Old Dutch terracotta floor tiles

Old estrikken give a floor character

Old estrikken (also spelled estriken) are known for their rich history and distinctive appearance. These old floor tiles were widely used in farmhouses, homes and other historic buildings. At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find a carefully selected range of old estrikken in different colours, sizes and finishes. Natural clay shades, wear and patina give every old batch its own appearance.

Our estrikken come from historic buildings and are carefully cleaned of old mortar, sorted and prepared for reuse. This gives these characterful old floor tiles a second life in both historic and modern interiors.

Antique estrikken in different colours

An old estrikken floor is distinguished by its wide variation in colours and finishes. Estrikken are available in the natural colours of fired clay, in grey reduction-fired versions and with different types of glaze.

Common colours and finishes include:

• brown and reddish-brown estrikken;
• green glazed estrikken;
• yellow glazed estrikken;
• grey and anthracite reduction-fired estrikken;
• mixed batches with different colours and shades.

The grey colour of reduction-fired estrikken is created by restricting the oxygen supply during firing. This produces grey, blue-grey and sometimes almost anthracite shades. Differences in clay and firing conditions create natural colour variations, so every tile is slightly different. This variation gives an old estrikken floor its lively and authentic appearance.

Glazed estrikken

Many antique estrikken have a characteristic glaze. A glazed estrik is essentially a glazed terracotta floor tile. The terms estrikken and floor tiles are therefore closely related and often overlap in practice.

Historically, however, the term estrik was used more broadly for different square floor tiles. An old estrik therefore does not have to be glazed. Today, the old glazed examples in green, yellow and brown shades are particularly well known.

After years of use, the glaze may have worn locally or show crazing. These signs of use and colour differences belong to the old material and contribute to the authentic, lived-in character of the floor.

Distinctive Dutch craftsmanship

Old estrikken are characteristic of historic Dutch floors and were widely used in farmhouses, homes and other old buildings. Green, yellow and brown glazed versions are especially typical of this historic craft.

Compared with the Netherlands, such old estrikken are much less common in neighbouring countries. Authentic old batches are therefore increasingly difficult to find. Their historic origin, traditional colours and natural signs of use make old Dutch estrikken a distinctive building material.

Benefits of old estrikken

Old estrikken combine the appearance of a historic material with the practical qualities of a ceramic floor tile. They work well in rural and classic interiors, and also create an attractive contrast in modern homes.

The main benefits of old estrikken are:

• an authentic appearance from natural wear and patina;
• wide variation in colours, sizes and finishes;
• excellent compatibility with underfloor heating;
• suitability for both historic and modern interiors;
• sustainability through reuse of existing material;
• a distinctive character in every old batch.

With glazed estrikken, the glaze creates a less porous surface than an unglazed tile. Antique glaze may have worn locally or show crazing after years of use. This is characteristic of the material and contributes to its lived-in appearance.

Buying distinctive old estrikken

At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find a wide range of old estrikken and old floor tiles in different colours, sizes and finishes. From reddish-brown and grey reduction-fired tiles to unusual yellow, green and brown glazed examples, every batch has its own history and appearance.

Because these are authentic old materials, size, thickness, colour, glaze and wear may vary between batches. We carefully select, clean and sort the estrikken so they are ready for reuse. We are happy to help you find a suitable batch for your home, restoration, renovation or other project.