Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our tiles, shipping, and custom orders.
About Portuguese Tile Society
What is Portuguese Tile Society?+
Portuguese Tile Society is a Portugal-based decorative tile studio inspired by the history, artistry, and storytelling tradition of Portuguese azulejos.
We create decorative ceramic tiles, custom photo tiles, and Portuguese-inspired artwork designed to celebrate memories, places, culture, and meaningful moments.
Are your tiles made in Portugal?+
Yes. Our tiles are designed and produced in Portugal.
We proudly draw inspiration from traditional Portuguese tile art while combining several media to include sublimation printing, handpainting, and mixed-media approaches.
Are your tiles handmade?+
Our products involve handcrafted or artisan finishing processes. Because of this, slight variations in color, placement, texture, or finish may occur and are considered part of the character of each piece. We do not use a simple digital filter, which you may find in use by other vendors. Therefore, each piece does not have a repetitive look or border, nor do we simply replicate a photo for our photo-based custom tiles. We seek to offer a artist designed rendition that cleans the background, adds intention aesthetic, and avoids simple photo-realism.
Products & Use
Are your tiles functional or decorative?+
Our tiles are decorative art pieces designed primarily for display and décor purposes.
They are ideal for:
- Shelf displays
- Easels and stands
- Framed art
- Gifts and keepsakes
- Home décor styling
They are not intended for:
- Flooring
- Outdoor use
- Heavy-use surfaces
Can your tiles be installed on walls or used outdoors?+
Display pieces and are not intended for permanent installation, outdoor environments, flooring, showers, backsplashes, or high-moisture applications. However, with preparation of a UV coating, they can be installed traditionally on walls.
Prolonged exposure to weather, standing water, UV light, or heavy heat may affect the finish over time.
Are your tiles waterproof or heat resistant?+
Our sublimated ceramic tiles are designed for indoor decorative use. They are generally water-resistant and can tolerate normal indoor temperatures, but they are not intended for:
- Outdoor exposure
- Direct flame or extreme heat
- Standing water
- High-moisture environments
- Permanent architectural installation
To help preserve the artwork and finish:
- Display indoors
- Avoid prolonged moisture exposure
- Clean gently with a soft cloth
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing
Do the tiles come with hanging hardware?+
Unless otherwise stated on the product page, tiles do not include mounting hardware.
Many customers choose to display them using:
- Easels
- Decorative stands
- Shadow boxes
- Framed displays
Are the colors exactly the same in person?+
Colors may vary slightly depending on:
- Screen settings
- Device brightness
- Printing processes
- Ceramic surface variation
We do our best to accurately represent product colors and finishes in our photography.
Shipping & Delivery
Do you ship internationally?+
Yes. We proudly ship worldwide from Portugal.
Shipping costs and delivery estimates are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.
How long does shipping take?+
Estimated delivery times after dispatch:
- Portugal: 1–3 business days
- European Union: 3–7 business days
- United States & Canada: 5–12 business days
- International orders: 7–15 business days
Custom tile orders may require additional design and production time before shipping.
Will I receive tracking information?+
Yes. Once your order ships, you will receive a tracking number by email.
Will I have to pay customs or import fees?+
Orders shipped outside the European Union may be subject to customs duties, VAT, import taxes, or carrier handling fees depending on your country’s regulations.
These charges are determined by your local customs authority and are the responsibility of the customer.
Returns & Refunds
What is your return policy?+
We offer 30-day returns on non-custom tile orders.
To qualify for a return:
- Items must be unused and in original condition
- Return requests must be submitted within 30 days of delivery
- Customers are responsible for return shipping unless the item arrived damaged or incorrect
Refunds are issued to the original payment method after the return is received and inspected.
Can I return a custom tile order?+
Custom tile orders are shown for final approval prior to shipping. Therefore, tile orders are final sale and non-refundable.
Because each custom tile is created specifically from your submitted image, artwork, or request, we cannot accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations once production begins.
What happens if my order arrives damaged?+
If your order arrives damaged, contact us within 72 hours of delivery and include:
- Your order number
- Photos of the packaging
- Photos of the damaged item
We will work quickly to replace the item or resolve the issue.
Can I cancel my order?+
Non-custom orders may be cancelled before shipment.
Custom orders cannot be cancelled once design or production work has started.
Custom Tiles
How does the custom tile process work?+
- Upload your photo or artwork
- Our team reviews the image quality
- We prepare a custom tile mockup and design proof
- You review and approve the design
- Production begins after approval
- Your tile ships from Portugal
This process helps ensure your final tile looks as beautiful as possible before printing.
What kinds of photos work best for custom tiles?+
For the best results, we recommend:
- High-resolution images
- Good lighting
- Clear focus
- Original photo files instead of screenshots
If your image may not print well, we will contact you before production with recommendations.
Can you help improve or edit my photo?+
Yes. Basic adjustments such as cropping, positioning, and print optimization are included when possible.
More advanced editing or restoration requests may require additional design time or fees.
Can I create a tile from an old family photo?+
Absolutely. Family photos, wedding portraits, pets, homes, travel memories, and meaningful places are some of the most popular custom tile requests we receive.
What tile sizes do you offer?+
Available sizes may vary by collection and custom order type. Product pages will list available dimensions directly on each listing.
If you need a specific size for a project or gift, contact us before ordering.
General
Do you offer wholesale or bulk orders?+
Yes. We offer larger orders for:
- Weddings and events
- Hospitality spaces
- Restaurants and cafés
- Interior designers
- Corporate gifting
- Retail shops
Please contact us for custom pricing and lead times.
Are your tiles good for gifts?+
Yes. Portuguese-inspired tiles make meaningful gifts for:
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Housewarmings
- Memorials
- Birthdays
- Family celebrations
- Portugal lovers and travelers
How should I care for my tiles?+
To help preserve your tile:
- Clean gently with a soft cloth
- Avoid abrasive cleaners
- Avoid prolonged moisture exposure
- Handle carefully to avoid chipping
- Keep indoors and away from extreme heat
How do I contact Portuguese Tile Society?+
You can reach us through our contact page or custom order form and we will get back to you as soon as possible from Portugal.