The difference between floor tiles and estrikken explained

What is the difference between floor tiles and estrikken?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a small distinction. Plavuizen are the broader category: almost all fired ceramic clay floor tiles fall under this name. Estrikken are the glazed variant within that category. The glaze gives the tile a glossy, often colored finish in brown, yellow-green, or grey tones. Unglazed plavuizen are called tumblers. They have a matte, earthy appearance and show the natural color of the fired clay.

The difference between plavuizen and tiles is broader. Tile is a modern umbrella term that also includes industrially produced ceramics and wall tiles, for example. Plavuizen refer to traditionally made floor tiles, often hand-formed and thicker than modern tiles. They come from a time when every tile was slightly different. That is what makes authentic old floor tiles so valuable: no floor is identical.

 

The origin and definition of both floor tiles

Estrikken take their name from the Middle Ages, when square natural-stone tiles were known by that term. Fired clay was cheaper to produce than natural stone, while imitating its shape and function. From the late Middle Ages onward, glazing became common. It made the tiles more moisture-resistant and easier to clean. In Dutch and Flemish farmhouses, monasteries, and townhouses, glazed old estrikken were therefore mainly used in kitchens, sculleries, and hallways. Below you can see an example of old estrikken.

Unglazed plavuizen found their way into barns, stables, and workspaces. They were robust and affordable. Because they were less sensitive to frost cracking, they were sometimes also used outside. Traditional pottery workshops produced both glazed and unglazed variants. The most common sizes were square, from 11 x 11 cm to 30 x 30 cm. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, 13 x 13 cm was a standard size.

In addition to Dutch old estrikken, Van Dillen Antique Building Materials also offers old French tiles. French terracotta tiles have a warmer, more orange color and often larger sizes. Production techniques differed by region, which is visible in color, hardness, and texture. French floor tiles were used especially in country houses and chateaux.

Difference between ceramic tiles and natural stone

The difference between ceramic tiles and natural stone lies in the raw material. Ceramics are fired from clay and gain their hardness in a kiln. Natural stone is quarried from rock formations and is already millions of years old. Slate, limestone, and sandstone are examples. Both materials were used as floors, but they have different properties.

Ceramic plavuizen are often lighter, more homogeneous, and easier to lay. Natural stone is heavier, cooler, and often shows veins or fossils. In historic interiors, both materials were used side by side. A hall might have natural stone, while the kitchen had ceramic tiles. Authenticity comes from choosing a material that suits the building style and origin of your property. For farmhouse and townhouse renovations, antique floor tiles are often the most logical choice.

How do you recognize authentic old plavuizen and estrikken?

Real old pieces show irregularities that machine-made reproductions cannot imitate. Look at dimensional differences: no hand-formed tile is exactly the same. Check the edges: are they blunt, rounded, or slightly wavy? Notice color differences within one batch. These point to natural variation in the clay and the tile’s position in the kiln during firing.

Wear is another sign. Authentic plavuizen show grooves, pits, and polished spots where people walked for centuries. Glaze may be worn or discolored. That patina cannot be artificially reproduced without losing charm. In estrikken, you sometimes see crazing patterns in the glaze caused by temperature changes and age.

Thickness is also revealing. Old plavuizen are often 2 to 3 cm thick, much thicker than modern tiles. They feel heavy in the hand. The underside may be slightly smoked or show traces of sand from the drying board on which they were placed before firing. These details make every piece unique and strengthen the authenticity of your project.

In short, pay attention to:

• irregularities
• wear
• thickness

Frequently asked questions about old floor tiles

Which different types of floor tiles are there?

There are ceramic floor tiles such as plavuizen, estrikken, and French floor tiles, all made from fired clay. There is also natural stone: slate, sandstone, limestone, and marble. Within ceramics, a distinction is made between glazed tiles (estrikken) and unglazed tiles (plavuizen). French terracotta and Dutch earthenware tiles differ in color, size, and origin. At Van Dillen, we only offer authentic, reclaimed pieces from demolished buildings.

Are old floor tiles suitable for underfloor heating?

Yes, old floor tiles are suitable for underfloor heating. Old plavuizen conduct heat well because of their thickness and density. Lay them on a dry, level substrate with a suitable adhesive that can handle temperature changes. Allow enough curing time before turning on the underfloor heating. We always recommend consulting your tiler to prevent cracking or loosening.

How do I recognize old antique floor tiles?

You can recognize antique floor tiles by their irregularities, wear, and thickness. The glaze on estrikken, for example, is often slightly damaged by use.