F.A.Q.

Q: Is your tile LEED compliant?

A: All MILE®stone products can help you earn LEED points on your building project.  Here are a few of the ways:

  • Material & Resources: Credits 5.1 and 5.2
    (Regionally sourced products (10% and 20%)
    Materials from our Tennessee production facility qualify for this credit if used in projects within 500 miles of Montgomery County, Tennessee.

 

  • Materials & Resources: Credits 2.1 and 2.2
    (Construction wastes management 50% and 75%)
    Construction wastes may be diverted from disposal in landfills to be recycled/reused in alternative construction materials.  Scrap porcelain tile can be recycled as a tile or can be certified as clean fill and use as a subgrade fill substitution.

 

  • Indoor Environmental Quality: Credit 4.1
    (Low-Emitting materials)
    Porcelain tile itself, has no emissions to the built space as attested to by our Green Guard, Gold certification.  With thoughtful selection of grouts and mortars a non-emitting installation is achievable.  This could be especially useful in LEED certification of Schools and Existing Buildings.

 

  • Building Product Disclosure and Optimization-Material Ingredients
    Florim USA’s Green Squared Certification provides full transparency around material ingredients.

 

  • Part A01.2, A05.2 Thresholds and Enhanced Thresholds for Organic Gases
    To minimize the effect of VOCs in building materials on indoor air quality, this Feature outlines VOC emissions requirements for flooring.  Florim tile does not emit VOCs in the built space.

 

  • Part T05.1 Implement Radiant Heating
    Porcelain tile is readily adapted to under floor radiant heating.

 

  • Part X05.2 Select Compliant Architectural and Interior Products
    Florim porcelain tile does not contain any of the chemicals referenced in this Part.  Additionally, Florim tile is fully vitrified and does not release chemicals into the built space.
    Flooring products contain 100 ppm (0.01%) by weight or less of the following:

    • Halogenated flame retardants (HFR).
    • Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
    • Ortho-phthalates.

 

  • X06.2 Restrict VOC Emissions from Furniture, Architectural and Interior Products
    Florim tile complies with the following requirement: made exclusively with one or a combination of (without organic additives): metal, untreated wood, glass, ceramic or stone.

 

  • M02.1 Provide Connection to Nature and M07.1 Provide Restorative Space
    Florim tile in stone and wood finishes supports the requirement that space incorporate natural materials, patterns, shapes, colors, images or sounds.
    For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or 877-356-7561.

 


 

Q: Why is there so much shade or size variation in my tile?

A: When purchasing tile, it is important to select the same size, shade and JO (job lot) numbers on the carton. Multiple lot numbers will cause varied sizes and/or shades. This information is normally found on the side of the box. It is common to have multiple lot numbers on the shelf. If you need more than a pallet, please you ask your store to order directly from the manufacturer. This tile is made in the USA, so it’s not a problem. Expect about a week for it to get to the store. Always open several boxes and lay out the tiles to ensure that you have the desired look before you permanently set them with mortar. If you see that there is an undesirable variation, please reference the size and shade information on the side of the carton to ensure that you’ve received the same job lot.

 


 

Q: Is a grout line recommended or needed?

A: Yes, a minimum grout joint of 3/16 (5mm) is recommended for pressed tile. If you’re installing with a staggered tile placement, we recommend using a 30% offset. If you must use a brick pattern with ½ offset tile placement, a larger grout joint is recommended to reduce the visibility of size imperfections that are standard in pressed tile (minimum ¼” grout joint with ½ offset brick pattern).

With any porcelain or ceramic tile that is pressed there will be slight variations in size, in accordance with ANSI and ASTM standards. As tiles are baked in the kiln, the finished product can have slightly varied results.

Rectification is the process of mechanically trimming the sides of tile. This process allows for much thinner grout line (3mm); because all tiles will be trimmed to a precise size. Thus, rectified tiles are often more expensive.

 


 

Q: What trowel size should I use?

A: Check the grout and mortar you will be using. On the back of the package it should list towel sizes needed based on the size of the tile. For example, most tiles that are 16 inches or larger will need a ½”x ½” trowel. Make sure the proper thinset mortar coverage is also met by the trowel size. Dry areas such as floors, fireplaces, and accent walls require a minimum coverage of 85% for the back of the tile. While wet areas such as showers require a minimum coverage of 95%.

 


 

Q: How do I install planks or large format tile?

A: Planks (such a 6×24, 6×36 or 8×48) will need to be installed at a 1/3 or 33% offset instead of the traditional 50% brick layout. This is to avoid noticeable lippage in the tile. The Council of North America allows for warpage in all tiles. Visit the TCNA website for more information.

 


 

Q: What color grout should I use?

A: Selecting a grout is personal preference. Your local distributor will have several color options to meet your project needs. Choosing a color that blends with the tile is most common, however selecting a grout color that is different from the tile will add some pop to the design.

 


 

Q: Can I install my tile outside?

A: In general porcelain tile can be installed outside and is made to withstand freeze and thaw cycles. Porcelain tile is also impervious to water, making it a great option for nearly anywhere that you can think of. Take extra caution, in areas that may be wet or slippery, to select tile that has ample traction.

 


 

Q: Why is my tile chipping or cracking when I make cuts?

A: Porcelain tiles have a higher breaking strength than ceramic tiles, so they require a diamond tip blade when cutting and it is recommended to use a wet saw for best results. You can also use a “snap cutter” with these tiles; but make sure that you use the correct score wheel for porcelain tile (we use a Rubi Tools score wheel #8, rated for porcelain tile). Technique is very important as well. When scoring, cutting, or drilling the tile, do not use heavy pressure (score lightly), if your wheel or blade chips/flakes the surface of the tile, then your blade is likely dull and needs replacement.  When making plunge cuts for pipes or outlets, it may be best to first mark the tile, install the tile, and then make cuts, as the mortar and underlayment help to absorb some of the impact from cutting.  Alternatively, you can also drill the tile first to help release the tension prior to making your cuts.  For more specific direction and assistance, please email or call us at [email protected] or 877-356-7561.

 


 

Q: How much tile or how many square feet do I need to complete my project?

A: To calculate square footage of a project simply multiply the length times width of a room or area. Then take your total square footage needed and divide it by the number of square feet in each box. Remember that it is also good to calculate an additional 10% in the event of breakage during install or replacements. There are also online sites to help calculate. Remember it is recommended to purchase 10% extra for cuts or replacements.

 


 

Q: How do I clean the tile?

A: When cleaning tile, first you need to make sure the surface is free of debris, so a good vacuum or sweep is best. Once the floor is free of dirt or other particles you can use warm water and a mild soap to clean the floor. A mop or rag that is nonabrasive is best to use. Make sure to change the water frequently to avoid leaving a cloudy film on the tile. If the soap doesn’t work, you can use vinegar and water with a 1 to 2 ratio, so 1 cup vinegar with 2 cups warm water. For stubborn marks you can mix a little baking soda with warm water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth. Grout and tile cleaners are also available at most distributor and retail locations to help with more challenging stains.  See more specific cleaning instructions on the Care and Maintenance section of our website.  For more specific direction and assistance, please email or call us at [email protected] or 877-356-7561.

 


 

Q: Can I install this tile in the shower or on a fireplace?

A: A benefit of porcelain tile over other flooring options is its durability. Porcelain tile is impervious to water, making it perfect for showers or back splashes. Make sure the proper grout and substrate is used behind the tile.

Glazed porcelain tile does not need to be sealed, specific product information can be found under the Technical Data tab of the specific product you select here: https://www.milestonetiles.com/en/collections/.

In addition to porcelain tiles ability to be fully submersed in water, it is also extremely heat resistant. Porcelain tile is fired at around 2200 degrees Fahrenheit during the manufacturing process. Porcelain tile can not only be used as a fireplace façade, but also inside pizza ovens. Porcelain tile emits no VOC (emits no harsh fumes or chemicals when exposed to heat or flame) and can act as a fire retardant, helping prohibit the spread of flame. Again, make sure you have the proper grout and mortar for high heat environments.

 


 

Q: Can I install this tile in a modular format?

A: Most, but not all, Florim USA products can be installed in a modular format.  It is important that you have the installer contact the sales representative to verify that the installation is appropriate.

 


 

Q: Where do your raw materials come from?

A: The bulk of our raw materials come from the Tennessee and Kentucky border and Sledge, Mississippi.  We also use some recyclable glass from Clarksville, Tennessee.  All of our products contain a percentage of recycled materials.  In addition, we recycle the powders, pastes and residues from the plant’s industrial processes. These efforts allow us to offer products that are ecologically friendly.

 


 

Q: Can I get all one color in a carton for the multicolor?

A: Our tiles are boxed randomly in a mass production facility.  We are unable to sort and separate out specific colors.  When you make your tile purchase, you’ll need to lay the tile out first before setting them, to ensure the desired look before the final installation.

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