FAQs

Renovators

How do you work with Renovators?

One of our experienced design consultants will be dedicated to your renovation project. They will discuss design possibilities, key considerations and ensure you are fully informed every step of the way.

The design consultant can provide samples free of charge to share selections with decision-makers not present, develop concepts and aid in the selection of fixtures and fittings.

How can I prepare for my appointment or showroom visit?

When it comes to renovating, the best way to prepare is to look for inspiration; online, in magazines or visiting display homes to see products in their natural setting. The gathering of ideas will allow you to visualise and identify the trend you are gravitating towards.

To set yourself up for success, a second key consideration is budget. This will allow our design consultant to identify different options that suit your price point without compromising the overall look or style you want to achieve.

Why choose porcelain?

Porcelain tiles are an extremely compact material, created as a result of mechanical pressing and high-temperature baking.

The production process for porcelain tiles makes for surfaces with a very low level of absorption, meaning they are resistant to a variety of stresses, require little to no maintenance and ideal for cladding or flooring in any context.

What is a rectified tile?

Rectified tiles feature an edge that is perfectly squared. The tiles can then be laid with minimum joints, which provides scope to obtain an aesthetically refined and elegant finish.

What is shade or batch variation?

The shade is the colour tone that characterises a particular batch of tiles.

In industrial production it is almost impossible to produce tiles with identical chromatic tonality or of the exact same colour shade. Before packaging tiles they are grouped together based on colour uniformity.

The shade or batch no. is often marked by characters including letters and numbers that is stamped onto the original packaging. This is to distinguish between batches or shade variations that exist within a colour for a collection.

If you require additional tiles for the same space, we recommend you make reference and keep a record of the batch number or shade first received.

How many tiles should be ordered?

Before placing your order, it is necessary to know the extension of the surface to be tiled, installation technique and layout.

In general, we recommend an additional 10% of extra tiles to be ordered in excess of the actual extension or surface area to be tiled. This should be incorporated into the original order as the preferred option to eliminate batch or shade variation risk.

What methods can I pay on?

We accept cash, Mastercard and VISA at all locations. We also accept payments over the phone and bank transfer.

How are products delivered and within what timeframe?

Rivoland offer an in-house delivery service for ACT and surrounding regions. Trucks are fitted with the necessary equipment to complete the job ahead with ease. All our tiles are delivered on a pallet.

We recommend arranging delivery 3 days prior to project commencement. However, pending stock availability and the delivery schedule we are able to accomodate same day turnaround.

For interstate orders, we work with many of Australia’s best freight companies to dispatch products Australia wide. Delivery terms will be in alignment with the outsourced freight company’s procedure.

How will I know when my tiles are going to be delivered?

For in-house delivery to ACT and surrounding regions we will be in contact 1 hour to 30 minutes before delivery on the date specified by you. If requirements deviate from standard procedures, our team will do our best to accomodate your needs.

Please note, if you are not home for delivery the driver will leave the tiles in the nearest lockable point or most secure location identified.

For interstate orders, delivery lead times or the expected delivery date will be provided based on discussion with the engaged freight company.

The tiles ordered have arrived broken, what do I do?

Rivoland will arrange return pickup and replacement of the affected tiles. Damage to tiles is to be documented with photos of products in original packaging to help identify the cause so we can continue to improve on our service.

Do you accept returns?

Yes we do accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Returns are only accepted if tiles are undamaged, are in full boxes and are the current batch.

Returns are not accepted if goods are specially purchased by Rivoland to supply your order or if the packaging is damaged. Refunds cannot be given after an order has been placed for change of mind.

Please note a minimum 10% handling charge is applicable for all items accepted for return.

Do you have recommended interior designers, tilers or renovation experts?

We are fortunate to work closely with, and have well-developed relationships with local interior designers, tilers and renovators. Based on experience our team can provide recommendations in light of project requirements.

Builders

How does Rivoland work with Builders?

We tailor our service based on the package you choose to offer your client. Prior to engagement, Rivoland will discuss service needs, trade account set-up (if applicable) and pre-mediated client requirements.

How does Rivoland work with my client?

Rivoland design consultants will work closely with your clients to turn their vision into a reality. We do so through a five phase process.

Pre-selection

For an introductory look at tile options, Rivoland welcomes clients into the showroom for design inspiration. This provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of tile finishes, edges, formats and layout options.

Selection

A design consultant will walk the client through the design process and inclusions package, including ranges that fall within the allowance, extras or upgrades and grout options. Items selected are recorded and filed for reference.

To assist in the renovation or build process, our design consultants will provide samples of items selected.

Quotation

Complete quote. The estimated quantities are typically derived from plan measurements complete by a design consultant. If preferred, you are able to provide measurements to finalise the quotation.

The quotation and selection are sent to you on behalf of the client at completion or at your request.

Forward Order

The clients builder is  to contact Rivoland to place the order based on the selection complete and final approval from the client. Rivoland will source the products.

Lead times are discussed with the client. It is the builders responsibility to place orders within a reasonable timeframe to ensure tiles arrive on time.

delivery

Rivoland will provide in-house delivery, including the packaging of orders on pallets, a phone call 30 minutes prior to delivery and manitou unloading. For account customers we offer discount delivery and same-day turnaround pending stock availability and the delivery schedule.

Who should I contact?

To work with Rivoland, we recommend talking to one of our showroom managers. The manager will allocate an appropriate team member to service the needs of your client in accordance with allowances.

Please note, the contact varies from builder-to-builder based on requirements.

What are your stock capabilities and lead times?

We are the largest stockist of surface solutions, including mosaics, terrazzo, pavers, porcelain and ceramic tiles in the ACT and surrounding regions. This allows for same-day turnaround for a large range of products.

Special order products sourced from Europe are subject to a 12 – 14 week lead time. By sourcing products direct from manufacturers, we are able to provide high quality, competitively priced material.

Our storage facilities allow us to hold stock prior to project commencement.

Designers & Architects

What can Rivoland offer me?

We are a leading procurer of exclusive surface materials within the ACT and surrounding regions. We represent brands from around the world including, but not limited to Italy, Spain, United Arab Emirates as well as Australian manufacturers.

Our innovative ceramic, porcelain and stone collections are available in an array of finishes and formats suitable for commercial and residential projects. We ensure the specification process is carefully considered and managed from design enquiry and material sampling through to final installation and after-care advice.

Contact us on (02) 6297 4510 to arrange an appointment or meeting with our Architectural and Design representative. Upon request we can visit your office, provide sample boards or sample boxes.

What is shading?

Shading refers to a passage of visible chromatic gradations that cannot be harmonised. In reference to a tile collection it signifies the difference in tone of single tiles that are not homogenous. Classes have been established within the industry to classify different collections:

  • V1= uniform
  • V2= slight
  • V3= moderate
  • V4= strong

Landscapers

How does Rivoland work with landscapers?

We have an extensive range of wall cladding, stacked stone solutions and pavers. Wall cladding and stacked stone solutions have matching corner pieces that can be used to add texture to fireplaces, water features, letter boxes and more.

For fixing we offer pedestal systems; fixed head or self-levelling. Pedestal systems are suitable for external elevated floors, offering a range of heights to offset slight unevenness and irregularities.

Contact us on (02) 6241 1557 to arrange an appointment or meeting with our Landscape Architect representative. Upon request we can visit your office, provide samples and installation advice.

Supplies & Maintenance

What is epoxy grout?

Epoxy grout is made of epoxy resins combined with a filler powder. It is an additive to traditional grout, which is typically categorised as a cement based mix.

Compared to traditional grout, epoxy grout is waterproof and almost completely resistant to stains. With added durability it is an ideal choice for splashblacks and wet areas.

For installation purposes, epoxy grout is more costly and difficult to apply than traditional grout. It typically requires staging of works to accomodate the quicker set time and thorough cleaning over the course of application.

Epoxy grout cannot be cleaned when it is completely hardened other than mechanically, which presents risk to the surface of the tile. The manufacturer’s instructions must be followed carefully.

Do I need to seal terrazzo and natural marble?

To preserve the beauty of natural stone such as terrazzo or marble before, during and after installation, we recommend Aqua Mix: ProBlock and Aqua Mix: Sealer’s Choice Gold. 

Aqua Mix: ProBlock is to be applied before natural materials are fixed to a substrate. This product is ideal for six sided pre sealing to prevent the absorption of water soluble materials that can occur during installation.

Aqua Mix: Sealer’s Choice Gold is to be applied before grouting due to the porous surface of natural solutions. This product is a finishing sealer and is formulated to provide maximum stain protection. Before applying, the installation should be dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

In preparation for all sealer application activities, it is critical the surface is dry, clean and free of waxes, sealers or finishes.

How important is cleaning after installation?

Cleaning after the installation helps to remove residues of grout-joints, cement and lime. This is obligatory at the end of the installation, for all surface solutions. If cleaning after installation is not carried out properly or not carried out at all, it will become the cause of marks that prevents the floor from being clean even if good daily cleaning is performed.

FLOOR SWEEP

Once grouting is complete and dry (starts to appear opaque), sweep the floor.

APPLY ACID SOLUTION

Within 48 to 72 hours after grouting or before the grout hardens definitively, wet the floor with an acid solution. We recommend Aqua Mix: Grout Haze Clean-Up or Aqua Mix: Cement Grout Haze Remover. 

The solution is to be diluted in accordance with product instructions and worked into the surface for a few minutes using a suitable mop or scouring pad. Avoid scrubbing directly on grout joints.

RINSE AND CLEAN

Rinse the surface with warm water and clean mops or scouring pads used to agitate the surface. This process is to be repeated several times until all stains and residues have been removed. Make sure you change the rinsing water several times.

DRY

Complete the after installation cleaning process by drying. To avoid damage to other materials i.e. fixtures and fittings, please ensure the acid solution does not come into contact.

ONGOING CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

For effective ongoing general stone and tile cleaning we recommend pH neutral, Aqua Mix: Concentrated Stone and Tile Cleaner. 

PLEASE NOTE: This information is intended as a guide only, you will always need to consult the manufacturers instructions when using any installation or cleaning products.