FAQs

Our shipping app is currently under construction. While we do offer free shipping on certain items, other items do have a shipping cost. We request customers to please call us or email us regarding shipping prices. We apologize for the inconvenience while we work on fixing it!

No! If you need to order several items, or need a large quantity, please call us at 714.833.5375 or email us at info@sognaretile.com. We will work with our customers to provide the best price possible.

We will try! We have ample resources at our disposal so if there is something specific that you are looking for, send us an email at info@sognaretile.com or call us at 714.833.5375 with details regarding the product that you are looking for. We will try our best to source the material for you with the best possible price.

Before you go purchase the marble, take some time to get educated so that you can make an informed decision. Tile may seem like a small purchase, but remember that it is permanent item which gets installed in your HOME! Do we really want to welcome something into our home without doing proper research? I thought so......read on!

Ok so marble is beautiful, no doubt! Be advised that it does stain and scratch easily - take extra care of your marble!

Marble, as defined, is a hard crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically white with mottling or streaks of color, that is capable of taking a polish and is used in sculpture, flooring, architecture, etc.

• Tip #1: Marble has a nice array of patterns, and varies from tile to tile - it is a natural stone. No one is like the other! Prior to purchasing the marble, lay out a few pieces at the tile store and check the variation in the pallet - most tile stores don't mind!
• Tip #2: Marble has different grades. Judge the quality of the marble by the amount of variation that the marble contains. When you are going through the pallet, look at tile, check the pits in the marble, check the corners, check the back of the marble - if you are unsure of the quality, just ask! Most tile stores will tell you the grade of the marble. There are some marble colors which look even more elegant with tons of variations :)
• Tip #3: Marble does require maintenance, remember, it's a natural stone. Please invest in some fantastic sealers to seal your beautiful marble. I've known people to spend oodles of money on the marble and skip the sealant - BIG MISTAKE! The marble will get ruined over time so please make sure that you ask your installer to seal it - if possible, buy your own sealer to ensure the best quality product.
• Tip #4: Cleaning time! Yes, we all have to clean at some point. Whether you plan to clean or hire someone to clean, please be sure to buy natural stone cleaner. You can use a mild detergent or just buy a cleaning product meant for marble. If you spill your delicious cup of coffee or that divine glass of wine or any other acidic items, clean up those spills right away!! Remember, don't use abrasive cleaners, no no no! Poison for marble is vinegar, lemon, ammonia or orange - please do not use any cleaners that contain these ingredients!

Marble is a stunner but it comes with a price. If you are willing to dish out the extra cash and take good care of it then it will add elegance to your home!

Yes, we carry thin-set, cement, mortar, glue, grout, sealers and tools. Please email us at info@sognaretile.com or call us at 714.833.5375 for more information and wholesale pricing.

Yes. Please call us at 714.833.5375 or email us at info@sognaretile.com with the product name, size and quantity - we will work with you to get you a wholesale price.

Yes, we do ship samples. We do ask customers to cover the cost of shipping. Please email us at info@sognaretile.com with your sample request and shipping address. Someone from our sample department will email you back with the cost, if accepted, we will ship out samples, and provide a tracking number.

No. We strictly sell the material and offer design services.

Sognare Tile now offers design services - one of our design consultants will drive out to your home or business to give you advice based on your space. The consultation includes doing a tour of your space, suggesting ideas & recommending products for flooring, backsplash, countertops and wall colors. Our design consultants will then travel the second time to your home or business, and bring you samples.

If you are interested in setting up a consultation, please call Salima at 714.833.5375.

A $500 consultation fee includes 3 visits.

Consultation is limited to certain parts of California only.

Yes. Colors impact the look of a room, and each color brings a certain type of character to your home or business.

Here are our findings;

• When choosing a color, don't try to finalize a color in fluorescent light.
• Check out Sherwin-Williams website, they have colors categorized by color family. Very straight-forward and easy to find the colors that you are looking for. (http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/?WT.ac=/homeowners/%20PP1%20/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/)
• Remember when choosing a color, you must specify not only the paint color but also the sheen level. The higher the sheen, the darker the paint will look.
• In order to achieve a sophisticated and classy look, use the same color for walls and moldings - just change up the sheen of the color.
• Before you begin painting, ask your painter to remove all the light switch plates and art work on the walls. Also, ask your painter to tape the areas that you don't want painted - be persistent, and make sure that it is taped properly.
• Warm or dark colors will make any space seem small and cozy while light or cool colors will make any space look larger.

Sometimes a good quality cleaner will be sufficient to clean the stain as long as it is addressed quickly. You may also have to purchase a stain remover that gets to the root of the stain, for the particular type of stone that you have. Please email us at info@sognaretile.com for more information.

Normally, if the product is in stock, we can ship it out to you the same day. Transit time is usually between 3-7 business days.

In most cases, we reply to our customers the same day. To us, you are our most important asset, and we make it our mission to reply in a timely manner.

Most of the items are in stock while others have to be ordered. Please email us at info@sognaretile.com or call us at 714.833.5375 for a quick stock check!

No, you may purchase any quantity.

In some cases. We have relationships with manufacturers all over the world, and are able to help customers source material close to them. Please email us or call us for more information.

Thinking of buying a stainless steel sink, confused with all the different pricing and grades. This post should give you a general idea on what to look for when purchasing your sink.

The absolutely acceptable sink standard for a home is 18 gauge sink. A lot of people think that 18 gauge is “bad” – not the case! 18 gauge sink is a perfect grade and weight for a standard kitchen, it does the job and works well over time.

Things to consider:

• Check for the amount of chrome and nickel in the sink - the more chrome and nickel, the better the grade of the steel
• 16-18 gauge (thicker) – more impervious to dent, scratches, and better sound insulation. 20-22 gauge (thin) – less resistant to dent, scratches, and less sounds insulation (Stick to 16 or 18 gauge when selecting a sink, not a major difference between the two)
• 50/50 – One sink, with an equal partition. 60/40 – One sink, with a 60:40 partition. One side is larger than the other. Single Bowl – One Sink, no partitions.

Stainless steel sinks are durable, gleaming, nonporous and easy to clean. Sinks are now available in standard undermount (traditional), square undermount (contemporary), rounded undermount (any style), apron (latest trend), and more. Stainless steel is preferred in kitchens because it is resistant to heat, rust, corrosion, and stains. Your sinks will also be a bit safer when in stainless steel sinks as opposed to porcelain or cast iron. Above all else, stainless sinks are very reasonably priced!

80% solid granite
Heat resistant up to 536ºF
Unsurpassed cleanability backed by industry leading 7 patents
Resistant to scratches, stains and all household acids and alkali solutions

What are the different types of pebble tiles?

• Polished & Unpolished Pebble Tiles (shower floors, floors, backsplash, counter & walls)
  * These are a little rough on your feet - people use these on their shower floors if they want the "massage" feeling for their feet.
• Polished & Unpolished Flat Pebble Tiles (shower floors, floors, backsplash, counter & walls)
• Standing Pebbles (backsplash and walls)

These pebble tiles come on a mesh so that they can be used on shower floors, backsplash, counter, walls, and even countertops....yes, even countertops!

Usually referred to slate stone tile - basically mean that the stone is calibrated to a specific thickness.
This process makes it easier to install the slate.

Please take a picture of the damage and email the pictures to info@sognaretile.com. After you email the picture, please call us immediately at 714.833.5375 so that we can process a claim. In most cases, we usually ship out replacement pieces so that you can complete your job. Each situation is assessed differently, please call us if you have any questions or concerns.

According to the the Tile Council for North America, porcelain tile is defined as an impervious tile with a water absorption of 0.5% or less as measured by the ASTM C373 test method.

What are the differences between porcelain tiles and non-porcelain tiles?

Porcelain tiles are typically made with "porcelain" clays that have specific properties. Typically, these tiles are dense and by definitio, they have water absorption of 0.5% or less. Non-porcelain tiles have water absorption greater than 0.5%.

Because porcelain tiles have a low water absorption, they are usually frost resistant, although, not always. To know if a tile is frost resistant, you should check the manufacturer's literature.

There are also many non-porcelain tiles that can be used in freeze thaw environments and that are manufactured with properties similar to porcelain tiles.

There are both glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles. It is important to know the difference, as the glazed variety is usually a little easier to clean. Typically, glazed porcelain tiles have filled in microscopic holes that could be present in the unglazed tile. On the other hand, unglazed porcelains may have better slip resistance.

Non-porcelain tiles cover a wide range of properties. Typically they are glazed (unglazed quarry tile is the exception), and the glaze layer can be extremely durable. However, as there are differences from one glaze to another, it is important to check if the tile has been tested and to make sure the glaze hardness is suitable for your application.

In general, non-porcelain tiles are easier to bond to the floor and usually easier to cut. Porcelain tiles are harder to bond and harder to cut. While this can be relevant to the tile installer, it generally makes little difference to the end-user, so long as the installer uses the right materials.

What is through-body porcelain tile?

Some people refer to unglazed porcelain tile as "through body" ( i.e., the color on the top goes all the way through). Even in extreme applications, these tiles tend not to show wear as the porcelain is quite durable (harder than granite), and the color goes all the way through.

Many glazed porcelains also have extremely good durability. Although the color in the glaze layer may be different from the body, the surface is usually sufficiently resistant to abrasion to not show wear in typical applications.

Since 1999, U.S. and European manufacturers have been using the same testing method for determining glaze wear resistance - with a value of 4 (on a scale from 0 to 5) being good for almost all applications except the most abrasive and dirty environments. However, lower ratings are also fine depending on where the tile will be used and how much traffic and outside dirt (especially sand, because it is abrasive) will be present.

A rating of 4 can be achieved if there is no visible wear (under test conditions) after 2100, 6000, or 12000 revolutions of the test equipment. A value of 3 can be achieved by passing 750 or 1500 revolutions. Usually the product specifications will indicate which value was passed when the testing was done (for example, one tile might be rated Class 3, passing 1500 revolutions, another tile could be Class 3, passing only 750 revolutions).

Quartz is dependable, reliable and durable! Quartz is manufactured which makes the color possibilities endless - you can create any color combination. You can create a pure white or pure black! It is impervious to stain, heat. mold, mildew, bacteria, etc. - For a kitchen, it doesn't get better than that!

One of the most important things to keep in mind about slate is that you only want to work with GAUGED slate. Gauged Slate has one side which is calibrated for easy installation whereas engaged slate has an uneven surface on both sides which makes it very difficult to install.

Tons of people use slate for their patios and porches, however, slate is not becoming a favorite for indoors also. I've had customers who have out slate al through out their house, in their bathrooms, kitchen, etc.

One of the reasons why I love slate is because it is waterproof and stain resistant. This mean you can put slate in your bathroom, kitchen, pool area, and/or any other wet areas of your home or business. Slate is also a heavy duty tile, and we actually have it installed at the entrance of our store. All kinds of heavy items go through our front door on a daily basis - slate holds up really well against heavy traffic and weight. We love it & have had zero problems with it. Aside from all its benefits, slate just looks pretty!

Do remember that Slate does have to be sealed as it does tend to flake if it is not sealed properly. As with any other natural stone, you have to take care of this stone. Do not clean it with anything that contains Lemon Juice or Vinegar. Gran Quartz has some great cleaners and sealers, we do carry the sealers and cleaners at all our locations in case you are looking for it.

A sealer is a clear film that sits on top of the stone surface to protect the stone.
A sealer is known to darken up the stone.
A sealer has to be reapplied every few years depending on the usage.

Are you like a million other customers trying to decide between Natural Stone (travertine, marble, slate) versus Ceramic/Porcelain Tile for your home? I have customers who come into the store everyday who are utterly confused about how to decide between the two. I figured I would share what I tell them.

The single most important thing to know is that Natural Stone requires you to seal the product every few years whereas Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles require no maintenance at all.

Travertine has a very natural look, there will be variation in the stone, the stone is porous, but absolutely beautiful. If you like variation on your floor and a rustic look appeals to you then Travertine is your stone! However, if you like consistency in your floor, and really want everything to be unformed all the way through then Ceramic/Porcelain Tile might be what you need.

Another reason individuals choose Ceramic/Porcelain Tile is because it requires little to no maintenance. These tiles don't stain as easily, and generally are a bit cheaper than Travertine Tiles.

Accent tile is basically any type of tile that fills your space and looks pretty! It could be glass tiles, textured tile or even regular tile with decorative tile mixed into it.

Mosaics come in many different colors and sizes. Mosaics are basically small pieces of glass tiles that have been mounted together on a sheet. Note below how there are small pieces of glass tiles which are on a 12"x12" sheet bonded by glue. These sheets are also very flexible and easy to cut. Simply take scissors and cut between the tiles to get it to any size of your choice.

To install Apply a very thin later of a good quality adhesive smoothly all over the back of the sheet. It is like applying butter on a piece of bread!

Glass mosaics are ideal for accent walls, bathroom walls, staircase risers and kitchen backsplash. I would advise against having glass tiles installed on the floor as it has more chances of cracking unless you install it in non-high traffic areas.

Some tips for you in regards to purchasing glass mosaic.

• Always inspect the glass tile before picking it up. Open the box, and verify that the material is correct. If the tile store refuses or gives you attitude, insist on it, check the material in the box. After you open the box, check for variation in color, size, etc.
• Glass is translucent so please make certain that you use white bonding mortars. If you buy mortals of different colors then if may effect the look of the installed product.
• Take a moment to refer to Tile Council of North America (http://www.tcnatile.com/) - they have installation instructions for all types of products.

Glass tile is beautiful product! It will jazz up any bare wall that you may have in your home or business!

If you are searching for a certain type of product then please email us at info@sognaretile.com, and one of our design consultants will be more than happy to help you find it!

I wanted to share my thoughts on wood like tile versus engineered wood. While both are fantastic products, I think that If maintenance is your concern then tile is the way to go.

Wood look tile: IT IS TILE so you don't have to worry about water damage, staining it and breaking it (unless you take a hammer and hit the tile, let's hope no one has plans to do that). Tile is also less expensive cost wise and also less expensive to install and maintain. You could probably find wood look tile for $2.00 - $3.50/sf. Although there are some Italian porcelain tiles out there for $6-10/sf - I guess it just depends on your budget. If you are on a budget then you could easily find some at a reasonable price (email me with what you are looking for and I will be happy to help you find it).

Now, engineered wood, one of my most favorite material. It is almost impossible to tell the difference between engineered wood and hardwood, really!! It is so much cheaper than wood, and less expensive to install than the wood. It is however, a bit more expensive than the tile. Engineered wood is basically 3 layers, the very bottom layer is usually some type of support or backing consisting of hardwood backing. The next layer (middle layer) is a high density board such as plywood or white wood and top layer is an actual layer of solid hardwood veneer. The more wood veneer it has, the more expensive it will be. The more plywood or white wood it has, the less expensive it will be. When shopping for engineered wood, always look for how much actual wood (top layer) it has, the more it has the better it is!

Layer 1 is the bottom layer (support of backing)
Layer 2 is the middle layer (plywood or white wood)
Layer 3 is the top layer (actual wood)

If you have any questions, please email us at info@sognaretile.com, and we will get back to you in a jiffy!