FAQs

  • Waverly Tile specializes in made-to-order and handmade etched stone tiles, providing high-quality craftsmanship for each order. The production times for these custom tiles vary based on the size of the order.

    • Samples and add-on orders: Lead time of 1-3 weeks depending on quantity

    • Up to 100 square feet: Lead time of 4-6 weeks

      • Ideal for smaller projects, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship within a shorter timeline.

    • 100-200 square feet: Lead time of 6-8 weeks

      • Accommodates medium-sized orders, allowing extra time for materials and production.

    • Over 200 square feet: Lead time of 8-10 weeks

      • These lead times are indicative of the handmade nature of the product and the time needed to ensure each tile is crafted with exceptional care and accuracy.

  • We understand that sometimes you may need your order sooner. That's why rush production and/or shipping options are available upon request for an additional fee. If you require expedited service, please reach out to us to discuss your needs, and we will do our best to accommodate your timeline. Keep in mind that the additional fee will depend on the specific requirements of your order and the urgency of your request.

  • At Waverly Tile, ordering custom samples and placing custom orders is a simple and customizable process. Here's how it works:

    1. Choose Your Material: Select the type of marble or stone you’d like for your tiles.

    2. Select the Finish: Pick the finish that best suits your design, whether it’s matte, polished, or another option.

    3. Pick the Size: Decide on the tile size you'd like the sample to be made in.

    4. Choose a Design: Browse through our selection of designs and choose one that fits your vision.

    5. Select a Stain or Gild Option: Choose either a colored stain or a gilding option to further personalize your sample.

    Once you've made your selections, simply fill out our custom request form or email us the details of your preferences. We will then create the custom-designed combination based on your specifications, helping to bring your vision to life with a personalized sample.

    Please note that samples are sold by the square foot. This means that when you order a sample, you will receive 1 square foot of tile. This allows you to fully evaluate the material, finish, design, and overall look before placing a larger order.

  • Our tiles come pre-sealed and are ready for installation, making them perfect for a variety of applications. Here are the recommended areas for installation:

    Residential Use:

    • Interior walls

    • Backsplashes

    • Floors

    Light Commercial Use:

    • Interior walls

    • Backsplashes

    • Floors

    Intermittent Water Exposure:

    • Shower walls (installed at least 8” above the shower floor)

    Not Recommended for Installation

    While our tiles are versatile, there are certain areas where we do not recommend installation due to their exposure to water or environmental conditions:

    • Shower floors

    • Submerged underwater (such as in pools and fountains)

    • All exterior applications, except for covered wall/backsplash areas (protected from direct weather exposure)

    These guidelines help ensure the longevity and beauty of your tiles, maintaining their integrity and appearance in the most suitable environments.

  • To ensure you order the correct amount of material, it’s important to measure your space accurately. Our products are typically sold by the square foot or linear foot, depending on the type of installation. Here’s a guide to help you measure your space:

    Measuring for Square Footage (for tiles, wall panels, etc.):

    1. Measure the Length and Width: Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the area where you plan to install the product.

    2. Multiply Length by Width: Multiply the two measurements to get the total square footage (Length x Width = Square Footage).

      Example: If your wall is 10 feet long and 8 feet high, the total square footage would be:
      10 ft x 8 ft = 80 square feet

    Measuring for Linear Footage (for borders, trims, or molding):

    1. Measure the Length: Measure the total length of the area where the product will be applied (for example, the perimeter of a wall, backsplash, or floor).

      Example: If you're installing trim around a wall that is 15 feet long, you will need 15 linear feet of material.

    Important Tip: Order Extra Material

    We always recommend ordering 5-10% extra to account for cuts, modifications, or potential mistakes during installation. This ensures you have enough material to complete the job without delays.

    By following these steps and ordering extra material, you’ll have a smooth installation process and avoid running out of product.iption

    • Orders under 120 lbs: These orders will be shipped via ground shipping. The tiles will be carefully packaged in boxes, with each box weighing up to 40 lbs for easier handling and delivery.

    • Orders over 120 lbs: For larger orders, the tiles will be boxed and palletized to ensure safe transportation. These heavier orders will be shipped via freight, providing secure delivery for bulkier shipments.

    This shipping process is designed to protect the tiles and ensure they arrive safely and on time, regardless of order size.

  • Maintenance and Care for Your Decorative Stone Tiles:

    Regular maintenance is crucial to preserving the beauty and longevity of your decorative stone tiles. Follow these simple steps to keep your tiles in pristine condition:

    • Cleaning: Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild dishwashing soap to gently clean your tiles. Always rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

    • Sweeping: Regularly sweep floors with a clean, non-treated mop or a soft broom to remove dust and debris, preventing scratching.

    • Wet Areas: In areas like showers or bathrooms, it’s important to clean regularly to prevent the buildup of soap scum and mildew. This reduces the need for more intensive cleaning later.

    • Avoid Abrasive Tools: Never use abrasive cleaning tools such as scouring pads, brushes, or electric scrubbers. These can scratch or damage the surface of your tiles.

    • Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Refrain from using harsh cleaning products, including those containing phosphoric acids, acetone, glycolic acids, or scouring powders, as these can harm the stone and its protective sealant.

    • No Homemade Remedies: Do not use homemade cleaning solutions containing lemon, vinegar, or products with chlorine. These can degrade the stone and the protective sealer, leading to damage over time.

    By following these care guidelines, you’ll help ensure that your decorative stone tiles maintain their beauty and durability for years to come.

  • Grouting etched tiles requires special attention to preserve the intricate designs and prevent damage. Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the best results:

    • Grout Trapping in Etched Areas: Grout can easily get trapped in the recessed etched areas of the tile. Once it dries, it becomes nearly impossible to remove. Avoid using grout remover chemicals, as they can damage the protective sealers on your tiles.

    • No Tape on Tile Surface: Do not use tape to mask the face of the tiles while grouting. It may cause damage when removed.

    • Use Gentle Tools: We recommend using rubber, plastic, or polyurethane grouting floats. These materials are gentle on the surface and help apply grout effectively without damaging the tiles.

    • Clean Water is Key: The most important step in grouting your etched tiles is to use fresh, clean water to wipe down the grout lines. Avoid using dirty water, as it can leave behind a grout film that will be difficult to clean once it dries.

    • Immediate Grout Removal: If any grout gets into the recessed etched areas, remove it immediately. Use a very clean sponge and fresh water to blot and pull out the grout from the recesses.

    Best Grouting Practices for Optimal Results:

    • Tile Arrangement: Arrange tiles as closely together as possible, leaving minimal or no grout lines to reduce grout usage and prevent excess grout from getting into the etched areas.

    • Grout Small Sections: For better control, grout smaller areas (5-10 square feet) at a time. This allows you ample time to clean the tiles and ensure grout doesn’t set in the etched areas.

    • Clean Quickly: Do not let grout sit on the tile surface for more than 5 minutes before cleaning it off.

    • Repeated Cleaning: Always use fresh, clean water to wipe down the grout lines. Repeat the cleaning process as needed to ensure that no grout is left in the etched areas.

    • Grout Application: Apply grout only into the grout lines, being careful to keep the face of the tiles as free from grout as possible.

    • Sealing After Grouting: Once the grouting process is complete, cleaned, and dried, apply a water-based sealer to protect the tiles. Water-based sealers will not affect the decorative material. We recommend resealing your tiles annually, but always follow the maintenance schedule provided by the sealer manufacturer for optimal results.

    By following these grouting instructions and best practices, you’ll ensure that your etched tiles remain beautiful, with their intricate designs fully intact.cription

  • Natural stone is a beautiful and unique material, and recognizing its inherent characteristics is essential for achieving the best results during installation. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

    • Color and Shading: Natural stone has unique color variations and shading that can vary from piece to piece. These natural differences may also impact the appearance of the etched design, as the stone's color and shading can influence how the design looks once installed.

    • Veining: Many types of natural stone feature veins that run through the material. These veins are an inherent characteristic of the stone and add to its unique appearance. Keep in mind that veins may sometimes intersect with the etched design, giving the tile an organic look.

    • Fissures: Fissures or cracks in the stone are common and occur naturally as part of the stone's formation. These may not affect the integrity of the stone but can be part of the overall aesthetic, adding texture and depth to the surface.

    • Holes and Surface Variations: Some stones may have naturally occurring holes, pits, or surface irregularities. These variations are part of the charm of natural stone and contribute to its unique beauty. However, they may affect the consistency of the etched design, giving each piece its own character.

    • Size Variations: Natural stone tiles can vary slightly in size due to the nature of the material. This is normal and can be adjusted during installation to ensure the final layout is visually appealing.

    By understanding these characteristics, you can better appreciate the inherent beauty of natural stone and achieve a stunning installation that showcases the stone’s natural variations and unique design features.