FAQ
Tiles, installation, maintenance
and material choice 

La Tuilerie is a proudly Quebec-based, second-generation company, recognized for the past 30 years for its wide selection of products related to ceramic, wood, installation products and setting materials. With eight branches across Quebec, we are proud to offer a unique customer experience built on product quality, expert advice, and personalized design support.

At La Tuilerie, our promise of quality is based on a rigorous selection of both local and European products. We are committed to offering mid- to high-end materials, not only for their aesthetic excellence and durability, but also for their respect for the environment and high ethical standards. This passion for tile translates into expertise that is shared with every member of our team.

In addition, at La Tuilerie, we offer fast and personalized service: once you have made your choice, your advisor prepares the invoice and, in the blink of an eye, your order is loaded directly into your vehicle. We also offer several competitive advantages for industry professionals.

You have three options to get a quote:

1- Send us an email. Fill out the form on our website.

2- Visit us in store. Our qualified advisors will be happy to assist you.

3- Chat online with our experts.

No matter which option you choose, your quote is valid for 30 days and can be accessed in all of our stores.

You have two options to place an order:

1- Send us an email. Fill out the form on our website.

2- Visit us in store. Our qualified advisors will be happy to assist you.

Most of our products are in stock or available within a few days. Wood, laminate, and vinyl may have a longer production lead time. Always check with your selected store for more precise inventory information.

You do not need to book an appointment. You can visit any of our eight stores directly during opening hours.

To modify your order, simply call the store where you made your purchase. Our qualified staff will be happy to help you. Some special-order products cannot be cancelled or modified.

Call us or send us an email for any questions related to your invoices, purchase orders, return slips, and order history.

If you are not satisfied with your purchase, we will be happy to refund you. We accept most returns, free of charge, within 30 days upon presentation of the original invoice (except for special-order items). Products must be in good condition and in their original packaging. La Tuilerie reserves the right not to accept a return if the packaging or general condition is considered deficient. Certain conditions apply.

Absolutely, we deliver across Canada. We offer two options: curbside delivery directly in front of your home, or delivery with handling inside. Costs vary depending on the chosen option, the number of pallets, and the mileage. For a more accurate estimate, request a quote in store.

Please notify us as soon as possible, directly through the branch where you placed your order. Photograph any broken or damaged products and send us those photos. The branch team will follow up on your order as quickly as possible.

We always recommend checking your order upon delivery. Here is the list of things to verify:

- that the ordered product is the correct one,

- that the lot is the same,

- and that the goods are in good condition before installation.

No claim can be made for a product that has already been installed. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify the material before installation. La Tuilerie cannot be held responsible for installation costs related to the wrong product. Any claim cannot exceed the value of the purchased product.

Are you a contractor, designer, architect, property manager, or interior decorator? Join our professional program tailored to your field of activity. Depending on your profession, enjoy exclusive discounts or rebates applicable to all of our in-store products.

Absolutely! We are pleased to offer an online design consultation service. Click here to learn more.

In addition, our in-store advisors are trained to guide you through all types of projects. They will take the time needed to answer all your questions, both technical and design-related.

Do you have a large project in mind? Contact us or visit us in store to see how we can accommodate your project.

We are always happy to welcome new collaborators. Simply provide us with as much information as possible about your project and your Instagram profile by filling out this online form. Our team will then contact you to discuss the possible options.

Ceramic and porcelain are two types of tiles made from clay, but their composition and firing process differ. In the North American flooring industry, ceramic generally refers to tiles used for walls, while porcelain is more commonly used for floors.

Porcelain is fired at a higher temperature, making it denser, less porous, and more resistant to wear and moisture. It is therefore ideal for high-traffic areas and environments such as bathrooms or outdoor spaces. Ceramic, on the other hand, is fired at a lower temperature and is very well suited to walls and low-traffic areas.

In the tile world, variation refers to the visual differences that can naturally or intentionally appear between tiles from the same product. It may show up as shade differences, tone changes, slight pattern variations, or a more or less pronounced visual movement from one tile to another.

This variation is often part of the product’s design and helps create a more lively and natural result, especially for collections that mimic stone, marble or wood.

Variation levels are sometimes indicated on a scale, for example from V1 to V4: the higher the number, the greater the visual differences between the tiles.

Rectified tile is a tile that has been mechanically cut after firing in order to achieve very precise dimensions and perfectly straight edges. This process makes it possible to install tiles with very thin joints, creating a more uniform and modern visual effect. Rectified tiles are especially popular in contemporary designs and large formats. However, their installation requires great precision, which often makes the intervention of a professional recommended for optimal results.

Tiles are produced in batches. Each batch is called a lot. A tile lot generally guarantees: the caliber (size and thickness) and the tone. Here, tone refers to the specific shade of the lot, not the color selected in store. There can be color variations between several lots of the same shade.

It is important that all your tiles come from the same lot if you want a uniform and well-aligned installation. With different lots, the risk of not achieving an optimal result is higher, both in terms of joint consistency and color uniformity.

OUR TIPS:

- Make sure you have enough tiles from the same lot for your installation and buy a sufficient quantity during your initial purchase (that famous extra percentage for waste).

- Consider keeping extra tiles in case you ever have damage. This way, you will have the tiles needed for repairs. If your tiles are discontinued in a few years, you may no longer be able to obtain them.

The waste percentage is the additional quantity of material you should allow for to compensate for cuts, adjustments, and breakage during installation. To calculate it, simply add a percentage to the total surface area.

In general, we recommend:

10% for a simple straight lay pattern

15% for more cuts or larger formats

20% or more for complex patterns (such as herringbone)

There are simple online tools to help you with your calculations. But if you have any doubts at all, contact our in-store experts. They will be able to assist you and make sure you order the exact quantity you need.

You can order your samples directly in store. Mosaic and ceramic samples can be purchased. Wood and vinyl samples can be rented for 48 hours. Home delivery is not currently available. You will easily be refunded when the samples are returned.

Sealer is generally intended for natural stone or unglazed tiles. Most ceramic and porcelain tiles do not require it. A tile can be glazed even if it has a matte finish. A non-glossy appearance therefore does not mean it is porous. However, some surfaces may be textured or slightly rough, which can make them seem more likely to retain dirt. For the right choice for your product, do not hesitate to consult our experts.

Yes, it is strongly recommended to seal natural stone tiles. Unlike ceramic or porcelain, stone is porous and can absorb water, stains, and dirt. Applying a sealer helps protect against stains and moisture, makes everyday maintenance easier, and extends the material’s lifespan. Depending on the type of stone and its use (porch, floor, kitchen), it may be necessary to apply sealer during installation and renew it periodically. For the right choice for your product, do not hesitate to consult our experts.

It is not mandatory to seal grout. However, grout is a porous material, which makes it vulnerable to stains, moisture, and dirt buildup. Applying a sealer helps protect against stains and mold, makes maintenance easier, and extends the grout’s lifespan. However, some modern grouts (such as premixed or epoxy-based grouts) do not need to be sealed. It is therefore important to check the type of product used. For the right choice for your project, do not hesitate to consult our experts.

There is no miracle solution: regular maintenance with the right cleaner remains the best approach. On a daily basis, it is recommended to use a broom or vacuum to remove dust and dirt.

It is also important to choose the right type of cleaner. Acidic cleaners are effective for dissolving limescale and efflorescence, making them especially suitable for showers and porches. Alkaline cleaners, on the other hand, are designed to remove grease and are better suited to kitchens, backsplashes, and countertops.

Each product is intended for a specific use. To make the right choice, do not hesitate to consult our experts.

Yes, the surface must be clean, level, and able to support loads in order to ensure a durable installation.

Yes! It is always necessary to use grout when installing tile. Grout absorbs the movements of the building. It helps with cleaning and prevents dirt from getting between the tiles. Tiles are not always perfectly straight, so grout helps correct the effect of a tile that may not be rectified.

La Tuilerie does not offer installation services. However, you can ask our advisors for recommendations for construction professionals.

La Tuilerie does not offer tool rental services. However, we do carry tools and installation products for all price ranges, both residential and commercial.

We mainly work with Schluter and Mapei products for heated floors. For full information about heated floor systems, consult our complete installation guide here. You can also ask a member of our in-store team for advice.

Profiles are finishing elements, often made of metal or PVC, used during the installation of ceramic or stone. Their main purpose is to protect tile edges from impacts and wear, and to ensure a clean transition between different floor coverings (for example, ceramic and wood). In addition to their practical purpose, profiles bring a neat and professional aesthetic finish to your projects. They are available in several sizes, colors, and styles to suit all décors.

It all depends on where you want to install it. There are several types of membranes: uncoupling, waterproofing, thermo-acoustic, and heated floor membranes. They are especially important on surfaces such as concrete, heated floors, or areas exposed to moisture. For simple projects in dry environments, they are not always mandatory, but they remain an excellent preventive investment. Our in-store advisors will be able to explain the applications of each type in detail.

Before starting, it is important to check your condo board’s requirements. In many co-ownership buildings, an acoustic membrane with a specific rating (for example, IIC) is even mandatory. It mainly helps reduce sound transmission to neighboring units, absorb floor movement and limit the risk of cracks, and add extra protection against moisture in concrete structures.

We offer a wide range of solid wood flooring, engineered wood, vinyl, and laminate. We carry both residential and commercial quality products. Our wood floors can be raw, oiled, or prefinished. We also sell the related accessories, such as stair noses, reducers, adhesives, and membranes. Visit the Ôbois section of our store to see our selection of wood species and colors. Or visit our practical guide for ideas and inspiration.

Solid hardwood flooring is made entirely of a single hardwood species throughout its thickness. It is known for its durability, but it is also more sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature.

Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is made of several layers. Its surface is hardwood, but its core is made of plywood, which makes it more stable. It resists moisture better and is more suitable for basements or installations over concrete slabs. Its structure also allows for longer and wider boards, which are well suited to contemporary styles.

The right choice therefore depends on the environment and the needs of the project.

A floating floor is not a product in itself, but rather a type of flooring installation that is not directly fixed to the subfloor. The planks lock together with a click system and then rest freely on a substrate. Floating flooring can be laminate, vinyl, or even engineered wood.

This type of installation is appreciated for its speed and simplicity, which makes it a popular and affordable option.

Beyond style (color, board width, finish), choosing a wood floor depends on several factors.

The wood species affects both durability and appearance. For example, species such as oak or maple are very popular for their resistance and versatility.

The grade determines the level of natural variation in the wood. A more uniform grade will have few knots and contrasts, while a more rustic grade will highlight natural imperfections for a warmer, more authentic look.

Finally, the installation location plays a key role. In a basement or over a concrete slab, engineered wood is generally recommended for its stability and moisture resistance. In a condo, soundproofing and condo board requirements must also be taken into account. On upper floors or in a more stable environment, solid hardwood can be considered.

Maintaining hardwood flooring is essential to preserve its beauty and durability. On a daily basis, it is recommended to use a soft broom or vacuum to remove dust and abrasive particles. For cleaning, use a product specifically designed for wood and avoid excess water, as moisture can damage the material.

It is also advisable to wipe up spills quickly and use rugs in high-traffic areas. Adding felt pads under furniture helps prevent scratches. Your in-store advisor can show you our range of cleaning products for wood.