Favorite Tiled Walks That Add Style

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

With the Summer Solstice now behind us, it's time to celebrate this much-anticipated season by enjoying the outdoors. I enjoy taking my daily neighborhood walks early in the day. It's during these walks that I stop to admire the tiled walks and entries. In this post, I'll be sharing some of my favorites that not only add to a home's uniqueness, but those that also provide welcoming curb appeal.

Rustic Pavers in Mission Red create a charming tiled walk for this home

It's easy to see why a tiled cement sidewalk offers so much more style than a typical grey, poured sidewalk. Colorful tiled walks provide a bright, eye-catching entry to a home. Red is a great choice for Mediterranean, Spanish, Spanish Colonial, Spanish Revival, and Adobe style homes. If you have a large landing or patio, then consider adding a medallion or patterned stair riser tiles.

Further, the exquisite beauty of hand-poured cement tile in plain colors is unmatched. You can see the hand of the tile artisan in the installation with the variation in color and shade from tile to tile. The floor or sidewalk almost shimmers like a gem, especially in full light. Look at the Heritage Indian Red walk below and you'll see what I mean. The tiled stair risers catch your attention, while the plain red walk causes you to linger and pause.

Plain cement tile, Heritage Indian Red, makes for a bright and eye-catching entrance. A medallion using Traditional Alcala corner pieces adds interest and brings attention to the stair riser pattern 

Square concrete tiles, Rustic Pavers in Cotto Dark, are laid in a running bond pattern to create a fresh look

Use our Rustic Pavers, laid on a wide grout line to accommodate their irregular shape, to create Old World elegance. If you want to replicated an antique look use Cotto Dark; Cotto Gold looks like traditional Spanish bisque. Or use a blend of the two, Spanish Cotto, to create lots of charm and interest with the color variation. Additionally, our Rustic Pavers color palette includes the tones found in Mexican pavers or Saltillo tile. So, you can even replicate the look of Saltillo, too.

This long entry path is made interesting by using Arabesque Octagon Rustic pavers in Cotto Dark. 

DESIGN TIP: When using shapes that are not rectangular or square, like hexagons and octagons, make sure to frame the edge of each side of the path with a rectangular tile.

Rustic pavers, shown here in Buff, look like Saltillo tile but will wear better.

DESIGN TIP: Create the look of Saltillo tile or Mexican pavers with cement tile. It's more durable, requires less care and is available in more sizes, shapes and trim.

Malibu deco tiles on the stair risers with Rustic Pavers in Mission Red for the treads.

DESIGN TIP: When laying tile on paths that are not square or do not run perpendicular, consider laying them "on point" to avoid mismatched grout lines, or you can use different sizes of tile.

Whether you're recreating the rustic elegance of Old World Spanish bisque or Saltillo tiles, looking for unique formats, or the exquisite beauty of hand-poured plain cement tile, we have a tile that works with your design aesthetic, color palette, and space. Are you looking for Spanish Colonial, Spanish Revival, Moorish-inspired designs, or something slightly more contemporary? No worries. We can help you create a look for a tile walk that is extraordinary, unique and in keeping with a home's architectural style.

Find a design style that is right for you. Visit our Handmade Cement Tile Information Center

Custom Cement Tile Pattern Creates Contemporary Clubhouse Charm

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Despite hundreds of existing cement tile patterns, sometimes you just have to literally "break the mold." In the commercial design of this golf clubhouse, a simple contemporary design was created specifically for this environment.

Custom cement tile patterns, like this one for a clubhouse, provide limitless possibilities for commercial design.

The designer hit a hole in one with a custom pattern that speaks volumes about the flexibility of cement tile and how well it works in contemporary design.  The simplicity of the repeating golf ball pattern on different shades of verdant green is a simple, fun metaphor.

A detailed look at the custom cement tile pattern created exclusively for this clubhouse.

The design places large cement tile rugs in the lounge and dining area of the clubhouse. The clean lines of contemporary design are found everywhere in the details - from the furniture to the floor.   The decision to use a custom cement tile pattern strategically on the floor is a smart choice. It creates intimate areas in the open, expanse of the room. Notice how nicely it pairs with the neutral, large-format natural stone flooring.

Cement tile rugs create cozy, intimate dining areas in the expanse of the room.

Cement tiles are created by pouring pigmented cement into a mold that creates the pattern on each tile. If the pattern is not a available in the factories repertoire of molds, it has to be created from scratch. Of course, there is additional cost and time to create a custom mold; but, the design will certainly be unique!

Existing cement tile molds. Custom patterns require a new mold to be created.

Want to see more photos of this commercial clubhouse installation? View the slideshow below, or click to see Cement Tile area a Hole in One for Greens.



Cement tiles provide flexibility for commercial designs because they can be customized with your pattern, choice of colors and unique shapes. The tile adapt to any setting and work well in contemporary or traditional installations. Finally, you can't forget that cement tile are durable and will withstand decades of wear with little care. Designers in the hotel, hospitality, or restaurant industry use custom cement tile patterns and designs to create a look that stands out and is unique. Take a look at these commercial cement tile installations for inspiration on your next commercial design project.

See More Commercial Cement Tile Design Ideas

Cement Tile Creates Calming Resort Spa

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

In today's hectic 24/7 world, a quiet place to escape, relax, renew, and refresh is more important than ever before. Designers cleverly chose cement tile flooring for this resort spa to achieve a calm and peaceful atmosphere in a commercial setting.

River rock mimics the cement tile pattern in the spa corridor

Commercial flooring is often dismissed as unimportant and reduced to low-cost options. In this spa, the opposite approach was taken. The flooring is the design element that establishes the theme, creates the ambiance and sets the tone. The cement tile floor utilizes a simple interlocking circle pattern and two-tone color palette in soothing green to create tranquility. Other smart design choices were made to complement the theme; one of my favorite is the use of white river rock along the corridors and stacked white rock at the reception desk. The river rock mimics the tile pattern and provides the soothing effect of a flowing stream.

Cement tile in a soothing green and simple pattern create calm at this resort spa.

Cement tile and smart design choices make this spa a soothing oasis

The Geometric Diamond Pattern uses two shades of light green on a white background to emphasize the interlocking circles. I love how the darker shade of green is used to help create the illusion of over-lapping circles.

Patterns like Avente's Geometric Diamond cement tile are a great choice for contemporary commercial spaces

DESIGN TIP - To achieve a contemporary look with cement tile, use geometric patterns. Limit yourself to two or three colors. It's best to pair a neutral color with two tones of another color, such as tan coupled with a light green and dark green.

Geometric patterns in a straight-forward color palette with only a few colors are a great way to create a contemporary look in commercial applications. To achieve a contemporary look with cement tile, choose patterns that aren't too fussy, like our Geometric patterns.  Limit yourself to two or three colors, pairing a neutral with another color in different shades or lighter/darker saturation.

Geometric cement tiles work well in contemporary commercial designs

To see more photos of this commercial resort spa installation view the slideshow below, or click to view Cement Tile Spa.



Cement tiles provide flexibility for commercial designs with their choice of patterns, colors and shapes. They work equally well in contemporary installations or traditional settings. Additionally, they are durable and will withstand decades of wear with little care. Designers in the hotel, hospitality, or restaurant industry use cement tile to create a look that stands out or speak to a special need. Take a look at these commercial cement tile installations to start getting inspiration for your next commercial design project.

See More Commercial Cement Tile Design Ideas

Cuban Tile Makes Grand Entrance for Resort Hotel

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

The above commercial installation of Cuban cement tile uses a classic rug design in rich, warm colors.

The hypnotic pattern of our Cuban Heritage Design 110-3B 8x8 handmade cement tile features prominently in this resort's airy and grand entry. Nestled between architectural elements of arches and columns, this handmade cement tile rug, which features an original Cuban tile pattern and a polished finish, will withstand decades of high foot traffic with proper care and maintenance. Not only is it beautiful, but it adds to the sustainability factor with its long lifecycle.

Cuban Heritage Design 110 3B 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile.

Looking closely at the 110 3B cement tile pattern, you can see and appreciate the subtlest of details and the artisanal touches that went into making this tile. The tiniest nuances are accentuated with color and/or flowing decoration. Coupled with details and precision, handmade cement tiles are unlike any other flooring choice.

The colors used in this pattern, from our Heritage Cement Tile Color Palette include:

Radiance	Pecan Pie
White	Ash Gray	Steel Blue

Tips for Creating a Cement Tile Rug

The key to creating a long-lasting, successful cement tile rug installation is planning, and a good sketch or drawing done to scale showing the placement of the tiles. Here are some tips to get you started. For more information or advice, visit our page on How to Create a Cement Tile Rug Design:

• Use the same size border tile as field tile. It makes the installation and layout much easier.
• If you choose to use border tiles that are a different size from your field tile, your rug width and length must be a multiple of both tile sizes to avoid unsightly cuts in the border pattern. Don't run the border to the edge of the room.
• Allow for at least one or more rows of solid colored field tile outside the border.
• Center the rug in the main area of an irregularly shaped hallway or entry.
• An extremely level surface is critical for any cement tile floor installation.

Handcrafted cement tiles are capable of grabbing the attention of anyone who enters your home or establishment from the moment your guests walk in. Read more about How to Create a Cement Tile Rug Design.

For more information about cement tile selection, customization services, or available sizes, shapes and more, please see our new Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile.

---

Autumnal Musings

"I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." — Nathaniel Hawthorne

The trees have begun to shed their coats of leaves in preparation for their winter hibernation. With their shades of green, gold, orange and brown, we seem them fluttering onto the streets and lawns in the same way a child goes down a playground slide.

Autumn is a curious season where we take joy in Mother Nature's last hurrah until the awakening in Spring. The same sentiment holds true for upcoming remodeling or redesigning projects. Now is the perfect time to place your order for those Cuban cement tiles you've been eyeing for your patio, kitchen, bathroom, entry, and more. Add customization services, and you'll be all set for your project, with the tiles in hand and ready to be installed.

Just like Mother Nature, every good thing takes time. Handmade cement tiles are just that — handmade. Because of the Old World techniques our manufacturers still employ, some things just can't be, and shouldn't be, rushed.

---

Save on Spanish Cadiz Tile

Our hand-painted, Cadiz Spanish tile makes a bold design statement when used for a kitchen backsplash or stair risers.
Our Spanish Cadiz 6"x6" Ceramic Tile is part of our extensive Spanish Ceramic tile collection. The pattern is created using traditional Majolica glazing techniques and each tile is hand-brushed by the artist.

Brighten your home with the warm gold and deep blue in this Spanish ceramic tile. This month only, we're offering 10% off any Cadiz 6"x6" purchase made. Discount applies only to stock on hand. You must place your order over the phone and mention the "FALL" coupon code at the time of purchase.

Handmade Cement Tile: Defining Quality

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Handmade Alcala Cement Tile on a bathroom wall.

In my last post, I introduced Avente Tile’s newly published Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile. This 14-page downloadable Guide features information, examples of cement tile installations, FAQs, and more. To understand the nuances of cement tile, let’s look at what cement tile is, and how it differs from ceramic or porcelain tile.

Handmade cement tile in geometric shapes elegantly define a clubhouse restaurant's floor.

What is Handmade Cement Tile?
Created using a hydraulic press, cement tiles, also known as encaustic tiles, were first created in the mid-19th century in Europe. They were originally used only in prestigious buildings and high-end homes, but by the turn of the century, cement tiles could be found in homes all over the country.

Unfortunately, around the 1960s and 70s, cement tiles fell out of favor. Thankfully, the need for using “green” sustainable building products has created a renewed interest in cement tile. The wide array of available colors, custom patterns, and the matte finish of the tiles makes them a fresh, yet practical choice for those desiring something unique, sustainable and timeless.

Cement Tiles are:
• Durable
• Long-Lasting
• Sustainable
• Recyclable
• Handmade
• Extensive Color, Design Options

Manufacturing Process
Cement tiles are handmade using a traditional, centuries-old, manufacturing process requiring several steps, unlike ceramic tiles that are kiln-fired. You can see the extensive process of creating individual handmade cement tiles on the blog post, Aguayo Cement Tile Factory Tour.

Color mixtures are hand-poured into molds and grids in which the designs of the cement tile are formed.

First, the color layer is prepared using a mixture of marble powder, white cement and other minerals. The color mixture is hand-poured into molds and grids in which the designs of the tile are formed. Next, a layer of cement is sprinkled on top, thus providing a bond between the color layer and the body of the tile. A layer of cement and sand then creates the tile body. Each cement tile is then hydraulically pressed into shape to increase density and then cured underwater for up to 28 days to create extra hardness. They are then dried and set to age, which allows the tile to harden even more before shipping.

Handmade cement tiles are dried and set to age on racks, allowing them to harden prior to shipping.

Because of the steps needed to create a high-quality cement tile, the cost per tile can range from $12 to $25 per square foot. It can take eight to 10 weeks for your tile to be made. If you choose a customized color, the length of time for delivery, as well as cost, will increase.

Remember, cement tiles are handmade, one tile at a time, making each tile unique and different.- you’ll see the hand of the artisan tile-maker in each cement tile.

Next time, I’ll be talking about the various sizes, shapes and formats available with cement tiles. In the meantime, you can download Avente Tile’s Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get a head-start on an upcoming project, or just to be inspired!

Of course, everyone at Avente Tile is well-versed and experienced in answering any possible question you may have. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to call them at 888.739.4972; or email: info@aventetile.com.

Cement Tile Layout Guide & Checklist

You've been looking at cement tile patterns for months, debated color schemes and palettes, considered custom cement tile options and now are ready to order the tile! STOP! 

Cement Tile with Traditional Rug Design

Before you place your order, first decide how the tile will be installed, and make sure to measure twice, or even thrice! There is nothing worse than waiting eight weeks for your tile and find out you didn't order enough! But don't despair, our handy cement tile layout guide can work as a checklist so you can ask all the right questions and find the answers you need in no time.

There are two layouts to consider when you install patterned cement or concrete tile:

1. Framed or Rug design uses a border and plain tile to frame the main field pattern. Achieve the classic look of a tile rug on your floor with a border. The border cement tiles should frame the patterned field tiles and provide interest without distracting your eye from the main field pattern.

Rendering of a Cement Tile Rug with Border and Plain Tile

2. Full pattern repeat is where the pattern runs to the edge of the room or space and isn't framed with other tile patterns. This works great for irregular-shaped rooms or for a slightly more contemporary look.

Cuban tiles in this entryway are run to the edge of the room for a full pattern repeat.

Cement Tile Design Tips for Full Repeat Patterns

When laying patterned or plain tile for a backsplash or floor, you want to minimize cuts in the main field. This means cuts to the tile should be only around the edges and the pattern should be centered in the space to captivate your senses. For floors, you'll start in the center of the room and work your way out to the walls; making cuts only to those tiles near the edge of the room. For a backsplash, you can achieve this by, by starting the pattern at the vertical centerline and working up from the counter or baseboard. Here's a recent layout I provided to a customer for their backsplash. The customer provided a scaled drawing of the area above their counter and behind the stove. The grey area is their backsplash and shows what they want tiled with cement tiles. The pattern starts at the counter and works up. The cut tiles on the vertical runs are close to the same width on both sides.

Backsplash Layout with Large Dark Grid Lines showing placement

Cement Tile Design Tips For Rug Layouts

Rug layouts are the most difficult, so start with a scale drawing of the area to be tiled. Find the center of the room and start your pattern for the main field in the center, too. Working out to include the border at least one tile width away from any irregular shapes or walls. Avoid cutting tiles for any reason that are inside the rug.
 
For a quick way to determine the number of tiles required and the approximate rugs sizes, I recommend creating a scaled grid that overlays the area to be tiled.  It allows you to easily sketch out the rug and move it until you are pleased with the layout. It’s a great way to estimate the tiles and determine the size of the rug. You'll need to determine the rug dimensions in order to calculate the required border tiles.

Cement Tile Rug used for Entry.

In this recent customer layout, using a grid overlay, we could quickly center the rug for each area and then resize to make sure we didn't get too close to an edge, as well as account for irregular shapes, and have a full repeating quarter design pattern.

A grid pattern & scale drawing provide a quick rug design layout

Remember, DO NOT run the border right to the edge of the room. Leave at least 3- to 4-inches between the outside border and edge of the room for a plain, solid color "fill tile." Room edges are never square and cuts to the border will emphasize this, thereby guaranteeing an unprofessional or undesirable result. Cuts that are not true or square won't show on a plain tile because there is no pattern.

This grid overlay method works well for estimating tile quantities and approximate rug size; but, it’s still a good idea to have a detailed layout drawing or finished floor schedule. In fact, a detailed layout drawing will provide the best idea of look, point out any flaws with the layout, and clearly communicate your desires to the installer. With a detailed drawing you can better visualize the space and you might be surprised what will work. 

For instance, in the design below, the customer decided that a full pattern repeat wasn't required for the short part of the L-shaped rug below. While I recommend keeping a full pattern repeat on most rug layouts, I love this layout and agree with the customer that it really works. The detailed drawing helped us find the balance between border, pattern and background it a tight and somewhat awkward space.

A detailed layout drawing is the best way to visualize the layout

Cement Tile Design Inspiration

We hope this post offered you a better understanding of tile rugs, how to create cement tile patterns, when to use plain tiles, and why a layout is so valuable. If you still aren't sure what design, floor play or layout is right for you, then let us lend a design eye. We'll help you find inspiration that is right for you! Take a look at these featured installations:

• Cement Tile Design Ideas
• Cement Tile Rugs on Pinterest
• Houzz Cement Tile Rug
• Cement Tile Installation #1 on Flickr
• Cement Tile Installations #2 on Flickr

Cuban Heritage Cement Tile Pattern with Full Repeat

Cement Tile Design Resources

These helpful resources will guide you to ask the right questions and find the correct answer regardless of the cement tile design and installation you choose.

• Tips for a Successful Cement Tile Layout
• Tile Layout - Planning and Preparation are the Keys
• Create a Cement Tile Layout with Double Borders
• Create a Cement Tile Layout with Large Patterns & No Border
• Using Cement Tile Borders
• Tips for a Cement Tile Rug Design
• Frequent Questions About Cement Tile
• How to Customize Cement Tile

Cement tile rug with plain yellow tiles for the field.

Let our passion for cement tile help you!
Our passion for cement tile has led us to create one of the broadest collections of cement tile anywhere. Our experience and knowledge of this hand-crafted product will guide you to make the right decisions 

With over a decade of experience selling cement tile, we care intensely about finding the right cement tile for you! Visit our handmade cement tile information center, you 'll find links to resources that will answer all your questions about cement tiles. If you don t find answers, let us know by completing our Request Information form, or by calling us during business hours at 888.739.4972 9-5 PST M-F.  We look forward to talking cement tile with you.

Creating Cement Tile Molds and Pigments for Handmade Tiles: Part 2 of Our Look at ARTO Brick

Handmade products have always intrigued me. I appreciate the time, the effort and the passion that goes into creating something with little or no need for machinery. Our hands have always been our best tools, but when things need to be made in massive amounts, then machinery can play an important role in helping to meet the demands of impeding deadlines. 

ARTO's Normandy Cream cement tile board is getting ready for shipment. There are four textures in this combination: Travertine, Luna, Limestone and Standard (smooth).

Thus, when I recently toured the ARTO Brick and California Pavers factory complex in Gardena, CA, along with several architects and designers, I knew I would be in for a treat. Over the years, I have been on several tile manufacturing tours, but let me stress how excited I am for each and every tour. I’m literally on edge wondering what we’re going to see next. Let me put it to you this way – I’m the main character of the movie “Groundhog Day.” Yes friends, any previous tour I may have participated in gets wiped clean out of my memory! You may be wondering why that happens. “It’s just tile,” I’ve been told. Well, good point. With that theory, you can also say that a Pacer and Ferrari are “just cars,” right? And that’s when the highly animated arguments over engineering and craftsmanship start, and then, it happens. They get what I’m saying. And with that, let’s continue our look at how ARTO delivers on its promise of handmade quality and longevity. 

Custom Tile Molds

With the vast majority of raw materials sourced locally, each ARTO product is manufactured with concrete. Concrete’s lifespan can not only be measured in decades, but it can also be measured in centuries. You only need to refer to ancient European ruins to see how the properties of cement tile remain time-tested elements of any structure. 

Before the process of tile-making commences, molds must be made. There are several types of molds used at ARTO, including rubber, plastic and metal. Each mold has a specific purpose for the type of tile it will help produces.

For example, rubber molds are first created using carved wooden pieces where the rubber is vacuum-formed over the wood. These rubber molds offer a higher level of detail, flexibility, and they can be used repeatedly. 

These humble pieces of wood will soon contribute to the handmade tile-making process.

Wooden forms are carved out to the exact specification of the plastic mold that will form the tile.

These shapely tiles are the product of the wooden blocks and the rubber molds they helped create. 

The Chemistry Behind the Color

Our next stop on the tour included a peek into the science behind the coloring process of concrete tile. ARTO used the Davis Color Chameleon Liquid Color System for mixing the wide assortment of pigments needed for their concrete tiles. With this system's dded flexibility, they are able to offer dozens of color options for to their clients, including customization services for specific shades. Honestly, the possibilities seem nearly endless! 

These massive tanks hold the colors that will be mixed and used for creating the various shades of colors available in ARTO’s cement tile product line. 

Lastly, it should be noted that ARTO not only believes in sustainable practices, but they practice what they preach in an energy-efficient facility. For example, the vast majority of raw materials needed to produce their tiles are sourced locally. Also remember that each ARTO product is manufactured with concrete. Concrete’s lifespan can not only be measured in decades, but it can also be measured in centuries. 

In my next post, I’ll take you through the handmade tile-making process where you’ll see a dedicated team of well-trained professionals producing ARTO’s masterpieces, one piece at a time.

I know I gain a better appreciation of what goes into producing a handmade piece of tile, including those carried by Avente Tile and their extensive line of Cuban Heritage cement tiles. I'd love to hear your experience with handmade tile! Did you require custom colors, sizes or shapes? Were you pleased with the outcome?   

California Dreaming: A Profile on ARTO Brick and California Pavers

Los Angeles is a place where California history is still held sacred. Amongst the downtown skyscrapers and recently built Civic Center facilities, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by architect Frank Gehry, you’ll find everything from Olvera Street (the birthplace of the city of Los Angeles, which started as Pueblo de La Reina De Los Angeles in 1781), to Union Station (built in 1939 in a modern, Art Deco, Mission/Spanish Revival architectural style), and everything in between.

Arto Alajian's signature on brick is proudly displayed at the ARTO's Brick and California Paver factory in Gardena, CA.

With history on their minds, I, as well as several architects and design professionals, recently toured the ARTO Brick and California Pavers factory complex in Gardena, CA. Along with the tour, an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Continuing Education Course, “The Beautiful Face of Concrete: Using Precast Tile, Pavers, and Wall Veneer for Historic Restoration and Renovation,” was offered.

The Company

ARTO Brick, which has been in operation since 1966, was founded by the company’s Armenian namesake, Arto Alajian. In his birthplace of Egypt, Arto got his start in the business world by helping his father as a shoe cobbler. Later, when the family moved to Lebanon, Arto continued honing his artistic talents with various mediums, including installation of tiles. Shortly after his arrival in the U.S., Arto found his calling producing a lightweight, thin brick veneer. 

ARTO's Antik tumbled brick veneer. Photo courtesy of ARTO.

Since the company’s inception, the product line has expanded to include the manufacturing of concrete and clay tiles, ceramic tiles, rustic pavers, brick veneers, pool coping, wall caps, pier caps, fountains, moldings, and balusters.

Forward now to more than 45 years later, and you’ll find unwavering commitment to craftsmanship within the inner workings of this Los Angeles gem.

Together with its ARTO Tile Studio, and the recently bought Western Quarry divisions, ARTO Brick has garnered a reputation for quality, good stewardship, and an environment where a family-like relationship is nurtured amongst the owners, their employees, the company’s dealers/retailers/distributors, as well as their customers, and those who look to ARTO for their expertise, such as architects, designers, and specifiers.

The Tile Art Studio

ARTO’s Tile Studio is “a division of the ARTO Family of companies who are dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Old World craftsmanship distinguished by the rich tradition of California tile making and decoration which was perfected by both Malibu and Catalina Potteries in the early part of the 20th century,” the company says. It’s by adhering to these time-tested traditions that ARTO continues its growth, which has necessitated the expansion of its Gardena location.

Now, let’s take a look at what defines hand-crafted, hand-painted tiles by examining the process of silk-screening to glazing.

The Process: Cuerda Seca

The method of Silk Screening transfers an outlined image onto the tile. This process creates “a pattern and guide which our artisans use during the glaze application. This outline image acts a resist barrier known as Cuerda Seca," ARTO notes. In short, this barrier prevents various glaze colors that are used on the same tile from blending together during the kiln firing process.

Silk-screening transfers an outlined image onto the tiles. The outlined image now acts as barrier known as Cuerda Seca.

These silk-screened, or stenciled, tiles are now ready to go into the glazing room where they will be handled by tile artisans.

From the silk-screening area, the tiles are then sent to the skilled artisans where each piece is carefully glazed by hand, piece by piece. Through their expertise, these artisans take precision to a new level by not allowing any color to cross the barrier of the Cuerda Seca. It isn't until after the tiles are fired where their true beauty is revealed.

These Cuerda Seca tiles have been hand-glazed, one-by-one, by the artisans at ARTO. 

Using a bulb for delivering the proprietary mix of colors and components needed for each pigment, these tile artisans hand-glaze each piece with ease and perfection using the Cuerda Seca technique. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed the first part of my profile on ARTO. In my next couple of posts, I’ll be digging deeper into the inner workings of ARTO’s manufacturing process of cement tiles, brick pavers, and more.

Would you agree that seeing a creative process, such as handcrafted tiles, gives someone a deeper appreciation of the time and expertise involved in producing one tile? Which creative processes would you like to see featured in future posts?

---

Editor's Note: If you enjoyed this post on the Cuerda Seca tile making process, you might also enjoy these posts that explain other tile making processes.

• How Relief Tiles are Made
• Making Cement Tile
• Making Hand Painted Tiles Video
• Making Hand Painted Field Tile