Athangudi Tiles: What are they & How to Use Them?

Athangudi tile, Chettinad Tiles, or Karaikudi Tiles originated in the Southern town of India, Chettinad. Drawing inspiration from foreign trade, the European influences, and the signature stylistic resemblance, Athangudi tiles have a stereotypical sophistication and vibrance that is only amplified by the artisanal and sustainable nature of the manufacturing process. Thriving in modern times for its sensational looks, Athangudi tiles are a top pick for the exclusivity in the design brought out by the pigments, the charming florals, and more.

Believed to be invented way back in the eighteenth century, Athangudi tiles are made of cement and the designs are cast over a glass plate. The unique proportions of sand, cement, and pigment make the surface exclusive while complimenting an array of decor schemes. Furthermore, the enriching history makes it a true blend of the east and the west. Today, Athangudi tiles find a unique, admirable gaze in the public eye for not just its looks or history but for the sheer resourceful spirit that it embraces while beautifying your homes.

How are Athangudi Tiles Manufactured?

Inexpensive, ornate, and true blue ethnic, the adaptation of the manufacturing technique makes Athangudi tiles a source of wonderment. With embossed, plain glass plates, the synthetic oxides form a distinct layer on the glass plate. In case of Athangudi tiles with floral designs and geometric motifs, the additional step of using a frame to pour the oxides is involved. Removed with a swift jerking motion, the finesse of the manufacturing process becomes all the way more apparent. The cement mix, that is both mixed and rubbed with hands, is then poured directly into the mold. Air dried to harden, no glazing or firing is involved in the process. Hand poured and involving the local soil, the overall process involved skilled hands and minds at work.

The glass plates are exactly 3 mm thick and the mix sits flush between the frame and the glass. Post air drying for 7 days, the exposure to sun dries out the cement. Post inspection, they are sent out for de-framing and polishing with broken Athangudi tiles.

What are Some Popular Colors and Styles for Athangudi Tiles? 

Since the colorful components of Athangudi tiles are composed of synthetic oxides available in the market, the color can be customized based on the design. Some of the popular colors seen in Athangudi tiles can range from vibrant hues of teal, turquoise, Prussian blue, cerulean, carnelian, sienna, citrus yellow, mustard, and several hues of white, ivory and charcoal black. 

Irrespective of the designs, all the colors and prints resemble a strong ethnic touch.

Checkered Designs

Checkered Athangudi Tiles have a thin trim or a solid block color to create a mesmerizing beautiful mix of freckled, glossy exterior for your indoor and outdoor surfaces. These are exquisite companions to mid-century and Indo-western styles.

Annapakshi Designs

With a minimal body design, the square tiles comprise most of the flooring while the trims are typically rectangular tiles with an arc like design in a contrasting style and color. Together, it forges a stunning carpet layout format.

Geometric Pattern

Geometric Patterns, though similar to Annapakshi motifs, are conceptually ethnic. The edges are interlocking and therefore forge a repetitive pattern like the Moroccan, European and rustic printed counterparts.

Floral Pattern

Encaustic loops, arcs, and floral detailing are also found in a wide range of Athangudi tiles.They are known for their distinct range in textures and shapes.

How to Install Athangudi Tiles?

Athangudi tiles are not easy to install for a singular reason. The edges aren’t as clean as regular tiles. They are thicker. And therefore, the laying process is slightly different from regular flooring. In addition, the flooring is short for 21 days with water, making the surface sturdier and all the way more adaptable. 

Where can You Use and Install Athangudi Tiles? 

While some Athangudi tiles are specifically designed for flooring, it can also be used to design statement walls. Combining the edgy pattern with a stunning overlay of other organic finishes gives it a unique opportunity to shine. Typically, Athangudi tiles are an excellent source of sophistication for everyday living areas, including corridors, living spaces, bedrooms, indoor and outdoor, lounges, decks, and more. However, we recommend refraining from using Athangudi tiles in the bathroom and the kitchen, for their slip resistance is fairly on the lower end of the spectrum.

How are Athangudi Tiles Priced? 

Created primarily from locally sourced materials, the price tags on Athangudi tiles are primarily on the inexpensive side. Ranging from ₹ 150 to ₹ 170 per square feet, they provide extraordinary endurance, properties, and therefore the durability of the installation makes them an economical choice.

How to Maintain Athangudi Tiles?

Even though Tangri tiles are completely handmade and sustainable, the maintenance is ‌low on investment. Instead of using regular tile cleaners and other abrasive chemicals, the maintenance of a thin surface requires every day sweep to discard the debris, an occasional mop to keep the surface looking, shining and new. For reinstating that shine, we recommend a yearly or biannual more with water and a few drops of coconut oil. This restores the shine and thereby makes an enormous difference.

What are the Advantages of Athangudi Tiles?

In addition to the aesthetic advantages, the utilitarian and sustainable aspects do not override or underestimate the visual appeal. Being eco-friendly, the financial affordability and durability further enhance the lifetime value of the installation. Ring process also introduces an insulating component and therefore a cooling effect into the spaces. The rich, cultural heritage complements the exclusivity factor to give your home that bursting glow of traditional aura.

What are the Disadvantages of Athangudi Tiles?

These Athangudi tiles are designed to shine when the surfaces are in full-blown use. When left unused for a long period, the surface tends to get dull and therefore loses its shine. Regular exposure to moisture and is set to give these surfaces its characteristic splendor. while Athangudi tiles or not, inherently slippery in nature, the exposure to water in bathrooms and kitchens often makes them slippery and therefore a source of potential hazardous circumstances. This is because the increased exposure to water continues to share the tile and therefore has the potential to cause unexpected accidents. Athangudi tiles being thicker and thereby, heavier than regular tiles. Athangudi tiles have a tendency to perform way better when used as floor tiles. Furthermore, intercity transportation can be expensive. 

The Chettinads, being the businessmen tribe by nature, have brought back enamel, lacquer, and more with much gusto. Together with the influences from the European influences have only strengthened this piece of craftsmanship into its modern counterpart, that cannot be simply replicated with technological interventions. 

The no-fire, no-electricity, eco-friendly approach offers an impeccable sustainable touch that goes beyond visual appeal. Browse MyTyles’ wide range of Athangudi tiles that ascertain glow and utmost sophistication.