*Please note! We advise you to read below instructions carefully before installing your products. 

WE RECOMMEND YOU AND/OR YOUR TILER

• Always consult a professional before processing our tiles. We can only guarantee the quality of our tiles at the time of delivery, and do NOT take responsibility for errors related to cutting, mounting, or grouting tiles in your space.
• We kindly advise you and/or your tiler do a grout testing on a single tile before beginning the process of tiling. This process is necessary to clarify the effect your grout may have on your tiles. A grout that is darker or stronger in color than you tile, may leave unwanted traces on the surface of the tile.
• From our perspective, a minimal distance between tiles, creates the most cohesive expression. We suggest 1-2 mm of grout thickness, but of course this may vary depending on your specific needs for the project.
• To create a harmonious layout before mounting the tiles - carefully placing each tile with a balance of tone and expression in mind. We suggest to evenly spread out darker or lighter hues across the entire surface to create a balanced whole.
• We suggest, to lay out clay tiles with visible brushstrokes at random, meaning the strokes are not following the same direction, to create a vivid and playful surface. 

MAINTENANCE

For Raw Natural stone, Raw Lavastone with motif, Matt glazed Lavastone/Clay, and for a small part of our Pop Solid Color Crystal glazed Lavastone/Clay:

• Clean your tiles with water or pH-neutral cleaners that clean the surface without leaving stains. We recommend FILA CLEANER.
• When the tiles are clean and dry, nurture the stone by using water-based sealer to protect the tile.
• We recommend FILA MP90 Eco Xtreme sealer. All raw natural stones have been given this treatment at our warehouse before they are delivered to you.  
• When treating the tiles with a sealer, you can use a dishtowel. Leave it for some hours or overnight and wipe off leftover product the next morning. 
• Repeat this process if needed or when the tiles look dry and “thirsty”. 

ATTENTION

• Avoid using soft soap/soap flakes as they may leave a soapy film on the surface. NB! A soap should clean a surface of dirt, not leave a layer of soap on the surface.
• Avoid any cleaners containing acid or bleach.
• Avoid using disposable cloths as they tend to fuzz.
• Damaged or broken tiles should be removed and replaced by a qualified tiler.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

Please do reach out to our team with any questions regarding our tiles and the process of laying them.

GLAZED LAVA STONE FROM THE VOLCANO OF ETNA - GENERAL NOTE

Lava stone is a raw stone that contains minerals such as iron, calcium, gold, copper, oxide and manganese oxide. During the process of firing, the lava stone can possibly emit gas, these gasses stain the glazed surface with blue green, which are evident especially on light glazes. The gasses may also burst the glaze leaving a small piece of the raw lava stone visible. Furthermore, the density of the natural raw lava stone may also contribute to tone variations. Cracks and pigments on the surface, which are a characteristic of glazed lava stone, may also vary. Marks, spots and pigments on the surface of glazed lava stone are not considered a flaw, but a natural part of the stone and process of hand-crafting.

We recommend exercising caution and testing the grout color before installation. Some grout pigments, particularly black, may seep into the crackles of lighter glazes, leaving permanent marks. Always test the chosen grout on a sample tile before proceeding.

GLAZED LAVA STONE TOPS - A UNIQUE PIECE OF CRAFTMANSHIP

A glazed lava stone top is an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship — a truly unique work of art. Many factors come into play in its creation, making the process highly complex. While blocks of lava stone are carefully extracted from the volcano Etna, the exact formation and behavior of each block can never be fully predicted. In working with lava stone, we are ultimately working with nature itself. Each piece will inevitably respond to human interaction in its own distinct way. This is the law of nature.

Like all pieces of natural lava stone, large slabs that are cut for a table, kitchen, or bathroom top may react slightly differently during the firing process. This can result in natural imperfections such as marks, spots, or tonal variations across the surface — stemming from the raw minerals of the stone, which behave uniquely every time they are fired. When working with large slabs for counters or tables, the edges may even create a subtle bend, seeking upwards. These variations are natural and can sometimes be adjusted during installation, ideally by an installer recommended by
us. At other times, the bending or curving cannot be completely removed. Because a glazed lava stone top is, in essence, a large piece of ceramics, such variations must be considered a characteristic that is difficult to avoid.

For this reason, one should not expect a perfectly uniform, flawless glazed slab. Instead, every piece will bear the imprint of nature’s presence — what we see as its beautiful and authentic response to human craftsmanship.

Recommended for installing:
When sealing cut-outs or edges with grout or silicone, we recommend testing the color beforehand. Dark grouts — both cement and silicone — can penetrate the crackles of lighter glaze colors. This may leave visible stains on the surface and should be carefully considered before use.

CLAY TILES FROM A FAMILY OWNED PRODUCTION OUTSIDE OF VALENCIA

File Under Pop clay tiles are uniquely processed one at a time. Glaze and decorations are applied by hand with the use of a brush. Therefore, orders may vary slightly in tone and crackles from a seen sample. However, we put great care in crafting each product at the highest standards to ensure a cohesive look. 

RESISTANCE

When used as floor covering, ceramic and lava stone tiles will naturally display signs of wear over time. The degree and pace of this wear depend on many factors: the level of daily traffic, whether the tiles are installed in private homes or public spaces, the type of footwear, and how well the surface is maintained.

Unlike industrially produced materials, natural clay and lava stone are living surfaces. They will gradually develop a patina that reflects their use and environment. For many, this evolving surface is part of the material’s beauty, as it tells the story of time and interaction.

Although we cannot define a precise lifespan in years, it is important to underline that raw natural and glazed lava stone, as well as clay, are among the strongest, most durable, and time-tested building materials in existence. When maintained with care, they can last for decades — or even centuries — without losing their structural integrity.

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