Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Stone and Tiles

Arda Ogan Help Center

Tile, Stone, Zellige, Shipping & Ordering FAQs

Choosing the right tile can feel overwhelming. Materials, finishes, square-foot calculations, slip considerations, sealing, samples, shipping, and returns all matter. Below are clear answers to the most common questions we receive about natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, handmade Zellige, checkerboard tile, samples, and nationwide shipping.

Ordering Math

Use these answers to estimate square footage, boxes, pieces, overage, and project quantity before placing your order.

How many square feet do I need?

Start with your measured area, then add an overage allowance for cuts, breakage, layout adjustments, and future repairs. We generally recommend 10% overage for straight-lay installations, 15% for diagonal layouts, and 15–20% for herringbone, chevron, checkerboard, border layouts, or rooms with many corners and angles.

How do I calculate the number of boxes I need?

Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then multiply length × width to get your total square footage. Divide that number by the coverage per box listed on the product page, round up to the next full box, and then add the appropriate overage for your layout.

How many square feet are in a box?

Coverage varies by material, format, thickness, and packaging. The exact square feet per box is listed on each product page in the specifications, coverage, or product information area. If you send us your product link and total project square footage, we can help you estimate the correct quantity.

How many pieces are in a box?

Piece count depends on tile size and packaging. Field tile is usually listed by pieces per box and square feet per box. Mosaics are often listed by sheet and square feet per sheet or box. Trims, liners, moldings, and baseboards may be listed by piece or linear foot.

Material & Variation

Natural stone and handmade tile are valued for movement, variation, texture, and character. These details are part of the material’s beauty.

Can natural stone tiles vary in color and texture?

Yes. Natural stone, including marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx, can vary in shade, veining, fossil markings, mineral movement, and surface texture. This is part of the character of genuine stone. For the most balanced installation, order the full quantity at one time and dry-lay pieces from multiple boxes before installation.

Are pits, holes, dry seams, or filled areas normal in travertine and natural stone?

Yes. Many natural stones, especially travertine, can include pits, voids, dry seams, and filled areas. These characteristics are common in the material. Depending on use, maintenance, and installation conditions, some fill may loosen over time and touch-up filling may be part of normal care.

Is Zellige supposed to be uneven?

Yes. Authentic Moroccan Zellige is handmade, so variation in glaze movement, surface texture, edges, thickness, flatness, and color is expected. These irregularities create the handcrafted look. If you prefer a perfectly flat and uniform surface, porcelain or machine-made ceramic may be a better choice.

Sealing & Care

Proper sealing and maintenance help protect the appearance of natural stone, grout, and handmade tile installations.

Do I need to seal my tiles?

Natural stone should be sealed with a penetrating or impregnating sealer to help reduce absorption and simplify maintenance. Porcelain and ceramic typically do not require sealing, although some installers choose to seal grout lines. Sealer type and reapplication schedule depend on the material, finish, location, and use. Always follow installer guidance and the sealer manufacturer’s instructions.

Do I need to seal Zellige?

Sealing Zellige depends on the application, grout choice, glaze, and installer preference. In wet areas, high-splash backsplashes, showers, or heavy-use zones, sealing may be recommended to simplify maintenance. Always follow your installer’s guidance and the sealer manufacturer’s instructions.

How do I maintain a polished marble floor?

Use a dust mop or soft vacuum regularly, clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner, and avoid acidic cleaners such as vinegar. Marble can etch from acids. Sealing helps reduce absorption but does not prevent etching. Use mats in wet areas and follow installer care guidance for your specific marble finish and location.

Product Fit & Applications

Tile suitability depends on material, finish, tile size, installation location, substrate, slope, maintenance expectations, and project conditions.

Is this tile OK for a shower floor?

It depends on the tile’s finish, size, material, and intended application. Shower floors usually perform best with smaller tiles or mosaics because additional grout lines help with traction and make it easier to follow the slope to the drain. Check the product specifications and recommended applications, or contact us with the product link before ordering.

What is the best tile for high-moisture areas?

Porcelain tile is often the easiest choice for wet areas because of its low absorption and simple maintenance. Many ceramic wall tiles work well for shower walls and backsplashes. Natural stone can also be used in wet areas, but it requires proper waterproofing, sealing, installation, and maintenance.

Can I use polished marble on a bathroom floor?

Polished marble can be used on bathroom floors, but it may feel more slippery when wet and can show etching or dulling over time. If traction and easier maintenance are priorities, honed marble is often a better choice. Use bath mats in wet zones and clean only with pH-neutral stone-safe products.

Can I use floor tiles on walls?

Often yes, as long as the wall substrate, setting materials, and installation method can support the tile’s weight. Heavy stone or large-format tile requires proper preparation. Wall-only tiles are not always floor-rated, so always check the product specifications before using a wall tile on a floor.

What is the difference between polished and honed finishes?

Polished stone has a glossy, reflective surface. Honed stone has a matte or satin appearance with a softer look. Honed finishes are often preferred for floors where traction is a priority, while polished finishes are popular for walls, feature areas, and lower-traffic applications. Exterior suitability depends on the material, finish, climate, and installation conditions.

Checkerboard Tile & Layout Questions

Checkerboard tile layouts can be classic, modern, dramatic, or soft depending on material, size, finish, color contrast, and grout selection.

Can I use checkerboard marble tiles in wet areas like bathrooms?

Yes, checkerboard marble can be used in bathrooms with proper waterproofing, sealing, installation, and maintenance. For wet floors, many customers prefer honed marble because it has a softer, lower-gloss surface. For shower floors specifically, smaller formats or mosaics are usually a better choice than large field tiles.

Are these tiles pre-assembled in checkerboard patterns?

Most checkerboard installations are field-set using two coordinating tile colors. Pre-mounted checkerboard options may be available for certain mosaics, sizes, or custom projects. Contact our team if you need a specific pre-mounted checkerboard format.

What size tile should I choose for a checkerboard pattern?

Common checkerboard sizes include 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, and 12×12. Larger rooms can usually handle larger tiles, while smaller bathrooms, powder rooms, and entries often look balanced with 4×4 to 8×8 formats. If you share your room size and layout, we can help you choose a proportion that feels right.

Zellige, Cutting, Grout & Installation

Handmade Zellige and specialty tile require careful installation planning because each piece can vary in edge, thickness, glaze, and surface texture.

How do I cut Zellige tiles without chipping?

Use a quality wet saw with a fine diamond blade, cut slowly, and use tile nippers or a rubbing stone for small adjustments. Many installers make test cuts first to confirm the best blade, speed, and technique for the specific glaze and tile thickness.

What grout color works best with marble tiles?

Light neutral grout creates a softer, more seamless look, while darker grout emphasizes pattern, contrast, and tile shape. Always make a small test board before final installation. Your installer can also recommend sanded or unsanded grout based on joint width, finish, and material.

Are large-format tiles harder to install?

Large-format tiles require a very flat substrate, correct trowel coverage, proper mortar selection, and careful leveling. They create a sleek look with fewer grout lines, but installation quality is especially important. Heavy stone formats may require two-person handling.

What is the best layout for subway tiles?

Classic 50% offset is timeless, while 33% offset can help reduce lippage on longer tile formats. Stacked layouts feel clean and modern. For longer subway tiles, many installers prefer a 33% offset because it can create a flatter finished surface.

Shipping, Returns & Samples

Review shipping, sample credit, cancellation, return, and damage-claim guidelines before placing your order.

Where do you ship?

We ship throughout the contiguous United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. For complete details, please review our Shipping & Return Policy.

How fast do in-stock orders ship?

Most in-stock orders ship quickly, typically within 2–3 business days by UPS, FedEx Ground, or freight service depending on order size and weight. Processing time can vary during high-volume periods or for large, heavy, or palletized orders requiring additional packing.

Do you offer free shipping or free local delivery?

Yes. We offer free shipping on qualifying orders over $5,000 when available at checkout. We may also offer free local delivery on eligible orders over $1,999 within 40 miles of ZIP 92620. For details and eligibility, please see our Shipping & Return Policy.

Are samples refundable or credited?

Samples are not refundable. However, sample costs may be credited toward a full order placed within 60 days of the sample purchase. See our Sample Order page for details.

What is your cancellation policy?

Free-of-charge cancellations are accepted within 24 hours of placing the order. Once a shipment has left the warehouse, cancellations are not possible. Full terms are listed in our Shipping & Return Policy.

What is your return window and what condition is required?

Returns for exchange or refund are accepted within 30 calendar days after delivery, provided the return request is made within 7 calendar days of delivery, items are new and unused, packaging is in original condition, and an RMA is approved. Partial returns are not accepted. Please see our Shipping & Return Policy for complete details.

What should I do if my order arrives damaged or items are missing?

Please inspect your delivery promptly. If items arrive damaged or missing, contact us immediately and no later than 7 days after delivery. Claims made after 7 days, including “received but not opened,” are not accepted. No claims are accepted after installation. Please review our Shipping & Return Policy for full claim instructions.

Need Expert Tile Advice?

Still unsure which tile is right for your project? Our team can help with product selection, material expectations, samples, coverage, shipping, and project planning.

Start by visiting our Sample Order page, browsing our tile and stone collections, or contacting us through our Contact Us page.

Start Your Project with Confidence

Explore our premium tile and stone collections, request samples, or connect with Arda Ogan for trade, wholesale, and project support.

How many Square feet do you need?

Given the possibility of tile cuts, breakage, or the need for future repairs, it's advisable to order at least 10-15% more tile than your initial calculation. This will help prevent unexpected shortages and extra waiting time for additional orders and support a smooth installation process.

How do I calculate the number of tiles I need?

Measure the length and width of the area in feet, then multiply to get the total square footage. Divide this number by the square footage covered by one box of tiles (listed on the product page). Always round up and order an extra 10-15% to account for cuts, breakage, or pattern alignment.

Can natural stone tiles vary in color and texture?

Yes. Marble, travertine, and limestone tiles naturally vary in veining, shade, and texture due to their geological origins. This variation adds character and uniqueness to your project. We recommend ordering all your tiles from the same batch for a consistent look.

Do I need to seal my tiles?

Most natural stone tiles—such as marble, limestone, and travertine—should be sealed during installation and resealed every 1–2 years. Sealing protects against staining and moisture absorption. Porcelain and ceramic tiles usually don’t require sealing, but grout lines benefit from a sealant.

What’s the best tile for high-moisture areas?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal for bathrooms, showers, and kitchens because they are water-resistant and less porous than natural stone. If you choose marble or travertine, ensure they are sealed properly to prevent water damage.

Can I use floor tiles on walls?

Yes, floor tiles can often be used on walls as long as the wall can support their weight. However, wall tiles are not always strong enough for flooring due to lower durability ratings. Always check the PEI rating and product specifications before installation.

What’s the difference between polished and honed finishes?

A polished finish has a glossy, reflective surface that enhances color depth and is ideal for upscale interiors. A honed finish is matte and smooth, offering better traction, making it suitable for floors, high-traffic areas, or outdoor spaces.

What grout color works best with marble tiles?

For a seamless, classic look, use a light grout that matches the dominant shade of your marble tile. If you prefer to highlight the pattern or shape, a contrasting grout color (such as gray with white marble) can create a striking, modern effect. Always use a non-sanded grout for polished marble to avoid scratching.

How do I cut Zellige tiles without chipping?

Zellige tiles are handmade and require careful cutting. Use a high-quality wet saw with a diamond blade designed for delicate ceramic or natural tiles. Cut slowly and avoid applying too much pressure. For small adjustments, a tile nipper or rubbing stone can smooth rough edges.

Can natural stone tiles be used for kitchen backsplashes?

Yes, marble, travertine, and limestone tiles add a luxurious touch to kitchen backsplashes. Ensure they are sealed properly to protect against stains from cooking oils and acidic foods. Regular resealing and cleaning with pH-neutral cleaners will maintain their beauty.

How do I maintain a polished marble floor?

Dust mop or vacuum your marble floor daily to remove dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. Clean spills immediately and use a damp mop with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Avoid acidic products like vinegar or lemon, as they can etch the polished finish.

What’s the best layout for subway tiles?

Subway tiles can be arranged in classic offset (brick bond), vertical stack, herringbone, or chevron patterns to create different visual effects. Herringbone is ideal for adding dynamic movement, while stacked or linear patterns give a clean, modern feel.

Are large-format tiles harder to install?

Large-format tiles (e.g., 24x24 inches) require a perfectly level surface and a strong thin-set mortar for proper bonding. They also need precise cutting and may require two installers to handle due to weight and size. However, they create fewer grout lines, giving a sleek, modern look.

Can I use checkerboard marble tiles in wet areas like bathrooms and showers?

Yes, our checkerboard marble tiles are suitable for wet areas when properly installed and sealed. Many of our clients use them in shower floors, bathroom walls, and even steam rooms for a bold and timeless look.

Are these tiles pre-assembled in checkerboard patterns?

No — each tile is sold individually so you can mix and match colors as you like. We offer design assistance to help you create the right pairings and layout for your space.

What size tile should I choose for a checkerboard pattern?

Classic checkerboard designs often use 18”x18” or 12”x12” tiles, but smaller formats like 4”x4” can work beautifully in compact spaces. For larger rooms or open areas, go for bigger sizes to create a balanced, expansive pattern.