the architect's palette is an edited collection of elongated planks of terracotta tile. coated in a silky matte finish these hand-hewn tiles are made of traditional, rustic Italian clay and are available in four architect-honed hues.

the traditional "listello" shape was typically used in italy as a border, but this elongated form is now being used as a field tile. it's linear form is easily converted to an elevated herringbone, stack, and subway pattern and can be used on walls, wet spaces, and floors with low traffic. over time the tile can develop a crackled patina typical of time-worn italian tile.

what grout joint size, type, and color do you recommend?

clé recommends the use of mapei flexcolor cq grout and a 1/4" grout joint with this collection.

Grout color selection is always up to our client and/or their design professional. However, clé is often asked for our opinion on best grout selections for our tiles. And due to the large array of grout colors that are now available, clé would like to offer this general guideline on a foolproof grout color selection for any of your clé tiles.

• First, have your professional tile contractor complete your tile installation, except for the grout portion. 
• Next, when ready to grout, ask your contractor to bring ALL grout color charts from his preferred grout manufacturers, for your review.
• Lastly, choose a time of day when you are most pleased with the lighting in your space (either natural lighting, installed lighting or a blend of both). During that lighting and time of day, select the grout color that best matches your tile selection.

Note that the full Mapei Flexcolor CQ color catalogue contains 40 colors to choose from. Visit the Mapei website to view.

IMPORTANT: Do not use dark grouts for lighter glazes of Architect’s Palette, even with the use of sealant or grout release.The thin crackle/hairline crazing on the tile surface may get stained if using a dark grout.A like-colored grout is recommended to minimize the possibility of curing/staining in the inherent hairline cracks.

How much variation should I expect in the tiles?

With Architect’s Palette you will see a slight textural variation but no color variation in the glaze. They fall under the definition of V1 T2 in our Tile Variation Guide which states:

Color Variation:

V1: low variation. all tiles will exhibit some percentage of variation from lot to lot. as with all tiles, blending before installation is always recommended.

Texture Variation:

T2: light texture: production will result in slight physical variation in the surfaces of the tiles. overall there will be uniformity upon installation.

Do I need to seal Architect’s Palette tiles?

Architect’s Palette tiles should be sealed for all applications (dry and wet) to maintain their appearance and avoid staining. Both the tile surface and grouted areas should be sealed as the final step of installation.

For Architect's Palette, you must apply sealant or a grout release before and after grouting to minimize risk of grout haze and to allow for easy clean up.

Over time the tile will develop a crackled patina. Please note this is an intrinsic characteristic of Architect’s Palette.

Floor installations of Architect’s Palette can only withstand residential low traffic and will develop a crackled patina as they are maintained and naturally wear.

what's crazing, and should this be expected with architect's palette tiles?

Architect’s Palette tiles are made by hand and will show visible crazing. Crazing refers to the hairline cracks which may occur in the glaze surface of brick after firing and is common in handcrafted tile. Cutting Architect’s Palette tiles with a wet saw can enhance the crazed finish of the glaze. This happens because the slurry, created from the tile dust mixed with water, settles into the cracks on the surface of the glaze. To avoid enhancing the crazed finish, we recommend dry cutting the tile.

why do you suggest i order at least 15% more than my measurements?

Industry standard suggests adding at least 15% overage due to tile cuts, potential breakage, or future repairs.

For more information related to ordering and shipping, please be sure to visit our shipping and returns and delivery information resource pages

Dimensions

Rectangle - 2"x12"x5/8"

Disclaimer: Please note all dimensions are nominal and can vary plus or minus 1/4 inch.

interior floor, interior wall, exterior wall, shower wall, shower floor, residential low traffic, backsplash, kitchen, fireplace surround. Over time the tile can develop a crackled patina. Limit all exterior usage to locations not affected by freeze thaw.

installation and maintenance guides