If we have an order in stock, we can have it delivered in two or three days.

Because our pamments are air dried, the natural drying process may take from two to three months. There are always pamments at different stages of drying, so it may be that an order is only a couple of weeks away from being ready to be fired.

The lead time is calculated from the date on which the order is confirmed.

It is good to take this into account that there may be a wait when considering making an order.

We are happy to arrange delivery, although customers are welcome to collect their order if they wish.

Orders are carefully packed, wrapped and strapped on pallets and delivered by Cross Country Carriers, who we heartily recommend.

We prefer payment by bank transfer but will accept cheques. We do not take card payments.

All orders are to be paid for (cheques having cleared) before leaving the factory.

Bespoke orders and seconds are to be paid in full to confirm the order. In the case of seconds, to secure them.

Pamments are suitable for outdoor use provided that they are laid with a 1 in 80 to 1 in 50 fall so that water does not pool on them.

For appropriate treatments, contact us with your specific requirements.

Pamments have excellent heat retention properties which make them perfect partners with under floor heating. With hot water (wet) underfloor heating, pamments will be laid on a concrete screed using flexible products (see below). If you are installing electric (dry) underfloor heating, please contact the system supplier or your installer. Pamments need to be laid on an inflexible screed.

Flexible grout and adhesives are readily available. Most sealants/impregnators are underfloor heating friendly and will generally need to be applied with the heating off. Follow the manufacturers directions.

Contact us for product options.

Our handmade pamments are characterised by their imperfections of texture and variations of colour and size.When they are taken out of the kiln, our experienced production team decide if the imperfections, variations or curves are in excess of what can be acceptable as firsts. We take pride in maintaining our standards.

The seconds like the firsts are structurally sound and are made with the same care. However, natural clay which has not been homogenised is not entirely predictable. 'Lime pops' are typical imperfections (see FAQ 16).

The best way to see the difference between firsts and seconds is to look at them at the factory and compare them.

We do not reserve seconds. They are sold on a first come first served basis.

Customers are welcome to select their own seconds.

When the pamments are graded into firsts and seconds any left over are classified as 'garden grade'.

They may have blemished surfaces, chips missing, distortions etc but are useful for rustic paths, greenhouse flooring etc.

Visitors to the factory are invited to pick through them and make their own selection. Price on application.

They should be kept dry and clean. Any sharp edges can be smoothed with a coarse carborundum stone.

Read all information packed in each pallet. If the order is for mixed colours or firsts and seconds, it will be clearly marked. Pallets are best unpacked and the pamments laid out on the floor to ensure that different grades, colours and batches are spread out and mixed evenly and attractively.

Work as cleanly as possible. Pamments are easily marked before they are sealed as they are porous.

With damp proof membrane: ordinary floor tile adhesive or cement and sand. The same adhesive may also be used on thick plywood which has been reinforced to prevent movement.

Without damp proof membrane: microporous breathable adhesive- hydraulic lime mortar (NHL and sharp/grit sand, 4 sand to 1 lime ratio) or Rapidset Adhesive. For help and advice on breathable floors contact The Limecrete Company.

The screed should be dry before laying pamments. Be advised by your installer/tiler.

With a damp proof membrane: a mix of kiln dried sand and white cement or a proprietary brand such as BAL Grout or MAPEI.

Without a damp proof membrane: contact The Limecrete Company or use a flexible grout such as Superflex Wide Joint.

Choose a grout colour which complements or contrasts with the colour of the pamments. Try it on a spare tile.

Clean and seal the pamments before grouting to avoid staining them. Clean off excess grout as you work.

Pamments are by nature porous so need to be treated to become water and stain proof. There are many excellent products available which can enhance colour, add a gloss or satin finish or protect invisibly for a natural look. They can 'antique' the pamments either to match existing old tiles or to create an aged weathered appearance.

Some of the products suggested have been tested on our pamments by the manufacturers who offer excellent technical advice if needed (see Links page). Others have been recommended by satisfied customers or experienced tilers.

Contact us with your specific requirements.

There are limited storage facilities. Depending on the stock levels, we may be able to offer storage. Contact us to check availability and terms.

We can normally store an order for 2 weeks once it's complete. After that the storage cost is £10.00 per pallet per month.

Do not allow spillage of any sort to remain on the floor.

Whatever the sealant or impregnator used, avoid abrasive or strong detergent cleaning products. Ecover floor soap is mild but effective.It has a natural oil base which can improve some finishes. For a sealed or varnished floor Method Squirt and Mop Hard Floor Cleaner is suitable.

Try either on a small area first.

Porosity can be checked by putting a tbsp of water on the floor. If it has been absorbed in 5-10 minutes the floor may need resealing or waxing.

Boiled linseed oil is the traditional finish for pamments, usually waxed with beeswax. It deepens and enriches the colour.

It is tricky to apply properly, requiring a lot of time, skill and patience. LTP have developed a boiled linseed oil which is simpler to apply and a range of complementary waxes including an 'antique' wax.

See the excellent YouTube guide on How To Fix & Seal Hand Made Terracotta.

For DIY cleaning, contact LTP, Lithofin or HG for advice.

See Links page.

As we use raw clay, it sometimes has fragments of limestone in it. Limestone can 'pop' causing a small depression with a white nodule in the bottom. The structural integrity of the pamment is not compromised. The depression can be filled with grout and sealed.

See our Links page for local tilers.