Company FAQ

Life is a journey…

About San Diego Marble Tile

Q: Who is San Diego Marble & Tile?

A: We are a family-owned and operated independent retailer specializing in high-quality ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, mosaic, and natural stone tiles, as well as hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl, carpet, and countertops. Serving the San Diego and Orange County areas for over 30 years, we focus on beautiful, functional materials and exceptional customer service.

Q: What is your company history?

A: Originally founded in the late 1980s as San Diego Brick and Tile, the company was purchased in 2002 and restructured under Alkal Tile Inc., operating today as San Diego Marble & Tile. We have grown from a brick and tile supplier into a full-service flooring and surfacing resource with multiple showrooms and warehouses.

Q: Are you an independent retailer?

A: Yes. As an independent local business, we are not tied to any single manufacturer. This allows us to source from over 250 suppliers worldwide and partner only with vendors who share our commitment to quality and competitive pricing. Our allegiance is to our customers.

Learn more: https://sandiegomarbletile.com/about/why-us/we-are-independent/

Q: What is your mission?

A: Our mission is to be the trusted, independent flooring retailer in Southern California—delivering premium products, expert guidance, and outstanding service while helping homeowners, designers, and contractors create beautiful, lasting spaces.

Q: How long have you been in business?

A: We have proudly served southern California since 1989 as a family-owned business with passionate, experienced staff.

Locations & Visiting Us

Q: Where are your showrooms located?

A: We have four convenient locations:

  • Orange County (Mission Viejo): 26371 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 — (949) 218-9995
  • Central San Diego: 7946 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111 — (858) 278-7828
  • North County (Encinitas): 597 Westlake St., Encinitas, CA 92024 — (760) 436-4630

View all locations and hours: https://sandiegomarbletile.com/our-locations/

Q: Do you offer “shop here, pick up there”?

A: Yes! With four showrooms and warehouses across Southern California, you can shop at one location and pick up at another for maximum convenience.

Q: What are your showroom hours?

A: Showrooms are open weekdays (typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM pacific time) and Saturdays (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). We are closed on Sundays. We are open through all holidays except Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Q: What are your Tools and Supply Opening hours?

A: Our Contractor Tool Rooms are open weekdays (typically 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM pacific time) and Saturdays (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM). We are closed on Sundays. We are open through all holidays except Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Q: What are your Order pickup hours?

A: Orders can be picked up during our tool room opening hours. We are open weekdays (typically 6:30 AM – 4:30 PM pacific time) and Saturdays (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM). We are closed on Sundays. We are open through all holidays except Labor Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day and New Years Day.

How We Work with Customers

Q: Do you offer design consultation?

A: Yes. Our experienced design teams provide expert guidance to help you select the perfect tile, stone, flooring, or countertop for your project—from inspiration to final selection. We work closely with our interior designer customers to help them realize their designs for their clients.

Q: Do you provide installation services?

A: While we do not perform installations ourselves, our team has deep installation knowledge and can recommend qualified installers. We also stock all the tools, setting materials, and supplies professionals and DIYers need.

Q: Do you serve trade professionals?

A: Absolutely. We offer a Trade Rebate Program and special support for designers, contractors, builders, and other trade professionals.

Learn more: https://sandiegomarbletile.com/trade-rebate-program/

Q: How can I plan my remodel project?

A: We provide helpful resources to guide you through planning, including what to consider before starting and how to prepare your home.

See our planning guides: https://sandiegomarbletile.com/tile-and-stone/planning-your-remodel/planning-your-project/

Orders, Delivery & Pickup

Q: Can I order online?

A: Our website allows you to browse for inspiration. For pricing, availability, and placing orders, we recommend visiting a showroom or calling us—our team is happy to assist personally.

Q: Do you offer delivery?

A: Yes, we provide local delivery services throughout San Diego and Orange Counties. Speak with a sales associate for details, rates, and scheduling.

Q: Can I pick up materials the same day?

A: All tools, thin sets, accessories and supplies are kept well stocked and available for immediate pickup. For tile, stone, flooring and slabs, we have a very large selection and most of these products are available in a short timeframe, often within a week — call your preferred location to confirm availability.

https://sandiegomarbletile.com/our-locations/ 

Returns, Warranties & Policies

Q: What is your return policy?

A: We stand behind the products we sell and work only with trusted vendors. Return and restocking policies vary by product type and whether the material is special-ordered. Please speak with a sales associate before purchase for full details on returns, exchanges, and any applicable restocking fees.

Q: Do your products come with warranties?

A: Most manufacturer products carry their own warranties. We are committed to quality and will help you work through any product warranty issues and help you to understand the warranty coverage for any item you select.

Read more about our commitment: https://sandiegomarbletile.com/about/why-us/we-standby-what-we-sell/

Q: What if I need help with product care or maintenance?

A: We stock a full range of care and maintenance products and can provide guidance on proper cleaning and upkeep to keep your tile, stone, or flooring looking its best.

Other Common Questions

Q: Do you offer financing?

A: Please ask in-store or by phone—we offer our trade professionals the opportunity, subsequent to approval, to set up Net30 accounts to support their business speed and cashflow.

Q: Are you involved in the local community?

A: Yes. As a long-time independent local business, we are proud to support the San Diego and Orange County communities through our showrooms, events, charities and daily service.

Q: Do you host events or have a gallery?

A: We regularly update our gallery with inspiring projects and occasionally host events. Browse our gallery here: https://sandiegomarbletile.com/gallery/

Q: How do I stay updated on news and promotions?

A: Visit our website regularly or follow us in-store for the latest news, events, and offers.

Our History

San Diego Marble & Tile is the trading name for Alkal Tile Inc. The company’s original name was San Diego Brick and Tile, which was founded in late 1980’s and was purchased from the founder in 2002. The company underwent a restructuring of its product offerings within the first few years and as a result, was renamed to San Diego Marble & Tile to ensure that the operating name remained relevant to the product it sold.

In 2007, San Diego Marble & Tile opened up our second location in El Cajon in order to expand our offerings to the east county of San Diego and to take advantage of the growth in building and remodel. The store was opened up during a tough time in the global economy but despite all the external factors, managed to slowly grow and become a very important part of the products and services that the company offers it’s loyal customers.

In 2013, boosted by further growth, San Diego Marble & Tile further expanded its offerings by opening up a new location on the same premises as the original Encinitas Tile. This was considered a strategic opportunity for the company as Encinitas Tile was originally founded in the early 1970’s and, although it had had it’s ups and downs over the years – was a solid company with a good reputation and good customer base. With this additional store, San Diego Marble & Tile was now able to expand its offerings to customers within the San Diego North County.>

To Be Even Better

“The only company that we are constantly striving to be better than is the company that we were yesterday. We aim to set the standard for service and integrity; this can only be achieved by listening to our customers and being inwardly critical of ourselves – only in this way will we understand how we can be better than we were.”

Albert Hadley (The Story of America’s Preeminent Interior Designer)