"How can I prepare for my first visit to your showroom?"

Coming prepared will enable our staff to help you through the tile selection process, creating a beautifully coordinated look for your home.

Cabinetry Door or Drawer: Woodwork is a substantial influence to the color pallette of any room. Tile is available in a wide variety of colors, textures and styles, therefore we recommend selecting your cabinetry before finalizing your tile selections.

Counter Top: Whether its granite, marble, or man made, your counter-top adds to the color and texture of the room.   Bring a chip or a chuck of your countertop, it will save you hours of time. 

Blueprints/Drawings/Photos: Knowing the layout of your room will allow our staff to fully understand your project and help you achieve a custom look you desire.

Inspiration: Fabric swatches, samples, magazine photos, decorating books, or photos of other areas of your home, will help us guide you through the tile selection process to fit your personal style.

Budget: H.Winter offers tile in every budget range. Knowing your budget allows us to focus on tile that will fulfill your needs and won’t break the bank. If you are working with a builder or contractor, make sure you understand his estimate. Does it include the cost of the tile? Is there a specific "allowance" for materials? Often builders will give an allowance per square foot. Knowing the general dimensions of your space will help us keep you in your budget requirements.

"Do you install tile?" 

H.Winter & Co. does not install tile. However, we would be happy to recommend local, quality tile contractors. Consult with your contractor or installer prior to finalizing your tile selection.  They will measure the space to determine the amount of tile needed for your project.

"Can I return tile?"   

Full boxes of stocked tiles may be returned within 30 days.  Non-Stocked tiles or special orders may not be returned under any circumstances.

"Do you offer materials, tools or advise?" 

Builders, contractors and Do-It-Yourselfer’s can find all the tools for the job at H.Winter & Co.  Thinset, grout, hardibacker, and everything you need are kept in stock for your tiling needs.

"How do I maintain my new tile?"

TYPE OF TILE	ROUTINE CLEANING	HEAVY-DUTY CLEANING
Glazed tile walls, counter tops	Wipe with damp cloth or sponge using all-purpose cleaner.  Use window cleaner for glossy surfaces.  Wipe dry with cloth.	Clean wih scouring powder, commercial tile cleaner or all-purpose cleaner using non-metallic scouring pad or very fine grade stainless steel pad.  Rinse and wipe dry.
Glazed tile floors	Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles.  Damp mop using solution of water and "soapless detergent."	Use a commercial tile cleaner or a strong solution of water and "soapless detergent."  If stained, use scouring powder paste.  Let stand five minutes, brush and scrub.  Rinse and dry.  For large areas and for areas that are difficult to clean, a power scrubber is recommended.
Glazed tile showers	Use all-purpose or bathroom cleaner.  Allow to stand for five minutes, rinse and dry.  May also use mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar or a commercial tile cleaner.	Use chlorine bleach or hydrogen peroxide.  For stubborn stains, use scouring powder containing a bleaching agent.  Let stand four to six hours, then scrub and rinse thoroughly.  To remove mildew, use a commercial tile cleaner or chlorine bleach or ammonia – do not mix.
Unglazed tile walls	Sponge with a diluted solution of water and "soapless detergent."	Use scouring powder paste.  Let stand five minutes, then scour with brush.  Rinse and wipe dry.
Unglazed tile floors	Vacuum regularly to remove gritty particles.  Damp mop or sponge with water and/or diluted solution of water and "soapless detergent."	Use scouring powder paste.  Let stand five minutes, then scour with brush.  Rinse and wipe dry.  A small brush is suitable for small floors; consider a scrubbing machine for larger areas.
Ceramic tile is one of the most durable and easiest to maintain surfaces you can choose for your walls, floors, counter tops, etc.  With proper care and minimum maintenance, it will retain its original beauty and luster for many years.      Generally, all that's necessary to keep your tile looking as good as new is a quick wipe with a damp cloth or mop.  Heavier cleaning may be called for periodically to refresh your tile that's been neglected for a long time.  No special or unusual treatment is ever required.  And it never needs to be waxed or polished.       To protect the long life of yout tile, just follow the simple suggestions on this page.  You'll see – it's as easy as 1, 2, 3.