At Historic Decorative Materials, we provide complete transparency regarding our Terms & Conditions and Shipping Policy. The following guidelines outline order verification, lead times, freight and delivery requirements, acceptance procedures, and return eligibility for our tile, wood, and stone flooring collections. Please review this information carefully to ensure a smooth and well-informed purchasing experience.
Curbside Delivery
Curbside delivery means the trucking company delivers materials to the curb only. It is the client’s responsibility to transport the material from the curb to their desired on-site location.
The carrier will not move materials beyond curbside.
Clients must make their own arrangements before delivery to transport material to its final location.
No returns will be accepted for issues related to curbside delivery.
Confirmation Invoice (Legal Contract)
Before purchase, Historic Decorative Materials emails a confirmation invoice for client verification.
Once the client confirms the invoice via email and submits payment, this becomes a legally binding contract specifying the exact materials to be ordered and received.
Inspection Upon Delivery
Upon delivery, the client must inspect all tile, wood, and stone within 3 days to ensure accuracy.
After 3 days, Historic Decorative Materials considers the order accepted in both quantity and appearance.
If material is damaged during shipment:
You must note “damaged” or “concealed damage” on the bill of lading before the carrier leaves.
You must notify Historic Decorative Materials the same day.
If the carrier leaves without damage being noted, the customer will be responsible for filing their own claim.
Refusing the material without following these steps makes the customer responsible for all freight charges.
Customer Acceptance Prior to Installation
Clients or client representatives must inspect all materials before installation. This includes:
French/Belgian reclaimed terra cotta tile
Antique/aged French, Belgian, Italian, or English limestone
Antique Belgian bricks
Aged or reclaimed French/European oak
Antique or aged cement tiles
Decorative wall tiles (Zellige, etc.)
Antique mantels, antique sinks, custom doors
Installation = acceptance.
No adjustments can be made after installation. Materials must be installed from all pallets/cartons for proper blending.
No warranties apply to natural products including reclaimed terra cotta, antique limestone, antique bluestone, and reclaimed/aged French or European oak.
Storage Conditions & Responsibility
Historic Decorative Materials is not responsible for damage caused by improper storage.
Tile, wood, and stone must be stored in a climate-controlled environment.
After 3 days, materials are considered accepted by the client.
If installation is delayed for weeks or months, and materials warp or are damaged due to improper storage, Historic Decorative Materials holds no responsibility.
Lead Times
Lead times vary for all tile, wood, and stone orders.
Not all products are in stock at all times—please order well in advance.
Historic Decorative Materials is not responsible for delays due to:
Customs
Port issues
U.S. or international strikes
Shipping disruptions outside our control
Quantities
Clients or their representatives (architects, builders, designers) are responsible for determining accurate quantities.
We recommend ordering 10% extra for cuts, blending, and potential future needs.
Additions or changes to the order can delay delivery and may result in dye lot variation.
Color/shade matching between shipments cannot be guaranteed.
Installation Responsibilities
Historic Decorative Materials does not install products or provide installation instructions.
All installation must be completed by experienced, professional installers.
Historic Decorative Materials is not responsible for:
Installation errors
Grouting
Sealing or refinishing
Improper cleaning, drying, or curing times
Improper products, chemicals, or misuse
Damage from impact, extreme temperatures, or improper maintenance
Variations in facial dimensions and thickness are allowed per industry standards.
Variation & Uniformity of Natural Materials
Samples cannot represent the full range of natural variation inherent in handmade or reclaimed materials.
Tile, stone, and wood may vary in:
Tone and hue
Thickness
Size
Texture
Surface irregularities (lime pops, rough/smooth patches, natural patina)
Reclaimed terra cotta and Zellige tiles in particular can exhibit extreme variation.
Handmade materials age and patina over time, contributing to their authenticity.
For aged and antique French/European oak:
Expect wide color variations due to natural tannins
Surfaces may lighten or darken as floors oxidize over time
Rugs should not be placed until oxidation is complete
Clients share responsibility for understanding the nature of these materials, including reviewing:
Historic Decorative Material videos
Historic Decorative Material blogs
Visiting the Pavé showroom when possible
Returns – In-Stock Products Only
Returns apply only to in-stock items (excluding antique materials).
Conditions:
Must be in original packaging and original pallets
Must be returned within 10 days with written authorization
Subject to 30% restocking fee
Client pays freight both ways
Must be in resaleable condition
Must be returned in minimum quantity sold
Non-Returnable Items
The following are non-returnable and non-cancelable:
Special or Custom Orders
Wood flooring, treads
Stone
Sealers, waxes, and all care products
Non-Stock Orders Purchased from Independent Suppliers
Cannot be returned or canceled.
Antique Materials
All antique tile, wood, stone, sinks, fireplaces—stocked or not—are non-returnable.
Holding Material
A 20% deposit is required to hold material for approximately 5 business days.
This quantity is removed from stock on the website.
If the client cancels, the 20% deposit is non-refundable.
Storing Material After Purchase
We do not store materials after purchase.
Clients must receive their shipment within 10 working days of the material arriving in our warehouse.
Force Majeure
Historic Decorative Materials is not liable for delays or cancellations caused by events beyond our control, including:
Acts of nature
Government actions
Production delays
Shipping delays
Strikes
Accidents
Additional Policy Information
For full details refund policies, please review our Refund Policies
Understanding Our Order, Delivery & Material Acceptance Policies
By reviewing these Terms & Conditions and our Shipping Policy, clients gain a clear understanding of the ordering, delivery, and acceptance standards for our tile, wood, and stone flooring materials. Historic Decorative Materials is committed to providing accurate information, transparent policies, and industry-standard guidelines for reclaimed French terra cotta, aged French oak flooring, antique limestone, Belgian bluestone, and all natural architectural materials. An informed client ensures a smoother delivery process and the successful installation of these historically inspired products.
