Old reclaimed floor tiles

The charm of antique floor tiles

Floor tiles were traditionally widely used in farmhouses, homes and other historic buildings. That is why old floor tiles (plavuizen) are popularly known as farmhouse tiles (boerenplavuizen). Today, these characterful tiles are used again in both historic and modern interiors.

Old farmhouse tiles are made from clay and fired at a high temperature, creating a hard and durable ceramic material. Depending on the clay, firing process and kiln conditions, different colours and shades were produced. With reduction-fired floor tiles, the oxygen supply was restricted during firing, creating the characteristic grey to blue-grey colour.

Antique floor tiles are available in different colours, sizes and finishes. Many Dutch farmhouse tiles are around 20 x 20 cm, but historic materials also come in many other sizes and thicknesses. Some old floor tiles have a glaze, making the surface smoother and giving the tile a completely different appearance. Smaller glazed floor tiles are also often called estrikken.

The benefits of a floor made from old tiles

A floor made from old tiles combines an authentic appearance with material that has often proved itself over decades or even centuries. Natural wear, colour variation and small differences between tiles mean that no two old tiled floors are exactly alike.

The benefits of antique floor tiles include:

• a characterful and authentic appearance;
• availability in different colours, sizes and finishes;
• sustainability through reuse of existing material;
• excellent compatibility with underfloor heating;
• a floor whose natural wear and patina can add character over time.

Old floor tiles work very well with underfloor heating. Fired clay tiles absorb heat and gradually release it into the room. As with every tiled floor, a sound build-up and careful installation are important for a good result.

Maintenance depends on the type of tile. Unglazed old floor tiles can be porous and need different treatment from glazed tiles. If in doubt, use a suitable maintenance product and test it first in an inconspicuous place.

Farmhouse tiles in different colours

Our range includes antique floor tiles in many colours and shades. Colour is determined partly by the clay, firing process and kiln conditions. Common versions include:

• terracotta;
• red and reddish-brown;
• grey to blue-grey reduction-fired;
• green glazed;
• yellow and brown glazed;
• French floor tiles, often with a lighter, softer colour.

Subtle colour differences can occur within one old batch. This natural variation is characteristic of antique floor tiles and creates a lively floor after installation.

Antique floor tiles as a sustainable choice

Choosing old farmhouse tiles is a sustainable choice. Our tiles come from old buildings and are carefully removed, sorted and cleaned so they can be used again. Existing material gets a second life, avoiding the need for new tiles to cover the same floor area.

Alongside their circular character, appearance is an important reason to choose old floor tiles. Years of use have given many tiles natural wear and patina that differs from one batch to another. This creates an authentic floor that is difficult to reproduce with new tiles.

Buying antique floor tiles

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

We are happy to help you find a suitable batch for your home, farmhouse, restoration or other project. Because these are old materials, size, thickness, colour and surface may vary between batches. This natural variation is what gives an antique tile floor its character.