The Island Stone Guide to Usage Icons

At Island Stone, we observe, test, and analyze all our tiles to determine how they will perform in your space. We use industry standard specifications to ensure our stone, glass, and timber products meet all the requirements for various applications - whether that’s a wet or dry setting or indoor vs. outdoor. As you explore Island Stone products, you will notice that each has its own set of usage icons, which identify where that tile product can be installed. We’ve put together a handy guide explaining each usage icon and the details you need to know for installation.

Interior Wall

All Island Stone products are suitable for interior walls, as it is one of the least demanding locations for the tile installation and maintenance.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• Acceptable substrates: dry wall, cement board, mortar bed, and fiber cement board

Kitchen Backsplash

While kitchen backsplashes may get the occasional splatter, this usage icon indicates that tile is appropriate for a kitchen backsplash including behind a range or stovetop (gas or electric).

• Residential appropriate

• Commercial usage possible (Backsplash tiles in a commercial kitchen are not common, but not impossible. Contact Island Stone for more information.)

• K itchen backsplashes are dry locations

Fireplace Wall

The important distinction with tiles that are labeled with the Fireplace Wall usage icon is that they can be used around the fire box, but not IN the firebox.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• Fireplace wall location only (not inside the firebox or on the floor)

Shower Wall

Shower walls are intermittent wet locations that alternate between wet and dry.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• D urable under moisture

Steam Shower Wall

In this intermittent wet location, tiles must be able to withstand exposure to higher heat and the pressure from a steam generator.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• Greater durability

Exterior Wall

Exterior environments vary. Not all tile rated for exterior installation will perform in all applications. When extreme weather conditions will occur (hot and cold) confirm the tile’s performance will meet the specific demands of the environment. Contact Island Stone for more information.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• Greater durability and strength

• Generally free-thaw resistant and UV stable

Interior Wall and Floor

If a tile is suitable for an interior floor application, it is also suitable for a wall application.

• Residential appropriate

• Commercial usage possible (Floor tiles may need to meet additional performance standards based on the intended commercial usage. Contact Island Stone for more information.)

• Greater durability and strength

Kitchen Backsplash and Countertop

Similar to Interior Wall and Floor, a tile that is suitable for both backsplash and countertop will be more durable, as countertops will experience more activity.

• Greater durability and strength

• Scratch resistant

Fireplace Wall and Floor

Tiles with this usage icon meet the same specifications of “fireplace wall” but can be used on the floor, in front of the fireplace, and are:

• Slip resistant and scratch resistant

• Fireplace wall and floor (hearth) appropriate (not inside the firebox)

Shower Wall and Floor

Tiles that can be used on the shower wall and floor are going to be more durable and slip-resistant.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• Scratch resistant and slip resistant

• These tiles often have more texture, as very smooth tiles pose a slip hazard

Steam Shower Floor and Wall

Similar to steam shower walls, these tiles are going to be more durable and slip-resistant.

• Residential or commercial appropriate

• Greater durability

• Scratch and slip resistant

Exterior

Wall and Floor

Tiles with this usage icon meet the same specifications of “exterior wall,” but are:

• Slip resistant

• Greater scratch resistance

Pool, Spa, and Water Features

As its name suggests, this icon specifically references tiles for pools, spas, and water features - whether it is fully submerged, partially submerged, or never submerged.

• Resistant to moisture and hydrostatic pressure

• Greater durability and strength