Natural Stone & Grout Agreement

with Elite Flooring & Interiors, Inc.

  1. Natural variation & inspection: Natural stone is a product of nature and no two stones will be exactly alike. Due to inherent natural variation, there may be difference in color, veining, & fossil patterns within a single lot. It is essential to inspect all material prior to installation to verify the color variations, thickness, sizing, finish, any possible damage, and to confirm that the materials match what you have ordered. It is industry standard with natural stone that all material must be unboxed and inspected prior to installation to ensure that any blending required to meet the buyer approvals can occur before installation begins. No claims will be accepted for any reason after the material has been installed.
  2. Dry layout required: All tile must be dry-laid before installation begins. Due to the natural range of color and veining in natural stone, arranging the material dry is necessary to ensure proper blending. This step is critical for achieving a consistent appearance. Failure to follow this procedure may result in significant shade variations and a disjointed appearance.
  3. Setting material & subfloor testing: Stone is a natural material and can react differently when used with various setting materials, grouts, sealers, and subfloor conditions. Prior to installation, a test patch using the actual materials and setting system should be complete to ensure compatibility and a satisfactory result with this project. Always use white thin-set when installing white or light-colored stones.
  4. Appearance when wet: Tiles may appear darker when received due to moisture retention. To evaluate the true color, allow the tiles to dry completely. Once installed, the tiles will absorb moisture from the setting bed and may temporarily darken. These tiles will lighten again once fully dry and cured, returning to their original shade.
  5. Rust spots & discoloration: Natural stone may develop discoloration after installation, known as rust spots. This occurs when iron within the stone oxidizes upon exposure to moisture, resulting in spotted rust-like flecks. This is a natural occurrence caused by the stones mineral content interacting with moisture, setting materials, or other environmental factors. As this is inherent to the product, it is not considered a defect & is not covered by warranty.
  6. Finish characteristics: Different finishes of stone and tile (e.g. honed, polished or tumbled) will affect the stone’s appearance and maintenance needs. Polished stone may show scratches more easily, while honed finishes may be more porous. Customers should select finishes with consideration for their environment and usage.
  7. Grout color variation: Grout may cure to a different shade than expected due to moisture levels, lighting or surrounding materials. Final grout color may vary slightly from sample swatches. Elite Flooring is not responsible for minor variations in grout color once installed.
  8. Sealing recommendation: To preserve the beauty and integrity of your natural stone installation, we highly recommend applying a high-quality penetrating sealer to both the stone and grout after installation is complete and fully cured. Sealing helps protect against staining, moisture absorption, and everyday wear. For best results, sealers should be reapplied periodically as recommended by the manufacturer, based on usage and exposure conditions. This applies to other natural products such as quartz/marble thresholds, curb caps and bench caps.
  9. Efflorescence: In some cases, efflorescence (a white powdery residue) may appear on the surface of stone or grout. This occurs as moisture evaporates and leaves behind mineral deposits. Efflorescence can be an issue, especially in wet or humid environments. This is a common and natural occurrence and is not considered a defect.
  10. Radiant heat: After installation DO NOT turn on a radiant heated floor until the concrete setting bed and grout has completely cured (dried out).
  11. Maintenance and cleaning: Natural stone requires ongoing care to maintain its appearance and performance. Use only pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners specifically formulated for natural stone. Avoid acidic or harsh chemicals (e.g. vinegar, bleach, ammonia) as they can damage the surface & integrity of the products. Regular sweeping or dust mopping will help prevent surface wear from dirt and debris.