THE FINE PRINT - TERMS & CONDITIONS - FAQS :

We are artists/designers first, and run our business and e-Store more in the manner of an Art Studio or Atelier. We specialize in products for restorations and new construction including historically accurate "subway" tile. We sell direct to interior designers, architects, builders and homeowners alike. Due to the nature of our work in which we take on large, complex and often long-term project commitments, orders and inquiries are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. We are often out of the Studio on projects for weeks at a time. We prefer that you contact us via email – info@designsintile.com. While we maintain every effort to respond quickly, sometimes there is a lag time.

Our purpose is to create a unique synthesis of art, ornament and architecture in every installation. We value attention to detail to give the best installation possible and place constant attention to detail on design, as well as layout, for a completely planned installation.

Specifying and ordering tile for the best possible installation is a time consuming and complicated process. There are many types of installation methods that affect the choice of tile and trim shape. There are many types of trim shapes that might serve the same purpose. We feel it is impossible to run a standard, web based store where you just point and click, place the order, have the tile delivered without human contact due to the nature of the myriad possibilities offered by our historically based product lines.

We have Plain Undecorated Tile & Trim in our Historic White glaze in stock, on hand and ready to be shipped. We are also offering Decorative Tile - Overruns & Clearance featuring items from our Decorative Tile Gallery and other custom projects. Our plain tile and trim, offered in our Historic White glaze, matches old tiles (from 1880's -1930's) that have been sent to us over the years for use in restoration projects. It is a high gloss, translucent glaze that "reads" as creamy white, as you can see the tile body through the glaze. It is a smooth glaze and not a crackled finish.

As we are booked for projects into 2011, we will not be providing quantity estimates (takedowns), custom designs, new commissioned tile art or layout of tile installations until further notice. New items for sale will be posted from time to time in the Designs In Tile store, so check back for our newest offerings.

AVAILABILITY: The Studio currently has limited quantities in stock of Plain "Historic White" Tile and Trim. Decorative Tile, in the past, has been made to order for each job, and currently, is being sold as "lots" of overruns and clearance and is limited in quantities. Additional lots will be posted on the website as they are made available. Delivery dates are dependent upon size of the order placed, type and availability of materials ordered and prior commitment of the Studio. Check with the Studio for verification of delivery date.

CURRENT LEAD TIMES: Orders and inquiries are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email your requests and we'll get back to  you ASAP.

Please contact the Studio for more information.

Check Latest News for updates on products and current lead-time to ship. 

To help you in designing and specifying your project, we offer information on how we supply our tile:

TILE FAQS:

Pricing: All jobs are quoted on a per job basis FOB Mt Shasta, CA. Price quotes are firm for 15 days. All prices are subject to change.

Decorative Tiles are currently sold by the lot and are available as noted. Lots are selected from stock we currently have on hand. Prices are as noted. New items for sale will be posted from time to time, so check back for our newest offerings.

Plain Tile & Trim is a square-edged, true-sized, 3" x 6"x 5/16" "subway" tile, as well as 6" x 6", 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" and a 4” Hex. The glaze is our most popular color --"Historic White" -- a translucent glaze that was matched to tiles produced during the 1880’s through the 1930’s.  It is a high gloss, translucent glaze that "reads" as creamy, off-white, as you can see the tile body through the glaze. It is a smooth glaze and not a crackled finish.

Plain Field Tile is sold in full box increments. 

• The minimum order is 1 box

• For every size tile, there is 10 sq ft per box

• 6x6 tile contains 40 pc/box (10 sq ft/box) and weighs 40 lbs

• 3x6, 4-1/4 Square, 4-1/4 Hex contains 80 pc/box (10 sq ft/box) and weighs 40 lbs

Trim Tile is sold by the piece – there is no minimum

WARRANTY: All material delivered to the shipper meets industry standards for Special Purpose Tile. As the Studio has no control over and is not responsible for the material used to install our work, the method of installation, backing, skill of the installer, type of maintenance, usage or amount of traffic, we do not guarantee our tile against chipping, cracking, spalling, etching, discoloring, wearing or scratching. Our only obligation shall be to replace (if available) or pay only for material proved defective for one year from the date of installation, not labor for removal or installation. Beyond the purchase price of materials supplied by us, we assume no liability for damages of any kind. Contact the Studio for proper materials specification or installation procedures, if any question.

USAGE: DESIGNS IN TILE products are ideal for a multitude of residential and commercial applications. We specialize in products for restorations and new construction including historically accurate "subway" tile. Our work is often executed on white earthenware, as well as quarry, stoneware or porcelain tile. Depending upon the technique of decoration and the material chosen, our work is suitable for interior or exterior applications, walls or floors. When ordering, please contact the Studio if the desired application is anything other than interior wall surfaces.

We use state of the art methods and materials. Contact the Studio for proper specification of materials, if there are any questions. Also, notify the Studio if the project must satisfy National Park Service Restoration requirements.

COLORS/LOTS/VARIATIONS: As slight color variations may occur between lots and batches, it is imperative that all tiles be ordered from the same lot for each project.

Color variation is a desired and inherent characteristic of handcrafted ceramic products. All our Plain Tiles and Trim are fired in high temperature kilns and will vary slightly in shade from tile to tile and lot to lot.  All our Decorative Tiles are hand decorated and also fired in high temperature kilns and will vary slightly in shade from tile to tile and lot to lot. Therefore, the tile sample received may not exactly match the tiles in the final order.

Historic White Plain Tile & Trim Info: We are currently offering two lots of "Historic White" Plain Tile & Trim tile (Lot 1 & Lot 2). You should choose material from only one lot for the best possible installation.

Lot 1 is indicated in the SKU # as SKU XXX-1 and is first quality material.

Lot 2 is indicated in the SKU # as SKU XXX-2. The tile is still first quality, but has slight “picture framing” (glaze is slightly thicker around the edges, due to barometric pressure/humidity issues when firing). This material is discounted -20%.

PRICING for PLAIN FIELD TILE & TRIM: We discount our pricing (for Field Tile only) based on the quantities ordered. We do not discount to the trade."Historic White" plain tile and trim prices for all 4 sizes:

Lot 1: Field Tile (SKU XXX-1)

210 + sq ft $20.00 per sq ft

60 - 200 sq ft $25.00 per sq ft

30 - 50 sq ft $35.00 per sq ft

10 - 20 sq ft $40.00 per sq ft

Lot 2: Field Tile (SKU XXX-2) is discounted -20%.

Pricing: All jobs are quoted on a per job basis FOB Mt Shasta, CA. Price quotes are firm for 15 days. All prices are subject to change.

OVERAGE RECOMMENDATIONS: We recommend that you order the following overage as lots vary and our products are currently limited in quantity:

• 10% overage for Field Tile

• 15% overage for Trim Tile

• 5% overage for Decorative Tile

HOW TO PLAN AN INSTALLATION:

Before Installation: All tiles and murals should be laid out prior to installation to verify spacing and fit. Installation procedures are to conform to the Tile Council of America's "Handbook of Ceramic Tile Installation" (Current edition)( www.tileusa.com).

Grout and Grout Joint: The Studio recommends the use of natural grey or light, complementary colored grout to minimize staining Historic Victorian styled installations using square edge 3"x6" or 6"x6" tile require a nominal grout joint of 1/16". Un-sanded natural grey or white grout is recommended. Installations using hand-crafted, faience, stoneware tile requires a larger grout joint (nominal 3/16"). Grout joints over 3/32" in width require sanded grouts. Sanded natural grey grout is recommended, but complementary color grout is acceptable. Dark color/black grout is not recommended as it might stain the tile!

Care & Maintenance: Glazed tile surfaces should be cleaned routinely with an appropriate, non oil-based household or commercial cleaner. Routine cleaners should never contain acids or ammonia. Acids can damage the grout and the glazed surface o the tile and ammonia can discolor the grout. Never use abrasive materials that are capable of scratching the glazed surface.

ORDERING PROCEDURES:

Samples: Individual sample tiles of Plain Field Tile and Trim may be ordered for a fee. Please contact the Studio.

Quotes: Quotes need to be verified by a real person (not generated by a computer) due to the nature of complexity of materials and shipping options. Please allow enough time to receive samples for approval, confirm quotes, and receive your payment prior to shipping.

• We ask you to submit a preliminary order through the shopping cart.

• Please provide a "ship-to", physical address, so we may provide you with shipping charges and options.

• We will review the order and, if we have any questions, will contact you via email.

• A FINAL quotation/invoice will be sent via email indicating price, proposed ship date, time to allow for delivery and carrier.

• Payment can be made through Credit Card through PayPal, Pay Pal account or Cashiers’ Check

• A shipping date will be established and your order will be shipped.

Pricing: All jobs are quoted on a per job basis FOB Mt Shasta, CA. Price quotes are firm for 30 days. All prices are subject to change.

Freight: Most shipments of 80 pounds or less are delivered via FED EX Ground and are insured. Larger orders are shipped via FED EX Freight and require a signature upon delivery. Special handling may be arranged.

Buyer to pay all handling/crating/pallet/shipping/freight/insurance and/or delivery charges. Goods become the property of the Buyer upon delivery by the Studio to the transportation company; all items will be insured, but loss or delay in delivery thereafter is not the responsibility of the Studio. We reserve the right to override a carrier specified on the Sales Order when an alternative method is more appropriate.

Terms: Orders must be prepaid at time of acceptance of quotation including freight/handling charges prior to shipping.

Payment may be made through PayPal, Credit Cards through PayPal, or by certified check. All orders are subject to a 25% cancellation fee after the acceptance of the contract.

On Receipt of Order: Review the shipment for accuracy of materials ordered, including quality, quantity, color and any shipping damage. Please contact the Studio immediately if any problems occur. Plain tile should be pulled from a number of boxes to insure optimal blending of shade variation.

Returns: Due to the inherent characteristics of hand decorated ceramic tile, certain tolerances as to sizing, color and shade variation are normal to the industry. All tiles should be inspected prior to installation. No claims will be honored after the installation is begun. Orders to be returned must be first accepted in writing by the Studio and are subject to a 35% restocking fee, plus insurance and freight to and from the shipping location. Overage tile is not accepted for return. Tile must be in their original boxes. All returned materials will be inspected for damage and credit will not be given if the condition is such that the material cannot be resold.