Whether you’re a designer, architect, or simply curious about what makes handmade tiles so unique, this guide will help you understand how craftsmanship, materials, and careful processing come together to create tiles that are rich and made to last.
Consider using handmade tiles for your next interior project.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire production process of handmade tiles—from forming the clay base to glazing, firing, and final finishing.
Whether you’re a designer, architect, or simply curious about what makes handmade tiles so unique, this guide will help you understand how craftsmanship, materials, and careful processing come together to create tiles that are rich and made to last.
If a sample or a special size is required, the tile base is usually cut from existing slabs or half-finished pieces to achieve the desired dimension
For standardized production, clay is shaped using molds through either extrusion or pressing methods, resulting in ready-to-use base bodies in specific shapes and sizes.
Cut bases must be High-temperature dried in a kiln to remove moisture, preventing cracks or breakage during high-temperature firing.
Molded bases that have naturally dried to the right moisture level can proceed directly to the next step.
For lighter glaze colors, such as cream, pale green, or off-white, a base glaze layer is applied before the main glaze.
This base coat (usually white or semi-transparent) enhances color vibrancy and improves glaze adhesion.
It also stabilizes the surface texture and helps achieve even color during firing.
After applying the base glaze and completing the first firing, we begin preparing the final glaze.
Skilled glaze technicians custom-mix glaze formulas based on the designer’s requirements. Key considerations include:
glazes are applied by hand spraying, which gives a unique, organic finish.
Semi-automated spray systems are used—balancing efficiency with a handmade touch.
Glazed tiles are fired at around 1200°C in a kiln.
During this process, the glaze melts and interacts with the clay body, sometimes resulting in kiln effects (or “kiln variation”)—beautiful, natural irregularities in color and texture.
Each tile comes out slightly different, making every piece visually unique.
After firing, some tiles may go through a surface washing treatment, especially if a weathered, aged, or distressed look is desired.
This extra step adds a tactile, handcrafted feel to the tiles—perfect for high-end custom projects.
An optional mesh-backing service is available for clients who require easier installation or specific project-based mounting systems.
After the tiles have passed inspection, we can apply a fiberglass mesh to the back of each piece or group of pieces, ensuring alignment, stability, and simplified on-site application—especially useful for mosaics or feature walls.
This added step supports both residential and commercial installations by saving time and ensuring precision during tile layout.
Every tile is manually inspected to ensure quality and consistency.
Final tiles are sorted, packaged, and secured with shock-resistant materials to ensure safe delivery—especially important for fragile, high-value handmade tiles.
Handmade tile production is a careful balance of art and technique. From customized base cutting to expert glazing and high-temperature firing, each step adds depth and individuality.
If you’re looking for tiles that tell a story—not just fill a space—understanding how they’re made helps you choose better and design with confidence.
