Blue Agate Onyx Raphael 48" x 96" Field Tile

• Built for Daily Life
  Highly durable for busy homes and heavy foot traffic
• Water Friendly Performance
  Low absorption makes it ideal for wet areas like showers and bathrooms
• Simple Maintenance
  Easy to clean and maintain with simple everyday care
• Stain and Scratch Resistance
  Resists stains, scratches, and wear better than many alternative surfaces
• Heat Ready Surface
  Heat resistant for kitchens, fireplaces, and sun exposed areas
• Luxury Looks, Endless Options
  Wide range of looks including marble, stone, concrete, terrazzo, and wood styles
• Design Consistency
  Consistent color and pattern options for a clean, controlled design result
• Safer Footing Choices
  Slip resistant finish options available for safer floors in moisture prone spaces
• Floors and Walls, Unified
  Works beautifully on floors and walls for seamless, coordinated interiors
• Long Term Value
  Long lasting value with a timeless finish that holds up for years

Care and Maintenance for Porcelain Tile

Everyday Cleaning
Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can cause surface abrasion, then mop with warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner diluted per the manufacturer instructions. Rinse with clean water if needed and dry with a soft towel or microfiber mop to prevent haze on polished finishes.

Spills and Stains
Wipe spills promptly using a soft cloth and a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. For tougher residues like grease, soap film, or cosmetics, use a non-abrasive nylon pad with an appropriate tile-safe cleaner, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

What to Avoid
Avoid abrasive powders, steel wool, scouring pads, and harsh chemicals that can dull the surface or damage grout, including cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, acids, or strong alkaline degreasers unless the product label specifically states it is safe for porcelain tile and grout. Never mix cleaning chemicals.

Grout Care
Grout lines are typically more porous than porcelain tile and may require different care. Clean grout with a grout-safe, non-acidic cleaner and a soft brush, rinse well, and keep grout sealed if your installer or grout manufacturer recommends sealing for your specific grout type.

Polished and Matte Finish Notes
Polished porcelain may show water spots or cleaner residue more easily, so use minimal product, rinse if needed, and dry after cleaning. Textured or matte finishes may hold more soil, so use a soft brush or nylon pad as needed and clean more frequently in high-traffic areas.

Preventive Protection
Use felt pads under furniture, avoid dragging heavy items, and place mats at entrances to reduce tracked-in grit. In wet areas, ensure proper slope and drainage and keep standing water to a minimum to help reduce mineral deposits and grout discoloration.

Special Situations
For construction dust, use a porcelain-safe post-install cleaner recommended by the tile or setting-material manufacturer. For mineral deposits, use a tile-safe descaler approved for porcelain and grout, test in an inconspicuous area first, and rinse thoroughly.

Maintenance Disclaimer
Always follow the tile, grout, and setting-material manufacturer care instructions for your specific products, and test any cleaner in a small, hidden area before full use.

• Verify the Product and Application
  Confirm the tile is rated for the intended use including floor, wall, wet area, exterior, and commercial traffic, and verify slip resistance needs where moisture is present.
• Acclimate and Inspect Before Setting
  Unbox and dry lay a few pieces to confirm shade, caliber, and finish, blend from multiple cartons for a natural mix, and set aside any tiles with visible damage.
• Build a Flat, Sound Substrate
  Ensure the substrate is clean, stable, and within industry flatness tolerances, since porcelain highlights lippage and irregularities, especially in large format sizes.
• Use the Correct Setting Materials
  Select a high quality thinset or mortar compatible with porcelain and the substrate, and follow the manufacturer guidance for trowel size, open time, and cure time.
• Plan the Layout for Balance and Symmetry
  Establish control lines, center key sightlines, and avoid narrow slivers at edges, transitions, and niches for a cleaner, more intentional finish.
• Achieve Proper Mortar Coverage
  Key mortar into the substrate, comb in one direction, and back butter the tile when needed to reach required coverage, especially for floors, wet areas, and exterior installs.
• Control Lippage on Large Format Tile
  Use an appropriate leveling system, maintain a realistic offset pattern when tiles have warpage, and set grout joints that support the chosen tile size and finish.
• Honor Movement and Expansion Joints
  Include perimeter gaps, soft joints at changes of plane, and movement joints per industry standards to reduce cracking and tenting over time.
• Cut and Drill with Porcelain Rated Tools
  Use premium diamond blades and porcelain rated bits, keep cuts supported, and treat miters and edges carefully to avoid chipping and micro fractures.
• Grout and Seal Details Correctly
  Use grout appropriate for joint width and exposure, clean grout haze promptly, and seal grout only if required by the grout type, since most porcelain tile does not require sealing.
• Allow Proper Curing Before Use
  Protect the installation from traffic and moisture until mortars and grouts have fully cured to avoid bond failure, staining, or uneven finish.
• Follow Manufacturer Instructions and Industry Standards
  For best results, installation should be performed by a qualified professional following product specific instructions and applicable tile industry standards.

• What is porcelain tile
  Porcelain tile is a dense, kiln fired ceramic made from refined clays and minerals, designed for durability, low absorption, and long term performance on floors and walls.
• Is porcelain tile good for floors
  Yes, porcelain is one of the best options for floors because it is highly wear resistant, easy to maintain, and suitable for high traffic areas when properly rated and installed.
• Is porcelain tile good for walls
  Yes, porcelain works beautifully on walls, including shower walls and feature walls, offering a clean look, easy cleaning, and a wide range of styles and finishes.
• Can porcelain tile be used in showers and wet areas
  Yes, porcelain is ideal for wet areas due to low absorption, but waterproofing, slope, and correct setting materials are essential for long lasting results.
• Does porcelain tile need to be sealed
  Most porcelain tile does not need sealing, but grout lines may require sealing depending on the grout type and the installer or grout manufacturer guidance.
• What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile
  Porcelain is typically denser and lower absorption than standard ceramic, which can make it more durable and better suited for heavier traffic and wet environments.
• Is porcelain tile slippery
  It depends on the finish and rating, so for floors in bathrooms, entryways, or outdoors, choose a textured finish or a slip resistant option suitable for the space.
• Can porcelain tile be used outdoors
  Many porcelain tiles can be used outdoors, but you must confirm the tile is rated for exterior and freeze thaw conditions if applicable, and use proper installation systems.
• Can porcelain tile look like marble or wood
  Yes, porcelain can replicate natural stone, marble, concrete, terrazzo, and wood visuals while offering easier maintenance and consistent appearance.
• How do I choose the right finish for floors versus walls
  For floors, prioritize slip resistance and durability, and for walls, you can choose from matte, satin, or polished finishes based on the look and cleaning preference.
• What grout joint size should I use
  Grout joint size depends on tile size, edge type, and caliber, and large format tile often benefits from joints sized to help manage lippage and natural variation.
• Is large format porcelain tile harder to install
  Yes, large format porcelain requires a flatter substrate, proper mortar coverage, and often a leveling system for the best results and minimal lippage.
• How do I clean porcelain tile
  Regular sweeping and mopping with warm water and a pH neutral cleaner is typically sufficient, and avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals that can damage grout.
• Will porcelain tile chip or crack
  Porcelain is very hard, but it can chip on edges from impact and crack if the substrate is not properly prepared or movement joints are missing, so correct installation matters.
• Is porcelain tile suitable for radiant heated floors
  Yes, porcelain is commonly used over radiant heat, but the system must be installed correctly and movement joints and approved setting materials should be used.