Shaun has been trying to source customized encoustic cement tiles for floors with little success. He enquired regarding the possibility of us developing a handmade ceramic tile that could mimic the cement tiles.

Gerrit:

What can Southern Art Ceramic Design do for him?

• We can match colours
• Design patterns for the tiles and even do the layout for your floors!
• Design and produce tiles of different shapes.
• Use a matt low gloss glaze

Here is the result of a 200 x 200mm tile that I fired for him.

A close-up shot to show the tracction on the glaze.

Shaun: Thanks for your follow up email.

• Please let me know if you are able to assist me with the encaustic cement tiles – as you say it would probably make more sense to do a smaller feature area rather than a wall to wall tiled area.
• As a matter of interest, could you possible send me more pictures of the blue and white patterned tiles that you installed in the kitchen in the picture below:
• We will need to finalize decisions on splash back tiles fairly soon. Do you any more  encaustic style patterns that you can send to me?
• Please also let me know if you have any plans to travel to Jhb any time soon, it would be beneficial to meet with you together with Craig Jacobs from Delawood who is doing our kitchen.
• I produced a 200 x 200mm sample tile with a “NorthAfrican – styled design”. The design and colours can be customized.

Gerrit:

• For the colour I shall need Dulux/Plascon paint swatch references to develop the colours.
• My designer will be able to assist with the designs or you could provide us with reference material to develop the theme for you.
• Be so kind to provide me with your estimated deadlines and drawings if you want to proceed and need a quote
• Regarding the tile, it is glazed with a matt glaze with a satin surface texture. I used glaze from previous orders and will possible redesign the glaze once I see your preferred colour field.
• For a more detailed process on the Villas where we have designed Maroccan – styled tiles - http://www.handmadetiles.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127:moroccan-lodge-bendal-brief&catid=94:villa-bendall&Itemid=189

Shaun:

• Please let me know if you are able to supply an exact copy of the tile seen in the attached picture?
• If so, please quote delivery time and price per sq m.

Gerrit: Thank you for the opportunity to quote.

Notes:

Pattern:

• Yes, we could do a close copy of the pattern.

Shape:

• Flat 100 x 100mm tile. We could adjust the size if necessary – forward the kitchen drawings.

Colour:

• Similar to image? Plascon or Dulux swatch ref. codes could assist us.

Delivery:

• Our standard quotes are for a delivery to transport agent of 30 working days. 45 working days qualify for a 20% discount and less than 15 working days will be quoted at standard plus 30%.

Quote:

• 30 working days from date of payment = R7125 incl. 14% VAT/ m2
• 45 working days from date of payment = R5700 incl. 14% VAT/m2
• We shall only produce the final product once payment is received, and after the client, where required, has approved the final samples and layouts.
• Delivery will be quoted separately.
• I shall forward an official quote once I have the accurate quantities and you decide to proceed.

Shaun:

• I am certainly still considering an order from you. Having said that, I did not expect the cost of the tiles to be as high as they are.
• I will send through some drawings of the kitchen later today.
• I would also need to see a mock of the tile before confirming an order. Unfortunately I don’t have any colour codes for you, you will have to use the picture that I sent as a reference.
• The white/cream colour in the picture seems to have an almost aged/vintage/antique effect. Is this possible to achieve?
• The anticipated instillation date for the kitchen is mid january 2012.
• Kitchen drawing attached. Please could you insert the correct tile pattern.

Gerrit:

• Your initial samples will be ready for dispatch on Wednesday – please forward a delivery address.
• My designer looked at the drawings, and the best will be to provide you with the optimum size for the pattern to work seamlessly – with no cut/tiles/patterns at the edges. I suppose Delawood is only doing presentations at present – but Gillian can liaise with them so that they can design around the feature tiles if possible. If they could send her theestimated sizes to prepare the layout, she could then provide the parameters of the final tiles as a unit for them to design the cabinetry.

Regarding the comments about the price, one must take the following into account:

• Our studio can only use schooled labour due to each project being different and highly complex.
• Your order will be customized according to your personal tastes.
• R&D will be involved to personalize your contract.
• Extra services regarding visualization, lay-outs, etc.
• Services outside normal working hours will always apply as is normal with high end production like ours.
• High quality porcelain tiles will be the ultimate choice for a high-end kitchen like yours.
• Porcelain tiles are practical, hygienic and easy to clean. The fact that it is impervious to odors/smells and spills and that it will not incur maintenance/costs  before and afterwards is a compelling reason to use instead of the cheaper alternatives like cement tiles.

To make the costs more palatable, I will supply the tiles at a reduced price on my 60 working day deadline.

Quote:

• 30 working days from date of payment = R7125 incl. 14% VAT/ m2
• 45 working days from date of payment = R5700 incl. 14% VAT/m2
• 60 working days from date of payment = R4987.50 incl. 14% VAT/m2
• We shall only produce the final product once payment is received, and after the client, where required, has approved the final samples and layouts.
• Delivery will be quoted separately.