CHALK FARM WHITE Subway Thin Glazed Brick

Versatile and ultra-low maintenance, our thin glazed brick elevates the beloved subway tile. Each piece has a super-thin clay body and a subtle, glossy surface. In a standard 2.5x8” size, the installation options only enhance the tiles’ beauty, as we see various horizontal, vertical, herringbone, and mixed color designs.  

Cement tiles are made by hand, one at a time, using mineral pigments, cement, a mold, and a hydraulic press. The individual patterns are made by manually applying separate pigments, one by one, in a handmade brass mold. Cement tiles are not fired; there is no glaze layer on the surface of the tile. They derive their durability from the combination of finely dehydrated cement and a coarse sand and cement layer. The pigment layer is hydraulically pressed into the surface and becomes a part of the tile. Proper installation and protection of cement tile is key. Please ensure that the tile is laid by an installer with experience installing cement tile.

Moroccan zellige (zellij) requires true craftsmanship. Historically used in geometric and floral shapes in the most beautiful palaces, zellige tile is now becoming more widely available.

Our craftsmen start with raw clay, which they soak in water and hand filter for impurities. At this point, the clay becomes a soft, malleable substance that can be placed into various molds. These pieces are then placed side by side and left to dry in the bright Moroccan sun. Zellige tiles are flattened and shaped by hand and left to dry further. Each piece of zellige is hand dipped in glaze and then methodically placed in an earthen kiln. Heat is distributed unevenly throughout the kiln which gives zellige its incredible variation.

Every zellige tile is an expression of the artisan’s work that day—beautifully imperfect and unique. Lastly, the tiles are glazed and cut to perfection. Each tile is a piece of art in its own right.

We ship our tiles anywhere that USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and any LTL carrier can reach! If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or a country outside of the United States, please email or call us for a custom freight quote. Our in stock samples of Cotto tiles typically ship out within 2 business days of order receipt from our Los Angeles warehouse.

All standard shipping orders will deliver using LTL carrier service and are curbside delivery. The LTL trucking company that is contracted to deliver your order will contact you to arrange a specific date and timeframe for curbside delivery.

We are excited to offer free Pick up/Will Call from our Los Angeles Warehouse to help our local customers save on shipping costs! Because our stock tiles are ready to ship from multiple warehouses around the country, we are not able to guarantee that all stock tiles will be ready for pick up in Los Angeles at the time of order placement. Your tile may take an additional 1-3 weeks to be transferred free of charge from one of our auxiliary warehouses to our Los Angeles warehouse prior to your will call appointment. If you have any questions regarding your tile pick up availability, please reach out to our team at (310) 844-1170 or at info@ziatile.com. We are happy to discuss shipping rates or alternate options to ensure you meet your project deadline.

We offer all customers the option to order samples through our website by clicking on the Request a Sample button each tile page. All sample orders are limited to up to 4 per tile design, and customers may order up to 10 samples total. We make every effort to ship all samples within the same shipment, but some samples may ship separately if specific samples are out of stock at the time the order is placed.

Some cement tile and zellige tile samples of special order tiles may be available and are limited to 1 sample per customer due to the limited amount of special order tile samples we have on-hand. Frequently, special order sample tiles will have a lead time that matches the order lead time listed on each individual tile page.

The first 5 samples in our online cart are complimentary and additional samples are $3 each. The credit for the first 5 samples is is reflected on the final check out page. Shipping is $8 for every 3 tiles shipped. Our samples ship via FedEx, UPS, or USPS ground within 2-3 business days of order receipt. For questions regarding samples, please email info@ziatile.com.

-- Read this guide, IN FULL, prior to beginning any installation of Thin Glazed Brick --

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To ensure proper installation based on unique project and/or site conditions, clients are responsible for hiring a skilled installer that has experience in installing ceramic tiles. Zia Tile is not responsible for installation, ongoing care, or problems after receipt and installation of product. If client’s installer deviates from the instructions or recommendations below, this may result in costly and undesirable outcomes.

Hairline cracks, also known as crazing, are common with ceramic tiles and can be expected on the surface of thin glazed brick. We recommend matching the grout color to the tile color as closely as possible to minimize the appearance of crazing on the surface. Contrasting grout colors will accentuate crazing on the surface and should be avoided.

REVIEWING YOUR ORDER

• Please inspect your order thoroughly, upon receipt. Zia Tile cannot be held responsible for tiles that have already been installed.

• To account for cuts, possible chips, flaking and variation that is inherent with Thin Glazed Brick and potential breakage in transit, it is strongly recommended that all orders include a minimum of 15% overage to avoid costly add-on shipping and schedule delays.

BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR INSTALLATION

• Prior to installation, clean any dust and residue from shipping with a pH neutral cleaner and soft cloth.

• Each brick has tonal and textural variation. We recommend opening all boxes at once and randomly blending them to ensure an even mix of variation before beginning your installation. Lay out the tile in the installation area and ensure any variation is distributed evenly

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED MATERIAL

For placing the tiles:

• Sponge

• Bucket

• Wedge Spacers

• High quality thinset mortar

• Trowel with 1⁄2” notches

• Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout

• Grout float

• Water-cooled tile saw with a diamond blade

For cleaning and sealing thin glazed brick tiles:

• Lint free cotton cloth

• pH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner

• 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer as grout release

• For areas exposed to constant moisture use 511 Porous Plus penetrating sealer after grout is complete

LAYING TILES

• If cuts are required for your installation, all saw cuts must be made with a water-cooled tile saw. Wet brick in clean water before making your cuts.

• The tiling surface should be well prepared and leveled before placing the Thin Glazed Brick.

• Evenly apply the thin set mixture to the install surface using a trowel.

• Spread a light layer of the thin set mixture on the back of each tile, making sure to apply the mixture in the same direction in order to prevent air pockets from forming.

• Lay thin glazed brick in accordance with the drying time required for the thin set used. Press the tiles into place. Using the palm of your hand, press the tiles into the thin set to ensure thorough contact.

• Ensure the tiles are perfectly flat during installation.

• Place in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’ at a time, using no less than a 3/8” grout joint

• Immediately wipe off any residual thin set from the surface of the tiles. Thin set can be incredibly difficult to remove without damaging the tiles if left too long.

• After the tiles have been laid, allow the thin set at least 48 hours to cure before sealing and grouting. Avoid moisture or other environmental aggressors affecting the drying process.

PRE-GROUT SEALING

• Thin glazed brick tiles must be sealed on-site. Use a pH neutral cleaner before sealing; use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles and should be avoided.

• After laying the tile and prior to grouting, apply 511 Porous Plus in thin layers, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal as thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. Allow sealer to cure, typically 1-2 days; always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.

• The sealer will also act as a grout release. Do not proceed to grouting unless your sealer is fully cured!

GROUTING

• Using Mapei Ultracolor Plus FA grout, carefully grout in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’ at a time

• Carefully remove excess grout with a damp sponge as you work.

• Let the grout cure for 48 hours.

• Prior to top-coat sealing, clean the tiles with pH neutral detergent, removing any residual mortar or debris using a wet-vac or squeegee. Never leave spills, drips, footprints, or any other marks on the tiles prior to sealing.

TOP-COAT SEALING

• Wet applications need to be re-sealed with the 511 Porous Plus Penetrating Sealer as the final step of installation. This step will protect grout from continuous moisture exposure.

TRIM

• We recommend installing thin glazed brick from floor to ceiling or bringing drywall flush with the finished surface of your tile to eliminate the need for trim.

• If you have an exposed edge that needs to be finished in your design, we recommend having your experienced installer miter the tile or add a thin layer of grout to any exposed edge. Your experienced installer should be familiar with cutting the edges at a 45-degree angle to create a corner out of two tiles. This will mimic a finished trim piece and can easily be done on site to get the finished look without ordering custom trim.

• If you do require trim, we recommend Schluter strips, which can be found at www.schluter.com.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE

• Thin Glazed Brick requires minimal maintenance. Use mild soap and water or a pH neutral cleaner for everyday cleaning.

• For any soap scum, stains or hard water film buildup we recommend Heavy Duty Tile Cleaner from Miracle Sealants.