?
For non-rectified tiles, 1/8” is the smallest grout joint we recommend for ceramic/porcelain tile. Some tiles require a 3/16” grout joint and for stone that has a straight edge, 1/8’’ to 1/16” grout joint is recommended. If the stone is tumbled, than your grout joint will be larger. Many factors determine the size of a grout joint, therefore it is important to discuss this with your installer.
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What about seams and placement of slabs—who determines that?
Please refer to your builder or fabricator for this information.
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Will setting tile on a diagonal require more material?
Yes, typically more material is required when tile is set on a diagonal versus a straight-set. Please refer to your installer when determining how much more material is needed.
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Care and Maintenance
What is the best way to maintain my granite/marble/stone/tile?
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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Do I need to seal my granite countertops?
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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How often do I need to seal my countertops, stone floors, marble vanity tops, etc.?
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:
- The type of stone and its porosity
- The traffic in your business or home
- How often you clean your floor
- 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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What is the difference between sealing and enhancing?
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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Should I seal my grout?
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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How do I keep the grout clean?
Grout cleaners are available for stubborn stains. Otherwise, use a ceramic/porcelain tile cleaner with clean water for regular cleanings.
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How do I repair cracked tile/cracked grout?
Cracked tile will need to be replaced. Cracked grout can be removed with a grout saw and then re-grouted.
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Can the holes in travertine be filled?
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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Will germs collect on my granite?
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.
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