Tile installation, care and material characteristics.

Please read this guidance before installing or caring for your File Under Pop products. We recommend using a qualified tiler or installer and discussing the requirements of your particular project with them before work begins.

Before installation

Lay out your tiles before fixing them in place. Variations in colour, tone, texture and brushstrokes are part of the character of the collection. Distributing these variations across the surface will help you create a composition that feels balanced as a whole.

For clay tiles with visible brushstrokes, we suggest varying the direction of the strokes rather than aligning every tile in the same direction. This gives the finished surface a more lively expression.

We generally favour narrow grout joints for a cohesive appearance. A joint width of 1–2 mm may be suitable, but your tiler should assess the appropriate width for the tiles and the conditions of your project.

Inspect and lay out the tiles before cutting or installation. Please contact us if you have any questions about the tiles as delivered.

Grouting

Always test your chosen grout and cleaning method on a sample tile before installation. This is particularly important when using dark grout with a light glaze or a glaze with visible crackles: pigments may settle into the crackles and leave permanent marks.

Grout contains fine particles that can scratch a glazed surface if it is allowed to dry or is rubbed across the tiles with pressure. Complete the grouting process while the grout remains wet and workable. Remove excess grout promptly with clean water and a soft sponge, rinsing the sponge frequently. Do not allow grout residue to dry on the tile surface, and avoid abrasive pads or tools.

Take particular care with dark and highly reflective glazes, where fine scratches and marks may be more visible.

Care and maintenance

Clean tiles with water and, when needed, a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for the surface. We recommend FILA CLEANER. Use a soft cloth or sponge and wipe away spills promptly.

Avoid cleaners containing acid or bleach, as well as abrasive sponges and tools. Soft soap and soap flakes may leave a film on the surface and are not recommended. We also suggest avoiding disposable cloths that leave fibres behind.

Some surfaces require additional protection. This includes raw natural stone, raw lava stone with motif, matt glazed lava stone and clay, and certain Pop Solid Colour Crystal glazed lava stone and clay tiles. For these products, we recommend FILA MP90 Eco Xtreme sealer, applied to a clean, dry surface in accordance with the product instructions. Our raw natural stone is treated before delivery; the treatment may need to be renewed over time, depending on use and the appearance of the surface. Please contact us if you are unsure whether your tiles require sealing.

Damaged or broken tiles should be assessed and replaced by a qualified tiler.

The character of glazed lava stone

Lava stone is a natural material formed by the volcano Etna. During firing, its composition can affect the glaze in different ways. You may see variations in tone, pigments, spots, crackles or small areas where the underlying stone is visible. Their appearance differs from piece to piece and forms part of the material’s character.

These variations are especially noticeable on lighter glazes. We recommend viewing and arranging the tiles together before installation so that you can consider their overall expression.

Glazed lava stone tops

Each glazed lava stone top begins with a natural slab whose composition and response to firing are individual. Marks, spots and variations in tone may be visible across the finished surface. Larger slabs can also develop a slight curve, including at the edges. Your installer should assess the slab and its placement before installation, as some variations may be accommodated during fitting while others will remain visible.

Take care when choosing grout or silicone for cut-outs and edges. Dark pigments can leave marks in the crackles of lighter glazes. Test the chosen product and colour on a sample before installation.

Clay tiles from Spain

Our clay tiles are produced in Spain and finished with glaze. Our decorative brushwork is part of the mold. Variations in tone and texture as well as crackling can give each tile its own expression. When placed together, these differences create the character of the finished surface.

Wear over time

Clay and lava stone tiles used on floors can show signs of use over time. The extent of wear depends on factors such as foot traffic, footwear, cleaning and whether the surface is used in a private home or a public space. With appropriate installation and care, these materials can be enjoyed for many years, developing a patina shaped by the spaces in which they are used.

We are here to help

If you or your installer have questions about a product, its installation or its care, please get in touch with our team before proceeding.

RESISTANCE

When used as floor covering, ceramic tiles will inevitably show signs of wear over time. It is not possible to specify an exact life expectancy, as this depends on the intensity of use. However, both raw natural and glazed lava stone rank among the most durable and resilient building materials available.

SHAPES & DIMENSIONS

PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAVA STONE