All you need to know about Athangudi tiles

What are Athangudi Tiles?

Athangudi tiles are handmade, eco-friendly tiles originating from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, India. Made using local materials like sand, cement, and synthetic oxides, these tiles are known for their vibrant colours and intricate designs featuring floral, geometric, and abstract motifs. They're traditionally used for flooring in the Chettinad style of architecture but have gained popularity for various interior and exterior design projects due to their durability and sustainable production process.

History of Athangudi Tiles

Athangudi tiles have a rich history that spans over 200 years. Originating from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, India, these tiles were named after the village of Athangudi, where tile-making has become a traditional local craft.

Around 150 years ago, local craftspeople of Athangudi village near the town of Karaikudi were encouraged to set up tile factories, further solidifying the tile-making tradition in the area. Even today, these tiles are preferred for use in newly built bungalows in and around the village, continuing the legacy and grandeur of Chettinad.

Over time, the tiles have not lost their charm and modern Athangudi tiles are still celebrated for their vibrant colours, intricate designs, and durability. They are a testament to the skill and creativity of the local artisans who continue to handcraft these tiles, preserving a piece of Chettinad's rich cultural heritage.

What are Athangudi Tiles Made Of? 

Athangudi tiles are made from a mixture of locally sourced materials. These include:

• Sand: The sand used in the making of Athangudi tiles is unique to the Cauvery River belt, which gives the tiles their distinct texture and finish.
• Cement: Cement acts as the binding agent that holds the other materials together and gives the tiles their durability.
• Synthetic Oxides: Synthetic oxides are used to create the vibrant colours and intricate designs that Athangudi tiles are known for. The colours are mixed with the cement and sand mixture to create different designs.
• Glass: A glass sheet is used as a base during the manufacturing process to give the tiles their smooth and glossy finish.
• The whole process of making Athangudi tiles is manual and does not involve any machinery, adding to their eco-friendly and sustainable nature.

The impressive hallmark of quality, beauty and sustainable design are more than enough reasons to bring Athangudi tiles home to be a part of your interiors.

3. Athangudi Flooring - Geometrical Patterns

Geometric tiles add pattern to a space in a classy and understated fashion. While some rely on vivacious colour, others stick to simpler colours and patterns for a timeless finish. Geometric tiles with subtle patterns that blend into the colour palette will transform even the most mundane and outdated room into a stunning masterpiece that will leave you mesmerized. Or go for broke with a striking colour palette with bold red and brilliant blue or merry yellow and pleasing green to add energy and vivacity to your interiors.
 

Advantages of Athangudi Tiles Design

• Handmade: Each tile is individually handcrafted, making each piece unique.
• Eco-Friendly: Made using locally-sourced materials and a manual process that does not involve machinery, these tiles are environmentally friendly.
• Durability: These tiles are known for their durability and long lifespan, often outlasting the building they are installed in.
• Aesthetically Pleasing: Available in a variety of vibrant colours and intricate designs, Athangudi tiles add a distinctive aesthetic touch to any space.
• Easy Maintenance: They require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned easily with regular water and mild cleaning agents.
• Versatility: Athangudi tiles can be used for both interior and exterior flooring, as well as wall cladding.
• Cultural Heritage: By choosing Athangudi tiles, you are supporting a traditional craft and helping to preserve a piece of India's cultural heritage.

How to Maintain Athangudi Tiles?

Most tiles fade and look worn out with wear and tear. In contrast, the Athangudi tile tends to get shinier and looks more attractive with the passage of time. Some tips on how to maintain Athangudi floors:

• A regular sweeping.
  
• An occasional mop is sufficient to maintain these tiles.
• Avoid using harmful chemicals or heavy-duty abrasives on these beautiful floors.
• The best way to add lustre to an Athangudi floor is by mopping it with warm water to which 10-15 drops of coconut oil has been added.

Features of Athangudi Tiles

Some unique features of the Athangudi tiles include:
 

• Preparation –
  The best Athangudi tiles are made using a mix of cement and coloured oxide and individually poured into patterned moulds upon a glass piece.
  

• Athangudi Tiles for Bedroom - Athangudi tiles for bedroom can be used as a stylish way to add personality to a space. Make a bold statement with vibrant colours or create a distinctive and edgy geometric pattern.
  
  
• Athangudi Tiles for Bathroom – Create a completely unique bathroom with gorgeous Athangudi tiles for bathroom and make the space your own.
  
  
• Athangudi Wall Tiles as Kitchen Backsplash – Use Athangudi wall tiles as a creative way to enhance kitchen décor by using them as backsplash for the kitchen counter.

Tips to Incorporate Athangudi Tiles?

1. Athangudi Tiles for Walls

Installing Athangudi tiles for walls is an opportunity to make a statement. From trendy colours to dazzling design patterns, Athangudi wall tiles can be used to create stunning accent or statement walls.

2. Athangudi Tiles for the Bedroom

Athangudi tiles for bedroom can be used as a stylish way to add personality to a space. Make a bold statement with vibrant colours or create a distinctive and edgy geometric pattern.

3. Athangudi Tiles for the Bathroom

Create a completely unique bathroom with gorgeous Athangudi tiles for bathroom and make the space your own.

4. Athangudi Tiles for Kitchen Backsplashes

Use Athangudi wall tiles as a creative way to enhance kitchen décor by using them as backsplash for the kitchen counter.

FAQs for Athangudi Handmade Tiles:

1. How much do Athangudi floor tiles cost?

Athangudi tiles price is quite economical since the materials for its manufacture are locally available. The price range is around Rs. 60 - 65 per sq.ft. including the labour cost for laying. They are easy to install and are also very durable for decades. The maintenance and cleaning are inexpensive since it involves the usage of materials available in our house.

2. Are Athangudi floor tiles good for health?

Athangudi tiles are made of materials that are natural and not harmful to health. They are handcrafted without the use of heat and pressure and insulated and help keep our interiors and our body temperature down. Athangudi tiles are also thought to aid in preventing joint pains and protect our feet from heel fissures.

3. Is Athangudi tiles flooring durable?

The process of creating each tile is quite elaborate and this offers superior protection against damages. They are very durable and only look shinier and more lustrous over time.

4. Is Athangudi flooring slippery?

Though they have a smooth finish and shiny appearance, these tiles are non-slippery and provide quite a good grip.

5. Can we polish Athangudi floor tiles?

Since Athangudi tiles do not fade over time, they do not need to be polished. Mopping with water in which a few drops of coconut water has been added is enough to keep these floors shiny and new.

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