Antique terracotta floor bricks should be treated as an appearance brief, not a statement of genuine age, salvage history or provenance. Define the desired fired colour, texture, edge character and variation, then approve current production samples and a mock-up. Separately verify the archived 100 × 200 mm module and full current geometry.
Define “antique” without claiming provenance
Describe the visual references that matter: broad or narrow fired colour range, surface relief, softened or crisp edges, marks, inclusions, tonal clustering and joint character. Avoid terms such as reclaimed, historic, hand-aged or salvaged unless current documents establish them. A design label should not become an unsupported material-history claim.
Create a reference board using physical samples, adjacent materials and representative images. Note which qualities are essential and which are optional. The board communicates intent, while labelled production samples define what may actually be supplied. Keep these roles separate in the approval record.
Write the approved commercial description in neutral terms such as antique-style, aged-effect or another accurately documented finish name. State explicitly that it describes appearance unless provenance is separately evidenced. Use the same wording in schedules, quotations and handover records so later marketing language cannot transform a current manufactured product into an alleged historic material.
Verify the archived 100 × 200 mm format
Request a current code and drawing showing length, width, actual thickness, edge, surface, rear profile, tolerances, squareness, warpage criteria and mass. Ask whether FF2211 remains valid and whether the archived 100 × 200 × 12 mm size is current. Do not omit thickness from the order.
Measure several current samples and build the module from the unit plus intended joint. For repairs, survey existing bricks and joint widths across more than one location. A nominal 100 × 200 mm face does not prove compatible depth, rear geometry, edge or fired body.
Approve a representative appearance range
Colour
Retain accepted lighter, typical and darker units without promising fixed proportions.
Texture
Define representative relief and marks, plus any surface conditions that are rejected.
Edges
Record accepted irregularity while protecting the buildable module and joint line.
Blend
State how cartons or production lots should be distributed across the paving field.
The control set should represent production, not three specially selected perfect pieces. Label every sample and approval date. If the body, finish, production route or batch changes materially, review a new set instead of assuming the word “antique” guarantees the same effect.
Ask the supplier to present a carton-level or larger range where practical. Record accepted light, typical and dark boundaries, texture and edge examples, and clearly marked rejects. Note whether blending is random, graded or arranged by zone. This gives production and site teams a repeatable decision rule instead of asking each installer to interpret the reference image independently.
Use pattern and joints to support the effect
Test bond, orientation, joint width and colour, borders, transitions and cuts with actual approved dimensions. A regular grid can calm a highly varied surface; a more active bond may intensify it. Select the composition deliberately for the space, lighting and viewing distance.
Build a representative mock-up large enough to reveal repetition, clustering, lippage and joint rhythm. Include an edge, drain or adjoining material. Review it dry and after controlled wetting, because temporary darkening may change the perceived range. Record the approved blending method.
Separate aged appearance from performance
Define traffic, loads, wetting, contaminants, cleaning and freeze–thaw exposure where relevant. Request current exact-product evidence for the project’s slip, abrasion, strength, absorption, chemical or other criteria. Appearance variation does not prove durability, and controlled edge character should not be treated automatically as damage.
The responsible specialists should define formation or structure, base, bedding or adhesive, joints, movement, drainage and edge restraint. The terracotta floor tile range supports early selection only; current product and assembly documents must govern approval.
Control batches, repairs and cleaning
Identify production lots on packing and delivery records. Open a controlled carton selection before full installation and compare it with the retained range. Distribute units according to the blending plan and isolate material outside approved boundaries. Record installed lots and zones.
Trial cleaning and any proposed treatment on the mock-up. A treatment may change colour, sheen or maintenance and should not be assumed reversible. Retain labelled spares for repairs, but acknowledge that a later patch may remain visible. The project gallery can help discuss contextual intent.
Release a precise appearance-led order
Align code, drawing, current dimensions, appearance range, mock-up, performance evidence, assembly, quantities, specials, spares, packing and programme. Confirm pallet size and weight, delivery sequence, protected storage and lot identification. Compare complete scope, not a vague antique description.
Handover should retain final layout, installed batches, control samples, cleaning guidance and spare inventory. Describe the supplied finish accurately in records and avoid creating a fictional date or provenance. Future repairs should use the current drawing and samples rather than the archive title alone.