FAQ's

    Many questions can be answered on the product page tabs, FAQ link at the bottom of the home page and below. If you have additional questions, contact customer service by email.
  • What is Talavera Tile? Mexican tile, known also as Talavera tile, is made of clay and hand glazed. It requires care and maintenance to last for generations and radiate beauty to the surroundings. A tile installation will stand the passage of time getting an antique looking. Because the glaze and clay expand/shrink at different rates "crazing" happens, depending on temperature changes. The more variation in temperature the more "web appearance" will be shown. This effect can be minimized properly sealing the tile installation. We recommend to seal the entire area, including the tiles themselves. These tiles are NOT to be used in swimming pools or in freezing temperatures. 
  • Where is my order? You will receive a tracking # by email or text as soon as your order ships. Some items are made when ordered so please check the details on the product page. 
  • What sizes do your square tiles come in?  Each product will have options in available sizes. Square tiles come in 2", 2.75" 4.2", and 6". Please check the details on the product page for all measurements before ordering. We do not carry 3" and 4" square ones, they are 2.75" and 4.2" square. Also, being hand-painted, this means that no two tiles are exactly alike! There might be small differences in size, weight and even the colors. Color changes are particularly notorious from lot to lot, because of the natural variations in glaze and the mixtures used in their creation. DISCLAIMER: All of our Talavera tiles have a heavily hand-made process involved; as such, imperfections are expected. Color variations are to be expected from batch to batch. What you see on your screen might not be exactly what you will get, this is mostly due to several factors, among others: lighting when the picture was taken, lighting in your own monitor, but mostly changes in the glazes used between batches. Order a tile or two for samples before placing a large order! We recommend ordering 5% extra for breakage, cutting and waste. 
  • What are my shipping options? Estancia Tiles ships via USPS Priority mail or Fedex ground. Shipping occurs within 2 business days (M-F) after the order is processed. Processing times are generally 2 days with shipping after that, typically within 3 business days from when the order is place (we do not work on weekends).  Shipping times are NOT guaranteed as we have no control over the delivery companies schedules. Estimated shipping times are provided at checkout for your address, but are not guaranteed times. For heavier shipments, please contact us to provide accurate freight weights. Local Pickup is NOT available. 
  • Do you offer samples, trade or volume discounts or coupons? No, we try to keep prices low before retail and do not offer any free samples, trade discounts or coupons. Everyone pays the same. 
    • How do I place my order? You can order on the website by creating a account, adding tiles to your cart and pay through our secured checkout system. We will send you emails with the order confirmation and tracking numbers. We do not accept phone orders.
    • Why won't the product selected allow me to order more? This is due to the stock on hand. We update inventory daily and new shipments are usually every two months. If you need a larger special order, please email us the product and quantity needed and we can assist you with the time frame it will be available.
      • What if my order never arrives or is stolen?

          In the unfortunate case that your order never comes or is broken upon arrival, please email us along with photos of item and box if damaged.

          *Claims for packages marked "delivered" yet not received and where there is no evidence of “porch piracy” must be made 3 days after “delivery date” but no longer than 15 days to ensure it was not misdelivered or easily found around the premises." Claims for packages presumed to be lost (where the status is not "delivered") must be filed after 7 days and within 30 days from the last checkpoint.

            • What if my order is damaged?

            In the unfortunate case that your order is broken upon arrival, you can easily file a claim and receive a replacement. Please email us multiple photos of the box, packaging and broken items so we can file a claim with the shipping company. 

            Our tile is hand made, hand painted so variances are expected with Talavera tile. If your order has defects during manufacturing, please reach out to us at here and we will be happy to work with you to remedy the situation.

              • How do I attach the tile mural? The tile mural come loose in a box. Depending on where you are installing it (outside or inside). Outside, you will need to mount it on a 1/4" thick cement board with grout. These are sold at many home improvement stores. Inside, you can use a wood board and silicone. 
              • Can I use Talavera tiles in a bathroom, pool or floor? We only recommend using Talavera tile as a accent tile above the pool line or on the shower wall. Chemicals from the pool and with freezing temperatures, the tiles will crack. Because of it's ceramic nature it can become slippery when wet. The 2" tiles can be used in shower floors due to it's small size along with the grout between the tiles helps. 
              • What type of grout should I use for installing the Talavera tiles? 

                Depending on the size of grout lines you plan to do. Use sanded grout for grout joints larger than 1/4”. Use non-sanded grout for joints that are smaller than 3/16”. Flexibility in your grout joint spacing accommodates normal variations in the size and shape of Talavera tiles. A sand Portland cement grout is preferred. Generally, the wider the grout joint, the more the tendency to use the rougher sand/Portland Cement grout. Since Talavera tiles are handmade and thus somewhat irregular, a thicker grout joint can accommodate this irregularity more easily. Plaster grout is used when a thinner and smoother grout joint is desired. Grout texture, even when a sand/Portland Cement grout is used, can be kept smoother by using a "tooled" joint. A slightly rounded smooth metal tool is used like a miniature trowel as it is drawn over the joint, creating a slight indentation that is made smooth by the use of this instrument. A rougher texture can be achieved by using what is referred to as a "sack rubbed finish", achieved by gently rubbing the grout joint flush with the surface of the tile with a burlap sack cloth after the grout has become somewhat firm.

                If Talavera tile is being installed along side handmade clay tile, apply a grout release to the tile prior to installing the grout, this keeps the fine particles of Portland Cement from becoming imbedded in the tile which will dull the Talavera tile.

                Sealing only the grout is needed and is done after the grout is fully dry. DO NOT attempt this process until both the tile and grout joints are completely dry otherwise moisture can become trapped in the handmade clay tile and cause a milky film to form on the tile after sealing and finishing.

                If grouting on a wet area, a bathroom or kitchen, make sure the grout includes wet proofing agent. Wipe of any excess grout with sponge dipped in water. Allow the applied grout to dry for 30 minutes, then buff off any grout haze with a soft cloth. Again allow the grout to dry for a day and buff away any haze. 

              • Can the tiles be installed on an outside BBQ or patio area? Yes, sealing the tiles will provide extra UV protections especially in the hot Southwestern US. The tiles may crack in very cold climates. Make sure the sealer is a transparent one that will be absorbed and that will not create a film.