FAQ

Below are some frequently asked questions we've received from customers along with our answers.   Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions!

  1. How do I start the tiling process?
  2. How do I care for tile and stone?
  3. How do I stick to my budget?
  4. Do I have to make an appointment to see a Design Sales Consultant?
  5. After placing an order, what is the usual lead time?
  6. What about installation?
  7. How do I figure out how much tile I need for my space?
  8. Will Mediterranean Tile & Marble deliver the tile?
  9. Do you have designers on staff?

How do I start the tiling process?

We want to make the process easy for you & we're glad to help!
  • Look through magazines, decorating books and on the Internet.

Collect photos of tiles and designs you like - even if the color or the application are not quite right. It will help us to get a feel for what you are trying to achieve. When you visit either of our two locations, bring your file of collected photos & we will begin the process!

  • Bring your architect/contractor scale drawings or blueprints to the showroom.

     Selecting space appropriate material is a paramount part of the design process.  Knowing the room dimensions allows our professional staff to determine what the best material size and shape will be for the completion of your project.

  • Bring your samples & swatches to the showroom.

If you've made color choices for your project that you would like to incorporate into the tile design, bring us samples & swatches so that we can help you coordinate the entire look. Having that small piece of fabric or some other color element with you will assist us in bringing your dream to fruition.



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How do I care for tile and stone?

Tile and stone, like any other investment in your home must be properly cared for.  Here are some suggestions:

  • Stone

The choice of the stone sealer goes hand-in-hand with the care of your stone.  It has been our experience that silicone based sealers work best and last the longest.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and have adequate ventilation when using silicone sealers.  The porosity of the stone being sealed will determine the appropriate product.  Ask your Design Sales Consultant or Technical Advisor here at Mediterranean for direction.

For cleaning we recommend a pH balanced stone soap available at Mediterranean from HMK® and Miracle Sealants®.  If these products are unavailable to you, we suggest clear, mild dish soap such as Ivory® or Palmolive®. diluted with water.  Avoid using abrasive cleaners and products containing bleach, ammonia, or vinegar.

 

  • Ceramics

Most any store bought tub and tile cleaner can be used on glazed ceramics.  For day-to-day cleaning avoid using abrasive cleaners.  Products with bleach or ammonia can be used sparingly for tough stains.

  • Porcelain

Porcelain has little or no absorbency so virtually any store bought floor cleaner diluted with water can be used to clean porcelain tileA natural fiber string mop will work best for cleaning large surfaces. Sponge mops do not work as well.  Bleach diluted with water should only be used as a last resort.

  • Glass

Most glass tile manufacturers suggest either glass cleaner or mild soap and water.  Avoid using abrasive cleaners and products containing bleach or ammonia.

  • Crackled Glazes

The care of crackled glazes is very similar to the care of stone. Crackled tile must be sealed so the choice of the stone sealer goes hand-in-hand with the care of your crackled tile.  It has been our experience that silicone based sealers work best and last the longest.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and have adequate ventilation when using silicone sealers.

For cleaning we recommend clear, mild dish soap such as Ivory® or Palmolive®. diluted with water.  Avoid using abrasive cleaners and products containing bleach, ammonia, or vinegar.

  • Metal

To maintain the manufacturer's finish on your metal tile you can use a natural shoe polish such as KIWI®. The polish will add an extra layer of protection against scratches. For cleaning of metal tiles we suggest clear, mild dish soap such as Ivory® or Palmolive®. diluted with water.  Avoid using abrasive cleaners and products containing bleach, ammonia, or vinegar.



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How do I stick to my budget?

Whether your project is the construction of a new home, an all encompassing major renovation, a small bathroom, or a kitchen backsplash, Mediterranean can accommodate your need and meet your budget. 

It is highly recommended that you discuss your budgetary expectations with our Design Sales Consultant at the onset of the selection process.   We will do everything possible to bring your design to life without exceeding your budget.

 

 



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Do I have to make an appointment to see a Design Sales Consultant?

You are more than welcome to visit either of our two locations at any time during showroom hours.  If you would like to come in and browse, please be our guest!  Our showroom merchandising utilizes a vast collection of materials in a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and textures that allows you to visualize a finished product before you even begin construction.

An appointment guarantees that when you arrive someone will be waiting to work with you.  So, if you are working on a large project, if you are on a limited time schedule, or if you wish to work with a specific Design Sales Consultant, we recommend that you call our Client Services Department and schedule an appointment.

 

 

 



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After placing an order, what is the usual lead time?

Lead time varies depending on what the material is and where it  comes from.  Mediterranean Tile & Marble has a significant amount of ceramic tile and stone in our inventory.  This material can usually be delivered within 7 days.

Material ordered from East Coast outside vendors usually comes on a consolidated shipment and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks.  Hand made tiles, custom fabrication, tile ordered from over seas, and West Coast outside vendors can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks depending on the complexity of the order. 

It is highly recommended that you inform your Design Sales Consultant of any deadlines or time constraints that you may be under before the selection process begins.  A sure way to avoid delivery delays in your project is to order early...please do not wait until last minute to place your order.

 



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What about installation?

Mediterranean Tile & Marble does not employ a team of tile installers.  We have however developed relationships with many talented installers over the last 15 years and we would be happy to offer you our list of recommended tile contractors.



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How do I figure out how much tile I need for my space?

Blueprints and designer's floor plans are not always true to actual field measurements.  It is for this reason that Mediterranean does not calculate tile quantities.  We ask that you have your general contractor, project manager, or tile contractor calculate the quantities.  If you ask us to calculate from blue prints, floor plans, or hand drawings we do so as an estimation tool and require that the quantities be verified in the field by your chosen representative. 




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Will Mediterranean Tile & Marble deliver the tile?

Absolutely!  Our trucks deliver daily throughout the tri-state area.  If you are building or renovating a home out of  this area, we have relationships with all of the major shipping companies so we can coordinate the delivery of your order anywhere.

 




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Do you have designers on staff?

The staff at Mediterranean Tile & Marble consists of a group of creative Design Sales Consultants who have been formally trained in general design principles and specifically trained in the use of all the elements that we sell.  What sets Mediterranean apart from the ordinary is the fact that our designers utilize color, texture, shape, and material size to create tile design that is exclusive to you, the individual client.



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