FAQ

What is variation?

Variation refers to the difference in color, shade, and tile from tile to tile within the same product.

Variation in color, texture, and tone is a natural characteristic of our tile should be expected. Each piece is unique, reflecting the inherent beauty of the materials and the craftsmanship behind them. These variations are not defects but an essential part of what makes our tiles distinctive and timeless. We highly recommend blending tiles from multiple boxes prior to installation to ensure a balanced look.

Our porcelain pavers are rated on a scale of V1- V4, from most uniform to greatest variation. This rating, as well as the color variation chart, is listed with each porcelain paver product. We highly recommend blending tiles from multiple boxes prior to installation to ensure a balanced,look.

Stone is a natural product. No two pieces are exactly alike. Variation in color, veining, and movement are inherent features, and give natural stones their depth and beauty. We highly recommend blending tiles from multiple boxes prior to installation to ensure a balanced look.

Zellige tile is handmade and hand-dipped into glaze, leading to even greater variation, and its desired look. These variations will be present in the form of:
- Crazing - fine surface cracks in the glazing
- Color - each tile will absorb the glaze slightly differently, causing shifts in tone, including within the same batch
- Uneven edges / surfaces - these tiles are each cut by hand, using the same methods used for hundreds of years. This gives each tile an irregular, organic feel.
- Chips / pits - small chips and pits are common, as well as glaze pooling in these recesses, which add to this unique style
- Irregular sizes - differences in size are common and expected

- These imperfections require installation by an expert tile contractor with experience installing Zellige.
- Ordering samples of the current lot is a must
- We highly recommend blending tiles from multiple boxes prior to installation to ensure a balanced look.

Yes! We strongly encourage you to order samples of the current lot, prior to placing your tile or stone order. We offer samples on all of our products.

Some of our products are oversized - samples of products 12x12 and larger will be in the form of a 4x4 or 6x6 chip cut from said product.

Samples will ship within 2 business days. Sample orders are free up to four pieces, plus shipping. Additional sample pieces will be charged $5 per piece, plus additional shipping, which varies by weight and will be calculated at checkout.

Tile and stone will vary from lot to lot. We strongly recommend ordering samples of the current lot before placing your order.

We recommend ordering a minimum 15% overage to compensate for any breakage or cuts needed during installation. Depending on the material, pattern chosen for laying your tile, additional overage may be needed. We strongly recommend consulting your tile installer before placing your order to confirm the correct quantities.

All sales are final once payment is received. Orders cannot be refunded or exchanged after eight hours, as inventory is reserved specifically for you at the time of purchase. Please note that any special order tiles are custom-made for your project and cannot be canceled or exchanged because production for these items may begin as soon as your order is processed.

We do not accept returns on opened or unopened boxes of tile, as we cannot guarantee any material once it has left our possession.

All full orders ship across the U.S. via LTL trucking providers. Once your order reaches the local delivery terminal, the trucking company will contact you directly to arrange a date and time for curbside delivery. Please note that all deliveries are made on a pallet, and tile boxes can weigh upwards of anywhere from 35-150 lbs. Since drivers are only responsible for leaving the order at the curb, we strongly recommend having help on hand to move your boxes. Additionally, some of our larger stone products are shipped in crates that require a forklift on-site to move. This is usually handled by an on-site contractor.

Delivery timelines are estimates, and the carrier will provide a specific date and timeframe when they contact you. Upon delivery, it’s crucial to inspect your shipment for any damages or shortages.We strongly recommend having your contractor on hand to receive and inspect the shipment. If you notice any issues, document them with photos and note them on the delivery driver’s paperwork. Then, reach out to Leigh Vaeth Tile + Stone within 48 hours so we can assist with replacements. Unfortunately, claims reported after 48 hours cannot be processed by carriers and will become the customer’s responsibility.

To ensure a smooth experience, please take the time to inspect your order thoroughly upon delivery. Missed delivery appointments or refusals may result in storage or redelivery fees charged by the trucking company.

We do not accept International Orders, nor do we ship Internationally, at this time.

We require 100% payment when your order is placed online via our website. We do not accept payment by phone. If you need assistance in placing your order, please email us at hello@leighvaeth.com and we will happy to email you an invoice to pay online.

Sales tax is estimated until final checkout and will be included in your order payment.

Shipping costs will be applied to each order. We do not allow pickup at our warehouse. Any changes to your order may result in additional cost.

Ceramic and porcelain: All installations should refer to the most current Tile Council of North America (TCNA) manual. For more information, please visit tcnatile.com

Zellige: In addition to referring to the most current TCNA manual, please refer your contractor to our Zellige Installation Tips for additional information.

Natural Stone: All stone installations should refer to the most current guidelines from the Natural Stone Institute (formerly Marble Institute of America). For more information, please visit naturalstoneinstitute.org

Customers are responsible for hiring an experienced and skilled tile contractor.

Please refer to the Usage Information located on each product page for recommended use/ care/maintenance/ sealing specific to that individual tile or stone. Do not rely on use/ care/ maintenance information within the same series / material/ color, etc, as these can vary widely. Leigh Vaeth is not responsible for any products installed against the stated recommendations or not in strict adherence to the current industry guidelines set forth by the Tile Council of America or the Natural Stone Institute, whichever is applicable.

If you have any questions, we are always here to help. Please email us at hello@leighvaeth.com