Frequently Asked Questions – Karoistanbul

Ceramic is a covering material produced by blending minerals such as natural clay, quartz, and feldspar and firing them at high temperatures. Because it is fully resistant to water, moisture, and heat, it can be safely used on all interior and exterior surfaces in bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes, floors, pool areas, and commercial spaces.

Porcelain ceramic is made from higher-density clay and fired at much higher temperatures. As a result, its water absorption rate is virtually zero (less than 0.5%). While standard ceramics are typically preferred for interior walls and floors, porcelain tiles are safely used outdoors and in gardens because they are resistant to freezing and heavy loads.

Light conditions and the intended use are the key factors here. Glossy ceramics reflect light, making small spaces appear more spacious; this is why they are often chosen for bathroom and kitchen walls. Matte ceramics, on the other hand, are less prone to showing scratches and footprints, and they are safer for use on floors because they reduce the risk of slipping on wet surfaces.

The PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating is a scale from 1 to 5 that indicates how resistant a ceramic surface is to abrasion and foot traffic. While a PEI rating of 2–3 is sufficient for low-traffic areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms, PEI 4 or PEI 5 ceramic tiles should be selected for high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, cafes, and stores.

In kitchens, surfaces that are resistant to spills, grease stains, and heavy foot traffic—and that are easy to clean—should be chosen. Non-slip, matte finishes are ideal for floors, while stain-resistant glazed finishes are recommended for walls. You can explore designs suitable for your kitchen space in our kitchen tile collection.

The water absorption rate indicates the material’s pore structure. As the number of pores decreases, the ceramic no longer absorbs water. If products with low water absorption are not used—particularly in outdoor areas prone to freezing and in bathrooms that are constantly exposed to water—cracking, blistering, and breakage will occur over time.

For balconies and terraces, the top priorities should be frost resistance and a non-slip surface. Rectified porcelain tiles with a matte finish are perfectly suited to outdoor conditions. Additionally, it is essential to ensure proper waterproofing during installation and to use flexible (Class S1) adhesives suitable for outdoor use.

Since bathrooms are constantly exposed to water and moisture, you should choose ceramic tiles with low water absorption, high slip resistance, and a surface that doesn’t show lime scale easily. You can find stylish solutions that harmonize your walls and floors on our bathroom tiles page.

Rectification is the process of cutting the edges of ceramic tiles at a precise 90-degree angle using laser or diamond-cutting technology after production. This process eliminates the slight bevels and dimensional variations that occur at the edges of standard ceramic tiles. As a result, when the tiles are joined, they create a seamless floor surface that is smooth and virtually free of visible grout lines.

We have a color catalog for our ceramics; please contact us for a copy. If you’d like a custom color (subject to a fee for the R&D process), we can assist you in selecting colors from the RAL 07 color catalog. Colors can vary significantly depending on the type of clay, so we recommend requesting a sample in advance for custom color projects. Since our products are handmade, slight color variations within the same series are completely normal.

Yes. Our models with high pressing force and firing temperature can be safely used both indoors and in outdoor areas such as patios and balconies. For outdoor use, you should choose products that are frost-resistant. You can explore solutions suitable for your space on our page featuring all ceramic models.

No, no type of ceramic tile should be installed with “zero grout.” Building settlement, seasonal temperature changes, and expansion caused by underfloor heating can cause the tiles to flex. If no grout joint is left, the tiles may press against each other and, over time, crack or lift off the floor. Even with rectified ceramic tiles, it is essential to leave a grout joint of at least 1 mm to 1.5 mm to allow for the building’s flexibility.

Handmade tiles and ceramics do not possess the standardized perfection of mass-produced items. They feature slight, natural irregularities along the edges and micro-level variations in tone and texture on the surface. All of our tile and ceramic collections at Karoistanbul are specially crafted using 100% traditional handcrafting techniques.

Tile is a square or geometrically shaped flooring element produced by combining marble dust, cement, sand, and natural pigments under high pressure. Due to its high wear resistance, it is preferred for restoration projects, residential floors, walls, terraces, and indoor and outdoor areas with heavy foot traffic, such as cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

Ceramic tile is a ceramic-based product made by shaping and glazing clay and firing it at high temperatures; its surface is glossy and glass-like. Cement tile, on the other hand, is not fired but pressed, and has a matte, natural, and dense stone-like texture. While ceramic tiles are primarily used for wall coverings, cement tiles are ideal for both floors and walls.

Cement tiles, which are individually hand-cast using traditional methods, are made by compressing marble dust, cement, and colored pigments under high pressure. They are cured by soaking in water rather than being fired in a kiln. You can view all pattern and color options on our handmade cement tiles page.

Yes, our tiles—made from a mixture of cement and marble dust—conduct and retain heat well. They can be easily installed in spaces with underfloor heating by leaving an expansion gap (2–3 mm joint) and using flexible adhesives.

Yes. By creating molds of the original tiles in historic buildings and conducting color analysis, we are able to produce custom tiles that are completely faithful to the originals. We offer custom casting services to revive registered patterns in restoration projects.

We use specially designed brass casting molds and natural pigment mortars weighed to the millimeter. Thanks to our consistent casting and drying standards, pattern and color consistency are ensured across all tiles. For more information, please visit our production process page.

The tiles are manufactured with a thickness of 2 cm; however, after the “slim” process, the thickness may vary by 1.7 cm (+-1). The “slim” process can be performed at the factory or by your contractor on-site, depending on your preference. If conditions permit, performing the “slim” process on-site for areas of 20 m² or larger will provide an advantage in terms of ensuring the material is properly calibrated to the subfloor.

In modern architecture, patterned tiles are typically used to define spaces (for example, under a kitchen island in an open-concept kitchen, in a shower niche in the bathroom, or to create a carpet-like effect in the entryway). When paired with plain wood, concrete-effect floors, or simple walls, they add a timeless focal point to the space.

Our standard slip resistance rating for products is R9. Upon request, we can increase the slip resistance to R10, R11, or R12 using patina, sandblasting, and brushing techniques. Since the processes used to increase slip resistance create pores on the surface, the risk of staining and dirt absorption should be taken into account. If you’d like, you can browse our floor tile models.

You can choose the colors for our cement tiles from our color catalog, which features 99 shades. Please contact us for the color catalog. If you’d like a custom color (subject to a fee for the R&D process), we can assist you in selecting the right shade.

Of course. If you provide us with your own design, we can prepare the necessary mold work based on that design and, provided it is technically suitable for production, we can carry out custom production. For new design projects, unlike standard products, the mold cost is also factored into the total cost.

Prices for cement tiles vary depending on the selected pattern, size, and color. Please contact us for pricing information.

Tiles have a more porous structure, an absorbent back, and are lighter than ceramic. For this reason, tiles cannot support floor loads and are used only for interior wall coverings (bathroom and kitchen walls). Ceramic, on the other hand, can be used on both floors and walls.

Since bathrooms are constantly exposed to water and moisture, you should choose tiles with low water absorption that don’t show limescale or soap scum easily. You can find durable and stylish bathroom tile designs suitable for wet areas on our bathroom tile models page.

Yes, the new tiles can be installed over the old ones without removing them. However, the old surface must be sound and free of cracks. Before installation, a rough concrete primer or a high-adhesion primer must be applied to the smooth surface to create a rough base that the new adhesive can grip.

For kitchen walls, choose kitchen tile designs that are grease- and steam-resistant and easy to wipe clean. You can find our solutions—which add an aesthetic touch to the space between countertops—on our kitchen backsplash tile designs page.

A grout joint width of between 1.5 mm and 2 mm is generally sufficient for tiles. In wet areas, water-repellent silicone-based grout or stain-resistant epoxy grout should be used instead of standard grout. This prevents the growth of mold and bacteria.

For lime and water stains, you can use a microfiber cloth and pH-neutral surface cleaners or natural vinegar-based mixtures. Highly acidic or aggressive chemicals, such as hydrochloric acid, can damage the glaze on the tiles and the grout, causing them to lose their luster over time.

For countertops, stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and easy-to-clean glazed surfaces are typically preferred. You can find all the options that add an aesthetic touch to kitchens in our collection of kitchen countertop tile designs.

We offer two different material and production method options for our breezers. Cement-based breezers are produced by casting into silicone molds using the colors selected from our range of 99 different color options, just as with our cement tiles. The surface of these products has a more matte finish. Clay-based Breezels, on the other hand, are produced by firing in a kiln, similar to ceramic tiles. Their surfaces can be left matte, or—upon request—they can be glazed to match a specific RAL code. However, since the natural color of the clay material is red, the body of the product has reddish tones. Glazing is applied only to the front and back surfaces of the product.

Breeze blocks are architectural blocks featuring decorative openings that allow light and air to pass through. At Karoistanbul, they are manufactured in both cement-based and terracotta varieties. In addition to natural, unglazed surfaces, glazed alternatives are also available for terracotta products. They can be used for partition walls, facades, gardens, and landscaping applications both indoors and outdoors.

Breeze blocks are laid in rows using the appropriate mortar. In practice, alignment, joint thickness, anchoring to the ground, and, when necessary, lateral or vertical connections are important. For wide and tall surfaces, wind loads and structural details must also be evaluated. Breeze blocks are a decorative architectural element; they should not be used as structural load-bearing walls.

Yes. Breeze blocks can be used in gardens, patios, facades, semi-open spaces, and landscaping projects. In outdoor settings, the proper mortar, anchoring, drainage, and installation details are crucial. We recommend that installation details be evaluated on a project-by-project basis in regions prone to heavy rainfall, high winds, or the risk of freeze-thaw cycles.

In addition to natural cement tones, special colors can be produced in cement breeze blocks using various pigments. For terracotta products, natural fired clay tones and glazed color options tailored to the project can be offered. For custom color projects, we recommend preparing a sample and obtaining color approval prior to production. If you’d like, you can browse our breeze block series featuring a variety of colors.

The Karoistanbul collection features many breeze block models with various geometric and organic patterns. Our standard products are primarily sized at 20 × 20 × 10 cm. Some custom designs can also be produced in different modular sizes, such as 10 × 20 × 10 cm. Current options can be viewed in the collection.

While cement breeze blocks offer a more mineral, simple, and contemporary surface, terracotta breeze blocks have a warmer and more natural character. Color options for cement products can be created using pigments. Terracotta products can be produced either unglazed or glazed. The choice should be based on the project’s architectural style and the desired surface effect.

For a simpler, more minimalist, and contemporary look, choose cement breeze blocks; for a warm, natural look with a strong ceramic character, opt for terracotta breeze blocks. For projects requiring colored or glossy surfaces, glazed terracotta alternatives can be considered. The final choice should be based on the project’s intended use and design language.

Non-abrasive cleaners with a neutral pH should be used on cement and unglazed terracotta surfaces. Acidic and strong chemicals can affect the surface’s color and texture. Cleaning glazed terracotta surfaces is easier. Depending on the application, a surface protector suitable for cement-based products may be applied.

Scarpa and Paledyen are decorative surface collections that combine natural stone aggregates with cement-based manufacturing and handcrafted details. Due to the nature of natural stone, each product may exhibit slight variations in color and texture. They can be used as floor or wall coverings in residential, hotel, restaurant, and retail spaces, as well as in various architectural projects.

The products should be installed using a cement-based adhesive suitable for a flat, solid, and clean surface. It is important to ensure there are no gaps beneath the tiles. Due to the handmade nature of the production, there may be slight variations in size and surface texture. Therefore, it is recommended to lay out the products while they are dry and check the color distribution before installation.

The application surface must be flat, solid, clean, and free of moisture that could affect the installation. Any level or surface issues must be corrected beforehand. In wet areas, an appropriate waterproofing system must be installed before laying the tiles. The tile product alone does not serve as a waterproofing solution.

A high-performance, cement-based tile adhesive suitable for the application area is recommended. To ensure full contact with thick and heavy tiles, the adhesive may need to be applied to both the surface and the back of the tile. For outdoor applications and floors with underfloor heating, a flexible adhesive suitable for the specific application conditions should be used.

Yes. Because the products are made from natural materials and crafted by hand, a completely joint-free installation is not recommended. In general, a joint of approximately 2–3 mm may be left. The exact joint width should be determined based on the product and project specifics. The compatibility of the joint color with the product should be tested on a small area before installation.

Yes. We recommend using an appropriate surface protector or sealer on cement-based and natural stone surfaces. This treatment helps protect the surface from stains and can make the colors more vibrant. It is important that the protector used be compatible with natural stone and cement-based surfaces.

It can be used with proper subfloor preparation and surface protection. In wet areas, the correct slope and waterproofing system must first be installed. Then, an appropriate adhesive, grout, and surface protector should be used. In areas constantly exposed to water, such as shower floors, the product and surface finish should be evaluated on a project-by-project basis.

May be used depending on project conditions. For outdoor applications, climate conditions, water drainage, surface slope, the risk of freeze-thaw cycles, and the adhesive and grout system must be evaluated together. For this reason, we recommend sharing the installation details of projects intended for outdoor use with the Karoistanbul team before placing an order.

Although these products are installed similarly to traditional tile installations, professional installation is recommended due to their thickness, natural stone composition, and manufacturing tolerances inherent in handcrafted products. Especially in large areas, leveling, color distribution, cutting, and grout patterns directly affect the final appearance.

For cutting operations, it is recommended to use a diamond-tipped wet saw suitable for natural stone and cement-based products. Uncontrolled dry cutting may cause chipping or fractures along the edges. It is recommended to plan corners, edges, and special joint details as much as possible before installation.

Yes. Due to the use of natural stone aggregates and the handmade production process, slight variations in color, texture, and aggregate distribution may be observed between tiles. This is a natural characteristic of the product. Mixing tiles from different boxes before installation will result in a more uniform appearance.

Our standard Scarpa and Paledyen modules measure 40 × 40 × 2 cm. Depending on the project and design, alternative dimensions—such as 30 × 30 cm—may also be considered. For requests involving custom dimensions, manufacturability, material composition, and project quantities are reviewed separately.

Our primary recommendation for flooring applications is the combined use of mesh-backed marble and grout. However, upon request, Scarpa and Paledyen products can be manufactured as 40×40 cm tiles. The product’s key feature, however, is that it creates a seamless, unified surface appearance after installation. For this reason, for applications other than walls, we recommend installing marble mesh instead of tiles and then applying grout over it.

Karoistanbul offers three different terrazzo methods: modular terrazzo tiles, cast-in-place terrazzo, and large-format terrazzo slabs. Terrazzo tiles are produced in standard sizes, the cast-in-place system is implemented according to the project, and large-format slabs are manufactured in sizes up to 150 × 300 cm and can be cut to fit the project’s specifications.

Terrazzo tiles are produced by pouring a cement-based binder, color, and natural stone aggregates into molds. After the curing process, the surface is sanded, honed, or polished. The aggregates used, the floor color, and the surface finish can be customized according to the project design.

Since terrazzo products are manufactured to order, delivery times vary depending on the quantity, color, aggregate, and surface finish. Our general production schedule is approximately 5–8 weeks. The exact production and shipping dates will be provided on a project-by-project basis once the order details and sample approval are finalized.

In-situ terrazzo involves applying the terrazzo mixture directly to the project site rather than installing pre-made tiles. After the pouring and curing process, the surface is sanded, honed, or polished. It is preferred, especially in large areas, to create a more cohesive and monolithic surface appearance.

On-site cast terrazzo provides a expansive, seamless appearance, but technically it is not always completely joint-free. Depending on the project, expansion or control joints may be required to accommodate structural movement. The locations of the joints are determined prior to installation, taking into account the size of the area and existing structural details.

In a poured terrazzo installation, the pouring process is followed by curing, grinding, and surface finishing. Generally, a minimum period of approximately 14 days is planned to ensure the surface is ready for subsequent steps. The total duration may vary depending on the size of the area, the condition of the subfloor, and the installation conditions.

Yes. Since on-site poured terrazzo requires specialized application knowledge and equipment, Karoistanbul manages the installation process for this product line on a project-by-project basis. The preparation of the mixture, pouring, curing, grinding, and final surface finishing are all planned. Site and floor conditions are assessed prior to installation.

Karoistanbul terrazzo slabs can be produced in sizes up to 150 × 300 cm and with a thickness of approximately 2 cm. The slabs can be cut to 60 × 60 cm, 50 × 50 cm, or custom sizes depending on project requirements. They can be used for countertops, counters, walls, furniture, and flooring applications.

While terrazzo tiles are produced in specific modules, large-format terrazzo slabs are manufactured as single, large pieces and can then be cut to fit the project’s dimensions. This makes it possible to produce larger modules, custom sizes, countertops, counters, table tops, and various architectural details.

Yes. In terrazzo products, the marble and natural stone aggregates used with the cement base color can be customized according to the project. Aggregates of different colors, sizes, and distributions can be used. For special projects, a sample can be prepared prior to production to obtain approval from the architect or designer regarding the color and aggregates.

Terrazzo surfaces can be prepared with different surface treatments depending on the project requirements. A honed finish may be chosen for a more natural and matte appearance, while a polished/glossy finish may be preferred for surfaces where the color and aggregates are more prominent. The intended use and intensity of use should also be taken into account when making this selection.

Yes. It is recommended to use an appropriate protective or penetrating treatment on cement-based terrazzo surfaces. This treatment helps protect the surface against stains and liquid absorption. For daily cleaning, use products with a neutral pH and avoid strong chemicals that contain acids.

Yes. Since terrazzo is a material that contains natural stone aggregates, slight variations in color and aggregate distribution may be observed between production runs. These variations are part of the product’s natural character. For large projects, it is recommended that the entire order be planned to come from the same production batch whenever possible.

High-performance, flexible (C2TE S1 class) grouts and adhesives must be used, especially for handmade cement tiles and large-format ceramic tiles. The adhesive should be applied by spreading it both on the subfloor and on the back of the tile (double-sided bonding).

Applying a protective impregnating treatment to cement-based tiles is absolutely essential. Applied after the installation and grouting are complete and the floor is completely dry, this stain-preventing liquid penetrates the tile, preventing oil, coffee, and water from seeping into the pores.

Handmade tiles crafted from natural materials develop a subtle sheen and depth on their surface as they age and are used. This process, known as “patina,” allows the material to lose its artificial appearance, blend seamlessly with the space, and develop its own character.

Yes, it causes serious damage. Acidic substances dissolve and erode the grout in ceramic tiles; in cement tiles, they burn away the color pigments, leaving irreversible white and dull spots on the surface. Always use mild cleaning products.

After the tiles are laid, you should wait at least 24 to 48 hours for the moisture beneath the adhesive to evaporate completely. If grouting is done before the moisture has fully evaporated, the water trying to evaporate will cause white stains (efflorescence) on the grout surface and the cement on top of the tiles.

The risk of fading is virtually nonexistent in our glazed ceramic tiles and cement tiles colored with natural oxide pigments. Because we use high-quality minerals and highly UV-resistant pigments, our products retain their original color vibrancy even in areas exposed to direct sunlight, such as patios or gardens.

The biggest advantage of cement tiles is that they have a solid (one-piece) structure. Tiles that have become dull or developed superficial scratches due to heavy use over the years can be restored to their original, like-new appearance by undergoing a light surface sanding (sanding/polishing)—similar to that used on hardwood floors—and then having a new impregnating varnish applied.

Mold typically forms in grout lines and on damp floors with poor ventilation. Using mold-resistant (antibacterial) grout in wet areas, keeping the floor dry after cleaning, and ensuring proper ventilation in areas such as bathrooms can greatly prevent mold growth.

A soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth are ideal cleaning tools. Wire brushes, scouring pads (the rough side of a dish sponge), and abrasive cleaning pads create micro-scratches on the surface of ceramic and porcelain, causing them to become dull over time and trap dirt.

In applications involving handmade ceramics, the grout color should not be too contrasting. For example, if black grout is used on white-glazed ceramics, the grout color may later seep into the artistic glaze on the product’s surface due to the porous nature of the clay.

To ensure that your order is completed in full and exactly as required for your project, it is critical to accurately calculate the required area and determine the allowance for waste during the ordering process.

General Calculation and Waste Allowance (5%–20%): When calculating the area, the waste allowance should be determined by your architect or contractor based on the project details (cutout ratios, area geometry, installation method, etc.) and should range from 5% to 20%.

Special production and return policies: All of our products are custom-made according to the colors you select and the specifics of your project. For this reason, returns are not accepted once an order has been placed.

Additional production risks and color variations: If there is a need for additional or missing products, the lead time for new production is at least 4 weeks. Additionally, natural color variations (lot differences) may occur between production runs conducted at different times due to the curing process for tiles and the firing stage for ceramics.

To avoid delays and visual inconsistencies during the process, all necessary allowances must be determined in advance by the architect designing your project or the end user, and the order must be sent to production in a single batch.

After calculating the net square meters by multiplying the width by the length of the area to be covered, you must add a 10% to 12% allowance for waste. This additional allowance is crucial to account for losses that occur during cutting, corner cuts, and to ensure that replacement materials from the same batch are available for any future renovations.

Without being limited to the colors shown on the website, custom production is available for orders of 3 m² or more in the requested pattern, using colors selected from our range of 99 color options. A price surcharge may apply for shades of blue and certain colors containing blue (such as some shades of green). Pricing for each pattern and color combination is calculated specifically based on your selection.

Karoistanbul offers a wide range of custom-made products. Therefore, we can ship models available in-store or at the factory; however, if you select a custom color from the color chart, a sample fee will apply. If you place an order, the sample fee will be deducted from the total order amount.

With handmade tiles made from natural materials, it is completely natural for there to be subtle variations in shade and texture between batches (production lots). This is not a defect but rather proof that the product is handcrafted. When laying the tiles, mixing the tiles from different boxes creates a wonderful, rhythmic look on the floor.

The tiles are placed in special, durable boxes lined with Styrofoam, then secured to wooden pallets and wrapped in stretch film. Thanks to this palletized shipping method, which is suitable for transporting heavy loads, your products are guaranteed to arrive at your construction site intact and without any issues.

Our lead time varies depending on the material produced and the square meterage. While we can assist more quickly with in-stock items, we require a minimum of 4 weeks for custom production.

1. Since we make our products by hand, each piece is crafted individually by the artisan.
2. Since our cement tiles are cement-based products, the cement must cure for four weeks.
3. Our ceramic products have a drying period for the shaped clay before glazing.

• Color/shade differences
• Size differences ranging from 1 to 3 mm
• Slight irregularities on the edges and surface of the product
• Differences in the same order produced at different times (because, in handmade production, each production batch is evaluated on its own merits)
• Defects caused by errors made during implementation
• Damage or breakage to cement tiles resulting from requests made at least 4 weeks in advance, contrary to the nature of the product
• Damage caused by the use of incorrect cleaning methods

Fold or wrap your package securely. Write the recipient’s and sender’s first and last names, full address, and phone number in full. Drop it off at the shipping branch handling the delivery.

Check the package in the presence of the delivery person when you receive it. If there is any damage, be sure to have the delivery person fill out a damage report. You cannot make a claim without a damage report.

If you are returning a product you received via shipping:

• For corporate purchases: You must issue a credit memo in response to the invoice issued in your company’s name.
• For individual purchases: There is usually a “Return Section” at the bottom or on the back of the e-archive invoice or shipping receipt that comes with the product. Please fill out this section by writing the name of the product you wish to return, the reason for the return, your first name, and your last name, and then sign it.