Yes — and we strongly encourage it. Free samples are available on all products. Simply visit any product page and select the sample option. Samples ship quickly to anywhere in the continental United States.

Natural stone looks different under different lighting conditions and against different materials. We always recommend evaluating samples in your actual space — against your cabinetry, countertops, and flooring — before committing to a full order. This single step eliminates the vast majority of post-purchase disappointment with natural stone orders.

You can order samples of multiple products. We recommend ordering your top 2–3 material choices so you can compare them side by side in your space. There's no minimum or maximum — order what you need to make a confident decision.

We recommend ordering 10–15% extra material above your measured square footage. Here's the breakdown:

• 10% extra — porcelain or ceramic tile, simple straight-lay pattern
• 15% extra — natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone), OR any diagonal/herringbone pattern
• 20% extra — natural stone installed in a diagonal or complex pattern, or a room with many angles and cuts

Yes — visit our Tile Calculator page to calculate your exact square footage, tile count, and number of boxes needed. You can add multiple rooms and choose your installation pattern to automatically adjust the waste factor. For complex projects, we recommend having your installer verify the quantity before ordering.

Yes. We offer $200 off orders over $5,000 and free shipping on mosaics and moldings over $1,999. For large commercial or multi-unit projects requiring custom pricing, contact our team at 855-797-8453 or sales@tileandmosaicdepot.com to discuss project-specific quotations.

Trade members also receive preferred pricing across all products. Apply for our Trade Program — it's free to join.

Whenever possible, we ship all tiles in a single order from the same production lot to maintain consistency in color, shade, and pattern. For very large orders, we verify lot availability before shipping and will contact you if we anticipate any lot variance.

We are an online-only operation. No showroom means no showroom overhead — and that savings is passed directly to you in the form of more competitive pricing on premium natural stone.

Our free sample program is designed to replicate the showroom experience. Order samples, hold them in your space, evaluate them under your lighting, and compare them against your existing materials — at no cost and no obligation to purchase.

Our tile specialists are available by phone at 855-797-8453 and live chat during business hours to walk through your project requirements and recommend the right material. Key factors we consider: application (floor, wall, outdoor, wet area), climate (freeze-thaw risk), traffic level, maintenance preference, and design aesthetic.

We also recommend reading our Shade & Color Variation Guide before ordering natural stone, and our blog guides on marble vs. travertine, porcelain vs. natural stone for pools, and backsplash material selection.

Most in-stock tile orders ship within 1–3 business days of order confirmation. Delivery times vary by destination and freight carrier — typically 3–7 business days for most locations in the continental United States after shipment.

Large pallet shipments are delivered by freight carrier and typically take slightly longer than small parcel orders. You will receive a tracking number when your order ships.

Yes — we offer free shipping on mosaics and moldings orders over $1,999. For other product categories, shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on order weight, size, and destination.

Samples ship free on all products to anywhere in the continental United States.

We ship throughout the continental United States. For orders to Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories, please contact us at 855-797-8453 or sales@tileandmosaicdepot.com for a shipping quote before placing your order.

Yes — for pallet and freight shipments, the freight carrier will contact you to schedule a delivery appointment. Please make sure your contact information is accurate at checkout and that someone is available to receive the delivery during the scheduled window.

If your order arrives with visible damage to the packaging or tiles:

• Note the damage on the carrier's delivery form before signing — this is essential for a freight claim
• Take photos of the damaged packaging and tiles immediately
• Do not discard packaging — it may be needed for the freight claim
• Contact us within 48 hours at 855-797-8453 or sales@tileandmosaicdepot.com with photos

We will work with you to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, including replacement of damaged tiles where applicable.

Yes — you will receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking information when your order ships. For freight shipments, tracking updates may be less frequent than small parcel shipments. If you have questions about your shipment status, contact us at 855-797-8453.

Order changes and cancellations must be requested before the order ships. Contact us immediately at 855-797-8453 if you need to modify or cancel your order. Once an order has shipped, it cannot be cancelled and must go through our standard return process if applicable.

We offer 30-day returns on eligible items. To be eligible for a return, tiles must be uninspected, uninstalled, and in their original packaging. Returns must be initiated within 30 days of delivery.

Please visit our Shipping & Returns page for complete policy details and to initiate a return.

No — once any tile has been installed, it is considered accepted and cannot be returned. This policy is consistent with industry standards established by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA).

For this reason, we strongly recommend inspecting all tiles before installation begins. Any piece with a defect should be identified and set aside before installation starts.

Screen photography cannot fully capture the depth, translucency, texture, and shade variation of natural stone. Color appearance varies based on monitor calibration, photography lighting, and the inherent variation of natural materials. These differences are not defects and do not constitute grounds for return.

This is exactly why we offer free samples — evaluating the material in your actual space before ordering is the only reliable way to verify that it meets your expectations. If you ordered without sampling and are unsatisfied with the appearance, contact us to discuss options.

Unopened, unused tile in original packaging can be returned within 30 days subject to our return policy. However, we recommend keeping any leftover tile — especially natural stone — for future repairs. Natural stone from the same quarry lot can be difficult or impossible to match in the future, and even a few replacement tiles can make the difference between a seamless repair and a visible patch.

Contact us at 855-797-8453 or sales@tileandmosaicdepot.com within 30 days of delivery to initiate a return. Please have your order number ready. Our team will provide return shipping instructions and a return authorization.

Natural stone is a geological material formed over millions of years. No two pieces are identical — veining, shading, texture, and mineral composition vary naturally between tiles and between lots. Photography, monitor calibration, and lighting conditions all affect how stone appears on screen vs. in person.

Our product photos represent the general character of each material but cannot guarantee the exact appearance of every piece you receive. This is inherent to natural stone, not a photography failure on our part. See our Shade & Color Variation Guide for a full explanation.

Yes — virtually all natural stone requires sealing. Stone is porous and will absorb stains, moisture, and chemicals if left unsealed. We recommend:

• Sealing before grouting and again after grouting during installation
• Re-sealing annually in high-use areas (kitchen countertops, shower floors)
• Re-sealing every 1–2 years in lower-use areas (bathroom walls, feature walls)
• Using a penetrating stone sealer, not a topical sealer, for natural stone

Porcelain tile does not require sealing due to its low porosity.

Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner or mild dish soap diluted in warm water. Wipe with a soft cloth or mop and dry thoroughly. For daily maintenance, simply wipe with a damp cloth.

• Never use: vinegar, bleach, acidic cleaners, or abrasive scrubbers — these permanently etch and damage stone surfaces
• Wipe spills immediately: especially acidic liquids (lemon juice, wine, coffee) which can etch polished marble and limestone
• Use trivets: for hot items on stone countertops or tabletops

Polished: High-gloss, mirror-like surface that intensifies the color and veining of the stone. More susceptible to showing scratches, etching, and water spots. Best for wall applications, low-traffic floors, and areas where visual impact is the priority.

Honed: Smooth matte surface with no reflective sheen. More forgiving of scratches and etching, making it better for bathroom floors, kitchen countertops, and high-use areas. Shows fingerprints and water spots less than polished.

Tumbled: Naturally aged, rough-edged surface with organic texture. Common in travertine. Excellent slip resistance — ideal for pool decks, outdoor spaces, and rustic interiors.

Yes — many natural stones perform excellently in outdoor and pool applications. Key considerations:

• Travertine — excellent for pool decks and copings in warm climates. Stays cool underfoot. Not recommended for freeze-thaw climates without proper sealing.
• Limestone — good for outdoor use in moderate climates. Requires sealing and re-sealing.
• Marble — suitable for some outdoor applications; avoid in freeze-thaw climates and high-acid environments.
• Porcelain — excellent for all outdoor applications including cold climates; frost-resistant and requires no sealing.

For pools specifically, ensure the tile is rated for submerged or wet applications. Our pool collection is pre-selected for this purpose.

The holes (voids) in travertine are natural formations created during the stone's geological development — they are not defects. Travertine is available in two types:

• Unfilled travertine — natural voids left open. Rustic, organic character. Used in applications where the natural appearance is desired. Requires careful grout application.
• Filled travertine — voids filled with grout or epoxy at the factory. Smoother surface. Generally preferred for kitchen and bathroom applications where hygiene is important.

If you purchase unfilled travertine, your installer can fill the holes with grout during installation for a cleaner finish.

The V-scale (V0–V4) is the tile industry's standard for communicating the degree of shade and color variation between individual tiles in a product. V1 = minimal variation (near-uniform), V4 = substantial variation (dramatic differences in shade and pattern).

All natural stone products — marble, travertine, limestone, onyx, basalt — inherently rate V3 or V4 due to their geological character. Porcelain typically rates V1–V2.

For a full explanation with visual guides, visit our Shade & Color Variation page.

We do not provide installation services. Tile & Mosaic Depot is a tile and natural stone supplier. We recommend working with a qualified professional tile installer who has experience with natural stone. Installation quality significantly affects the final appearance and longevity of your tile installation.

Before any tile is installed, inspect every piece for defects, damage, and shade variation. Key pre-installation steps:

• Open all boxes and mix tiles from multiple boxes to distribute variation evenly
• Dry-lay the tiles in the planned pattern before setting — step back and evaluate the overall look
• Identify and set aside any pieces with unusual variation or defects (use these for cuts)
• Verify substrate flatness, moisture levels, and suitability for the tile type
• Check that your order quantity is complete before installation begins

Grout joint size depends on the tile type, size, and installation standard. General guidelines:

• Rectified tile (precisely cut) — as small as 1/16" joint possible
• Non-rectified natural stone — typically 1/8" to 3/16" to accommodate natural size variation
• Large-format tile (24×24 and larger) — minimum 1/8" per TCNA guidelines
• Outdoor/pool applications — typically wider joints for movement allowance

Your tile installer can recommend the appropriate joint size for your specific product and application. Always follow TCNA installation guidelines for best results.

Always use a white or gray polymer-modified thinset mortar for natural stone — never use organic mastic adhesive, which can discolor translucent or light-colored stones (especially white marble) over time. For large-format stone (18×18 and larger), back-buttering in addition to floor troweling is standard practice.

Your installer should verify adhesive compatibility with your specific stone type. Certain stones require specific adhesive types — consult your installer and the adhesive manufacturer's guidelines.

Natural stone tile does not require the same acclimation period as hardwood flooring. However, it's good practice to bring tiles to room temperature before installation, especially in very cold environments. Avoid installing over substrates with active moisture issues or in temperatures below 50°F, as this can affect adhesive performance and curing.

Our Trade Program offers preferred pricing, priority support, free sample shipping, and early collection access to design and construction professionals. It's free to join and open to interior designers, architects, general contractors, tile installers, custom home builders, property developers, and realtors.

Visit our Trade Program page to apply — approval within 1–2 business days.

The Trade Program is completely free to join. There are no membership fees, no minimum order requirements, and no ongoing commitments. Simply apply, get approved, and start sourcing at trade pricing.

We review applications within 1–2 business days. Once approved, you'll receive an email confirmation with your trade account details and access to the trade pricing portal at sales.tileandmosaicdepot.com.

Existing trade members can access their account at sales.tileandmosaicdepot.com. If you're having trouble accessing your account, contact us at 855-797-8453 or sales@tileandmosaicdepot.com.

Yes — for large commercial, hospitality, or multi-unit projects requiring custom pricing, lot reservations, or specific delivery scheduling, contact our team directly at 855-797-8453 or sales@tileandmosaicdepot.com. We work with developers, architects, and hospitality groups on project-specific quotations.