FAQ
If you need more answers than these general questions, our support agents are ready to help.
What are our Terms and Conditions?
For Terms and Conditions, click here
What is porcelain tile?
Porcelain tile is a very high density product, fired at high temperatures and has superior durability and a low water absorption rate. The glazes on porcelain tile are known for a higher range of color variation, giving a rich custom look. Porcelain tile is known for longevity and durability.
What are our Shipping and Return Policies?
At Concept Surfaces, we are dedicated to providing our customers with free samples of the highest quality products to enhance your experience. We value your satisfaction and strive to ensure that every sample you receive meets your expectations.
We can accept returns through our marketing representatives. Our goal is to offer a risk-free opportunity to try new products without the hassle of returning items.
Policy Details:
1. Free Samples Only: All products available for order on conceptsurfaces.com are complimentary samples.
2. Feedback: Your feedback is important to us. If you have any issues or concerns with the samples received, please contact our customer service team. We appreciate your input and will use it to improve our offerings.
3. Damaged or Defective Samples: In the rare event that you receive a damaged or defective sample, please reach out to our customer service team for a full replacement. We will address the issue promptly and ensure your satisfaction.
4. Contact Information:
Email: info@conceptsurfaces.com
What are the different types of variations/faces?
V1
V2 
V1 – Uniform Appearance
Differences among pieces from the same production run are minimal.
V2 – Slight Variation
Clearly distinguishable differences in texture and/or pattern within similar colors.
V3 – Moderate Variation
While the colors present on a single piece of tile will be indicative of the colors to be expected on the other tiles, the number of colors on each piece may vary significantly. For example, “that little bit of color” on one piece of tile may be the primary color on the next piece.
V4 – Substantial Variation
Random color differences from tile to tile, so that one tile may have assorted colors from that of other tiles. Thus, the final installation will be unique.
What are the primary components used to make porcelain?
The primary components to make porcelain are clay, feldspar, and silica.
Feldspar – composed of flint and aluminum silicate. Flint is a hard quartz used as a flux in a porcelain mixture to reduce the temperature at which liquid glass is formed which then helps to form the bonds between the grains during the vitrification processes that makes up the porcelain.
Silica – a chemical compound formed by combining silicon and oxygen gas. This is most commonly used for firing the porcelain body. This helps to improve the physical properties for the final product.
What is a rectified tile?
A rectified tile is a tile that has been mechanically finished on all sides to achieve uniformity and consistency.
Can floor tile be used on the wall?
Yes; however, exterior applications require special precautions and installation methods. Please check with your Concept Surfaces’ representative or call us directly at 972.386.4900
Can wall tile be used on the floor?
NO, because wall tiles tend to be thinner, smoother, and more delicate. Also, depending on the tile, because of the smoother surface of wall tile this can cause for a slicker surface when wet. Please check with your Concept Surfaces’ representative or call us direct at 972.386.4900
What is the proper way to offset tile in an installation?
Concept Surfaces advise avoiding patterns with offsets exceeding 33% when using tiles with edges larger than 18 inches. For larger tiles and offsets surpassing 33%, consumers are urged to seek specific recommendations from manufacturers.
What is the recommended grout joint width and can a tile be installed without using grout joints?
Grout joint recommendations vary by product and application, and cannot be installed without one. For most products the recommended grout joint width is 1/8.
What is the proper way to offset tile in an installation?
Concept Surfaces advise avoiding patterns with offsets exceeding 33% when using tiles with edges larger than 18 inches. For larger tiles and offsets surpassing 33%, consumers are urged to seek specific recommendations from manufacturers.
What is the recommended grout joint width and can a tile be installed without using grout joints?
Grout joint recommendations vary by product and application, and cannot be installed without one. For most products the recommended grout joint width is 1/8.
Can I use Polished tile on floors?
Yes
What is Cove Lighting and is it important?
Cove Lighting is a form of indirect lighting built into ledges, recesses, or valances in a ceiling or high on walls of rooms, typically installed with a minimum clearance of 12 inches to prevent hot spots. This will direct the light upward towards the ceiling and down adjacent walls. It may be used as primary lighting or for aesthetic accents. The primary benefits of cove lighting is to hide light fixtures and to provide a balanced warm light to an area.
How can I tell if a tile is through bodied, color bodied, or ink jet bodied?
Through body – tiles where the colors and patterns are consistent between the surface and body of the tile.
Color body – using the most predominate pigment from the surface glaze for the tile body (also known as the bisque). This close color match makes it less noticeable when the tile get chipped or scratched.
Ink Jet body – tiles that have printing on the underside of the glass to create any desired effect.
