If you live in the mid-Atlantic, it might be convenient for you to visit our warehouse in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Call (717) 442-0514 for an appointment. We are located about an hour and a half drive west of center city, Philadelphia, and the same distance north of Baltimore.

Q: How many times will I see the same tile in my installation?
A: You will never see a repeating pattern. Each tile is unique, due to the many molds we have taken from antique bricks, and also due to the random surface decoration with different clay powders fired into the surface.

Q: Do the tiles come in sheets, or are they sold by the piece?
A: The thin brick flooring tiles are sold in boxes of 20- 4X8" tiles, or 40- 2X8" tiles. They are installed individually, like most tiles. This allows for different patterns, like running bond, basket weave, herringbone, etc. . The decorative accent tiles and corner tiles are sold by the piece.

Q: How do I find an installer?
A: Many customers have a builder already on their project, who has his own subcontractors. Other homeowners install the brick flooring tiles themselves. Many tile manuals and books are available at your local book seller. See our Installation Specification Guide for more details and suggested products.

Depending on where you live, we can sometimes recommend specific installers. Because our customers are from many locations around the country, we can't possibly have relationships with professionals everywhere. Below are 2 organizations that can help you find an independent installer. See the Installation Specification Guide for more information.
Team IMI, at 1-800-IMI-0988, or at www.imiweb.org
Service Magic at www.servicemagic.com
You can also look in your local yellow page directory under Mason Contractors and Home Improvement and Remodeling.

Q: How do I cut the tiles?
A: A wet saw will cut the tiles cleanly.

Q: How can I get a smooth, shiny surface on my thin brick tiles?
A: Use a penetrating sealer that will allow an additional coat of a gloss sealer. See our Installation Specification Guide for details.

Q: How can I seal the tiles without getting a shiny surface?
A: A penetrating sealer will invisibly protect your surface from stains.

Q: I have an existing doorway, with a wood floor in the next room. How can I make sure I have a level transition to the other room?
A: First, the tile itself is ½" thick. You will need to install any tile on a firm base, most typically cement board screwed to a plywood subfloor. There are different thicknesses of the cement board, but ½" is generally what is used for this purpose. There are other products, like HardyBacker and Wonderboard, that are thinner, but just as strong. These products are available at your local building supply store. Measure the distance from the top of your existing floor to the subfloor on the room you are tiling, to see how much depth you have available. That space, plus the ½" for our tile, will determine which backer board you will use to make the transition into the next room.

Q: I have big dogs. How will my brick tile floor hold up?
A: First, your dogs' nails will not scratch your brick flooring. Inglenook Tiles are kiln fired to temperatures over 2250 degrees F, and in the process become vitrified, making them very dense and strong. They will not scratch or crumble. The tiles will also not break under the pressure of his feet. The tiles have a rupture strength of 4 times the American Standard for floor tile. If your dog has an accident, your floor is easily mopped and cleaned, when sealed with a penetrating sealer (see Installation Specification Guide for details). Lastly, when your dog brings in dirt on his paws, it will not be noticeable between clean-ups on your floor. Inglenook Tile brick flooring is very pet-friendly for all these reasons.

Q: How do I clean my brick tile floor?
A: For routine cleaning, vacuum or sweep your brick tiles, as you would any other natural stone floor or a wood floor. Floor or wall interior bricks may be dusted with vacuum cleaner dusting attachments. After vacuuming, occasionally damp mop with plain water to prevent dirt from building up on your brick floor.

When more heavily soiled, the bricks may have to be cleaned using a mild detergent solution. Rinse them well, and wipe dry for greater sheen. To save time, try putting 1 cup of vinegar in the water; the floor will shine without being polished. Do not clean the brick tiles with acids, strong soaps, or abrasives.

Before cleaning with water, first, seal tiles. Unsealed brick tiles are porous