FAQ

Answers to your frequently asked questions

Our handmade tile is the result of nearly a dozen different teams, each critical to the final product. Collaboration is in our DNA. This extends to our service of helping inspire designers, architects, contractors, developers and homeowners to offering recommendations on installation.

Don’t see your question? Get in touch.

Placing Your Order:

Contact us here and we’ll help you place your order!

We sell our tile exclusively through our national Dealer network.

Yes! if you have a project requiring large quantities or multiple locations please tell us about your project so we can evaluate the possibilities.

We can ship most international orders, depending on the destination. Your Dealer or Sales Person can help facilitate.

Specific tile samples for design exploration can be ordered through your local dealer.

Just want to get your eyes on a glaze color? 2×4″ color swatch samples are available for free at your nearest dealer or available for purchase on our website. Go to any Glaze product page and add to your cart by clicking the Get Color Sample button. For a flat shipping fee of $25, add up to 5 color samples.

We recommend ordering at least 15% overage for all orders to ensure you have enough tile to successfully complete your installation. Please double check quantities prior to ordering.

After an order has been confirmed and is in production, revisions and cancellations may not be accepted.

Returns cannot be accepted on made to order tile. Stock material returns are subject to a restocking fee and will not be accepted after 30 days.

Yes, we do custom work, depending on the project. Please contact a Pratt + Larson Dealer with custom inquiries.

Yes. If your (Dealer’s) warehouse is closed, we can ship direct. Please confirm that the site can receive a truck and move a palette if needed. We can help make arrangements for residential delivery with a lift gate. Our Customer Service Team is here to help you coordinate and troubleshoot.

When your order is ready, we will contact you to confirm shipping instructions. Picking up from our Portland warehouse? Please call us at (503) 231-9464 ahead of time to schedule.

Because of Covid, lead times may run longer than our usual 4- to 6-week period. If we run into delays, a member of our Customer Service or Sales Team will contact you.

Product questions:

  • Please refer to our usage guidelines when ordering. Proper selection should be made according to intended use. Expect some wearing, scratching, and crazing to occur over time, this does not affect the integrity of the tile.
  • Our tile is not frost resistant and should not be installed outdoors in climates where temperatures may fall below freezing.
  • For detailed information on usage, download our Usage + Installation Guide.

The magic of handmade, ceramic tile is in its varied shades and sizes; every piece is different and color, surface and size variations should be embraced. Certain glazes have more variation than others so we have assigned V1-4 designations to help you to determine how much a glaze might range. The number lets you know the maximum variation a glaze might have but your order may be more consistent, if you are hoping for a specific look please discuss it with your salesperson.

CTDA Color Shade Variation Guide

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  • V1: Minimal Variation. All of our tile has some variation, V1 glazes have small subtle differences from piece to piece so that even our white tile installations have a little magic!
  • V2: Some Variation. V2 glazes have a little more range from light to dark and some small, subtle shifts in color, adding a sense of depth and enriching the overall feel.
  • V3: Moderate Variation. V3 glazes range in both color and value. These glazes may shift from tile to tile with in a single job but will almost certainly be different from one order to the next making it extra important to avoid add-on orders.
  • V4: Substantial Variation. V4 glazes are exciting! They may have significant, sometimes dramatic differences from one tile to the next. These glazes are designed to have fluctuations in color and surface and may shift from glossy to matte on a single tile. Architectural Trim and relief pieces can emphasize the range on these glazes and we recommend looking at examples of these pieces to see how the glazes move. While we blend all of our tile as we pack, it is important to carefully layout your project to ensure a successful installation.

All sizes vary and our handmade tiles are irregular by nature. Field tile is approximately 3/8” thick. Surface textures will vary from subtle to pronounced from tile to tile and from one order to the next.

Please make sure you are referencing current color samples and understand that your final order may vary from Samples. The crackle pattern of our Crackle glazes (W and RC) will vary from tile to tile and is not controllable.

  • In accordance with the TCNA guidelines for tile installation in wet or submerged water applications, our mosaic patterns are face mounted with a transparent adhesive film. Careful, slow, removal of the tape is needed to minimize adhesive residue.
  • Download tips for installing face taped mosaics here.
  • Depending on the glaze choice, mosaics may be installed in wet area applications, such as showers or submerged water applications.

The lead time for our made to order tile is 4-6 weeks. Custom or high volume projects may require additional time, the length of which will be determined upon receipt of your order.

  • Most of our products are Red List-free.
  • All of our glazes are 100% lead-free.
  • All electricity in our studio is generated from wind and renewable energy.
  • We use recycled and recyclable paper products for all of our packaging.
  • Our products may qualify for LEED credits in the Pacific Northwest within a 500-mile radius of our Portland, OR studio.
  • Read more here on our commitment to the environment.

Tips for installation:

Thoroughly inspect your order upon receiving. Any questions or concerns must be brought to our attention immediately upon receiving and resolved prior to installation. In the case of shipping damage, freight claims must be initiated by the receiver immediately. 

Sort and lay out your tile prior to installation to allow for variation and range. The magic of handmade, ceramic tile is in its varied shades and sizes.

Installation constitutes acceptance. No claims will be honored after installation.

Wet cutting is required during the installation process. Do not dry cut or create excessive dust during the installation or demolition process. Improper installation techniques could expose installer to harmful silica dust.

Use sanded grout and install with a 1/8”-3/16” grout joint. Due to the stony, textural surface of the Kat + Roger and Craftsman glazes, a grout block is required to prevent hazing. We recommend using Old English Lemon oil as a grout block. Any oil remaining after the grouting process can be removed with soap and water. Do not let wet grout sit on these glaze surfaces as this increases the likelihood of hazing.

If you choose to use a highly contrasting grout, test a small area first before grouting the entire project to see how it will affect the color. Seal all crackle glazes with penetrating silicone sealer before and after grouting.

All Crackle glazes (RC and W glazes) should be sealed before and after grouting to prevent staining, water penetration, and tile discoloration. These glazes will continue to crackle over time, periodic resealing is recommended. Crackle patterns will vary from tile to tile and are not controllable.

Use a non-abrasive, non-acidic household cleaner. Do not use an abrasive scouring pad when cleaning tile. Please read your cleaning product labels to verify an acid free product. We recommend Soft Scrub with bleach.

Crackle glazes continue to crackle over time and periodic resealing may be needed when these glazes are used in a wet area. Sealing is recommended before and after grouting and again once a year or as needed.

Finish Strong with Trim

Trim ties everything together both visually and structurally. It adds the finishing touch and brings cohesion to your design.

Within this collection, you’ll find trim available. Return to the collection index to add it to your cart.

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Pratt + Larson Terms of Purchase

Ordering Tile Online

Ordering tile takes a bit more planning than your average online purchase. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Calculate your square footage and add at least 15% overage to ensure there is enough tile to successfully complete your installation. Be sure to double-check your quantities.
  • Order samples first before placing your full tile order to confirm color and finish in person.
  • Tile is sold by the box, not by the piece. Orders over three boxes ship on a pallet, so be sure your delivery location can receive a large freight shipment.
  • You’ll receive a confirmation email within two business days of placing your order. Please review it carefully and contact us immediately if anything looks off. Once confirmed, your order enters production — and changes or cancellations may no longer be possible.
  • We strongly recommend working with a professional installer who can accurately calculate quantities, handle material, and ensure a smooth install.

How to Calculate Quantities

  • To confirm that Brownstone is right for your project, start by reviewing the Usage Chart.
  • You or your installer should measure the total square footage of the areas to be tiled. To calculate, measure the length and width of each section, multiply to get the area, and add them all together. For irregular shapes, break them into smaller rectangles and calculate each separately.
  • Don’t forget overage! We recommend ordering at least 15% extra to account for cuts, waste, and future repairs.
  • Be sure to account for trim — Trim comes in 8” pieces. To calculate the number of pieces you need: Measure your edges and transitions by the linear foot, multiply by 12 (to get the total number of inches needed), then divide by 8.

Handmade Variation + Range

The beauty of handmade tile is that no two pieces are exactly alike — and that variation is what gives it depth and character. Subtle changes in color, shade, surface, and size should be expected (and celebrated!) since they make every installation one-of-a-kind.
To help you understand what kind of variation to expect, we use a simple scale from V1 to V4:

  • V1: Minimal Variation – Slight, subtle differences between pieces.
  • V2: Some Variation – A bit more range from light to dark, adding richness and dimension.
  • V3: Moderate Variation – Noticeable shifts in both color and contrast, even within a single order — making it especially important to avoid add-on orders.
  • V4: Substantial Variation – Exciting and full of character! These glazes are designed to have significant and sometimes dramatic differences — even within a single tile. Layout and planning are essential, and we recommend ordering samples in advance.

Variation levels represent the maximum expected range — actual orders may appear more consistent. Always reference current samples and talk to your salesperson if you’re going for a specific look.

Shipping + Return Policy

Shipping + Handling: Orders may ship via FedEx, or freight truck.

  • FedEx orders include a $10 per-box handling fee.
  • Palletized freight shipments include a $30 per-pallet handling fee.

If your shipment arrives damaged, please notify us within 48 hours of delivery. We’ll provide instructions to initiate a freight claim.

Returns: With prior approval, we accept returns of full, unopened boxes of tile within 30 days of delivery.

  • Returns are subject to a 25% restocking fee
  • Products must arrive in original, undamaged condition to receive credit.
  • Made-to-order tile is not eligible for return.
  • A Return Authorization must be issued before sending back any product.

Please contact CustomerService@prattandlarson.com to initiate a return.

Installation Information

  • Inspect First: Please inspect your order upon arrival. Lay out all tile before installation to see the full range of color and variation. Installation constitutes acceptance — no claims can be made after the tile is installed. If there’s any damage during shipping, freight claims must be initiated immediately by the receiver.
  • Safety Note: Wet cutting is required. Do not dry cut or create excessive dust — improper techniques may release harmful silica dust.
  • Variation: Handmade tile is known for its beautiful range in color, texture, and size. This variation is intentional and part of the finished look. Final orders may differ from samples.
  • Grout + Grout Block: Use sanded grout with a 1/8″–3/16″ joint. For textured glazes, apply a grout block (we recommend Old English Lemon Oil) to reduce hazing. Clean any excess oil with soap and water. Avoid letting grout dry on the surface. For high-contrast grout, test a small area first to see how it will affect the color.