1.  What makes Old World tiles unique?
All of our tiles are handmade and hand painted.  Unlike many tiles on the market that have been machine made to appear handmade, our tiles truly are handmade.  As a result, our tiles have a charm, warmth, romance and antique feel.

2.  Where can your tiles be used?
Our tiles can be used almost anywhere -  kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, fountains, outdoor walls and entry ways, fireplaces, patio benches, outdoor kitchens and many other places.  In fact, some clients adhere cork or Feltac to the back of the tiles to make drink coasters which match their backsplash, fireplace surround or outdoor area!  

Our tiles can be used on floors but only as accents or borders.  It is common to see our decorative tiles used with saltillo floors but only as an accent.  They should not be used in mass on floors or heavy traffic areas.  

Our tiles cannot be used in pools or outside in frost-likely climates.  Our tiles are not frost-proof.  

3.  What variances or characteristics of a handmade tile can I expect to see in my tiles?
Due to the handmade processes involved in creating our tiles, you can expect to see differences in:
- exact size (tile size can range from 102mm - 108mm) 
- exact weight (tile weight varies between 145g - 175g)
- exact paint application 
- appearance of crazing marks in some tiles which is not a fault but lends to the antique appearance
-  tiles may not be exactly flat or perfectly square

4.  I want to place an order.  What do I need to do?
Please use the Order Page on our web site to let us know about your selections.  Alternately, you may call us on 07 3289 1434 or send a fax to 07 3289 6062.  Upon receipt, we will generate a quote for you which will include shipping and handling of your tiles from our Brisbane location to your location.  If you decide to proceed with the order, we require full payment in advance of shipping your product to you.

5.  How long does it take for my tiles to be delivered to me?
Upon receipt of payment, your tiles will be shipped to you from our warehouse.  The stock held in our warehouse is more than sufficient for most projects.  If the tiles are in stock, you should have them within 
2 - 3 weeks.  We cannot guarantee an exact date as it can depend on shipping factors that are outside of our control.  Please keep in mind, our stock is always changing depending on orders received and new stocks arriving.  For larger orders or out-of-stock orders, we will have to place an order with our manufacturers.  This process requires additional time.  Please allow approximately 8 - 10 weeks for tiles to be delivered to you if this is the case.  When Old World Tiles receives your order, we will send a quote with expected delivery times.  Additionally, please call or email if you require specific information on the stock of a particular tile.

6.  Can I purchase samples from Old World Tiles?
Yes, we are pleased to sell samples.  The price for samples is the same as the price for each tile plus shipping and handling.  Please note, the cost of shipping/handling a few sample tiles is not indicative of the price to ship your actual order. We use alternate shipping methods when sending complete orders which brings the shipping and handling costs per tile down. 

7.  What form of payment do you accept?
Currently, you may pay by direct deposit, paypal, cheque or bank cheque.

8.  Where do you ship your tiles to?
Anywhere in Australia and New Zealand.

9.  Will my tiles be insured for any damage which may occur during shipping?
Yes.  All of our tiles are hand packed and checked for quality prior to shipping.  If damage occurs, please contact us immediately so that we can begin the claims process and resubmit your order.

10.  I have seen a particular Spanish, Mediterranean, Mexican or Moroccan tile that I would like to use.  I cannot see the tile on your site.  Can you source other tile designs?
Absolutely!  Yes, we have access to many tile designs -- too many to be included on our web site.  Feel free to send a picture with description of your tile choice and Old World Tiles can locate it and provide a quote for fulfillment.  You may also call to discuss your needs.

11.  I would like to stock Old World Tiles.  Do you import for distribution to retailers, designers, builders?
Yes, we are currently looking for resellers in a variety of Australian and New Zealand locations.  Please call Deidre to discuss stocking Old World Tiles.  Deidre 07 3289 1434

12.  If the tiles are not exactly identical and perfectly flat, how do I lay them?
We always recommend that you use an experienced tiler who has worked with specialty tiles.  The tiler will have to know how to build up the surface area if the tile is not completely flat so there are no void areas behind the tile and he or she will have to be skilled in tile application without using spacers.

13.  What size grout line should be used with these tiles?
This is completely up to you but here are a few ideas that may help you select a width:
If you want a rustic charm to your tile project -- approximately 9mm.
If you want to recreate the tile arrangements found in old Spanish, Mediterranean and Californian homes, a fine grout line is recommended.  Keep in mind, the finer your grout line, the more apparent the tile characteristics become.  So uneven edges, slight size differences, paint differences will be more noticeable.  
Remember when you are deciding on a grout line that a fine grout line will exaggerate the characteristics of the tiles while a wider grout line will tend to blend the tiles.  We strongly recommend that you or your tiler lay out your tiles prior to the job beginning so that you can decide what size grout line and what tile layout appeals most to you.

14.  What colour grout should I use?
The most popular colour is off-white.  However, some people who wish to showcase the crazing of the tile choose a grout colour which contrasts with the tile colour.   If you want a more unified appearance, then choose a colour similar to the tile.

15.  Do I need to seal my Old World tiles?  
The tiles are glazed therefore they are already fairly resistant to the elements.  However, we do recommend that you thinly apply a water repellant and a sealer more for the protection of the grout than the tile.  Make sure these steps are done when the tile and grout joints are completely dry.  An experienced tiler can recommend the best practice and products.

16.  I have a rendered home that needs "accessorising".  Are your tiles ideal for such applications?
Absolutely!  One of the most popular uses for these tiles is to breathe life back into a plain rendered home or one that is beginning to show signs of age such as cracking render or dirty render.  These tiles provide an instant face-lift to rendered houses.  Whether you apply them around an entrance or onto a wall or even a nearby water feature, your home will instantly brighten up.  When paired with aging render, you can achieve a beautiful antique look.

17.  What style of Australian house are your tiles suited to?
Of course our tiles are most common in Spanish, Mediterranean, Californian, Revival style homes but they are also gorgeous in the many Australian styles.  These tiles are pieces of ceramic art so they bring character, colour and style to any home.  Recently the owner of a remodelled Queenslander purchased tiles from us for a kitchen backsplash.  She is so happy with the result that now she is purchasing tiles for around her entry way leading from an outdoor entertaining area into the home.  Similarly, we have supplied tiles for a home completely remodeled in the French Country style.  The entire kitchen, a bathroom, the laundry and outdoor entertaining areas were done with our decorative tiles and the result was beautiful.  The tiles brought splashes of colour and antique charm to the subdued French Country design.  

The Aussie outdoor lifestyle is a perfect match for these tiles.  They are spectacular used in outdoor entertaining areas or near pools, especially with a margarita in hand!

Please feel free to contact us at customerservice@oldworldtiles.com.au if you have any questions regarding our tiles.