Working with antique and salvaged tiles
We’re here to make your project look amazing.
When it comes to achieving your design vision, we know you have many modern options regarding tile — and working with something antique and finite is a big decision. We want to help you feel confident when designing and working with this product by giving you the information you need to ensure it’s being incorporated and installed the right way. So go forth and flex your true design skills — we’re here to make your project look amazing.
Installation
Cutting and Grout Lines: How to Achieve the Historical Look
Recommended Tools and Products
Condition
Crazing, Flea Bites and More: Understanding the Look and Feel of Antique Tile
Our Quality Rating System
Characteristics
Understanding Thickness and Edges
Mix and Match: How to Make Antique and Modern Tile Play Together
Shipping
Our Packaging, Shipping, and Delivery Process
Holds & Returns
Our Product Hold Policies and Deposit Options
Product Returns and Refunds
Ordering
Why You Don’t Need 20% Overages with Antique Tile
Obtaining Samples: Our Sample Policies and Pricing
Installation
Cutting and Grout: How to Achieve the Historical Look
Cutting
Unsurprisingly given their heft, antique tiles cut exceptionally well – better than most modern tiles, dare we say. Use a diamond-blade saw when cutting antique tile.
Grout Spacing
One of the biggest mistakes people make when installing antique tile is using wider modern grout widths. To achieve a historically accurate look, here are the widths we recommend:
Victorian, Edwardian, Craftsman, Art Nouveau, and similar: 1/32” or 1/16”
Arts & Crafts, California, and similar: 1/4"
Grout Products and Colors
As a general rule, colored grout didn't exist when these tiles were originally installed. For designers and homeowners looking to achieve that “always been here” look, we recommend a classic cement-colored grout. That said, feel free to change it up! Many beautiful grout colors exist these days, so take advantage of them if the project calls for some pizzazz. Check out the color chart from Mapei:
Small projects
For smaller projects, we have used and loved Mapei's premixed sanded grout, which comes in varied colors. Some of the grey options include Pewter, Armor, Iron, and Warm Gray.
Large projects
For larger projects, we recommend Mapei's unmixed Ultracolor Plus FA line, which also comes in many colors including Warm Gray.
If we need a mortar/thinset, we recommend Mapei’s products as well.
Recommended Tools and Installation Products
Blade: Kobalt 7-in Wet Continuous Rim Diamond Saw Blade
Wet Saw: SKIL 4.2 -Amp 7-Inches -Blade Wet Tabletop Tile Saw
BARWALT 1/32-in Plastic 2-sided Tile Spacer (100-Pack)
BARWALT 1/16-in Plastic T-shaped Tile Spacer (100-Pack)
BARWALT 1/4-in Plastic X-shaped Tile Spacer and Leveling System (500-Pack)
MAPEI Flexcolor CQ Pewter #5002 Sanded Acrylic Premix Grout (1-Gallon)
MAPEI Flexcolor CQ Armor #5002 Sanded Acrylic Premix Grout (1-Gallon)
MAPEI Flexcolor CQ Iron #5002 Sanded Acrylic Premix Grout (1-Gallon)
MAPEI Flexcolor CQ Warm Gray #5002 Sanded Acrylic Premix Grout (1-Gallon)
MAPEI Ultracolor Plus FA Warm Gray #5093 All-in-one Grout (10-lb)
MAPEI Floor Tile Gray Thinset Tile Mortar (50 Pound(s))
Crazing, Flea Bites and More: Understanding the Look and Feel of Antique Tile
Condition
The combination of production process and time are what give antique and vintage tile the unique look and feel that is difficult to replicate. Here is a list of attributes you may see when working with antique tile.
Crazing are the hairline cracks in glazing. This is a normal occurrence and often a desirable attribute in both classic and modern ceramics. Crazing does not jeopardize the durability or longevity of the tile.
Flea Bites are miniscule, pin-prick size nicks or chips that are generally too small to even measure. We always note when our tile has flea bites. They are typically regarded as character and texture and add to the historical feel of tile.
Glaze pools are a feature of high-relief figural tiles where glaze concentrates in the lower parts of the design, creating a darker, richer colorway. The variation accentuates the relief design, offering a striking appearance.
When restoring and cleaning tile, we inspect each piece to ensure it is structurally sound and devoid of any major glaze issues that would jeopardize installation. Our rating system is as follows:
Our Quality Rating System
| Like-new | Tiles with this rating were never previously installed and have not experienced any wear. |
| Excellent | These tiles show minimal wear and patina. |
| Good | These tiles show some patina through minimal flea bites, pits, and crazing. |
| Fair | These tiles have had some glaze repaired or have larger flea bites or pits. They are priced accordingly. |
Characteristics
One of the reasons antique tile is so durable is the thickness and density of the clay. Most tiles in the Storied Salvage Tile Co. collection range between ⅜" to ½" in thickness for Victorian tiles and up to 1" for Arts & Crafts styles.
When installing a tile fireplace surround, you will want to consider the tile thickness and how it may sit against a hardwood floor. In some cases, it may be necessary to use a rounded edge in your design to ensure a smooth transition. A classic example of this would be a rounded marble pencil tile to give the design a finished look, but we can consult on a case-by-case basis to ensure a perfect end product.
Thickness is also something to consider for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom tile projects. Be sure you have set outlets and other fixtures appropriately to accommodate for the depth of tiles. Contact us if you need additional guidance on this.
In the case of bullnose tile, it may sometimes be necessary to use a Schluter system, as these tiles do not always have a finished top edge as they were set directly into the original plaster walls. We can also consult on this individually to ensure a classic finished look.
Understanding Thickness and Edges
Mix and Match: How to Make Antique and Modern Tile Play Together
Pairing up modern and antique tile is possible, and is something we recommend for more budget-conscience projects. For example, pairing modern subway tiles with antique pencil or border tiles is a great way to add character to a project. Other great pairings we see are Victorian mottled field tile paired with modern pencil tiles, or incorporating a few figural tiles into a backsplash featuring complementary modern field tiles. There are two keys to success:
Make sure you have accommodated for the increased thickness of antique tile. You may need increased mortar or backing for your modern tiles to ensure everything lines up properly, given that modern tiles are typically less thick.
Use historically-accurate grout widths and colors to achieve a more historic look with modern tile. See the Installation section on this page for guidance.
Through our custom design services we can help you successfully incorporate antique tile into your project.
Shipping
Our Packaging, Shipping, and Delivery Process
We pack our tiles in single layers, glaze-side down, with cardboard between each layer. Tiles are securely held by painter's tape and wrapped in two layers of bubble wrap. They are then boxed, marked with “Fragile” stickers, and shipped via UPS. You will receive a tracking number for your package.
Added Insurance
All of our shipped packages come with a provided $100 in insurance should an issue occur in transit. If you would like additional insurance, please reach out to us directly via email.
Shipping in December
Please note that we do not ship tiles from December 10-31. Due to the volume of holiday shipping during this time, we have found that fragile items are sometimes handled with a little less care. To prevent a situation in which a package experiences damage, we no longer ship during this time. We want your irreplaceable tiles to arrive safe and sound!
Our Product Hold Policies and Deposit Options
Product Holds & Returns
We know purchasing antique tile is a big decision, and we want you and your clients to feel confident about the decision. That’s why we are happy to hold products for 7 days completely free of charge. After 7 days, you may continue to hold the tile in your project for additional 30-day increments with a series of deposits. Deposits are applied to the final cost of the project and are nonrefundable. Once a hold ends, tiles are returned to our inventory.
| 7-day Complimentary Hold | Free |
| Additional 30-day hold | 10% of total project cost |
| Additional 60-day hold | 20% of total project cost |
Product Holds and Deposit Schedule
Product Returns and Refunds
We accept product returns for all tiles purchased “off the shelf” without custom design services, with a 100% refund.
We do not accept returns or offer refunds for tiles purchased from approved custom design layouts.
For clients who are experiencing extenuating circumstances after they have approved a custom design layout, please contact us to discuss your situation.
Please see our full Return Policy on our Returns and Refunds page.
Why You Don’t Need 20% Overages with Antique Tile
Ordering
You will experience little to no breakage when using antique tiles. Because of their heft and thickness, they cut exceptionally well when using a diamond blade saw, with no glaze chipping. We like to say, “They cut like butter.” However, we know you don’t want to risk a project timeline because of a snafu! We recommend purchasing a 10% overage when available. As an example, for a Victorian field tile surround, this usually means 2-3 additional tiles. We can help you calculate this based on your project.
Obtaining Samples: Our Sample Policies and Pricing
Simply put, we don’t offer free samples. Because antique tiles are finite and irreplaceable, we cannot accommodate free samples, as it would deplete our inventory. If you need a sample, please purchase individual tiles. We do issue refunds for returned samples. We are also happy to provide additional photographs, connect via video call, or schedule a workshop appointment with you to see tiles. Contact us so we can deliver the visuals you need to have clarity about how your tile choices align with your overall design.