OUTERclé’s products are mostly handcrafted and may vary in size, texture, color, shade, and inherent imperfections, and production batches or "lots" of artisan tiles can vary. Therefore, the images on the website photography or your sample order may not match the current lot or your full tile order.
OUTERclé recommends grout joints for some product collections, which may be automatically calculated in the “pieces per square foot” calculation. It is the sole responsibility of the installer or project manager to measure accurately and ensure that grout joint sizes are factored into product order quantities. If you desire a smaller grout joint than that recommended by OUTERclé, have your installer advise you how much extra tile you should order. For many collections, we recommend a minimum of 20% overage to accommodate routine breakage, etc. However, some collections have a recommended overage of 20% to 30%. Please be sure to check for your specific tile what our recommended overage is. If you wish to achieve a specific design aesthetic, we recommend ordering at least 30% - 35% MORE than the project requirements to “cherry-pick” tiles.
Because of the nature of the materials and the handcrafting process, OUTERclé can never guarantee a color match from previous orders. Avoid add-on orders by having your installer or project manager to measure carefully and order enough overage.
We highly recommend having your installer present during the curbside delivery to inspect the shipment and move the product to the storage location. All damages, shortages, or incorrect tiles received must be reported within 48 hours of delivery claims@outercle.com. Please note OUTERclé is not responsible for any costs associated with, but not limited to, contractor fees, project-related delays, or denied claims not reported within 48 hours of delivery.
We strongly suggest choosing installers who have shown their commitment to their craft and remained current with the latest methods and materials. We suggest requiring references and a portfolio along with a bid or estimate to ensure the installer has successfully completed work of similar size, scope, and complexity. Your installation will only be as good as your installer. OUTERclé does not offer installation support.
OUTERclé does not accept returns on any product orders.
Industry standard suggests adding at least 20% overage due to tile cuts, potential shipping breakage, or future repairs. However, if the variation in color and shade natural to travertine tiles does not fit your project’s needs, we recommend ordering 20-30% overage. This will allow your contractor to cherry-pick the tiles most desirable for your project.
REQUIRE YOUR INSTALLER PERFORM A “DRY RUN”. Before installing, make sure to lay out and blend ALL BOXES of your tiles so that your variations in color, and tiles that bear chips and pits are artfully placed as you would like. The best placement of these nuances throughout your installation must be guided by you and/or your design professional to realize the best possible blend of your shipment of our limited-availability tiles. Your installation is only as good as your DRY RUN.
REQUIRE MOCK-UP BOARDS. We urge all our clients to require creation of mock-up boards before installation. This allows you and your designer/installer to test your tile layout in mock-up form and lets you view your design in the space and lighting in which it your tiles will be installed. Mock-ups also help ensure your grout color and grout joint size are to your liking.
SUBSTRATE. Before installation, make sure your project engineer and installer have prepared your substrate properly. Surfaces should be flat, clean, and free of any sealants, waxes or other contaminants prior to installation. Also, ensure that any drainage requirements have been taken into consideration before beginning installation.
EXPANSION JOINTS. Confer with your installer and project engineer that expansion joints are placed at recommended intervals (these will vary depending upon your project’s needs) and are properly constructed.
For grouted installations, OUTERclé recommends using mortar and grout that comply with the ANSI A118 and/or ISO 13007 classifications suitable for your project. Please consult with your installation professional to make these determinations.
MATERIAL GUIDELINES. Review the material guidelines for the specific tile/material.
BASIC CARE. Clean up all spills immediately, particularly any including acids, chemicals, and abrasive materials. Avoid harsh chemicals and acidic or alkaline cleaning products.
ANNUAL SEALING AND REFINISHING. Hire a professional to seal or refinish annually based on the design professional/installer recommendations.
For more questions, please check out our FAQ section in our help center.
