WHAT DOES THE MIRTH MEAN?

Mirth: noun

  1. amusement, especially as expressed in laughter

Synonyms:

cheer, festivity, glee, joviality, merriment, joy

WHAT IS ENGINEERED HARDWOOD FLOOR?

Engineered hardwood has been used for flooring for over 20 years. It is made with multiple layers of wood; Each layer is stacked in a cross-grain configuration and bonded together under heat and pressure. As a result, engineered hardwood is extremely stable and much less likely to expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity like solid hardwood. The engineered hardwood used by Mirth has five layers of wood substrate with a 2.5mm solid hardwood wear layer on top and bottom for maximum durability. 

ARE THE TILES PRE-FINISHED?

Yes! Mirth Studio Tiles are pre-finished with several durable coats of 100% resin urethane that has been cured using a UV process- so all you have to do is glue the tiles down. The finish will not yellow or fade for the lifetime of the tile.

HOW DURABLE IS THE FINISH AND CAN ANOTHER FINISH BE APPLIED ON TOP OF THE PRE FINISHED TILES FOR VERY HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS?

The printing is sandwiched between several coats of our super durable UV cured poly resin which emits no VOC's , is scratch resistant and will not fade or chip or yellow. It is the very best quality finish available on the market and will stand up to years and years of traffic.  If over time you would like to "refresh" the finish a finishing product that is compatible with our UV finish can be reapplied. You would have to do a light screen sanding so you do not penetrate to the printed layer. As these were designed to look like real painted floors we prefer to let the tiles age naturally and develop a natural patina though it is the choice of the customer. If you are putting your Mirth Tiles in a commercial setting, such as a restaurant or bar you can choose to apply several more coats of a compatible urethane product (see installation section for details)  after installation.

CAN ANOTHER FINISH BE APPLIED ON TOP OF THE PRE FINISHED TILES FOR VERY HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS?

The tiles are pre-finished using a UV cured poly resin that is comparable to the highest quality of any high end engineered wood flooring on the market. If you would like further protection for your floors for very high traffic areas we recommend using Bona Traffic (please see specifics in installation section) which can be applied over your floors for added protection. 

SOME OF MY TILES ARE SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT THAN ONE ANOTHER. IS THIS TO BE EXPECTED?

When ordering Mirth Studio wooden tiles, please keep in mind that because wood is a natural product, no two will be exactly alike. We think this adds to the beauty of the floors and gives them character not found in other types of manufactured tiles. Sometimes the variation is more obvious and for this reason we recommend ordering a 5% overage when purchasing larger quantities in case some of the tiles do not meet with your approval. 

Alternately, Samples may not always be an exact match to your order and may differ sightly (up to 10%) as they are subject to different dye lots. 

The tiles are designed to be installed with cross grains and due to the tongue and groove construction, this cannot be changed. Depending on the color of the tile it may be more obvious than others. Lighter color tiles show more grain than the darker colors.

We go to great lengths to send only tiles that meet our high standards but it is important to understand that wood does sometime have flaws. Sometimes the edges are rougher than others but that is because the nature of wood and not considered a defect. If you feel you have received a defective tile, please contact us immediately and we will send out a replacement.

ARE THE TILES CONSIDERED A GREEN PRODUCT? 

Yes! Because our tiles are made from engineered hardwood, they use much less hardwood than traditional solid planks. They are crafted in the USA and DO NOT contain formaldehyde. As they are finished with an UV process they DO NOT emit any VOCs.

DO THE COLORS OF THE SAMPLE TILES VARY FROM WHAT WE WOULD RECEIVE IN AN ORDER FOR MULTIPLE TILES?

We try very hard to match our sample tiles with the tiles you will receive in your order. In some situation's the colors may vary just slightly. If you are looking for a perfect match to the sample you received from us, it is advisable you send us back the sample at the time of placing your order. 

CAN THE COLORS OF THE TILES BE ALTERED TO WORK WITH A PARTICULAR PALETTE?

If you receive your sample and you feel the colors do not meet with your approval, we very often can color correct them and send you a new sample. The charge for this starts at $75 per sample. Please call us for more information as there is some perimeters to how much we can change the color for a particular pattern.

CAN THE COLORS OF THE SAMPLE TILE BE ADJUSTED WHEN PLACING AN ORDER FOR MULTIPLE TILES?

In many situations it is very easy for us to adjust a color slightly for a small fee. Please email or call us to discuss your particular order and we are happy to help!

DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?

Absolutely! Mirth Studio is happy to ship internationally, as well as all over the United States. Please complete our Get a Quote form or email us at info@mirthstudio.com with your desired shipping address, the product of interest, and the quantity needed to receive an estimate.

ARE THE TILES AVAILABLE IN OTHER SIZES?

We have a wall collection of tiles that are 6''x6'' in 3/8'' thickness. These patterns are perfect for wall applications such as back splashes and fireplaces. They are sealed on the front as well as the back making them even more resistant to water. 

For the 12''x 12'' tiles, we can also scale the repeat down or enlarge the designs, so they would appear small or larger. Just ask us!

CAN MIRTH STUDIO TILES BE INSTALLED IN BATHROOMS?

As the tiles are made of real wood, we do not suggest using them in places that you would not install traditional hardwood as they are NOT waterproof. They do resist water and, upon request, they can be sealed on all sides which would make them more resilient to the elements. Please contact Mirth Studio for more information. There is an extra charge for sealing all sides.

CAN THE TILES BE INSTALLED AS BACK SPLASHES?

The tiles are very durable but NOT waterproof. They do resist water and, upon request, they can be sealed on all sides, which would make them more resilient to the elements. Please contact Mirth Studio for more information. There is an extra charge for sealing all sides.

CAN THE TILES BE INSTALLED AROUND FIREPLACES AND STOVES?  

Because the tiles are real wood you would not want to use them too close to an open flame. They can be beautifully applied decoratively as a fireplace surround if the proper distance from the flame is considered. Please check your local building codes for the suggested distance.

CAN THE TILES BE INSTALLED NEXT TO EXISTING TRADITIONAL HARDWOOD FLOORING?

Yes. If you are installing next to a 3/4'' hardwood floor, have your installer nail down a layer of 1/4" plywood before installing Mirth Tiles, so that the 2 surfaces will be flush and level after installation. Your installer should also determine if you need to install a transition strip between the existing hardwood floor and your Mirth Tiles. If so, leave the appropriate spacing to allow for the transition strip.

DOES MIRTH STUDIO OFFER FREE SAMPLES?

Typically we charge for all samples but the cost may be deducted from your first order. In some cases we may be able to provide free samples.

DOES MIRTH STUDIO OFFER TRADE PRICING?

Yes! Please see the designer application under the TRADE section of the site.

DO YOU NEED TO USE GROUT WHEN INSTALLING THE TILES?

No, you should not use grout with Mirth Tiles. They are designed with a tongue and groove construction and should fit snuggly together.

ARE SEAMS VISIBLE WHEN THE TILES ARE INSTALLED?

Tiles should be installed with the edges butted tightly together. However, a small seam between tiles will be visible as they are "tiles". Keep in mind that seams are more noticeable on lighter colored tiles and less noticeable on the darker colored and busier patterned tiles.

IS THE WOOD GRAIN VISIBLE?

The amount of wood grain visible varies with each design. They are real wood, we love for that to be evident as that's what makes them so unique. The tiles are constructed with alternating grains, which is more obvious in some of the designs more than others.

CAN THE TILES BE INSTALLED AS INSERTS OR INLAID INTO AN EXISTING FLOOR?

Yes. Under the direction of your installer, you can use the tiles as an "inlaid rug" or they can be placed as a decorative inlay intermittently throughout your floor area. They can be installed in an existing hardwood floor or can be placed among the Mirth Studio solid stained tile of your choice.

WHAT IS THE LEAD-TIME?

Our standard lead-time for Hardwood tiles and Hardwood Stair Risers is 4-6 weeks. It is possible to rush any order for a fee of  20% of the order total. For our Decorative Peel & Stick Decals and Stair Riser Decals, the lead time is typically 2-3 weeks. 

HOW DO YOU MEASURE SQUARE FOOTAGE?

You take the length of your space and multiply it by the width of the space and it will equal your square footage. L x W= Sq. Ft.

http://www.calculatorpro.com/calculator/square-footage-calculator/

ARE THE TILES SOLD BY THE SQUARE FOOT?  

Yes each 12" x 12" tile is exactly 1 sq. ft.

IS THERE A MINIMUM ORDER?  

Yes, the minimum order for our 12'' x 12''  tiles is one box which covers 14 sq. ft. For Risers, the minimum order is 6 and for the 6'' x 6'' Wall tiles, the minimum is 28 Sq. Ft. (112 tiles). Samples of tiles and Risers can be ordered online and there is no minimum. 

CAN MIRTH STUDIO TILES BE REFINISHED?   

Mirth Studio tiles are refinished using the highest quality industry standard UV finish. If necessary, they can be refinished if you wish to protect them further or bring back the "new sheen."  To refinish, you would do a light screen sanding and apply the recommended top coat. Please see installation instructions for specific product.