SAGUARO 8x8Square Cement

Perhaps the most versatile tile Zia produces, with endless colorways, patterns, and shapes, Zia strives to offer the world’s best curated collection of encaustic cement tiles. While generally consistent in appearance, each handmade tile is inherently unique. Durable and versatile, matte cement tile is an easy choice for many installations.

Proper installation and protection of cement tile is key, so please ensure you work with an installer who has experience specifically installing cement tile, and who has carefully reviewed Zia’s installation guide.

Installers should always wear protective face and eye coverings when working with Cement, mortar, sealants, grout and other materials associated with the tile installation process in accordance with the California Prop 65. ⚠ CALIFORNIA WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm. Learn more about Proposition 65 Warnings.

Cement tiles are made by hand, one at a time, using mineral pigments, cement, a mold, and a hydraulic press. The individual tile 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.

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. Your full order will ship once all tiles are in stock in our warehouse.

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 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 cement tile -----

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 and sealing cement tiles. Zia Tile is not responsible for installation, ongoing care, or issues arising 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.

REVIEWING YOUR ORDER

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

• Each piece of cement tile is made by hand, and subtle variations in color, shape and thickness are to be expected. Irregular edges and minor crazing are normal and to be expected.

• To account for cuts, pattern, inherent variation, 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

• Due to the inherent color variation of cement tile, it is very important to blend the tiles from all boxes in your order. You should then lay out all tiles in the installation area to ensure any variation is evenly distributed before beginning your installation.

• Grout color is an important design decision - almost as important as the tile color itself. For a traditional look, explore lighter neutral color Mapei Flexcolor CQ grouts. For a more modern aesthetic, grout color can be matched as closely as possible to the color of the tile. Visit our website or Instagram to view hundreds of installation examples to decide what grout color is preferred.

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED MATERIAL

For placing the tiles:

• Sponge

• Bucket

• 1/16” tile spacers

• High quality medium-bed thin set mortar

• Trowel

• Mapei Flexcolor CQ, neutral colored grout – avoid spreading dark or contrasting grout over the surface of cement tiles

• Grout float

• Grout bag – if using a contrasting grout color

• Water-cooled tile saw with diamond edge blade

For cleaning and sealing cement tiles:

• pH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute)

• Paint roller, paint tray, sponge and water bucket - Lint-free cotton cloth

• For interior applications - 511 Porous Plus Sealer and Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax

• For exterior applications - 511 Porous Plus Sealer

LAYING TILES

• If cuts are required for your installation, all saw cuts must be made with a water-cooled tile saw.

FOR FLOOR INSTALLATIONS

• If the subfloor is even and in good condition, a high quality medium-bed thin set is sufficient to set the tiles. Please make sure the subfloor has completely cured (usually a minimum of 30 days) to prevent efflorescence spots from depositing on the surface of the tiles as moisture evaporates through them. Uncured or unsettled sub-surfaces can cause cracks to form in the tile as the sub-surface deforms, so always ensure the sub- surface has cured properly before installing cement tile. Use of an uncoupling membrane (such as DITRA) may also be advised.

FOR WALL INSTALLATIONS

• Only install cement tile on stable, even surfaces such as cement backer board. In dry areas (i.e. kitchen backsplash), cement tile may be installed directly to drywall. Never apply tile directly to a painted surface.

 FOR COMMERCIAL AND/OR WET AREAS:

• If installing on a flooring surface in a wet or commercial area, slip resistance can be increased by increasing grout joint size and/or applying an anti-slip product after installation is complete. Always consult with your licensed installer on slip specific questions prior to installation and note that cement tile has a DCOF rating > 1. See product spec sheet for additional information.

• Evenly apply the thin set mixture to the install surface using a trowel. Wet the back of each tile with a sponge before applying thin set to the back of each tile, making sure to apply the mixture in the same direction in order to prevent air pockets from forming.

• For a more level installation, use more or less thin set on the back of the tiles to account for depth variation. Tiles should be leveled as they are placed.

• Using only the palm of your hand, press the tiles into place. Do not use a rubber hammer or mallet as that can create small cracks that will grow over time. Ensure the tiles are perfectly flat during installation.

• Place in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’, at a time using 1/16” tile spacers to separate the tiles.

• 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.

PRE-GROUT SEALING

• Cement tiles must be sealed on-site. Use a pH neutral cleaner before sealing; products made to clean natural stone are usually suitable. Use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles and should be avoided.

• After your thin set has cured, your tiles have been cleaned and dried and prior to grouting, apply 511 Porous Plus sealer in thin layers until the tiles become fully saturated, 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 24-48 hours; always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.

• Do not proceed to grouting unless your sealer is fully cured!

GROUTING

• Using MAPEI FLEXCOLOR CQ GROUT, fill in the gaps between the tiles with a rubber grout float. Grout in small areas, no larger than 2’x2’, at a time. DO NOT grout the entire floor at once, as the tiles can stain from excess grout that is extremely difficult to remove later. Instead, grout small areas and immediately wipe away the excess grout as you go. Contrasting grout can stain or leave a grout haze and should be avoided unless hand grouting or using a grout bag.

• Allow the grout to fully cure, usually 48 hours.

TOP COAT SEALER

• Completely clean and dry the tiles with pH neutral detergent, removing any residual mortar or debris. Never leave spills, drips, footprints, or any other marks on the tiles prior to sealing.

FOR INTERIOR INSTALLATIONS

• Apply Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax in thin layers until the tiles are fully coated, 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 before using the space. Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.

FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS

• Apply 511 Porous Plus sealer in thin layers until the tiles are fully coated, 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 24-48 hours before using the space. Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions. DO NOT use Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax in outdoor applications as UV rays can cause discoloration over time.

• ALWAYS cover the tiles with durable paperboard during and after installation to prevent damage and/or staining of the tiles until construction is complete.

TRIM

• We recommend installing cement 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 with your design, we recommend mitering your tile. 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

Over time, cement tile wears like a natural stone product, which is part of the appeal of this old-world tile. Clients should expect natural wear, fine lines on the tile surface (also known as crazing) and patina to occur to the finish over time.

CLEANING

• Vacuum or sweep tile regularly to remove abrasive material that can scratch the surface.

• Promptly clean up any spills, especially oil and grease. Un-cleaned spills can cause stains.

• Floors and walls can be wiped or mopped with warm, clean water and a pH neutral cleaner.

• Cement tiles should be cleaned using pH neutral cleaners ONLY. Use of acidic cleaners will stain the tiles. For regular cleaning, we recommend Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner. For heavier stains, we recommend Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute).

RE-SEALING

• Cement tile should be re-sealed at least every 1-2 years, or as often as needed depending on traffic and wear. For areas exposed to moisture, you may need to re-seal more often. Always re-seal in accordance with sealant manufacturer’s instructions.

INSTALLATION SAFETY

• Installers should always wear a protective face covering (e.g., dust mask) and eye protection when unpacking, cutting and installing Zia Tile products as well as working with the mortar, sealants, grout and other materials associated with the tile installation process in accordance with California Prop 65. WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm -- www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. If extensive cutting is required during installation, Zia Tile recommends this work be done outside or in a well-ventilated area. Finally, always be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water after working with tiles and before eating.

GUIA DE INSTALACION BALDOSA DE CEMENTO - ESPAÑOL

- Lea esta guía, EN SU TOTALIDAD, antes de comenzar cualquier instalación de baldosa de cemento -

Para garantizar una instalación adecuada basada en un proyecto único/o condiciones del sitio, los clientes son responsables de contratar a un instalador calificado que tenga experiencia en la instalación y sellado de baldosas. Zia Tile no es responsable de la instalación, el cuidado continuo o los problemas que surjan después de la recepción e instalación del producto. Sí el instalador del cliente se desvía de las instrucciones o recomendaciones que se ofrecen a continuación, esto puede tener consecuencias costosos e indeseables.

REVISANDO SU PEDIDO

• Inspeccione su pedido minuciosamente, una vez recibido. Zia Tile no se hace responsable de los mosaicos que ya se hayan instalado.

• Cada pieza de baldosa de cemento está hecha a mano y se esperan variaciones sutiles de color, forma y grosor. Los bordes irregulares y las grietas menores son normales y esperados.

• Para tener en cuenta los cortes, el patrón, la variación inherente y la posible ruptura en tránsito, se recomienda encarecidamente que todos los pedidos incluyan un excedente mínimo del 15 % para evitar costos de envíos adicionales y retrasos en la programación.

• Debido a la variación inherente de las baldosas de cemento, es muy importante mezclar las baldosas de todas las cajas en su pedido y verificar el diseño antes de comenzar su instalación.

ANTES DE COMENZAR LA INSTALACIÓN

• Antes de comenzar la instalación, mezcle losas de todas las cajas en su envío, coloque las losas en el área de instalación

• y asegúrese de que cualquier variación se distribuya de manera uniforme.

• El color de la lechada es una decisión de diseño importante, casi tan importante como el color del azulejo en sí. Para una apariencia tradicional, explore las lechadas Mapei Flexcolor CQ de color neutro más claro. Para una estética de acabado moderno, el color de la lechada debe coincidir lo más posible con el color de la loseta. Visite nuestro sitio web o Instagram para ver cientos de ejemplos de instalación de zellige para decidir qué color de lechada prefiere.

INSTALACIÓN

MATERIAL REQUERIDO

Para colocar las baldosas:

• Esponja

• Cubo

• Espaciadores de baldosas de 1/16”

• Mortero de capa fina de capa media de alta calidad

• Llanas con muescas semicirculares 1⁄2”

• Mapei Flexcolor CQ de lechada de color neutro –evite esparcir lechada oscura o contratante sobre la superficie de las baldosas hidráulicas

• Flotador de lechada

• Sierra para baldosas refrigerada por agua con hoja de borde de diamante

Para limpiar y sellar baldosas de cemento:

• Limpiador pH neutral como Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (sustituto de ácido)

• Rodillo de pintura, bandeja de pintura, esponja y cubo de agua

• Paño de algodón sin pelusa

• Para aplicaciones interiores - 511 Porous Plus Sealer y Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax

• Para aplicaciones exteriores - 511 Porous Plus Sealer

COLOCACIÓN DE AZULEJOS

• Si se requieren cortes para su instalación, todos los cortes de sierra deben hacerse con una sierra para baldosa enfriada por agua.

PARA INSTALACIONES DE SUELO

• Si el subsuelo es uniforme y está en buenas condiciones, una capa delgada de capa media alta calidad es suficiente para colocar las baldosas. Asegúrese de que el subsuelo se haya curado por completo (generalmente un mínimo de 30 días) para evitar que las manchas de eflorescencia se depositen en la superficie de las baldosas a medida de que la humedad se evapora a través de ellas. Las superficies sin curar o sin asentar pueden hacer que se formen grietas en las losas a medida que se deforma la superficie inferior, por lo que siempre asegúrese de que la superficie inferior se haya curado correctamente antes de instalar las losas de cemento. También se puede recomendar el uso de una membrana de desacoplamiento (como DITRA).

PARA INSTALACIONES EN PARED

• Para instalaciones de paredes, solo instale las losas de cemento en superficies estables y uniformes, como una tabla de respaldo de cemento. En áreas secas (es decir, placa para salpicaduras de cocina), las baldosas de cemento se pueden instalar directamente en los paneles de yeso. Nunca aplique las baldosas directamente sobre una superficie pintada.

• Aplique uniformemente la mezcla de fraguado fino a la superficie de instalación con una llana. Humedezca la parte posterior de cada baldosa con una esponja antes de aplicar fraguado fino en la parte posterior de cada baldosa, asegurándose de aplicar la mezcla en la misma dirección para evitar que se formen bolsas de aire.

• Usando solo la palma de su mano, presione las baldosas en su lugar. No use un martillo o mazo de goma, ya que pueden crear pequeñas grietas que crecerán con el tiempo. Asegúrese de que las baldosas estén perfectamente planas durante la instalación.

• Coloque en secciones pequeñas, no mayores de 2x2, a la vez, a la vez usando los espaciadores de baldosa de 1/16 para separar las baldosas.

• Limpie inmediatamente cualquier capa delgada residual de la superficie de las losetas. La capa delgada puede ser increíblemente difícil de quitar sin dañar las baldosas si se deja demasiado tiempo.

• Una vez colocadas las baldosa, deje que el fraguado fino se seque durante al menos 48 horas antes de sellar y enlechar.

• Después de colocar las losetas, deje curar la capa delgada por lo menos 48 horas antes de sellar y enlechar.

SELLADO PREVIO A LA LECHADA

• Las baldosas de cemento deben de sellarse en el lugar. Utilice un limpiador de pH neutro antes de sellar; los productos hechos para limpiar piedra natural suelen ser adecuados. El uso de limpiadores ácidos dañarán las baldosas y deben evitarse.

• Después de que se haya curado la capa delgada, se hayan limpiado y secado las baldosas y antes de enlechar, aplique 511 Porous Plus sellador de capas delgadas hasta que las losetas se saturen por completo, limpiando cualquier exceso del sellador antes de que se seque. No selle demasiado, ya que una aplicación gruesa o excesiva de sellador puede secarse de manera desigual y dar como resultado una capa cerosa indeseable en la superficie de las baldosas. Deje curar el sellador, por lo general de 1 a 2 días; siga siempre las instrucciones de aplicación del fabricante del sellador.

• ¡No proceda con la lechada a menos que su sellador esté completamente curado!

LECHADA

• Con MAPEI FLEXCOLOR CQ GROUT, rellene los espacios entre las losetas con una llana de goma para lechada. Aplique lechada en áreas pequeñas, no mayores de 2'x2', a la vez. NO aplique lechada a todo el piso a la vez, ya que las losetas pueden mancharse debido al exceso de lechada que es extremadamente difícil de quitar más adelante. En su lugar, aplique lechada en áreas pequeñas e inmediatamente limpie el exceso de lechada sobre la marcha. La lechada de contraste puede manchar o dejar una neblina de lechada y debe evitarse a menos que se aplique la lechada a mano o se use una bolsa de lechada.

• Deje que la lechada se cure por completo, generalmente 48 horas.

SELLADOR DE CAPA SUPERIOR

• Limpiar las baldosas con detergente de pH neutro, eliminando los restos de mortero o escombros. Nunca deje derrames, goteos, huellas o cualquier otra marca en las baldosas antes de sellar.

• Limpie y seque completamente las baldosas antes de aplicar una segunda capa de sellador penetrante sobre las baldosas y la lechada, Los proyectores comerciales o los clientes que deseen una protección adicional pueden usar el sellador tópico Fila Solutions Matt Wax 24 horas después de que el sellador penetrante haya curado completamente solo en aplicaciones en interiores. NO use el Fila Solutions Matt Wax en aplicaciones al aire libre ya que los rayos UV pueden causar decoloración con el tiempo.

• SIEMPRE cubra las baldosas con cartón duradero durante y después de la instalación para evitar daños y/o manchas en las baldosas hasta que se complete la construcción.

RECORTAR

• Recomendamos instalar cemento desde el piso hasta el techo o colocar el panel de yeso al ras con la superficie acabada de la loseta para eliminar la necesidad de molduras.

• Si tiene un borde expuesto con su diseño, le recomendamos que migre su baldosa. Su instalador experimentado debe estar familiarizado con el corte de los bordes en un ángulo de 45 grados para crear una esquina con dos mosaicos. Esto imitará una pieza de moldura terminada y se puede hacer fácilmente en el sitio para obtener el aspecto final sin pedir una moldura personalizada.

• Si necesita molduras, le recomendamos tiras Schluter, que puede encontrar en www.schluter.com.

MANTENIMIENTO EN PROCESO

Con el tiempo, las baldosas de cemento se desgastan como producto de piedra natural, lo cual es parte del atractivo de estas baldosas del viejo mundo. Los clientes deben esperar que se produzca un desgaste natural, las grietas menores y una pátina en el acabado con el tiempo.

LIMPIEZA

• Aspire o barra las baldosas con regularidad para eliminar el material abrasivo que pueda rayar la superficie.

• Limpie rápidamente cualquier derrame, especialmente aceite y grasa. Los derrames sin limpiar pueden causar manchas.

• Los pisos y las paredes se pueden limpiar o trapear con agua tibia y limpiador de pH neutro.

• La baldosa de cementos deben limpiarse ÚNICAMENTE con limpiadores de pH neutro. El uso de limpiadores ácidos mancharán las baldosas. Para una limpieza regular recomendamos Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner. Para manchas más pesadas recomendamos el Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute).

VOLVER A SELLAR

• Las baldosas de cemento se deben volver a sellar al menos cada 1 o 2 años, o con la frecuencia necesaria según el tráfico y el desgaste. Para las áreas expuestas a la humedad, es posible que deba volver a sellar con más frecuencia. Siempre vuelva a sellar de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante del sellador.