• Porcelain and Ceramic

  • Questions about Installation

    If you have technical questions regarding underlayment, setting materials, or installation methods, please contact us. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best installation approach for your project.


    Installation Specification

    Before installing, each carton of tile should be emptied and blended with all others in the order. This is necessary to achieve a well-blended aesthetic.

    The responsibility for checking each tile for obvious visual defects falls upon the installer. Claims will not be accepted for installations that contain obvious visual defects.

    Brick Patterns

    We recommend using no more than a 33% offset when installing an offset pattern.

    Tile is often highest in the middle and lowest along the edges due to the manufacturing process used to produce porcelain and ceramic tile. Installing tile in a 50/50 offset places the highest point next to the lowest point, which can result in excessive lippage.

  • Technical Specifications

  • Where can I find the full technical specifications of a product?

    The full technical specifications for any Happy Floors collection can be found in its brochure. For a full list of Happy Floors brochures visit our Brochures page.

    Why is a 50% staggered layout not recommended?

    Tile naturally has a slight bow or bend, making it lower at the ends and higher in the middle. When installed in a 50% staggered pattern, this natural variation can increase lippage and create unwanted shadowing between tiles.

    What size grout joint is recommended?

    There is no standard grout joint size. The recommended grout joint depends on the type of tile and the amount of size variation between individual pieces. Larger variations may require wider grout joints to achieve a more consistent installation. Always follow the recommendations for your specific tile collection and consult your installer to determine the appropriate grout joint width.


    What is a rectified edge?

    A tile with a rectified edge has been machine cut after firing to create straight, uniform edges. This allows for more precise installation and the use of smaller grout joints.


    What does DCOF stand for?

    Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) measures a tile's slip resistance.


    What is a PEI rating?

    The Porcelain Enamel Institute (PEI) rating measures a tile's resistance to wear on a scale of 1 to 5. Group 1 is suitable for light residential areas with minimal foot traffic, while Group 5 is designed for heavy commercial or residential applications with significant foot traffic and abrasive dirt.

  • Grout Haze

  • Grout Haze

    Tile may appear dull if grout haze remains on the surface. This often occurs when grout is not thoroughly cleaned from the tile immediately after installation. Since grout is cement-based, it becomes much more difficult to remove once fully cured and may even etch the tile surface.

    This can be avoided by grouting only a few manageable sections at a time and cleaning each section thoroughly before moving to the next. This step is especially important when working with textured or polished tiles.

    When grout remains on the surface, it attracts and holds dirt, making it difficult to restore the tile's original appearance and sheen. Products are available to remove grout haze; however, many contain mild acids that may damage the tile surface. Always use these products with caution and follow the manufacturer's instructions.