Encaustic Tiles are an interior design craze making a comeback with style and substance. Whether you’re looking for cement patterned tiles for your kitchen splashback or a geometric tile to dress up an outdoor patio, they offer the ability to add a dramatic statement that will last for years. These hand made textured tiles are available in a wide range of colours and patterns so you can find the perfect tile for your project.
Unlike standard porcelain or ceramic tiles, encaustic tiles have the pattern built into their structure. This makes them much more durable, as there is no surface that can be chipped or scratched which could distort the pattern or colour. This means that encaustic tiles are a great option for high traffic areas or kitchens.
While they are a modern trend, the design and manufacturing of encaustic tiles has been around for centuries. The technique was first used in France in the early 13th Century, where it became popular for church and public building restorations, and later spread to England through travelling French tile makers. During the Victorian era, the popularity of inlaid tile declined as it was found that the tiles were very porous and easily stained or cracked, which wasn’t suitable for wet spaces like bathrooms.
In the 1860s, Minton and William Godwin began experiment with a more mechanical process to produce encaustic tile by drying clay to about 8% moisture content. This was then compacted by a screw press, originally hand-powered but eventually steam driven. This process reduced the labour required and enabled a greater scale of production. It was in this era that the term ‘encaustic tile’ was first used.
Today, encaustic tile is manufactured in many parts of the world and is very versatile in use. It is a popular choice for kitchen splashbacks, showers and bathrooms, as well as a host of other interior design applications. It’s a great choice for contemporary and mid-century projects, as well as homes with a traditional or period feel.
As the popularity of encaustic tile grows, it’s becoming more and more common for local tile and flooring stores to stock them. They are also available for purchase online. Many encaustic tile manufacturers can also take custom orders for those who are after a truly unique patterned design.
If you’re planning to install encaustic tile, be sure to choose a sealer that will help protect it from stains and spillages. A good sealer will be water resistant and can withstand some light cleaning.
When choosing a colour for your patterned encaustic tiles, it’s important to consider the overall palette of your space. Look at the colours in your cabinetry, benchtop, tapware and walls to ensure they complement the tile colour and create a cohesive look. If your kitchen is part of an open-plan living area, don’t forget to consider the colours in carpets, upholstery and artwork in the adjoining rooms. This will ensure that the overall design flows seamlessly and looks intentional rather than a jumble of different styles and patterns.