NS Ceramic offers an unrivaled selection of handcrafted artisan ceramic, glass, stone, metal, porcelain, and mosaic tiles. Our team provides expertise that is knowledgeable and friendly and excels at creating custom tile and mosaic designs for that special area in one’s home or business. We recognize the challenges of specifying appropriate materials and specialize in assisting clients (architects, designers, and homeowners) with tile selection, tile design layout, and budget planning.
Our outstanding client services include:
- Installation-appropriate product selection
- Design sketches
- Computer Renderings (when applicable)
- Budget Estimation
- Order Tracking
We work closely with your building and design professionals to create a beautiful space. Our mission is to turn your dream into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
NS Ceramic, Inc. is located in beautiful downtown Santa Barbara, CA at 602 E. Montecito Street, Suite A.What are your hours?
We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.Are you open to the public?
Yes, we are open to the public, but an appointment is recommended.Do I need an appointment to visit your showroom?
At this time, appointments are not required, but highly recommended. An appointment allows us to set aside individual time to review your plans, assess your needs, and make tile recommendations.If Nola is not available, is there someone else who can help me?
In addition to Nola, we have a fully qualified sales staff with over 40 years of combined tile design experience to assist you with your tile selections.Do I need a designer or architect to help me design my space?
If you are uncertain of your vision or design ideas, we encourage you to work with an architect or designer, but it is not required. Our specialty and service includes tile selection and design layout. However, because this material affects the overall feel of your finished project, you may wish to consult an architect or designer to assess your overall needs with regards to style, light, color, texture and flow of your space.How can I prepare for an appointment to make the tile selection process more efficient?
Please bring building plans, interior elevations, pictures of the space, other selected materials (e.g., paint colors, slab samples, cabinet finishes, etc.), and/or any additional materials that may provide inspiration to the space you want to create (e.g., pictures, magazine clippings, old fabric, antiques, etc.). We will be better able to assist you if we have a visual idea of your inspiration and design ideas.What should I consider when purchasing tile?
We can assist you with tile selection and determining if a tile is suitable for the intended use. Some tile is appropriate for walls but not floors. Other considerations include indoor/outdoor, wet environments and countertops. Additional considerations are price, lead-time, and material type (such as ceramic, glass, stone, metal and concrete).Do you have samples available?
In addition to showroom display boards, we keep samples of many product lines on hand. However, if we do not have a sample available and since many of the manufacturers we represent have made-to-order product lines and wide color variations, we may order current samples specifically for your project.Do you stock tile at your showroom?
Though we have a beautiful 7,000 square foot showroom that displays products from over 100 different tile manufacturers or vendors, we do not stock tile.How quickly can I get tile?
The lead-time for obtaining tile depends on whether the product selected is stocked by one of our vendors or is manufactured to order. Either way, tile will most likely ship directly to your job site within 1-12 weeks upon order approval. Please notify us of your time constraints when visiting our showroom so we may direct you to the appropriate options.Is it possible for you to match or customize tiles to those that have already been installed?
We welcome the opportunity to suggest a tile design or color that will complement your existing tile. If an exact match is required, we will need a sample of the existing tile. After evaluating the tile, we will make our best recommendation as to the possibility of matching the design, color, finish and thickness of the tile.Do you install tile?
We do not install tile. We are your tile-selection partner and tile supplier. We may work with you on determining budget quantities based on your plans. However, we recommend you employ a professional tile contractor in determining your final quantities and completing your project.Do you sell grout, sealers, setting and/or maintenance materials?
We do not sell grout, tile sealers, tile maintenance, or tile setting materials. Your tile contractor will be able to provide you these materials. We can make grout color recommendations for tile selected in our showroom and suggest a location for purchasing the grout.How do I place an order?
We accept orders in our showroom, by phone, fax or email. It is strongly recommended that your tile contractor determine the final quantities needed for your project.What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept payment by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and check.Do you ship outside of the Santa Barbara area? Internationally?
Yes, tile selected in our showroom can be shipped directly from the tile manufacturer or vendor to almost anywhere in the world. Freight estimates are provided and must be approved prior to order placement.Are you available for job site visits?
In most circumstances, we are able to fully ascertain your tile needs based on your building plans, interior elevations, and job site photos. Job site visits will be determined upon evaluation of the project. Your tile contractor must verify all quantity and trim specifications.
