Basilica 6x6 + Bush HammeredSquare Limestone

An easily recognizable material in ancient and modern construction alike, limestone is a strong and beautiful stone that brings natural richness to any surface. Available in three distinct varieties and two finishes, Zia sources limestone for everlasting installations of all kinds.

Limestone is a gift from the earth, formed from natural sedimentary rock. Zia’s limestone collection is quarried and cut outside of Fez, Morocco, where artisans have been cutting and honing this fine building material for centuries.

Each limestone tile is cut from much larger blocks, and then finished by either polishing the surface (honed), or with a high-impact bush hammer machine that uniformly pits the surface of the limestone to create a rough, wonderfully weathered texture.

We ship our tiles anywhere that USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and any LTL carrier can reach! If you live in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, or a country outside of the United States, please email or call us for a custom freight quote. Our in stock samples of Cotto tiles typically ship out within 2 business days of order receipt from our Los Angeles warehouse.

All standard shipping orders will deliver using LTL carrier service and are curbside delivery. The LTL trucking company that is contracted to deliver your order will contact you to arrange a specific date and timeframe for curbside delivery. Your full order will ship once all tiles are in stock in our warehouse.

We are excited to offer free Pick up/Will Call from our Los Angeles Warehouse to help our local customers save on shipping costs! Because our stock tiles are ready to ship from multiple warehouses around the country, we are not able to guarantee that all stock tiles will be ready for pick up in Los Angeles at the time of order placement. Your tile may take an additional 1-3 weeks to be transferred free of charge from one of our auxiliary warehouses to our Los Angeles warehouse prior to your will call appointment. If you have any questions regarding your tile pick up availability, please reach out to our team at (310) 844-1170 or at info@ziatile.com. We are happy to discuss shipping rates or alternate options to ensure you meet your project deadline.

We offer all customers the option to order samples through our website by clicking on the Request a Sample button each tile page. All sample orders are limited to up to 4 per tile design, and customers may order up to 10 samples total. We make every effort to ship all samples within the same shipment, but some samples may ship separately if specific samples are out of stock at the time the order is placed.

Some samples of special order tiles may be available and are limited to 1 sample per customer due to the limited amount of special order tile samples we have on-hand. Frequently, special order sample tiles will have a lead time that matches the order lead time listed on each individual tile page.

The first 5 samples in our online cart are complimentary and additional samples are $3 each. The credit for the first 5 samples is is reflected on the final check out page. Shipping is $8 for every 3 tiles shipped. Our samples ship via FedEx, UPS, or USPS ground within 2-3 business days of order receipt. For questions regarding samples, please email info@ziatile.com.

----- Read this guide, IN FULL, prior to beginning any installation of limestone -----

To ensure proper installation based on unique project and/or site conditions, clients are responsible for hiring a skilled installer that has experience in installing and sealing limestone. Zia Tile is not responsible for installation, ongoing care, or issues arising after receipt and installation of product. If client’s installer deviates from the instructions or recommendations below, this may result in costly and undesirable outcomes.

REVIEWING YOUR ORDER

• Please inspect your order thoroughly, upon receipt. Zia Tile cannot be held responsible for tiles that have already been installed.

• Limestone is a natural stone; therefore, significant variations in color, and subtle variations in shape and size are natural and should be expected in your tiles.

• To account for cuts, pattern, inherent variation, and potential breakage in transit, it is strongly recommended that all orders include a minimum of 15% overage to avoid costly add-on shipping and schedule delays.

BEFORE BEGINNING YOUR INSTALLATION

• As a result of the production process and shipping, your tiles will likely contain a dust residue. Prior to beginning your installation, lay out all tiles and use a heavy spray to remove this residue. Allow all tiles to dry thoroughly before installing.

• Due to the inherent color variation of natural tile, it is very important to blend the tiles from all boxes in your order. You should then lay out all tiles in the installation area and ensure any variation is distributed evenly before beginning your installation.

• There is a face and an underside to limestone tiles, they are not reversible. Prior to installation, ensure you are installing the tile face side up. You may see cut marks or lines from the finishing process which could be present on the underside of the tile.

• Grout color is an important design decision - almost as important as the tile color itself. We recommend exploring Mapei Flexcolor CQ grouts and either selecting a lighter neutral color or matching the grout color as closely as possible to the color of the tile. Visit our website or Instagram to view installation examples to decide what grout color is preferred.

INSTALLATION

REQUIRED MATERIAL

For placing the tiles:

• Sponge

• Bucket

• 1/8” tile spacers

• High quality medium-bed thin set mortar

• Trowel

• Mapei Flexcolor CQ grout

• Grout float

• Grout bag (if using a contrasting color grout)

• Water-cooled tile saw with diamond edge blade

For cleaning and sealing limestone tiles:

• pH neutral cleaner such as Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute)

• Paint roller, paint tray, sponge and water bucket

• Lint-free cotton cloth

• Penetrating Sealer - 511 Porous Plus Sealer from Miracle Sealants

• For interior applications - Fila Matte Protective Wax

LAYING TILES

• If cuts are required for your installation, all saw cuts must be made with a water-cooled tile saw

FOR FLOOR INSTALLATIONS

• If the subfloor is even and in good condition, a high quality medium-bed thin set is sufficient to set the tiles. Please make sure the subfloor has completely cured (usually a minimum of 30 days) to prevent efflorescence spots from depositing on the surface of the tiles as moisture evaporates through them. Uncured or unsettled sub-surfaces can cause cracks to form in the tile as the sub-surface deforms, so always ensure the sub-surface has cured properly before installing limestone tile. Use of an uncoupling membrane (such as DITRA) may also be advised.

FOR WALL INSTALLATIONS

• Only install limestone tile on stable, even surfaces. In dry areas (i.e. kitchen backsplash), limestone tile may be installed directly to drywall. Never apply tile directly to a painted surface.

FOR COMMERCIAL AND/OR WET AREAS

• If installing on a flooring surface in a wet or commercial area, slip resistance can be increased by increasing grout joint size and/or applying an anti-slip product after installation is complete. Always consult with your licensed installer on slip specific questions prior to installation and note that honed limestone has a DCOF rating of 0.50 and bush hammer limestone has a DCOF rating of 0.56. See product spec sheet for additional information.

• Evenly apply the thin set mixture to the install surface using a trowel. Wet the back of each tile with a sponge before applying the adhesive to the back of each tile, making sure to apply the mixture in the same direction in order to prevent air pockets from forming.

• Lay limestone tile in accordance with the drying time required for the thin set used. Press the tiles into place. Using a rubber mallet, compact the limestone tiles evenly on the adhesive to ensure consistent contact.

• Ensure the tiles are perfectly flat during installation.

• Place in small sections, no larger than 2’x2’, at a time, using 1/8” tile spacers to separate the tiles.

• Immediately wipe off any residual thin set from the surface of the tiles. Thin set can be incredibly difficult to remove without damaging the tiles if left too long.

• After the tiles have been laid, allow the thin set at least 48 hours to cure before sealing and grouting.

PRE-GROUT SEALING

• Limestone tiles must be sealed on-site. Use a pH neutral cleaner before sealing; products made to clean natural stone are usually suitable. Use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles and should be avoided.

• After your thin set has cured, your tiles have been cleaned and prior to grouting, apply 511 Porous Plus sealer in thin layers until the tiles become fully saturated, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal as thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. Allow sealer to cure, typically 1-2 days; always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.

• Do not proceed to grouting unless your sealer is fully cured!

GROUTING

• Using MAPEI FLEXCOLOR CQ GROUT, fill in the gaps between the tiles with a rubber grout float. Grout in small areas, no larger than 2’x2’, at a time. DO NOT grout the entire surface at once, as the tiles can stain from excess grout that is extremely difficult to remove later. Instead, grout small areas and immediately wipe away the excess grout as you go. Contrasting grout can stain or leave a grout haze and should be avoided unless hand grouting or using a grout bag.

• Allow the grout to fully cure, usually 48 hours.

TOP COAT SEALER

• Completely clean and dry the tiles with pH neutral detergent, removing any residual mortar or debris. Never leave spills, drips, footprints, or any other marks on the tiles prior to sealing.

FOR INTERIOR INSTALLATIONS

• Apply Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax in thin layers until the tiles are fully coated, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal as thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. Allow sealer to cure, typically 1-2 days before using the space. Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions.

FOR OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS

• Apply 511 Porous Plus sealer in thin layers until the tiles are fully coated, wiping off any excess sealer before it dries. Do not over-seal as thick or excessive application of sealant can dry unevenly and result in an undesirable waxy film on the surface of the tiles. Allow sealer to cure, typically 24-48 hours before using the space. Always follow the sealant manufacturer’s application instructions. DO NOT use Fila Matte Finish Protective Wax in outdoor applications as UV rays can cause discoloration over time.

• ALWAYS cover the tiles with durable paperboard during and after installation to prevent damage and/or staining of the tiles until construction is complete.

TRIM

• We recommend installing limestone from floor to ceiling or bringing drywall flush with the finished surface of your tile to eliminate the need for trim.

• If you have an exposed edge with your design, we recommend mitering your tile. Your experienced installer should be familiar with cutting the edges at a 45-degree angle to create a corner out of two tiles. This will mimic a finished trim piece and can easily be done on site to get the finished look without ordering custom trim.

• If you do require trim, we recommend Schluter strips, which can be found at www.schluter.com.

ONGOING MAINTENANCE

Limestone tile is a natural stone product. As such, clients should expect natural wear and patina to occur to the finish over time.

CLEANING

• Vacuum or sweep tile regularly to remove abrasive material that can scratch the surface.

• Promptly clean up any spills, especially oil and grease. Un-cleaned spills can cause stains.

• Floors and walls can be wiped or mopped with warm, clean water and a pH neutral cleaner.

• Limestone tiles should be cleaned using pH neutral cleaners ONLY. Use of acidic cleaners will damage the tiles. For regular cleaning, we recommend Miracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile and Stone Cleaner. For heavier stains, we recommend Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute).

RE-SEALING

• Limestone tile should be re-sealed as often as needed, depending on traffic and wear and in accordance with sealant manufacturer’s instructions.

INSTALLATION SAFETY

• Installers should always wear a protective face covering (e.g., dust mask) and eye protection when unpacking, cutting and installing Zia Tile products as well as working with the mortar, sealants, grout and other materials associated with the tile installation process. If extensive cutting is required during installation, Zia Tile recommends this work be done outside or in a well-ventilated area. Finally, always be sure to wash your hands well with soap and water after working with tiles and before eating.

Cómo Instalar Baldosa de Limestone

----- Lea esta guía, EN SU TOTALIDAD, antes de comenzar cualquier instalación de piedra caliza-----

Para garantizar una instalación adecuada en función de las condiciones únicas del proyecto y/o del sitio, los clientes son responsables de contratar a un instalador capacitado que tenga experiencia en la instalación y el sellado de piedra caliza. Zia Tile no responsable de la instalación, el cuidado continuo o los problemas que surjan después de recibir e instalar el producto. Si el instalador del cliente se desvía de las instrucciones o recomendaciones a continuación, esto puede resultar en resultados costosos e indeseables.

REVISIÓN DEL PEDIDO

• Inspeccione minuciosamente su pedido al recibirlo. Zia Tile no se hace responsable de las baldosas que ya se han instalado.

• La piedra caliza es una piedra natural; por lo tanto, las variaciones significativas en el color y las variaciones sutiles en la forma y el tamaño son naturales y deben esperarse en sus mosaicos.

• Para tener en cuenta los cortes, el patrón, la variación inherente y las posibles roturas durante el transporte, se recomienda encarecidamente que todos los pedidos incluyan un excedente mínimo del 15% para evitar envíos adicionales costosos y retrasos en la programación.

ANTES DE COMENZAR SU INSTALACIÓN

• Como resultado del proceso de producción y envío, es probable que sus baldosas contengan residuo de polvo. Antes de comenzar su instalación, coloque todas las baldosas y use un rociador fuerte para eliminar este residuo. Deje que todas las baldosas se sequen completamente antes de instalarlas.

• Debido a la variación de color inherente a las baldosas naturales, es muy importante mezclar las baldosas de todas las cajas de su pedido. Luego, debe colocar todas las losetas en el área de instalación y asegurarse de que cualquier variación se distribuya de manera uniforme antes de comenzar la instalación.

• Las tejas calizas tienen cara y cara inferior, no son reversibles. Antes de la instalación, asegúrese de instalar la loseta con la cara hacia arriba. Es posible que vea marcas de corte o líneas del proceso de acabado que podrían estar presentes en la parte inferior de a loseta.

• El color de la lechada es una decisión de diseño importante, caso tan importante como el como el color del azulejo en sí. Recomendamos explorar las lechadas Mapei Flexcolor CQ y seleccionar un color neutro más claro o hacer que el color de la lechada coincida lo más posible con el color de la loseta. Visite nuestro sitio web o Instagram para ver ejemplos de instalación y decidir qué color de lechada prefiere.

INSTALACIÓN

MATERIAL REQUERIDO

Para colocar las baldosas:

• Esponja

• Balde

• Separadores de baldosas de 1/8”

• Mortero de capa delgada de capa media alta calidad

• Llana con muescas semicirculares 1⁄2”

• Lechada Mapei Flexcolor CQ

• Flotador de lechada

• Bolsa de lechada (si se usa una lechada de color contrastante)

• Cortadora de azulejos refrigerada por agua con hoja de diamante

Para limpiar y sellar baldosas de piedra caliza:

• Limpiador de pH neutro como Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (sustituto de ácido)

• Rodillo de pintura, bandeja de pintura, esponja y balde de agua

• Paño de algodón sin pelusa

• Sellador penetrante- 511 Porous Plus Sealer from Miracle Sealant

COLOCACIÓN DE BALDOSAS

• Si se requieren cortes para su instalación, todos los cortes de sierre deben hacerse con una sierra para azulejos enfriada por agua.

PARA INSTALACIONES DE SUELO

• Si el subsuelo está nivelado y en buenas condiciones, una capa delgada de lecho medio de alta calidad es suficiente para colocar las losetas. Asegúrese de que el contrapiso esté completamente curado (generalmente un mínimo de 30 días) para evitar que se depositen puntos de eflorescencia en la superficie de las baldosas a medida que la humedad se evapore a través de ellas. Las subsuperficies sin curar o sin asentar pueden hacer que se formen grietas en la loseta a medida que las subsuperficie se deforma, así que siempre asegúrese de que la subsuperficie se haya curado correctamente antes de instalar la loseta de piedra caliza. También se puede recomendar el uso de una membrana de desacoplamiento (como DITRA).

PARA INSTALACIONES EN PARED

• Instale baldosas de piedra caliza únicamente en superficies estables y uniformes. En áreas secas (es decir, placa para salpicaduras de cocina), las losetas de piedra caliza se pueden instalar directamente en el panel de yeso. Nunca aplique baldosas directamente sobre una superficie pintada.

• Aplique uniformemente la mezcla de capa delgada a la superficie de instalación con una llana. Moje la parte posterior de cada baldosa con una esponja antes de aplicar el adhesivo en la parte posterior de cada baldosa, asegurándose de aplicar la mezcla en la misma dirección para evitar que se formen bolsas de aire.

• Coloque la loseta de piedra caliza de acuerdo con el tiempo de secado requerido para la capa delgada utilizada. Presiona las baldosas en su lugar. Con un mazo de goma, compacte las losetas de piedra caliza de manera uniforme sobre el adhesivo para garantizar un contacto uniforme.

• Asegúrese de que las losetas estén perfectamente planas durante la instalación.

• Colóquelo en secciones pequeñas, de no más de '2x2' a la vez, usando espaciadores de baldosas 1/8” para separar las losetas.

• Limpie inmediatamente cualquier capa delgada residual de la superficie de las losetas. La capa delgada puede ser increíblemente difícil de quitar sin dañar las baldosas si se deja demasiado tiempo.

• Después de colocar las losetas, deje curar la capa delgada por lo menos 48 horas antes de sellar y enlechar.

SELLADO PREVIO A LA LECHADA

• Las baldosas de piedra caliza deben sellarse en el sitio. Use un limpiador de pH neutro antes de sellar; los productos hechos para limpiar la piedra natural suelen ser adecuados. El uso de limpiadores ácidos dañará las baldosas y debe evitarse.

• Después de que se haya curado la capa delgada, se hayan limpiado las losetas y antes de enlechar, aplique el sellador 511 Porous Plus en capas delgadas hasta que las losetas se saturen por completo, limpiando cualquier exceso de sellador antes de que se seque. No selle en exceso, ya que una aplicación espesa o excesiva de sellador puede secarse de manera desigual y dar como resultado una capa cerosa indeseable en la superficie de las losetas. Deje que el sellador se cure, normalmente de 1 a 2 días; siga siempre las instrucciones de aplicación del fabricante del sellador.

• ¡No proceda con la lechada a menos que su sellador esté completamente curado!

LECHADA

• Con MAPEI FLEXCOLOR CQ GROUT, rellene los espacios entre las losetas con una llana de goma para lechada. Aplique lechada en áreas pequeñas, no mayores de 2'x2', a la vez. NO aplique lechada en toda la superficie a la vez, ya que las losetas se pueden manchar debido al exceso de lechada que es extremadamente difícil de eliminar más tarde. En su lugar, aplique lechada en áreas pequeñas e inmediatamente limpie el exceso de lechada sobre la marcha. La lechada de contraste puede manchar o dejar una neblina de lechada y debe evitarse a menos que se aplique la lechada a mano o se use una bolsa de lechada.

• Permita que la lechada se cure por completo, generalmente 48 horas.

SELLADOR DE CAPA SUPERIOR

• Limpiar y secar completamente las baldosas con detergente pH neutro, eliminando cualquier resto de mortero o escombros. Nunca deje derrames, goteos, huellas o cualquier otra marca en las baldosas antes de sellarlas.

• Aplique el sellador 511 Porous Plus en capas delgadas hasta que las losetas estén completamente recubiertas, limpiando cualquier exceso de sellador antes de que se seque. No selle en exceso, ya que una aplicación espesa o excesiva de sellador puede secarse de manera desigual y dar como resultado una capa cerosa indeseable en la superficie de las losetas. Permita que el sellador cure, típicamente 1-2 días antes de usar el espacio. Siga siempre las instrucciones de aplicación del fabricante del sellador.

• SIEMPRE cubra las losetas con cartón duradero durante y después de la instalación para evitar daños y/o manchas en las losetas hasta que se complete la construcción.

RECORTAR

• Recomendamos instalar piedra caliza desde el piso hasta el techo o colocar paneles de yeso al ras con la superficie acabada de sus azulejos para eliminar la necesidad de molduras.

• Si tiene un borde expuesto con su diseño, le recomendamos cortar en inglete su baldosa. Su instalador experimentado debe estar familiarizado con el corte de los bordes en un ángulo de 45 grados para crear una esquina con dos mosaicos. Esto imitará una pieza de moldura terminada y se puede hacer fácilmente en el sitio para obtener el aspecto final sin pedir una moldura personalizada.

• Si necesita molduras, le recomendamos tiras Schluter, que puede encontrar en www.schluter.com

MANTENIMIENTO EN PROCESO

La baldosa de piedra caliza es un producto de piedra natural. Como tal, los clientes deben esperar que el acabado presente desgaste natural y pátina con el tiempo.

LIMPIEZA

• Aspire o barra los azulejos con regularidad para eliminar el material abrasivo que pueda rayar la superficie.

• Limpie rápidamente cualquier derrame, especialmente aceite y grasa. Los derrames sin limpiar pueden causar manchas.

• Los pisos y las paredes se pueden limpiar o trapear con agua limpia y tibia y un limpiador de pH neutro.

• Las baldosas de piedra caliza deben limpiarse SOLAMENTE con limpiadores de pH neutro. El uso de limpiadores ácidos dañará las baldosas. Para una limpieza regular, recomendamos Moracle Sealants pH Neutral Tile y Stone Cleaner. Para manchas más difíciles, recomendamos Miracle Sealants Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute).

RESELLADO

• Las baldosas de piedra caliza se deben volver a sellas con la frecuencia necesaria, según el tráfico y el desgaste, y de acuerdo con las instrucciones del fabricante del sellador.