FAQs
TILE ESSENTIALS
Q: What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Ceramic tile is typically softer and more porous, best suited for walls or light-use floors. Porcelain is denser, more durable, and less absorbent, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, wet spaces, and outdoor use.
Q: What does “through-body porcelain” mean?
Through-body porcelain means the color and material composition are consistent throughout the entire tile—not just on the surface—making chips or wear less noticeable over time.
Q: What is honed vs. polished finish?
A honed finish is matte and smooth, offering a softer, more natural look. A polished finish is shiny and reflective, bringing out the color and veining in stone or terrazzo.
Q: Do I need to seal tile?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles generally do not require sealing, but natural stone (like marble or limestone) should be sealed before and after grouting, and resealed periodically depending on use.
Q: What is shade variation in tile?
Shade variation refers to the difference in color or tone from one tile to the next. Some collections are intentionally varied for a natural or handmade look, while others are more uniform. Always lay out multiple tiles before installing to ensure a balanced mix.
Q: What does “V1” or “V4” mean in tile rating?
This refers to the level of shade variation:
V1 = Uniform appearance
V2 = Slight variation
V3 = Moderate variation
V4 = Substantial variation. Higher variation adds movement, dimension and a hand-made look to tile. This may require more thoughtful layout during installation.
Q: Can I use wall tile on the floor?
Wall tiles are often not rated for floor use because they may not be thick or strong enough to withstand foot traffic. Always check the product specs or ask us if a tile is floor-rated.
Q: What’s a rectified tile?
A rectified tile has mechanically finished edges for very precise dimensions, allowing for smaller grout lines and a more seamless look.
Q: What is mesh-mounted mosaic tile?
Mesh-mounted mosaic tile comes pre-attached to a flexible mesh backing, allowing for faster, more precise installation with consistent spacing.
Q: How do I clean and care for tile?
For most surfaces, use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid anything abrasive or acidic. Regular sweeping or vacuuming and damp mopping will keep tile looking its best.
Q: What does “nominal size” mean in tile?
Nominal size refers to the approximate dimensions of a tile, including the space needed for grout joints. Actual tile sizes may vary slightly due to manufacturing or finishing processes, especially with handmade or natural stone products. Always refer to the listed actual size if precision is needed for layout or coverage.
HW PERFECT WHITE
Q: Can I use Perfect White in a shower?
A: Perfect White is for wall use only—perfect for shower walls, but not rated for floors.
Q: What’s special about the HW stamp?
A: Each tile is stamped with the HW Tile mark on the back, ensuring authenticity and quality.
Q: Is there much variation in this collection?
A: No. Although handmade, the surface has minimal variation, offering consistency with subtle richness.
Q: Why does HW Tile prefer a white body ceramic tile?
A: We’re partial to a white body ceramic tile because of its clean, luminous base - it enhances glaze colors with greater clarity and depth. It also allows for sharper edges, smoother finishes, and a more refined look overall. For wall applications, especially in lighter tones, white body offers unmatched crispness and polish.
HW MARBLE
Marble Field Tile
Q: Are the marble field tiles honed or polished?
A: All current field tiles in Cararra are honed with a micro bevel.
Q: What’s a micro bevel?
A: A micro bevel is a slight edge treatment that enhances the clean lines of each tile while making installation more forgiving.
Q: Can I mix field tile with mosaic from the same marble?
A: Absolutely. Our field tiles are designed to coordinate seamlessly with our marble mosaics for a cohesive look.
Q: Is Carrara durable enough for floors?
A: Yes, it's suitable for both floors and walls in low to medium traffic residential areas.
Marble Mosaic Tile
Q: Are these marble mosaics suitable for shower floors?
A: Yes, all HW Marble mosaics are suitable for shower floors due to their small format and grout lines providing slip resistance.
Q: Do HW Marble products vary in tone or veining?
A: Yes. As a natural stone, expect shade, tone, and veining variation from piece to piece.
HW HAND PAINTED
Q: Can I install HW Hand Painted in a wet area?
A: Yes—for shower walls only. These are extruded white body ceramic wall tiles and not floor rated.
Q: Do the colors vary between batches?
A: HW Hand Painted is a machine-glazed tile designed to mimic the tonal movement of true hand-glazed ceramics. The glaze intentionally varies within each batch to create a handmade look, so you can expect nuanced color variation throughout each order.
Q: What makes it a best seller?
A: Its artisan look at a competitive price point makes it a favorite among designers and homeowners alike.
Q: Why does HW Tile prefer a white body ceramic tile?
A: We’re partial to a white body ceramic tile because of its clean, luminous base - it enhances glaze colors with greater clarity and depth. It also allows for sharper edges, smoother finishes, and a more refined look overall. For wall applications, especially in lighter tones, white body offers unmatched crispness and polish.
HW ZELLIGE
Q: Is Zellige suitable for showers?
A: Yes, for both walls and floors. Use 20% overage to accommodate variation and cuts.
Q: Will my order match what I see online?
A: Zellige is handmade and has variation in color, tone, pits, and edges. No two tiles are the same.
Q: Are mosaics available in Zellige?
A: Yes, we offer several Zellige mosaics—including angled stack, picket, plaid, and scale patterns.
Q: What makes Zellige tile special?
A: Zellige is a handmade Moroccan tile known for its rich color variation, surface movement, and imperfect beauty. Each tile is hand-cut and hand-glazed, resulting in natural pits, chips, and tonal shifts that catch the light in a way machine-made tile simply can't replicate. No two pieces are exactly alike—that’s the magic. It brings warmth, soul, and artisanal texture to any space.
HW PRINT PRESS
Q: What's the difference between Stamped and Impression?
A: Stamped is an unglazed, through-body porcelain with a heavily textured, dimensional relief pattern—visually stunning but best used on walls or low-traffic areas due to its uneven surface.
Impression is a glazed porcelain with a flatter finish, more suitable for walls and light residential floors (but not showers, as it is not tested for slippage).
Q: What is through-body porcelain?
A: Through-body porcelain means the color and material composition run all the way through the tile—not just on the surface. This makes chips and wear less visible over time and ensures long-term durability, especially in high-traffic or commercial settings.
Q: Can I use Print Press on a shower floor?
A: We do not recommend Stamped for shower floors due to its pronounced relief. While it is technically porcelain, the surface texture may be uncomfortable or impractical underfoot. Impression is also not rated for wet floors, so neither line is ideal for shower pan or wet floor installation.
Q: What makes Italian porcelain special?
A: Italian porcelain is renowned for its craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and refined design sensibility. Italy leads the world in porcelain innovation - offering surfaces that balance durability with sophisticated aesthetics. HW Tile sources select collections directly from Italian factories known for superior quality and design leadership.
HW ORGANIC (Large Format Porcelain)
Q: Are Organic tiles suitable for floors?
A: Yes, the 36x36 and 18x36 formats are rectified and through-body, suitable for residential and commercial floors.
Q: What’s a rectified edge?
A: A rectified tile has been mechanically trimmed to exact dimensions after firing, allowing for tighter grout lines and a cleaner, more seamless installation.
Q: What is through-body porcelain?
A: Through-body porcelain means the color and material composition run all the way through the tile—not just on the surface. This makes chips and wear less visible over time and ensures long-term durability, especially in high-traffic or commercial settings.
Q: What’s the thickness of HW Organic?
A: Tiles are 10mm (0.39”) thick.
Q: What makes Italian porcelain special?
A: Italian porcelain is renowned for its craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and refined design sensibility. Italy leads the world in porcelain innovation - offering surfaces that balance durability with sophisticated aesthetics. HW Tile sources select collections directly from Italian factories known for superior quality and design leadership.
HW ITALIAN HEX
Q: Is the Italian Hex safe for shower floors?
A: Yes. Made from full-body matte porcelain, it's ideal for wet areas, including showers.
Q: What size are the hexes in this collection?
A: Each sheet contains 1.5" x 1.5" hex tiles mounted on a 12" x 12" sheet.
Q: What makes Italian porcelain special?
A: Italian porcelain is renowned for its craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and refined design sensibility. Italy leads the world in porcelain innovation - offering surfaces that balance durability with sophisticated aesthetics. HW Tile sources select collections directly from Italian factories known for superior quality and design leadership.
HW VILLA BLU
Q: Can I use Villa Blu on walls and floors?
A: Yes—this is full-body glazed porcelain rated for both.
Q: What inspired the Villa Blu collection?
A: Villa Blu is a tribute to the majolica floor tiles of the Mediterranean - especially those found in Southern Italy’s villas, courtyards, and coastal estates. Majolica refers to a centuries-old Italian ceramic tradition that features tin-glazed, hand-painted tiles with intricate, colorful patterns. These tiles were prized for their decorative flair and artisan detail.
Our Villa Blu collection reimagines this aesthetic in durable, full-body porcelain. Each 8x8 tile is printed with a unique decorative motif, echoing the “memory of the past” while offering the performance of modern porcelain. It’s a design rooted in history, yet perfect for contemporary interiors and exteriors.
Q: What makes Italian porcelain special?
A: Italian porcelain is renowned for its craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and refined design sensibility. Italy leads the world in porcelain innovation - offering surfaces that balance durability with sophisticated aesthetics. HW Tile sources select collections directly from Italian factories known for superior quality and design leadership.
HW FRENCH BEVEL
Q: What makes the French Bevel collection special?
A: HW French Bevel brings a fresh, elevated take to the classic beveled tile. Inspired by Parisian metro tiles, this collection features a deeper, more sculptural bevel that adds dimension and elegance to walls. The glossy glaze reflects light beautifully, giving walls texture and movement without relying on color or pattern.
Q: What’s the difference between the field tile and the mosaic?
A: The field tile is a 2.5" x 5" individual tile, ideal for traditional layouts like brick, herringbone, or stacked. The mosaic comes pre-sheeted with smaller, arabesque style tiles in a grid format.
Q: Is French Bevel rated for floor use?
A: No - this is a glazed ceramic wall tile only. It's ideal for backsplashes, powder rooms, feature walls, and even shower walls.
Q: Are multiple colors available?
A: Yes - French Bevel comes in crisp White, Luxe Green, and Parisian Cloud. All are stocked in and ready to ship.
Terraforma Terrazzo Collection
Q: What is terrazzo?
A: Terrazzo is a composite material made from marble and set in resin. It is then honed to create a smooth, durable surface. Terraforma terrazzo is is 97% natural stone aggregate and 3% resin.
Q: What makes the Terraforma collection special?
A: Terraforma combines traditional Italian terrazzo craftsmanship with a refined, modern aesthetic. Each colorway is thoughtfully curated with bold yet timeless appeal -featuring large-format chips, sophisticated tones, and elegant finishes.
Q: Is this terrazzo suitable for floors?
A: Yes. All Terraforma styles are designed for both residential and commercial flooring.
Q: Can I use Terraforma terrazzo on walls or countertops?
A: Absolutely. Terraforma is suitable for vertical applications* like walls and backsplashes, and can be used for countertops depending on the finish and edge details.
*Note: While Terraforma terrazzo can be installed vertically, installers should confirm that the surface, setting materials, and anchoring systems are appropriate for the weight and size of the selected format. Always follow industry standards and consult with your tile installer or contractor to ensure proper support and application.
Q: What sizes and thicknesses are available?
A: Terraforma is currently only available in a 24” x 24” format.
Q: What finishes are offered?
A: Terraforma terrazzo is offered in a honed finish. We believe a honing best reflects the collection’s balance of modern style and retro charm. The matte surface enhances the natural texture of the aggregate while offering a soft, architectural look.
Q: Can I order samples?
A: Yes. 3” x 6” color samples are available upon request for all colors.
Q: Where is it made?
A: Terraforma terrazzo is handcrafted in Italy using premium marble chips and high-performance resin binders.
Q: How do I clean and maintain terrazzo?
A: Once installation is completed, remove dust with a soft broom or vacuum, being careful not to scratch the surface. Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for marble. The use of acidic or highly alkaline detergents can damage the surface of the marble. Routine sweeping and damp mopping will help preserve its beauty.