about Subway Mosaics

Can I use your tile to repair individual, damaged tiles in my vintage tilework?

We understand the challenge in making repairs to vintage tilework with a new replacement tile. While our unglazed porcelain mosaics are historically authentic to the original, early 20th century tilework, the replacement of individual tiles or small sections of a single floor area will likely be a less than a perfect match. It may be better to correct the underlying cause of the tile damage and replace the tile in its entirety. Please consult with your contractor to determine the best solution to your unique situation.

How can I order samples?

We offer individual field pattern and color palette sample cards for purchase online. Each classic unglazed porcelain sample card contains a swatch of white mosaic tiles with one black accent. The cost for each sample card includes shipping costs.

Please use the link below to order your sample cards: http://www.subwaymosaics.com/sample

Where can I get design help for my tile project?

Please call us first at 888-387-3280. We may not be able to answer all of your questions, but we will certainly offer some tips for getting started on your project. Many excellent magazines are available at the larger bookstores for design inspiration. Don’t be afraid to ask your tile installer for suggestions, as they are the best resource for addressing the technical details of your unique situation. For more creative guidance, we recommend that you seek out the services of an interior designer or architect with extensive experience in tile design.

SubwayTile.com maintains a stock of 3” x 6” and 6” x 6” field and surface trim tile in our standard ‘gloss white’ glaze. Also stocked in white are the Victoria cap, the ‘P’ cap and both sanitary cove base and shoulder cove base moldings along with the associated outside corner trim. For accents we stock the ½” accent strip in the ‘gloss black' glaze. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks to produce the non-stock items in your order.

How do I determine how much tile to order?

Determining the correct quantity of tile to order is often the responsibility of your tile installer. They will be able to account for the number of trim tiles needed and the necessary overage (extra tile) required so they won’t run short at the end of the job.

I am a homeowner. Can I order directly from Heritage Tile?

Due to the technical and historic nature of our tile, Heritage Tile recommends that homeowners order their tile through their tile contractor, architect or designer, or other trade professional working on their project. We also can offer the services of our new tile design studio, Heritage Tile of Oak Park, where you will speak with highly experienced designers capable of assisting you on the most demanding restoration project. Go to our order info page for more information.

I am a trade professional. How can I place my tile order?

Qualified trade professionals can prepare a purchase order and send to Heritage Tile by email (sales@heritagetile.com), by fax (1-608-237-7291), or call us toll-free at 1-888-387-3280 if you prefer to place your order by phone. We will then prepare a Sales Order with the items ordered including shipping costs that will be emailed or faxed back to you for your approval before your order is processed.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Payment for purchase orders submitted by qualified trade accounts can be made with Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards. Trade accounts may also pay by check only if drawn from a business account and accompanied by a commercial purchase order.

How will my order be shipped?

Heritage Tile offers several options for shipping your tile order, including FedEx package delivery and FedEx Freight. The final cost of each shipping method will be calculated once all of your tile selections are submitted as a purchase order. Your sales estimate will reflect the least expensive shipping method if you have not stated a preference. Customers also have the option to arrange for pick-up using their own preferred shipper.

Can you expedite my order?

Heritage Tile offers expedited FedEx Next Day or 2nd Day Air shipping options for stock orders that need to be on the jobsite fast. Please note that orders received after 3:00 PM CST may not ship until the next business day.

How can I find out when my tile will arrive?

When your order ships a shipping confirmation is sent via email with your tracking number. Freight shipment confirmations will include a website where you can find the contact information for the local service center, who will contact you to arrange for delivery.

What color of grout should I use?

The color and intensity of the grout that you choose can make a significant effect on the overall effect of the tile installation.

The mosaic tile patterns will be emphasized more when a more contrasting color is used. On the other hand, you may want to create a more monolithic tile surface with a grout that matches the tile color. Either way is OK - it is your personal opinion and aesthetic sensibility that matters. Please note that lighter grout shades may be more likely to show traffic patterns than darker shades in some circumstances. Be sure to consult with your tile contractor about grout selection, as this is an important decision and will affect the final result.

Does my mosaic tile floor need to be sealed?

Tile sealing is another important issue to discuss with your tile installer. We recommend applying a penetrating sealer prior to grouting for: (1) honed marble mosaics to prevent grout pigments from staining these porous surfaces and; (2) unglazed porcelain to act as a grout release that prevents a grout film from forming on the unglazed tile surface, making clean-up easier. A second application of a penetrating sealer is required once the grout has cured. Please refer to the manufacturer's instructions for suitability and proper application of any sealer.

What if I need more tile?

Place your order for the additional tile needed on the project as soon as you can. We will treat your ‘add-on’ order as our highest priority to minimize your delay in completing the project.

Don’t hesitate to request our assistance in reviewing your order with you. While your installer should accept the responsibility of calculating the tile amount he will need for the project, we can look for items they may have overlooked.

What if some tiles are damaged in shipment?

For normal FedEx package shipments, Heritage Tile carefully double-boxes all shipping cartons to minimize the possibility of tile damage. Should you find damaged tiles due to improper handling, contact us immediately so we can assist you in filing a damage claim. Remember to save all shipping cartons as they may need to be inspected by the shipping company. For freight shipments, note any signs of external damage to the truck driver, then contact us so we can assist you further. Refer to the “Terms & Conditions of Sale” document for our complete shipping policy.

What should I do with the leftover tile?

The amount of tile ordered for any project should always include some amount of extra tile or ‘overage’. This is necessary to prevent the possibility of a shortage near the end of the project. A tile shortage can be both annoying and costly, and you should expect a reasonable amount of tile left if all goes well. Place this extra tile in a safe place where you (or the next homeowner) can find it should the need arise someday.

We always advise that you consider keeping some quantity "just in case ...". We routinely hear from frustrated homeowners seeking a match to their vintage tile in order to repair a tile or two without having to replace an entire bathroom wall. In the event that a mistake is made and you have more leftover tile than expected, we do have a return policy detailed in our Terms and Conditions of Sale document.