Identification
We seldom can identify tiles by photo only, especially solid colors, as it is hard to determine the sheen (gloss, satin or matte finish) and they don't accurately show shading which can appear darker or lighter in photos taken at different angles or lighting so a sample is the best way to match (click tab about sending samples). For many colors, we have over 25 different shades. Photos of counter edge pieces are useful as many are unique to a manufacturer. Photos of the tile back are also very useful. The color is specific to the clay used to produce them. While most are white, a few companies made buff colored. Red ones are usually from Mexico, Spain or Italy. Most backings have raised lines, symbols or lettering unique to tile companies. Numbers stamped into the backs are NOT the color number but simply production numbers of the blanks (called bisques). In a few cases, color numbers were printed in ink on the backs - most as salesman's samples or store displays. Lastly, tile edges vary considerably. Those made after 1940 typically have spacing lugs on the sides and the size, number and shape are manufacturer specific. Those without spacers are typically over 80 years old. If we identify the manufacturer, you still may not get an exact match since several firms made their tiles at different plants and over several years, even decades, so there can be variations in the coloration or pattern. Also, when lead was banned from paint in 1970, many manufacturers removed it from their glazes to respond to consumer concerns so the formula changed, affecting the shades/patterns. The variation can be extreme for some manufacturers while little to none for others. We strive to get the closest we can and ensure that all the tiles you receive are consistent among themselves even if they don’t exactly match yours.
There is no standard sized tile. What most people refer to as 4” are rarely that exact size. The most common size is 4¼” followed by 4⅜”. Less common are 4 3/16, 4 5/16 & a few others. Precise measurements are crucial to identifying a manufacturer. However, while most made only one size, some made two or even three different sizes depending on when they were made. There are even variations for the same size. Tiles normally 4 1/4" are sometimes 4 7/32" or 4 9/32". Similarly, floor tiles sold as 8" or 12" are typically about 1/4" smaller. Even identical tiles can vary in size depending on when they were made; we have some that are both 11 3/4" or 11 13/16" square.
Tiles also come in different thickness. Modern tiles are typically ¼” however most imports are only 3/16” - especially from Asia, South America & the UK. Tiles made before WWII are often thicker - many are ⅜”, even ½”, so they may not sit flush with your tile if we can only substitute from another manufacturer. Lastly, older tiles have very square edges. Once it was discovered that a slight beveling on the edges, known as cushioning, reduced the chances of chipping, all tiles today are made that way and may not match older ones.
Pricing
Most of our tiles are new old stock however the older the tile, the more likely it is reclaimed. Unlike others selling them, ALL ours have the mortar and grout removed as much as possible so that they are ready to install just like unused ones. Most look nearly the same as new on the front and are sold at the same price as it takes considerable labor to restore them. We inspect and grade each tile. Due to frequent handling over the years, some have small chips. Those smaller than a pencil tip are not considered damaged. Those with multiple or large chips are discounted for those who want a sample, are cutting tiles or covering an edge with caulk and want to keep costs down.
Unlike other discontinued products, the value of tiles increases over time much like antiques since there seldom are substitutes. Unlike antiques that are resold or inherited, tiles are installed and used one time so the number available decreases daily. Therefore, we can't provide quantity discounts due to a limited supply. Often we have only handfuls rather than boxes of specific colors or patterns. Prices depend on the age of the tile and how long it was in production (those made over a long time are in higher demand since so many more were installed that may need repair). Some manufacturers made tiles in colors/patterns that are close substitutes for discontinued counterparts that we can sell in quantity at lower prices.
We seldom can identify tiles by photo only, especially solid colors, as it is hard to determine the sheen (gloss, satin or matte finish) and they don't accurately show shading which can appear darker or lighter in photos taken at different angles or lighting so a sample is the best way to match (click tab about sending samples). For many colors, we have over 25 different shades. Photos of counter edge pieces are useful as many are unique to a manufacturer. Photos of the tile back are also very useful. The color is specific to the clay used to produce them. While most are white, a few companies made buff colored. Red ones are usually from Mexico, Spain or Italy. Most backings have raised lines, symbols or lettering unique to tile companies. Numbers stamped into the backs are NOT the color number but simply production numbers of the blanks (called bisques). In a few cases, color numbers were printed in ink on the backs - most as salesman's samples or store displays. Lastly, tile edges vary considerably. Those made after 1940 typically have spacing lugs on the sides and the size, number and shape are manufacturer specific. Those without spacers are typically over 80 years old. If we identify the manufacturer, you still may not get an exact match since several firms made their tiles at different plants and over several years, even decades, so there can be variations in the coloration or pattern. Also, when lead was banned from paint in 1970, many manufacturers removed it from their glazes to respond to consumer concerns so the formula changed, affecting the shades/patterns. The variation can be extreme for some manufacturers while little to none for others. We strive to get the closest we can and ensure that all the tiles you receive are consistent among themselves even if they don’t exactly match yours.
There is no standard sized tile. What most people refer to as 4” are rarely that exact size. The most common size is 4¼” followed by 4⅜”. Less common are 4 3/16, 4 5/16 & a few others. Precise measurements are crucial to identifying a manufacturer. However, while most made only one size, some made two or even three different sizes depending on when they were made. There are even variations for the same size. Tiles normally 4 1/4" are sometimes 4 7/32" or 4 9/32". Similarly, floor tiles sold as 8" or 12" are typically about 1/4" smaller. Even identical tiles can vary in size depending on when they were made; we have some that are both 11 3/4" or 11 13/16" square.
Tiles also come in different thickness. Modern tiles are typically ¼” however most imports are only 3/16” - especially from Asia, South America & the UK. Tiles made before WWII are often thicker - many are ⅜”, even ½”, so they may not sit flush with your tile if we can only substitute from another manufacturer. Lastly, older tiles have very square edges. Once it was discovered that a slight beveling on the edges, known as cushioning, reduced the chances of chipping, all tiles today are made that way and may not match older ones.
Pricing
Most of our tiles are new old stock however the older the tile, the more likely it is reclaimed. Unlike others selling them, ALL ours have the mortar and grout removed as much as possible so that they are ready to install just like unused ones. Most look nearly the same as new on the front and are sold at the same price as it takes considerable labor to restore them. We inspect and grade each tile. Due to frequent handling over the years, some have small chips. Those smaller than a pencil tip are not considered damaged. Those with multiple or large chips are discounted for those who want a sample, are cutting tiles or covering an edge with caulk and want to keep costs down.
Unlike other discontinued products, the value of tiles increases over time much like antiques since there seldom are substitutes. Unlike antiques that are resold or inherited, tiles are installed and used one time so the number available decreases daily. Therefore, we can't provide quantity discounts due to a limited supply. Often we have only handfuls rather than boxes of specific colors or patterns. Prices depend on the age of the tile and how long it was in production (those made over a long time are in higher demand since so many more were installed that may need repair). Some manufacturers made tiles in colors/patterns that are close substitutes for discontinued counterparts that we can sell in quantity at lower prices.
