Frequently Asked Questions

Rookwood Tile is suitable for most interior and exterior applications, including warm and cold climates (freeze/thaw), residential and commercial floors, walls, counters, showers, baths, swimming pools, spas and fountains. Rookwood typically recommends that matte glazes are used, over other finishes, in wet environments and should be treated with a pre-grout seal.

Contact your Rookwood Design Consultant to learn more about which glazes require a pre-grout seal or contact [email protected] to be connected with one.

For inquiries, please reach out to a Tile Sales Representative for more information at [email protected]!

Made of a high fired vitreous stoneware blend, the materials of Rookwood’s proprietary clay body are sourced from the foothills of Appalachia and comprise of a unique blend of feldspar, quartz, and silica.

All of Rookwood’s products are manufactured at our factory in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Using locally sourced materials and following processes to recycle the wastewater, clay and glaze materials used throughout the production process, Rookwood is mindful of its economic and ecological impact.

To learn more about how our handcrafted Architectural Tile and Art Pottery are made, visit our Events Page to find upcoming behind-the-scenes tours and events or visit us at our factory and showroom at 1920 Race Street.

Be sure to inspect all of your materials prior to installation. Start by separating any bullnose or glazed edges from the rest of your tile order to ensure they are not installed incorrectly and discard any tile with hairline cracks or chips.

Please note: Due to the handmade nature of our tiles, varying degrees of color and texture variation, as well as slight size variation, will occur. This gives each tile distinctive beauty. For best results, we recommend laying out your tile design prior to installation. Based on the variability of the selected glaze, sort the tile in 3-5 piles by groups of color, darkness, and lightness. When laying out the installation, pull from each variation pile at an equal rate to ensure a blended composition in the final installation.

Please reference our Tile Installation Guide for more information.

Rookwood Tile is highly durable and stronger than most tile. Because of this, we recommend using a commercial-grade diamond blade wet saw. Make sure that the cutting blade is in good condition, as a finer blade cut can prevent glaze chipping on the cut edge. Always cut your tile with the glazed side facing up. Remember to always use safety goggles and gloves.

Please reference our Tile Installation Guide for more information.

Rookwood’s clay body is comprised of vitreous stoneware that makes it an excellent material for exterior applications. Third-party testing has determined that our tiles have a water absorption rate of less than 2% and is capable of withstanding the freeze/thaw cycle.

Rookwood Tiles are designed to be used in fireplace surround applications and will not be damaged by the heat.

Contact your Rookwood Design Consultant to learn more about which glazes are preferred to use in the interior fire box or contact [email protected] to be connected with one.

Most Rookwood glazes do not require a sealant, however our Alkaline glazes do. A clear sealant will protect the unique crazing and crackling of our glaze from being damaged or stained. You can reference Rookwood’s Spec Sheet for glaze specific details, or our Tile Installation Guide, and you can consult your installer for more information and guidance.

Since the color of the tile is fired into the surface our tile will not fade over time in direct sunlight.

Rookwood Tile can be used in wet applications with exceptions based on glaze type. We recommend that your installer follow the guidelines set forth by the Tile Council of North America for these specific conditions.

Contact your Rookwood Design Consultant to learn more about which glazes are preferred for wet applications or contact sales@rookwood to be connected with one.

We do not recommend that you use wax on your tiles, mainly due to the deposits that will accumulate within the grout lines resembling calcified concrete, and subsequent cleaning will not improve the look of your tile. Attempts to remove the wax can be extremely difficult and potentially damaging to your tile.

Rookwood offers a variety of moldings and liners that can be incorporated in your design to transition from your tile install to another medium. We also offer glazed edges on all of our tile and bullnose edges on select options. To learn more about our options, download our architectural elements guide or contact your Rookwood Design Consultant or reach out to sales@rookwood to be connected with one.

Yes! Rookwood Tile can be used in wet applications with exceptions based on glaze type. We recommend that your installer follow the guidelines set forth by the Tile Council of North America for these specific conditions.

Contact your Rookwood Design Consultant to learn more about which glazes are preferred for saltwater applications or contact [email protected] to be connected with one.

A waterproof adhesive is recommended for any tile setting where there is moisture, such as a premixed adhesive or mortar. A premixed adhesive is easier than thin-set because it dries slower, allowing more time to make minor adjustments. We strongly recommend that you do not use mastic since it does not bond well with our clay body and cannot guarantee a lasting installation. You can reference Rookwood’s Tile Installation Guide for additional guidance.