Yudit & Chris on wed 27 aug 97
Hi Everyone,
Here's another one of my many questions. I recently got a tile commission
(hurray!), and am having difficulties pricing my work. Tried looking at
other manufactured tiles, that didn't help (obviously, but I was desperate
since tiles, esspecially handmade are difficult to price). This is what I
know so far about the job, if any of you out there have any rough way of
pricing work you could share.
1. They all need to be formed in a press mold, I'm in the process of
building the Frank Giorgini tile press.
2. They will be fired in the 04-06 range.
3. Glazes will be Mayco (I know they aren't cheap, but I have no time to
experiment)
4. I won't be laying the tiles, just making them, so I thought to charge by
the square foot.
This is my first real job in tile making, and since its through my sister
in law who is a designer, I promised to undercut the market and give a
pretty good deal. I don't even have a clue what to charge. If anyone can
give a ball park of what to charge per square foot, I would be very
greatful, and maybe get some sleep...
Chris in Newport Beach CA
"If at first you don't succeed, try,try again.
Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it."
W.C. Fields
Leo Peck on thu 28 aug 97
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi Everyone,
>
>Here's another one of my many questions. I recently got a tile commission
>(hurray!), and am having difficulties pricing my work. Tried looking at
>other manufactured tiles, that didn't help (obviously, but I was desperate
>since tiles, esspecially handmade are difficult to price). This is what I
>know so far about the job, if any of you out there have any rough way of
>pricing work you could share.
>
>1. They all need to be formed in a press mold, I'm in the process of
>building the Frank Giorgini tile press.
>
>2. They will be fired in the 04-06 range.
>
>3. Glazes will be Mayco (I know they aren't cheap, but I have no time to
>experiment)
>
>4. I won't be laying the tiles, just making them, so I thought to charge by
>the square foot.
>
>This is my first real job in tile making, and since its through my sister
>in law who is a designer, I promised to undercut the market and give a
>pretty good deal. I don't even have a clue what to charge. If anyone can
>give a ball park of what to charge per square foot, I would be very
>greatful, and maybe get some sleep...
>
>Chris in Newport Beach CA
>
>
>"If at first you don't succeed, try,try again.
> Then quit. No use being a damn fool about it."
>
> W.C. Fields
Hello Chris,
I have made that tile press, and it works. Be sure you have a good glaze
fit to the clay body. Is it going to be frost freeze proof? Don't make
them to thin because you will have problems. You may look at my sight at
Tiles On The Web or at Pecktile@napanet.net
Good luck Leo Peck
Paul Lewing on thu 28 aug 97
Chris,
Most of the tile makers in my area are charging between $60 and $100
per square foot for tile. You're right to charge by the square foot,
as that is how tile is always priced. However, if some of the tiles
are plainer or require less work that others, you may want to charge
less for them. And it is customary to give a designer a price break
if they are reselling the tiles to the client.
I charge $80/ sq ft myself, and very seldom do I make the tiles. That
does not include installation.
Remember that what is commercially available is pretty uninteresting
and if you can produce an original and pleasing product, that talent
is rare, and you should be paid accordingly. DON'T GIVE IT AWAY!
To see one of my tile jobs, check out my part of the Insight page at
http://digitalfire.com/education/people/lewing.htm.
Paul Lewing, Seattle
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