To find an authorized Island Stone & Tile showroom or dealer near you, please use the dealer locator on our website. Local dealers can help you view samples, answer questions, and place orders for IS&T products.
No. IS&T designs and manufactures tile products that are sold exclusively through authorized tile dealers. Designers, architects, and homeowners can work with a local tile showroom to order samples and place product orders.
IS&T makes every effort to process orders within 48 hours of receipt. Transit time varies depending on carrier, destination, and selected shipping method. All orders are placed and submitted through authorized IS&T dealers, who can provide the most accurate delivery information.
In select cases, IS&T may consider providing discounted product for approved projects that meet specific marketing, social media, and photography requirements. Availability is limited and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us if you are interested in a potential collaboration.
No. Natural stone is not a manufactured product—it was formed millions of years ago through natural geological processes involving heat, pressure, and cooling. The random nature of these processes creates unique variations in each stone’s appearance, strength, and performance.
From a design perspective, this individuality is part of what makes natural stone so special—no two pieces are ever exactly alike. However, these variations can present challenges for designers and end users seeking consistency.
IS&T carefully selects and qualifies only the highest quality stone from quarries around the world to ensure the best balance of natural beauty and reliable performance.
No. Each type of natural stone has unique characteristics that influence its appearance, strength, and maintenance requirements. Stones like granite and quartzite are harder and more resistant to scratches and stains, while materials such as marble, limestone, and travertine are softer and more porous, requiring gentler care and more frequent sealing.
IS&T carefully qualifies and tests the natural stone we offer. For detailed information, refer to the product-specific usage recommendations found on our website and specification sheets.
IS&T has been sourcing and specifying natural stone for over 25 years, combining extensive manufacturing and installation experience with a commitment to quality and performance.
We test our natural stone products through independent, accredited laboratories, including the Natural Stone Institute (NSI), International Product Assurance Laboratories (IPA Labs), and Smith-Emery, to verify suitability for a variety of applications. This testing helps us determine if the stone can be successfully installed in intermittent wet areas, exterior installations, and submerged environments, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
Pro Tip: For specific product data and test results, refer to the product-specific technical specifications available on our website.
Yes, IS&T dimensional natural stone products can be installed on shower walls, provided the installation includes a continuous, properly installed waterproof membrane behind the stone.
These products are designed for installation without grout. Because of their dimensional profile, open joints will be present and can collect soap residue, minerals, and other debris over time. As a result, installations in shower environments will require increased and more frequent maintenance compared to flat, grouted stone tile.
Pro Tip: When specifying dimensional stone for shower walls, discuss maintenance expectations with the end user in advance and ensure the waterproofing system is fully compatible with open-joint stone installations.
Not likely. Over time, all natural stone products may experience slight changes in appearance, particularly in exterior applications. This natural “weathering” can be minimized through regular sealing and proper maintenance with appropriate cleaners.
Occasional rust spotting may also occur, as many natural stones contain ferrous inclusions (iron). Sealing helps reduce this risk, and any minor rust marks typically fade as the iron fully oxidizes.
Remember, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Knap of Howar, and the Megalithic Temples of Malta—all built from natural stone between 3700 and 2500 BCE—are still standing today.
Yes. While not mined in the traditional sense, our Pebble products are natural stones sourced in Indonesia, where they are graded, gauged, and hand-mounted into a variety of colorways and patterns.
IS&T was the first company to introduce Pebble Tile to the U.S. market, and no other brand has matched our experience or expertise in creating the seamless interlock that defines a premium installation. As one installer famously put it, “Island Stone pebble products are the only ones you don’t have to remove from the mesh to install.”
Pro Tip: Visit our Pebble Collection page to explore the full range of Perfect Pebble and Level Pebble designs and find detailed installation recommendations.
Natural variation is one of the defining characteristics of real stone. Color, veining, and texture may vary between batches—or even within a single crate—adding to the stone’s authentic beauty.
IS&T curates its materials to ensure consistency within each series while celebrating the uniqueness of every piece. Always inspect your full order upon delivery to verify accuracy and confirm that the product meets your expectations.
Pro Tip: Order extra material to facilitate selection, blending, and future repairs and maintain a cohesive look across your installation.
Yes. In most cases, natural stone should be sealed with a high-quality penetrating or enhancing sealer. Sealing helps prevent staining, simplifies maintenance, and reduces moisture absorption.
The type of sealer depends on the installation area and desired appearance (natural vs. enhanced finish). Test the sealer on a few uninstalled pieces first to confirm the result. Typically, two light coats offer better protection than one heavy coat. Always follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
The frequency of resealing depends on several factors:
3. Maintenance Habits: Regular cleaning wears away sealer over time. Avoid harsh chemicals such as ammonia, vinegar, or bleach, which break down sealer. Use pH-neutral or slightly alkaline cleaners to extend protection.
4. Submerged Applications: Stone installed below the waterline (pools, fountains) should be resealed whenever drained or if discoloration appears.
General Guidelines:
Clean natural stone regularly — typically weekly or every other week, depending on use — with a pH-neutral stone cleaner.
For heavier buildup such as grease, oil, or soap scum, use an alkaline-based cleaner or degreaser made for natural stone. Avoid acidic or abrasive products, which can damage the surface and finish.
Pro Tip: Always re-seal stone after deep cleaning or stain removal to restore protection and maintain its natural beauty.
No. While vinegar is a mild acid commonly used in households, it is still acidic and can damage natural stone over time. Regular use of vinegar or other acidic cleaners will degrade the stone’s finish and weaken surface integrity.
Instead, use a pH-neutral or slightly alkaline cleaner specifically formulated for tile and natural stone to safely maintain your surfaces.
Not necessarily. Many “all-natural” or “eco-friendly” cleaners still contain acidic or abrasive ingredients like citrus extracts, vinegar, or plant-based acids that can etch, dull, or damage natural stone.
Always check that a cleaner is pH-neutral or slightly alkaline and clearly labeled safe for stone and tile. When in doubt, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first, or use a stone-specific cleaner recommended by your installer.
Yes — many natural stones perform well in showers, steam showers, and other wet environments when properly installed, sealed, and maintained. Denser stones such as granite and quartzite are ideal, while marble and limestone may need more frequent resealing.
Pro Tip: Refer to the usage and installation recommendations on our website to confirm each product’s suitability for wet or submerged environments.
Yes. Many natural stones can be used outdoors, including in freeze–thaw conditions, if the stone has low water absorption and is installed with exterior-grade materials.
IS&T tests its stones for exterior suitability through independent laboratories and documents approved uses in each product’s technical specifications.
Pro Tip: Use a sealer rated for exterior use and reapply annually for lasting performance.
Yes. IS&T natural stone products can be successfully installed in saltwater pools when they are properly specified, installed, sealed, and maintained.
When natural stone is used in any submerged application, some change in appearance and surface texture over time is to be expected. This is a normal characteristic of natural materials exposed to water, chemicals, and environmental conditions. With proper sealing, routine maintenance, and consistent water balance, these changes are typically minimal and occur gradually over many years.
Natural stone installed in pools, spas, and water features requires increased maintenance compared to non-submerged applications. Regular cleaning, ongoing water chemistry monitoring, and periodic resealing are essential to long-term performance. Unbalanced water chemistry—particularly acidic conditions—or improper cleaning practices can accelerate wear and damage stone surfaces.
The impact of saltwater on natural stone is generally comparable to that of traditionally chlorinated pool water, provided that salt levels and overall water chemistry are carefully monitored and maintained. Issues most often arise when salt concentrations exceed recommended levels or when water chemistry is poorly controlled, which can accelerate wear on pool finishes.
While it would not be accurate to say that saltwater has no effect on natural stone, proper material selection, sealing, maintenance, and ongoing water balance can significantly slow the aging process and help preserve the long-term beauty of a natural stone pool installation.
Yes. IS&T provides glass tile–specific installation instructions, and requirements vary by product collection.
The Illusions and Patina collections are covered by a dedicated set of usage and installation instructions tailored to their painted-back glass construction. All other IS&T glass tile products are covered under a separate glass tile installation guide.
Following the correct installation instructions for your specific collection is essential to achieving proper adhesion, long-term performance, and the intended visual result.
Pro Tip: Always review the installation instructions for your specific glass tile collection and share them with your installer before work begins.
Yes. All tile and natural stone products vary slightly in color, shade, finish, and size. Upon delivery, inspect the entire order to verify order accuracy and confirm that the product meets expectations.
The owner or the owner’s representative is responsible for determining acceptability prior to installation and for approving the first five square feet of installed tile before proceeding with the remainder of the installation.
If there are any questions or concerns about the product, they should be addressed with the supplier prior to installation.
Installation constitutes acceptance of the material. No adjustments will be made after installation.
No. Glass tile has unique material properties that require more stable substrates and special installation considerations compared to most ceramic tile.
Glass tile is less forgiving and will readily highlight deviations from good installation practices, including substrate irregularities, inconsistent setting material coverage, or improper installation technique. Installing glass tile in the same manner as ceramic tile can result in visible defects, cracking, bond failure, or uneven appearance.
Yes. In most cases, installing a crack isolation membrane is strongly recommended when working with IS&T glass tile products, as it helps separate minor substrate movement from the glass tile assembly and reduce stress within the installation, particularly in areas where movement is expected.
However, a crack isolation membrane is not a substitute for proper substrate preparation. The substrate must meet all flatness, stability, and installation requirements before tile installation begins. Using a membrane to compensate for poor substrate conditions can lead to installation failure.
No. Using setting material to build up the substrate or fill significant low spots is a surprisingly common practice, but it is not recommended—especially for glass tile installations.
Any deviations in framing or substrate flatness should be corrected before installing the backer board, not compensated for with setting material. Setting materials are designed to bond tile to a properly prepared substrate, not to correct substrate deficiencies.
In general, after embedment, setting material thickness should be approximately 1/8 inch (always refer to the setting material manufacturer’s instructions for exact requirements). The highly modified thin-sets typically used for glass tile shrink more than lower-performance thin-sets. The thicker the setting bed, the greater the shrinkage—and the more pressure that is exerted on the back of the glass tile, which can lead to cracking or bond failure.
Pro Tip: Proper substrate preparation is one of the most critical steps in a successful glass tile installation. Address flatness and stability issues before tile installation begins, not during it.
Yes. Movement joints are essential for the long-term success of IS&T glass tile installations. Glass tile expands and contracts more than many other tile materials, and movement joints help relieve stress within the tile assembly caused by thermal movement, moisture, and structural deflection.
Movement joints should be incorporated at changes in plane, perimeters, transitions, and at the spacing intervals outlined in the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Handbook, specifically EJ171. These joints allow the installation to move independently without transferring stress to the glass tile.
Failing to include proper movement joints can result in cracked tile, bond failure, or tenting, even when high-quality materials and proper installation techniques are used.
Pro Tip: Movement joints are not optional details—review movement joint placement during layout and follow the IS&T installation instructions and TCNA EJ171 guidelines to ensure a durable, long-lasting glass tile installation.
No. IS&T glass tile should never be installed without grout joints.
Grout joints are necessary to accommodate dimensional variation, thermal movement, and substrate movement. Tight or “butted” installations can result in edge chipping, cracking, bond failure, or visible stress in the tile, even when high-quality materials and proper techniques are used.
Minimum grout joint requirements vary by product collection and should be treated as a baseline, not a design target. Slightly wider joints are often beneficial when installing glass tile.
Trowel selection depends on the tile format, mounting method, and the coverage requirements for the application.
As a general starting point:
These are guidelines, not hard rules. The goal is to achieve proper setting material coverage:
Coverage should be checked periodically during installation by lifting tiles to verify contact.
Pro Tip: Trowel technique matters as much as trowel size—use consistent pressure and check coverage often, especially when changing tile formats, substrates, or installation conditions.
Yes. Flattening trowel ridges creates a smooth, uniform setting bed and improves contact between the tile and setting material.
Unflattened trowel ridges can sometimes be visible when viewed through the edge of the glass at certain angles, even when the face of the tile appears uniform. Flattening ridges helps minimize this effect and supports a more consistent finished appearance.
For IS&T glass tile installations, flattening trowel ridges should be considered a standard best practice—not an optional step—to help ensure consistent appearance and proper coverage.
For unmounted glass tile, applying a thin layer of setting material to the back of the tile immediately prior to installation helps initiate a strong bond.
No. While white setting material is commonly used to maintain brightness, grey setting material may be appropriate when glass tile is paired with dark grout colors.
In some cases, white setting material may be tinted to better coordinate with grout color. Always follow the setting material manufacturer’s recommendations and limitations for tinting.
When there is any uncertainty, installing a mock-up using the selected tile, setting material, and grout is the best way to confirm the desired appearance before proceeding.
Yes. IS&T glass tile can be cut with a wet saw equipped with a quality diamond blade designed for glass tile. Score-and-snap tools may be used by experienced installers; however, when they are used, cut edges should be evaluated and dressed as needed to reduce sharpness and improve appearance.
For best results, use a professional-grade glass blade such as:
When using a wet saw, the keys to successfully cutting glass tile are cutting slowly, providing ample water flow, and regularly dressing the blade with a dressing stone.
Smooth edges after cutting with a rubbing stone or diamond hand pad if needed.
Safety note: Do not dry cut tile with a power tool.
Pro Tip: If cut quality starts to degrade (more resistance or edge chipping), dress the blade before continuing—it’s often the fastest way to get clean cuts back.
Yes. IS&T glass tile can be drilled when the proper tools, techniques, and preparation are used. Because glass tile is dense and less forgiving than other tile materials, careful planning is essential for success.
Before Installation
If your project includes fixtures such as shower doors, shelving, or towel bars, install solid blocking behind the wall before the substrate and tile are installed. Glass tile should never be relied on to support fasteners or hardware loads.
Drilling Best Practices
Fastener Considerations
Pro Tip: Always plan fixture locations early. Proper blocking and careful drilling techniques are key to preventing damage and ensuring a clean, professional installation when working with glass tile. As with any glass product, drilling should be approached carefully, and some risk of breakage exists even when proper tools and techniques are used.
Yes. IS&T glass tile products are suitable for use in showers and other intermittent wet environments when installed in accordance with IS&T product-specific installation instructions.
Proper waterproofing, setting materials, coverage, and movement accommodation are essential for successful performance in wet areas.
Yes. IS&T glass tile products can be used in pools, spas, and water features when the specific product is approved for submerged applications and installed in accordance with IS&T pool-specific installation instructions.
Submerged environments place greater demands on the tile assembly than standard wet areas, and standard glass tile installation instructions do not apply.
Approved uses are product-specific and are identified on the product webpage and in the applicable installation documentation.
Yes. When an IS&T glass product is approved for submerged applications and installed in accordance with IS&T’s pool-specific installation instructions, it is suitable for use in saltwater pools.
Long-term performance in saltwater environments depends on proper product selection, correct installation, and—most importantly—ongoing water chemistry management. When salt levels and overall pool chemistry are maintained within recommended ranges, the effects of saltwater on approved non-stone tile products are generally comparable to those of traditionally chlorinated pool water.
As with any submerged installation, deviations from recommended water balance—such as elevated salt levels or poorly controlled chemical conditions—can increase stress on pool finishes over time. Maintaining proper water chemistry is critical to achieving durable, long-term performance.
IS&T glass tile mosaics are mounted using alkali-resistant mesh mounting or polyurethane/rubber dot mounting, depending on the product collection. These mounting systems assist with layout and installation and are not the primary bond holding the tile in place.
When properly installed, the setting material bonds to the back of the glass tile and the mounting material together, forming a single tile assembly.
IS&T glass tile mosaics—including products mounted using alkali-resistant mesh—are approved for submerged applications based on IS&T testing and qualification, provided they are installed in accordance with IS&T pool-specific installation instructions.
Yes. Due to the translucent nature of glass tile, grout color selection has a significant impact on the finished appearance.
Glass tile is typically grouted with a color similar to or slightly lighter than the tile. When contrasting grout is used, it can dramatically change the look of the tile. Because of this, mock-ups are strongly recommended to confirm expectations.
Grout haze is a possibility with any tile product—especially matte finishes—and the correct removal method depends on the type of grout used.
Always consult the grout manufacturer’s instructions for the proper haze-removal procedure and approved cleaning products. Grout haze removal should be approached gradually—using the mildest effective method first—and only after the grout has cured in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pro Tip: Test any haze remover in a small, inconspicuous area before full application.
No. IS&T glass tile products do not require sealing. Glass tile is non-porous and does not absorb moisture, so sealing the tile itself is unnecessary.
However, if a cement-based grout is used, sealing the grout joints may be beneficial to help reduce staining and simplify maintenance. When sealing grout, take care to remove any excess sealer from the surface of the glass tile in accordance with the sealer manufacturer’s instructions to avoid haze or residue.
Always refer to the grout manufacturer’s recommendations to determine whether grout sealing is appropriate for your specific installation and application.
IS&T glass tile should be cleaned regularly using a pH-neutral tile cleaner and non-abrasive cleaning tools such as a soft sponge, microfiber cloth, nylon scrub brush, or non-scratching nylon pad (white or blue).
For heavier buildup—such as grease, oil, or soap scum—an alkaline-based cleaner may be used. Always follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions and rinse thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.
Avoid using acidic cleaners, abrasive products, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage grout, dull certain finishes, or leave residue on the tile surface.
Regular, gentle cleaning helps maintain the clarity, finish, and appearance of the glass, preserves grout appearance, and reduces the need for more aggressive cleaning methods over time.
This is a natural optical effect, not discoloration or a failure of the tile backing, and it is most often not the result of an installation error.
With light-colored, fused-back glass tile—such as IS&T Pure Silk—a shadowed or darker appearance can sometimes be observed where tile is installed at 90° corners, edges, or terminations, including around outlets, vents, or other penetrations. In these locations, light enters the glass but does not reflect out in the same way it does across the field of the installation. As a result, the tile at the edge or corner may appear darker when viewed from certain angles or under indirect lighting.
This effect is caused by changes in light reflection and transmission, not by damage to the glass or backing. If light is directed straight down onto the affected area, the appearance will often change—confirming that the variation is related to lighting conditions rather than the tile itself.
While this effect cannot always be eliminated, it can often be reduced through thoughtful installation detailing, especially with very light glass colors.
Key considerations include:
These strategies help minimize light disruption and reduce the likelihood of noticeable shadowing, particularly near edges and transitions where lighting conditions vary.
Pro Tip: When specifying or installing light-colored glass tile, review edge and corner conditions during layout planning or mock-ups. Understanding how lighting interacts with glass at transitions helps set realistic expectations and avoids unnecessary concern after installation.
Yes. IS&T ceramic and porcelain tile collections may have product-specific installation requirements based on material composition, absorption rate, size, and intended application.
While some ceramic and porcelain tiles can be installed using conventional methods, certain IS&T collections—such as the Nomad Collection—have unique characteristics that require additional attention during installation, particularly with respect to moisture control, setting material selection, and curing conditions. Other collections, such as Tierra, may follow more traditional ceramic tile installation practices.
Because requirements can vary by collection, it is important to review and follow the installation instructions specific to the product being installed, in addition to confirming approved uses on the product webpage and specification sheet. Adhering to product-specific guidance helps ensure proper performance, appearance, and long-term durability.
Not necessarily. Approved uses for IS&T ceramic and porcelain tiles are product-specific and depend on factors such as absorption rate, body composition, surface finish, and tile size.
Before installation, always confirm that the selected product is appropriate for the intended application by reviewing the product webpage, specification sheet, and applicable installation instructions. Using tile outside of its recommended application can negatively affect performance and longevity.
No, IS&T ceramic tile products should not be soaked prior to installation. All IS&T ceramic tile collections are designed to be installed dry, using the setting materials and methods specified in their respective installation instructions.
Introducing excess moisture—whether through soaking, prolonged curing, or improper setting material selection—can interfere with proper bond development and curing. Certain IS&T ceramic tile products, particularly soft-body ceramics such as the IS&T Nomad Collection, are more sensitive to moisture exposure during installation and curing. Excess moisture can contribute to expansion and contraction of the tile body, potentially affecting the finished surface.
Controlling moisture during installation and curing, following product-specific installation instructions, and using recommended setting materials are critical to achieving proper bond strength, surface integrity, and long-term performance.
Recommended setting materials vary by product and application. Some IS&T ceramic and porcelain tiles can be installed using conventional polymer-modified thinset mortars, while others—such as Nomad—require rapid-setting or specifically classified setting materials to help control moisture and curing conditions.
Always refer to the product-specific installation instructions for approved setting materials, mortar classifications, and maximum allowable mortar thickness. Using the correct setting material is critical to proper bond development and long-term performance.
No. Setting material should not be used to correct significant substrate irregularities or build up low areas.
Substrates must be properly prepared and brought into tolerance before tile installation begins. Excessive mortar thickness can lead to extended curing times, increased shrinkage, and compromised bond strength. Refer to the setting material manufacturer’s recommendations for maximum allowable thickness after embedment.
Not always. Crack isolation or waterproofing membranes are not universally required for IS&T ceramic tile installations but may be appropriate depending on substrate conditions, application requirements, or TCNA guidelines.
When membranes are used, they may influence setting material selection and curing behavior. Always follow the membrane manufacturer’s instructions and confirm compatibility with the specific IS&T ceramic tile product being installed.
Many IS&T ceramic tile products exhibit natural variation in color, shade, texture, or surface pattern. Dry laying and blending tile from multiple cartons prior to or during installation helps distribute variation evenly across the installation and achieve a more balanced appearance.
This practice is especially important for tiles with moderate to high variation and for unmounted tile installations where individual pieces are set by hand.
Variation is an inherent characteristic of many ceramic tile products and may result from differences in raw materials, firing conditions, glazing, and manufacturing processes.
These variations contribute to the unique aesthetic of the tile but should be anticipated during design and installation. Reviewing product imagery, samples, and dry layouts helps set appropriate expectations prior to installation.
Recommended grout joint size varies by product and tile size. Some IS&T ceramic tiles may be installed with tighter joints, while others—particularly larger-format or dimensionally varied tiles—require wider grout joints to accommodate inherent variation and achieve proper alignment.
Refer to the product-specific installation instructions for minimum grout joint requirements. Grout joints should never be eliminated entirely.
No. Grout joints are required for all IS&T ceramic and porcelain tile installations.
Grout joints help accommodate dimensional variation, relieve stress, and protect tile edges. Installing tile without grout joints or with joints smaller than recommended can lead to alignment issues, edge damage, or installation failure.
IS&T ceramic and porcelain tiles generally do not require sealing. However, grout joints—particularly cementitious grout—may benefit from sealing to help reduce staining and simplify maintenance.
Always refer to grout manufacturer recommendations for sealing guidance.
Routine cleaning with a pH-neutral tile cleaner is recommended for IS&T ceramic and porcelain tile installations. Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, or abrasive products that may damage the tile surface or grout.
Regular maintenance helps preserve the appearance of the installation and reduces the need for aggressive cleaning methods over time.
