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Frequently Asked Questions


About BOLD Surfaces

We're a specialty distributor of premium European porcelain and ceramic tiles. We import directly from top manufacturers in Italy and Spain and supply our products through an authorized network of dealers and showrooms across the U.S.

Absolutely. Many of our porcelain collections meet the durability, slip resistance, and performance specs required for commercial installations including retail, hospitality, and high-traffic public spaces.

Shopping & Samples

We work exclusively through authorized dealers and showrooms. Contact us to find a dealer near you.

Bring the collection name and color to your nearest authorized dealer. They can check availability, pricing, and place the order for you.

Yes — request a sample through our website or visit a showroom to see the tile in hand.

Most samples ship within 1–2 business days, with delivery in 2–4 business days depending on location.

As a distributor, we don't sell directly to homeowners. Pricing is set by our retail partners, so your dealer is the best source for quotes and project pricing.

Choosing the Right Tile

Porcelain is denser, harder, and absorbs almost no water (under 0.5%), making it ideal for floors, wet areas, and outdoor use. Ceramic works great for walls, backsplashes, and lighter-duty applications. Your project scope will dictate the best fit.

Certain collections are specifically engineered for outdoor applications with freeze/thaw resistance and enhanced slip ratings. Filter by outdoor-rated products on our site or ask your dealer.

Large-format tiles (anything over 24") create a sleek, modern look with fewer grout lines. They do require a flatter substrate and experienced installation, but the visual payoff is significant — especially in open-concept spaces.

Yes. Porcelain and ceramic are actually ideal for radiant heat — they conduct and retain warmth better than most other flooring materials.

Technical Stuff Worth Knowing

After firing, rectified tiles are precision-cut so every edge is perfectly straight. This allows for minimal grout joints and a clean, contemporary finish.

DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) is a measure of slip resistance. For any wet area — bathrooms, kitchens, pool surrounds — look for a DCOF of 0.42 or above. We list DCOF values in our product specs.

Plan for at least 10% extra beyond your measured area. If you're running a diagonal layout, herringbone, or other complex pattern, bump that to 15%. Always keep some leftover tile for future repairs.

Tiles naturally have a very slight bow from the kiln. At 50% offset, the high point of one tile aligns with the low edge of the next, which can create visible lippage. A 33% offset (or less) is the industry recommendation for tiles longer than 15 inches.

After the Install

That's likely grout haze — a residue film from grouting that wasn't fully cleaned. A specialized grout haze remover will take care of it. Proper cleanup during installation prevents it entirely.

Generally, no. Glazed porcelain is already non-porous. Some unglazed or natural-finish options may benefit from a penetrating sealer — your installer or dealer can advise based on the specific product.

Sweep or vacuum regularly and mop with a pH-neutral cleaner. Skip the vinegar, bleach, and abrasive pads. That's really it — one of the best things about tile is how low-maintenance it is.

Dealers & Trade

We'd love to hear from you. Head to our Dealer page and fill out the "Partner with BOLD" form to get the conversation started.

We're expanding quickly and adding new dealer partners all the time. If you're not sure whether we're in your market yet, reach out — we'd love to connect.

Yes — we're growing fast and always looking for talented people to join the team. Reach out to us directly and let's talk.

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help with anything you need.

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