At Island Stone, we observe, test, and analyze all our tiles to determine how they will perform in your space. We use industry standard specifications to ensure our stone, glass, and timber products meet all the requirements for various applications - whether that’s a wet or dry setting or indoor vs. outdoor. As you explore Island Stone products, you will notice that each has its own set of usage icons, which identify where that tile product can be installed. We’ve put together a handy guide explaining each usage icon and the details you need to know for installation.
INTERIOR WALL
All of Island Stone products are suitable for interior walls, as it is of the least demanding locations for tile assembly and maintenance.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Dry setting requirement
- Acceptable substrates: dry wall, cement board, mortar bed, and fiber cement board
INTERIOR WALL AND FLOOR
If a tile that is suitable for an interior wall is also suitable for the floor, that generally means that the product is scratch resistant.
- Residential appropriate
- Commercial usage possible (Floor tiles may need to meet additional performance standards based on the intended commercial usage. Contact Island Stone for more information.)
- Greater durability and strength
KITCHEN BACKSPLASH
While kitchen backsplashes may get the occasional splatter, this usage icon indicates that tile is appropriate for a kitchen backsplash behind a range or stovetop (gas or electric).
- Residential appropriate
- Commercial usage possible (Backsplash tiles in a commercial kitchen are not common, but not impossible. Contact Island Stone for more information.)
- Kitchen backsplashes are dry locations
KITCHEN BACKSPLASH AND COUNTERTOP
Similar to Interior Wall and Floor, a tile that is suitable for both backsplash and countertop will be more durable, as countertops will experience more activity.
- Greater durability and strength
- Scratch resistant
- Commercial usage possible (Contact Island Stone for more information.)
FIREPLACE WALL
The important distinction with tiles that are labeled with the Fireplace Wall usage icon is that they can be used around the fire box, but not IN the firebox.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Fireplace wall location only (not inside the firebox or on the floor)
FIREPLACE WALL AND FLOOR
Tiles with this usage icon meet the same specifications of “fireplace wall” but can be used on the floor, in front of the fireplace, and are:
- Slip resistant and scratch resistant
- Fireplace wall and floor (hearth) appropriate (not inside the firebox)
SHOWER WALL
Shower walls are intermittent wet locations that oscillate between wet and dry settings.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Durable under moisture
SHOWER WALL AND FLOOR
Tiles that can be used on the shower wall and floor are going to be more durable to account for body weight than strictly shower wall-usage tiles.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Scratch resistant and slip resistant
- These tiles often have more texture, as very smooth tiles would be potentially dangerous in this setting
STEAM SHOWER WALL
In this intermittent wet location, tiles must be able to withstand exposure to higher heat and the pressure from a steam generator.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Greater durability and heat resistance
STEAM SHOWER FLOOR AND WALL
Similar to steam shower walls, these tiles are heat resistant but are even stronger to account for floor traction and weight.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Greater durability and heat resistance
- Scratch and slip resistant
EXTERIOR WALL
While many of our usages meet the standards of the environment they are in, exterior wall tiles have some variability. Because these tiles will be exposed to the weather, not every tile technically labeled “exterior” can work depending on your location. Contact Island Stone for more information.
- Residential or commercial appropriate
- Greater durability and strength
- Generally free-thaw resistant and UV stable
EXTERIOR WALL AND FLOOR
Tiles with this usage icon meet the same specifications of “exterior wall”, but are:
- Slip resistant
- More durable
POOL, SPA, AND WATER FEATURES
As its name suggests, this icon specifically references tiles for pools, spas, and water features - whether it is fully submerged, partially submerged, or never submerged.
- Slip resistant
- Resistant to moisture and hydrostatic pressure
- Greater durability and strength
For any questions on how Island Stone tiles can be used in your applications, contact us!