Looking to give your home or project a unique touch? Artisanal tiles India made by local tile craftspeople offer charm that mass-produced tiles can’t match. From charming Athangudi patterns to modern handmade studio designs, this guide covers everything—from knowing styles, finding makers, working with artisans, to buying and installing.
1. Why Choose Artisanal & Handmade Tiles?
- Unique character – Slight variations in color and shape add warmth.
- Handle quality – Made by hands, these tiles often use traditional clay and natural pigments.
- Support local crafts – Buying from artisans keeps traditional art alive.
- Eco-friendly – Many use local materials and low-waste methods.
- Long-lasting – With good installation, these tiles can last decades.
2. Popular Indian Artisanal Tile Traditions
🟥 Athangudi Tiles (Tamil Nadu)
Handmade in Athangudi village since the 19th century, they feature geometric or floral cement patterns and rich reds, mustard, green, and grey tones. Their matte finish smoothens over time, adding subtle shine—ideal for courtyards, kitchens, or textured floors.
🟨 Mangalore Tiles (Rooftop Clay Tiles)
These red clay tiles from Karnataka are perfect for roof cladding, with natural insulation and charm . Favoured in Kerala and coastal areas, they’re great for outdoor kitchens or garden sheds.
🟫 Handmade Ceramic & Stoneware Tiles (Gujarat, UP NCR)
- Marokk Tiles of Gujarat make stoneware tiles using local clay, kiln-fired over 1,200 °C, creating deep glazes and slight color shifts.
- Shapzu Tiles in Greater Noida produce glazed handmade ceramic tiles and custom mosaics—each kiln piece is unique.
- Raj Tiles (Noida/Faridabad) and Decorcera combine art and engineering to craft durable handmade tile art.
- Bharat Floorings & Tiles (Pan‑India) have crafted handmade cement tiles for over a century, used in heritage homes and modern interiors.
3. Real-Life Uses & Inspiration
- Athangudi in action: Homes in Chettinad often have Athangudi inlaid in entrance halls or puja rooms—colorful and water-resistant.
- Gujarat stoneware: High-end kitchens and feature walls across Delhi-NCR use Marokk Tiles for earthy, artisanal appeal—each batch varies slightly, welcoming natural variance.
- Shapzu bespoke finishes: Their glazed mosaics have graced boutique café walls and homes wanting custom backsplash artistry.
- Bharat’s Heritage tiles: Installed in restored colonial-era heritage buildings and trendy Mumbai boutiques—mix of traditional and modern styles.
4. How to Find & Connect with Local Tile Craftsmen
A) Explore Craft Fairs & Exhibitions
- Events by NGOs like Dastkar promote crafts including tiles—visit bazaar in Delhi or crafts mela in state capitals.
- Regional expos showcase Athangudi, Gujarat ceramics, and more.
B) Visit Maker Workshops
- Head to Athangudi village, Tamil Nadu, for first-hand clay impressions.
- Explore Greater Noida factory tours by Shapzu and Raj Tiles.
- Browse Decorcera showrooms in metro cities for stoneware and porcelain blends.
C) Check Online Portfolios & Reviews
- Shapzu, Bharat Tiles have detailed sites and showrooms.
- Decorcera offers product catalogs and project galleries.
- Marokk Tiles ship globally; contact via email and check samples .
D) Join Interior Designer Circles
Designers working in boutique hotels and restoration often know makers. Ask them for artisan references.
5. Working with Artisans: Tips & Best Practices
- Ask for samples before buying large quantities (Shapzu offers shipped samples).
- Clarify specs: size, thickness, finish (matte vs glazed).
- Plan variations: slight color shifts are normal—design for it.
- Discuss delivery & lead time: handmade batches take weeks or even months.
- Talk pricing: discuss per sq ft or per tile cost—Athangudi and Marokk are premium crafts.
- Know sustainability: Ask about clay sources, glaze materials, kiln fuel—many use eco-friendly practices like recycled kiln water.
- Request technical sheets: water absorption, abrasion rating, and installation recommendations.
6. Installation & Care of Handmade Tiles
- Surface prep: Level and smooth before laying handmade tiles.
- Use right mortar: For terracotta/clay tiles, use lime-sand mortar or flexible adhesives.
- Grout choice: Use neutral cement or epoxy grouts—avoid bleaching traditional pigments.
- Seal porous tiles (like stoneware) after installation to prevent staining.
- Gentle cleaning: Soft cloth, pH-neutral mand use—not harsh chemicals.
- Repairs: Keep extra tiles from the same batch for future replacements.
7. Budget & Sourcing Guide
| Tile Type | Price Range (₹/sq ft) | Notes |
| Athangudi cement tiles | 200 – 400 | Handmade, regional, premium designs |
| Mangalore roofing clay tiles | 40 – 80 | Functional, natural aesthetic |
| Handmade ceramic (Shapzu) | 300 – 600 | Custom, glazed, artistic |
| Stoneware (Marokk export) | 1,500 – 2,500 | Premium, deep-glazed, imported pricing |
| Bharat cement heritage tiles | 200 – 500 | Durable, century-old legacy |
| Decorcera porcelain/stoneware | 250 – 700 | Modern craft, outdoor-rated |
8. DIY Source & Style Workflow
- Moodboard – Show artisans your color palette, shapes, and inspirations.
- Prototype – Ask for three tile types to compare on site.
- Mock-up – Lay 2×2 tiles to view color and pattern alignment.
- Refine – Adjust colors or finishes before full batch.
- Install – Work with skilled mason familiar with handmade and pattern alignment.
9. Sustainability & Craft Revival
- Buying these tiles supports communities—from Tamil Nadu artisans to Gujarat studio workers.
- NGOs like Dastkar aid craft revival.
- Using local clay, low-waste firing, and handcraft methods strengthens sustainability.
- Linking design to tradition helps preserve regional art forms for generations.
10. Final Checklist for Buyers
- ✅ Know where tiles are made (village, workshop, brand).
- ✅ Ask for GI tags (Athangudi, Molela, etc.).
- ✅ Understand variations and lead times.
- ✅ Keep extra stock for future repairs.
- ✅ Follow installation and care instructions provided.
- ✅ Seal where needed and opt for gentle cleaning.
Conclusion
Bringing handmade tiles into your home or project connects you to centuries of art, locale, and character—beyond smooth mass-produced surfaces. From Athangudi floors and Mangalore rooftops to Gujarat’s stoneware interiors and Greater Noida’s bespoke mosaics, artisanal tiles India and local tile crafts bring personal stories into your space. With some planning, direct sourcing, and respect for craft, your tiled areas will be timeless, unique, and full of meaning.
Source : fulinspace.com