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

If your idea of beautiful flooring includes handcrafted artistry and timeless design, Athangudi tiles deserve a closer look. Originating in the historic Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, these handmade cement tiles are celebrated for their bold colors, intricate patterns, and natural shine. Every tile is poured into a glass mold, layered with pigments, and dried under sunlight. No machines, no chemicals, just pure craftsmanship. 

The result is an eco-friendly flooring material that feels as elegant in modern apartments as it does in heritage homes. In this guide, we’ll uncover the story behind Athangudi tiles, their traditional making technique, and creative ways to style them across living rooms, courtyards, and more for an authentic yet modern appeal.

What Are Athangudi Tiles?

Athangudi tiles, also known as Chettinad handmade tiles, are handcrafted cement tiles originating from the small village of Athangudi in Tamil Nadu’s Chettinad region. Unlike factory-made options, these tiles are made by hand, each piece molded, colored, and sun-dried to perfection. They’re not baked in kilns like ceramic or vitrified tiles; instead, they’re set using a glass mold and a mixture of cement, sand, and natural oxides. The result is a glossy surface with intricate designs and long-lasting color that doesn’t fade easily. These tiles are an example of how traditional craftsmanship and sustainable materials can come together to create something visually stunning and durable.

How Are Athangudi Tiles Made?

The process of making Athangudi tiles is a beautiful mix of art and precision. Every tile passes through careful hands, ensuring no two pieces are ever identical. Here’s a glimpse of how they come to life:

Design Preparation

Artisans create a stencil on stiff paper with intricate motifs such as florals, geometrics, or peacocks. A glass or metal frame, typically 8x8 or 10x10 inches, defines the tile size. The stencil guides the precise placement of colored cement to form the patterns.

Base Setup

A smooth iron or wooden table is dusted with dry sand to prevent sticking, and the metal frame is placed on it to form the mold.

Pouring the Design Layer

White cement is mixed with liquid color pigments, red, green, blue, yellow, or black oxides, and these vibrant pastes are carefully poured into the stencil sections to create the design. Precision ensures colors do not bleed, and the layer sets for 10–15 minutes.

Adding Structural Layers

Once partially set, the stencil is removed. A dry mix of grey cement and sand is spread evenly as the middle layer for structural strength. A wet slurry of cement, sand, and baby jelly is then poured as the base, reaching a thickness of 1–1.5 inches. The frame is lifted, and the tile remains on the table.

Initial Setting and Curing

After an initial setting of 30 minutes, tiles are lifted and submerged in water tanks for 10–14 days of slow hydration curing. This natural process strengthens the cement and locks in the colors.

Drying and Polishing

Following curing, tiles are sun-dried and polished with linseed oil and coarse stone to achieve a glossy, glass-like sheen, no baking or chemicals are involved.

Production and Sustainability

The entire process, from mixing to polishing, takes 15–20 days per batch. Skilled craftsmen produce 100–200 tiles daily. Waste sand is reused, and water is recycled, making the method fully sustainable and zero-energy.

Where Can Athangudi Tiles Be Used?

Versatility is one of the biggest strengths of Athangudi tiles. Their color richness and natural shine can uplift any corner of your home. Here are some creative ideas to incorporate them:

• Living Room Floors: Anchor your living space with bold Athangudi patterns in earthy reds, yellows, or blues. Their natural shine complements wooden furniture and neutral walls, creating a vibrant, timeless floor that radiates warmth and tradition.
• Kitchen Backsplashes: Transform your kitchen with handcrafted Athangudi backsplashes. Smooth, stain-resistant, and easy to clean, their rich colors and glossy finish add artistic charm and heritage elegance to everyday cooking spaces.
• Courtyards & Verandas: Bring old-world charm to open areas with durable Athangudi tiles. Cool underfoot and weather-resistant, they blend tradition and functionality, turning courtyards and verandas into inviting, nostalgic outdoor retreats.
• Stair Risers: Elevate staircases with patterned Athangudi tiles on risers. Each step becomes a subtle showcase of tradition, adding character and visual rhythm without overpowering the overall staircase design.
• Bathroom: Create serene, airy bathrooms using patterned and plain Athangudi tiles. Moisture-resistant and visually balanced, they infuse cultural depth and handcrafted beauty into intimate, spa-like personal spaces. 
• Wall Panels or Feature Walls: Turn walls into art with Athangudi tile panels behind beds or in dining areas. Intricate motifs and vibrant hues craft striking focal points that tell stories of heritage and craftsmanship. 
• Cafe or Boutique Interiors: Evoke nostalgia in commercial spaces with Athangudi floors and accents. Perfect for heritage cafes and boutiques, they create warm, authentic atmospheres that captivate customers and celebrate tradition.

Popular Athangudi Tile Designs and Patterns

One of the most fascinating aspects of Athangudi tiles is their incredible design diversity. Each pattern tells a story, carrying artistic influences that range from traditional Indian motifs to mid-century European sensibilities. Here are some of the most admired design styles you’ll find in this timeless craft:

Checkered Designs

Checkered Athangudi tiles feature either thin trims or solid block shades that create a distinctive, balanced contrast. Their glossy, speckled texture adds a sophisticated finish to both indoor and outdoor areas. These checkered patterns pair beautifully with mid-century or Indo-western interiors, giving spaces a grounded yet elegant appearance.

Annapakshi Designs

Annapakshi tiles are recognised for their graceful composition of square floor tiles bordered with arched rectangular trims in contrasting hues. When laid together, they form a carpet-like layout that feels both traditional and artistic, ideal for living rooms, verandas, and courtyards that celebrate Indian heritage and design symmetry.

Geometric Patterns

Geometric Athangudi patterns feature structured lines and interlocking edges that create continuous motifs across the surface. The designs reflect influences of Moroccan and rustic prints, making them a versatile choice for modern homes that appreciate ethnic artistry with a contemporary touch.

Floral Patterns

Floral Athangudi tiles display beautiful loops, arcs, and petal-inspired details, bringing softness and vibrancy to the floor. Available in many textures, finishes, and colors, they work well in balconies, foyers, and hallways, adding a handcrafted feel that never goes out of style.

How to Maintain Athangudi Tiles?

Athangudi tiles, handcrafted from natural materials, boast remarkable durability and timeless beauty. With simple, consistent care, their vibrant colors and glossy finish can last generations.

• Daily Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dust and grit that may scratch the surface. Mop with lukewarm water mixed with a mild, pH-neutral soap. Avoid vinegar, bleach, or acidic cleaners, as they erode the tile’s natural sheen and fade intricate patterns.
• Spill Management: Though slightly porous, Athangudi tiles resist stains if addressed promptly. Wipe spills, especially oil, tea, or turmeric. Immediately wipe spills with a damp cloth to prevent absorption.
• Protective Sealing: Apply a breathable, non-film-forming sealant every 2–3 years. This enhances water resistance and deepens gloss without altering the tile’s authentic texture. Test on a small area first.
• Polishing Routine: Every 3–5 years, gently polish with coconut oil or a traditional wax blend to revive luster. Buff with a soft cloth for a mirror-like finish.
• Avoid Abrasives: Never use scrub pads, steel wool, or high-pressure jets, which can etch the surface.

With these mindful practices, your Athangudi tiles will retain their heritage charm, vibrant hues, and natural elegance for decades, aging gracefully like fine wine.

Bring Heritage and Handmade Beauty Home

Athangudi tiles are more than just flooring; they’re a living tradition carried forward through skilled craftsmanship and timeless design. Each tile tells a story of artistry, patience, and pride. If you’re looking to add depth and culture to your interiors, these handcrafted treasures are a perfect choice. At MyTyles, you’ll find a curated range of handcrafted and heritage-inspired tiles that blend traditional artistry with modern durability. Explore our collection today and bring the warmth of Athangudi tiles into your dream home.
 

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