Old smoked estrikken

How do smoked estrikken get their blue-grey colour?

Smoked estrikken are also known as smoked tiles. Their characteristic colour is created during a specific firing process. After the clay is fired at a high temperature, the oxygen supply in the kiln is deliberately reduced. This creates a chemical process in which oxygen is drawn out of the clay; in Dutch this is called smoren. During this process, the colour changes from natural red to deep blue-grey. The result is a subtle colour nuance that can vary per tile, adding to the unique and robust character of your floor.

The difference between smoked and glazed estrikken

Although smoked and glazed estrikken can sometimes look similar, the production process is completely different. For your building project, it is useful to understand the distinction.

The process for smoked estrikken:

• The clay is traditionally fired in the kiln.
• Smoking means removing oxygen during this firing process.
• The oxygen shortage creates the permanent blue-grey tone.
• The colour runs through the tile and cannot wear away.

The process for glazed estrikken:

• The estrikken are first fired in the regular way.
• A glaze layer is then applied in a specific colour.
• The surface is smoother and glossier, but the top layer may wear over time.

Unique smoked estrikken from historic sources

Because we salvage our building materials from historic buildings such as old farmhouses and townhouses, unique building materials become available for your project. The smoked estrikken in our range also come from antique properties and can be more than 100 years old. We clean the estrikken by hand so you can use them straight away in your home. If you are considering a floor with them, smoked farmhouse estrikken give a room a calm and balanced character. They also create a beautiful contrast in modern homes where a clean look is desired.

Buying antique smoked estrikken for your project

Are you looking for a distinctive floor that turns your home into a true eye-catcher? Old smoked estrikken are ideal for anyone who values authenticity and sustainability. If you are interested in these floor tiles, contact us easily for advice. We handle transport with care and deliver throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.