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Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Common Installation Questions and Tips

Choosing Tile for Your Project

Can I find Modwalls products locally?

We design and produce our own tile collections and offer them exclusively through our website. We ship from CA and Georgia. In addition to ordering online, you can speak with our customer service team either by phone at 877-439-9734 or by email at [email protected]. We love talking with people about their projects!

We have expert product advisers who specialize in working with Interior Designers, Architects and Builders as well as Homeowners.

We offer samples of all of our products. Samples are shipped via USPS Priority Mail, and shipping is free for all samples. If you'd like assistance putting together a sample order, please contact us by email or phone. 

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How can I check the availability of Modwalls products?

Reach out to us at 877-439-9734 or email [email protected] to check product availability.

Some Modwalls tile is made-to-order or pre-order:  production/lead times are listed on the product pages. You can order made-to-order and pre-order tile online or by contacting us via email or phone.

We ship orders of in stock tile within 1-5 business days. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with tracking information. We ship via UPS or freight carrier, depending on the size of the order.

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Can I order samples of Modwalls tiles?

Yes. We highly recommend getting samples of your tile choices before purchasing the entire quantity you need for your projects. 

Shipping is free for sample orders. 

If you'd like assistance with sampling, please contact us by phone or email. we'd be happy to help!

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How big are Modwalls tile samples?

Sample sizes vary to provide you with the most accurate representation of the tile color(s). If you choose to see a sample of a mosaic blend, we’ll make sure to include at least one tile of every color in the blend. Shipping is free for all samples. Tile samples to registered trade customers are free.

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How long will it take to receive my order of samples?

Sample orders ship via USPS Priority Mail and usually arrive anywhere in the US in 2-4 business days from date shipped. Sample orders are shipped within 1 business day from time of purchase.

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How long will it take for me to receive my tile from Modwalls?

Brio, Lush, Vita, Cameo, ColorBlock 2 and ColorBlock 8 are shipped within 1-3 business days and are shipped via UPS or freight service. Mediterranean, PopDotz, and ModDotz are shipped within 4-5 business days. Actual UPS or freight transit time will vary depending on the delivery address. 

We will send you an email with tracking information once your order has shipped. The tracking information will contain an estimated delivery date based on destination.

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Please explain how Modwalls products are packaged to avoid breakage during shipping.

Our shipping department packs meticulously and the customer reviews on our site attest to this fact. If the order is shipping via UPS Ground, we double box with specially designed recyclable end caps, and/or recycled cardboard packing material or compostable green packing peanuts.

If the product ships via freight carrier, we construct a pallet and strap the boxes of tile to the pallet and then shrink wrap the entire pallet. Because of these professional techniques, we are fortunate to not have breakage be an issue, but it does happen from time to time. We ask that you thoroughly check your entire order upon arrival. If anything arrives damaged, please note it right away and call us 877-439-9734 or email [email protected]. Damage claims must be received within 48 hours of delivery. We will replace any tile broken during shipment at no cost to you.

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Where is Modwalls located?

Our offices and warehouse are in Aptos, California: 800 Estates Dr Ste 100, Aptos, CA 95003.

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Does Modwalls have installation guides for your tile?

Yes, here is a link to our Installation Guides page where you can find a specific installation guide for each of our product lines.

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What is the best way to finish the edge of Modwalls tiles? Does Modwalls carry bullnose tile?

A1. Our glass tiles (Lush & Brio), both have finished edges and do not require edge pieces. Tile can be installed with the edges grouted and this can easily be done with a strip of 2" blue tape laid down about 1 grout space from the edge of the tile. When the tile is grouted, the edge of the tile can be finished with grout that is beveled at 45 degrees from the face of the tile to the edge of the blue tape on the wall. Once the grout is dry the blue tape can be removed and you will have a nice straight grout edge.  

*Tip: If your tile has been cut, exposing an unfinished edge, turn the cut edge inward (facing other tiles) and make the tile’s perfectly finished edge is the end of the installation.

A2. We offer bullnose pieces in our Kiln Handmade Ceramic Collection.

A3. For all other tile, we recommend using Schluter trim. Schluter trim is a low-profile finishing trim available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, and is our in-house favorite for finishing edges. Your installer will be familiar with Schluter and should be able to source your preferred finish/color.

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Can I use Modwalls tiles for an outdoor installation like a pool or hot tub?

Yes, our glass and porcelain collections are all great for exterior and wet applications. We do not recommend using ceramic tile outdoors or for submerged wet applications (such as hot tubs and pools). 

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Which Modwalls tiles are best suited for floors?

ColorBlock 8 and 2, Vita Mosaic, PopDotz, Mediterranean, and CorkDotz can be used on floors. Brio, Lush and Kiln are not floor-rated and not recommended for floor installations.

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Are all of Modwalls tiles safe on a back splash behind stove? My Viking generates a lot of heat.

Yes, all of Modwalls tiles are safe to install on back splashes behind stoves. Stoves are designed for installation in kitchens with just drywall behind them so they won’t generate enough heat to damage the wall, with or without tile.

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Can I tile over existing tile? Can I tile directly on a wood surface?

We recommend that you hire an experienced professional tile installer for your project.

You cannot tile over tile and you also cannot tile directly onto a wood surface.

Preparing the existing surface is the most critical task of any tile installation. The tile must be placed on a rigid, level, plumb and structurally sound surface to avoid problems. The surface should be clean, dry and free of contaminants that could prevent a good bond. The recommended substrate is a cement backer board such as HardieBacker. Gypsum board may also be acceptable for interior dry installations only.


Please see our Installation Guides page for more details.

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All of your glass tiles require the use of modified latex thin-set adhesive. Can you give examples of some specific names of brands you recommend?

We recommend hiring a tile installer who is experienced with installing the type of tile you have purchased.  In particular, glass tile cannot be installed in the same manner as you would install ceramic tile. An experienced tile installer should know that the glass tile requires a modified thin-set be used for successful bond.  An experienced tile installer should be able to recommend the best brand of thin-set for the job.

Modified latex thin-sets are not limited to but include these brands:

  1. Custom Building Products: Premium Plus Thin-Set Mortar (white) mixed with Custom Flex Ultra-Strength Thin-Set Additive
  2. Custom Building Products: MegaFlex Ultimate Thin-Set Mortar (white). No admixture is necessary.
  3. Hydroment: ReFlex Ultra-Premium Latex-Modified Thin Set Mortar. No admixture necessary.
  4. KeraKoll: H40 Tenax Single Component Thin-Set (white) No admixture necessary.
  5. Laticrete: 254 Platinum Multipurpose Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture necessary.
  6. MAPEI: Kerabond Premium Dry-Set Mortar (KER 102) mixed with Keralastic Mortar Admix (KER 310)
  7. TEC (H.B. Fuller): Super Flex Premium Performance Universal Latex-Modified Thin-Set Mortar. No admixture is necessary.

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What’s the best grout to use for each of your product lines?

Brio glass mosaic tile: Sanded and non-sanded grout are both suitable; Sanded grout is recommended for floor, outdoor, commercial and wet applications.
Lush glass tile: Sanded and non-sanded grout are both suitable; Sanded grout is recommended for floor, outdoor, commercial and wet applications.
Kiln, Basis, ModMix and Rex Rox ceramic tile: Sanded grout or a urethane grout are both suitable.
Cork Dotz tile: Sanded grout only
Porcelain ModDotz,ColorBlock 2, ColorBlock 8, PopDotz, and Mediterranean: Sanded and non-sanded grout are both suitable; Sanded grout is recommended for floor, outdoor, commercial and wet applications.
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Will sanded grout scratch glass tiles?

No, sanded grout will not scratch any of our glass tiles and you could use a sanded grout with any of our tiles. 

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Do I need to use a sealer on my tile or grout?

Our tiles do not need sealing, however if you wanted to use a dark grout with handmade ceramic tile, we do recommend sealing the tiles in advance to prevent staining by the grout.  

While you don't need to seal our tiles, you may, however, want to use a sealer on your grout; we highly recommend it. Grout is very porous and is prone to staining if not sealed. Sealing helps to prevent stains and dirt from penetrating into the grout and makes it easier to clean. A sealer also helps to prevent mold and mildew growth. Sealer should be used after the grout is cured, approximately 48-72 hours after grouting but please see manufacturer instructions for specific time frame.

 

How can cut glass tile or drill a hole in glass tile?

Cutting Lush Glass Tile: We Do Not Recommend Drilling Holes in our Glass Tile

  • The recommended cutting method is by wet saw with a brand new diamond blade designed specifically for cutting glass. For tile size of 3x6 or larger the glass score and snap method is also effective.
  • Make cuts onto the back side of the tiles after removing the mesh.
  • Edges which have been cut should be smoothed with diamond hand pad or other similar smoothing tools.

Cutting Modwalls Brio glass mosaic tile:

  • Modwalls Brio glass tile can be cut using tile nippers 
 

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How should I clean my glass tile?

Tile is easy to clean by wiping with a damp cloth. To remove stubborn stains use a commercial nonabrasive cleaner like all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner or a solution of soapless detergent. The surface should be scrubbed, then rinsed thoroughly with clean water.

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What’s the best tile for bathrooms?

Porcelain tiles like Modwalls’ ColorBlock 8, ColorBlock 2, Vita Mosaic, Mediterranean Mosaic, and PopDotz Penny Round are top choices for bathrooms. They are water-resistant, durable, and suitable for wall or floor. Modwalls’ Brio Glass Mosaic tile and Kiln Handmade Ceramic tile is also excellent on bathroom walls (but not floor-rated).

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How do I choose between porcelain and ceramic tile?

Porcelain is denser and more water-resistant, making it ideal for floors and wet areas, both indoors and outdoors.

Ceramic tile is best suited for interior walls as it is fired at a lower temperature and has the potential to crack in outdoor and floor applications. 

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Can tile be used outdoors?

Yes, certain tiles are designed for outdoor use. Modwalls carries many frost-resistant tiles suitable for exterior applications including pools. Those collections include PopDotz Porcelain Penny Round Tile, ColorBlock 8 Porcelain Tile, ColorBlock 2 Porcelain Tile, Vita Mosaic Porcelain Tile, Mediterranean Mosaic Porcelain Tile, Brio Glass Mosaic Tile, and Lush Glass Subway Tile.

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What kind of tile is best for kitchen backsplashes?

Ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles are popular backsplash options. They’re easy to clean, heat-resistant, and available in a wide range of styles. Any of the tiles we offer at Modwalls can be used as backsplash tile! For a more midcentury or retro look, we recommend our Kiln Handmade Ceramic Tiles, Brio Glass Mosaic Tile, ColorBlock Porcelain Tile and our Vita Mosaic Porcelain Tile. For more bold color backsplash tile options check out our PopDotz Porcelain Penny Round Tile, Mediterranean Mosaic Porcelain Tile, and Lush Glass Subway tile.

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What’s the most durable tile for high-traffic areas?

Porcelain tile is extremely durable and ideal for high-traffic floors. Modwalls sells multiple formats of porcelain tile perfect for high-traffic floors. Check out our Vita Mosaic Porcelain Tile for a 1”x1” mosaic format in a range of in-house designed blended colors and solids. PopDotz Porcelain Penny Round Tile and Mediterranean Mosaic Porcelain tile are both extremely durable and perfect for high traffic areas.

ColorBlock 8 is an 8” porcelain tile, in all the same matching colors as ColorBlock 2. ColorBlock 8 has a matte, anti-slip and easy-clean finish for safety and ease of care.

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What size tile should I use in a small bathroom?

Here at Modwalls we’ve seen beautiful small bathrooms that use our smallest format tiles (Brio Glass Mosaic Tiles) to our largest tiles (ColorBlock 8 Porcelain Tile). Don’t be afraid to go for a bigger format, as medium to large tiles can actually make a small space feel larger. Using light colors and fewer grout lines can create a more open, seamless look.

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Are there slip-resistant tiles for wet areas?

Many Modwalls tiles are slip-resistant and perfect for wet areas. Our ColorBlock 8 8” Porcelain Tile has an anti-slip Secura coating that is easy clean for safety and ease of maintenance. We also sell our Mediterranean Mosaic Porcelain Tile and PopDotz Porcelain Penny Round Tile collections in a matte anti-slip finish.

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What’s the difference between floor tile and wall tile?

Floor tiles are more durable and are made to handle weight and foot traffic. Wall tiles are lighter, often more decorative, and not designed to withstand pressure. We recommend porcelain tile for the floor as it is fired at a higher temperature making it more durable and resistant to cracking. Glass and ceramic tile are better suited to the wall.

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What customizable tile collections does Modwalls offer?

Modwalls offers a range of customizable tile collections in glass, porcelain and ceramic. Our flagship custom tile options are Vita Custom Porcelain Mosaic Tile and  Brio Custom Glass Mosaic Tile, a 3/4" glass tile that you can customize in a blend of up to 8 colors. This tile is a stunner in any midcentury or retro home. Modwalls also offers Kiln Handmade Ceramic, a fully customizable collection with 18 shapes and 120 colors to choose from.