Groove Laurel Matte Ceramic Subway Tile

Groove Tile Installation & Maintenance Guide

Tile Club’s Groove Collection is a dry-pressed ceramic tile line with low water absorption. The collection includes 6 colors, 2 surface finishes, and coordinating 2”x8” field tile, deco tile, and pencil bullnose options.

Groove is designed for interior walls, backsplashes, feature walls, shower walls, shower pans, steam showers, and approved light foot traffic areas. Its compact format and surface options make it suitable for detailed layouts where clean lines, texture, and trim coordination matter.

Because Groove includes multiple finishes and decorative options, slight color variation should be expected from piece to piece and from production run to production run.

Before beginning your project, please review the following recommendations and confirm the most current specifications, approved applications, and installation guidance.

1. Pre-Installation Inspection

Inspect Before Installation

Inspect all tile before installation. Installing the material confirms acceptance of the product’s appearance, color variation, texture, sizing, finish, and overall condition.

Please contact Tile Club with any questions about product acceptability, visual variation, or suitability before installation begins.

Dry Layout Recommended

Lay out the tile before installation to review color, finish, deco placement, field tile coordination, pencil bullnose placement, and overall finished appearance.

This step is especially important when combining field tile, deco tile, and trim pieces in the same installation.

Installation Responsibility

Tile Club is not responsible for improper installation, installation workmanship, or issues that occur after the material has been installed.

Final responsibility for proper installation rests with the installer and end user. Some tile surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, and use.

Slight color variation from one production run to another should be expected.

2. Recommended Applications

Groove ceramic tile may be suitable for the following applications when confirmed for the specific product:

• 
  Interior walls
  
• 
  Kitchen backsplashes
  
• 
  Bathroom backsplashes
  
• 
  Feature walls
  
• 
  Shower walls
  
• 
  Shower pans
  
• 
  Steam showers
  
• 
  Light foot traffic areas
  

Important Usage Notes

Groove tile is not recommended for:

• 
  Exterior use
  
• 
  Heavy-traffic floors
  
• 
  Swimming pool installations
  

Always refer to the applicable Tile Club product page and Product Specifications section to determine suitability for your desired installation. Some products may not be suitable for every application listed above.

For areas exposed to extreme temperatures, including fireplace hearths or areas behind cooktops, confirm suitability before installation.

For additional product or installation guidance, contact Tile Club Support at support@tileclub.com or 1-833-TILE-CLB (845-3252).

3. Installation Recommendations

Tile Club strongly recommends using a licensed tile professional familiar with current NTCA, ASTM, M.I.A., and ANSI installation standards.

Because Groove includes ceramic field tile, deco tile, and pencil bullnose pieces, proper substrate preparation, layout planning, cutting, and grouting are important for a clean finished result.

Surface Preparation

Install Groove tile over a clean, sound, flat concrete or mortar substrate.

The installation surface must be free of contaminants or any condition that could compromise the bond of the tile.

Cutting Recommendations

Use a high-quality, well-maintained wet saw with a diamond blade designed for cutting porcelain and ceramic materials.

A poorly maintained tile saw or improper blade may cause chipping during cutting. Cut slowly and carefully to help protect tile edges, surface finish, and trim pieces.

Grouting Considerations

Grout joints should be fully packed and free of voids and pits.

Clean excess grout from the surface while the grout is still fresh and before it hardens.

Textured surfaces may be more difficult to clean during grouting. A grout bagging process may provide better results when working with textured tiles.

Before grouting the full installation, test in a small area to confirm that the selected grout color is suitable and that the tile surface does not scratch during grouting.

4. Recommended Setting Materials

Use setting materials appropriate for ceramic tile and the specific installation area.

Recommended Mortar

• 
  LATICRETE® 254 Platinum Thin-Set Adhesive
  
• 
  Or equivalent setting material suitable for ceramic tile installations
  

Recommended Grout

• 
  LATICRETE® PERMACOLOR® Grout
  
• 
  Or equivalent high-performance grout suitable for ceramic tile
  

Always follow the setting material manufacturer’s instructions, coverage rates, cure times, and substrate requirements.

5. Care & Maintenance

Proper care will help preserve the intended appearance and performance of your Groove tile installation.

Routine Cleaning

Clean the tile surface with:

• 
  Mild pH-neutral detergent cleaner
  
• 
  Damp sponge
  
• 
  Soft rag or cloth
  

Use gentle cleaning methods to help protect field tile, deco tile, textured surfaces, pencil bullnose trim, and grout.

Avoid Harsh Products

Do not use:

• 
  Acidic cleaners
  
• 
  Alkaline cleaners
  
• 
  Solvent-based cleaners
  
• 
  Abrasive cleaning products
  
• 
  Wax treatments
  
• 
  Bleach or cleaning solutions left sitting on the surface
  

These products may damage or discolor the tile and grout.

Prompt Stain Removal

Do not allow stains, soap residue, or cleaning solutions to remain on the tile surface for extended periods.

Clean spills and residue promptly to help maintain the tile’s appearance.

Test Cleaners First

Always test any cleaning product in a small, inconspicuous area before using it across the full installation.

Acceptable cleaners for porcelain, ceramic, and delicate surfaces may be available through Tile Club or other tile dealers.

6. Product Performance & Technical Information

Groove is a dry-pressed ceramic tile collection with low water absorption. The collection includes multiple colors, finishes, and coordinating trim options for approved interior installations.

Product suitability may vary by item, finish, and installation area. Always confirm approved use before beginning the project.

Product Details

• 
  Material Type: Dry-pressed ceramic tile
  
• 
  Water Absorption: Low water absorption
  
• 
  Size: 2”x8”
  
• 
  Color Range: 6 colors
  
• 
  Surface Finishes: 2 finishes
  
• 
  Available Formats: Plain field tile, deco tile, and pencil bullnose
  
• 
  Recommended Use: Interior walls, backsplashes, feature walls, shower walls, shower pans, steam showers, and light foot traffic areas when approved
  
• 
  Exterior Use: Not recommended
  
• 
  Heavy-Traffic Floor Use: Not recommended
  
• 
  Swimming Pool Use: Not recommended
  
• 
  Surface Sensitivity: Some surfaces may be susceptible to scratching during handling, installation, and use
  
• 
  Cleaning: Mild pH-neutral cleaners only
  

Material Considerations

• 
  Slight color variation from one production run to another should be expected.
  
• 
  Textured surfaces may require extra care during grouting and cleaning.
  
• 
  Grout color should be tested before full installation.
  
• 
  Deco and pencil bullnose pieces should be included in the dry layout before installation begins.
  

For product-specific suitability, technical details, or installation questions, contact Tile Club Support before beginning the project.