Old grey smoked tiles

How do smoked tiles get their blue-grey colour?

The characteristic colour of smoked tiles is created during the firing process. After the clay has been fired at a high temperature, the oxygen supply is deliberately reduced. This creates a chemical process in which oxygen is drawn out of the clay. During this smoking process, the colour changes from red to blue-grey. The result is a subtle, deep tone that can vary slightly per tile, adding to the authentic character of smoked tiles.

The difference between smoked and glazed tiles

Although smoked and glazed tiles can sometimes look similar, the production process is completely different. In smoked tiles, the colour is part of the tile itself because the clay reacts to the lack of oxygen during firing. The blue-grey tone is therefore permanent and does not wear away. With glazed tiles, a glaze layer is added after firing to create shine and colour. This layer can be made in any colour. The disadvantage is that the glaze sits on the surface and may wear over time. Smoked tiles have a more natural, matte and lived-in appearance, while glazed tiles are smoother and glossier.

Laying a beautiful floor with smoked tiles

A floor of smoked tiles gives an interior a calm and balanced character. It fits perfectly in modern homes where a clean look matters. The tiles measure 20x20 or 21x21 cm, making them suitable for spaces such as:

• Kitchens
• Hallways
• Entrances

Maintaining grey smoked tiles

Maintaining smoked tiles is very easy. This applies not only to smoked tiles, but to every type of tile.

1. First remove loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner or broom.
2. Then fill a bucket with warm water and a light cleaning product.
3. Dip the mop in the bucket.
4. Mop across the tiles.

Buying beautiful antique grey smoked tiles

At Van Dillen Antique Building Materials you will find a carefully selected range of old smoked tiles of excellent quality. We recover the tiles from historic buildings that are being demolished, such as old farmhouses and churches. Before delivery, every tile is carefully checked, cleaned, sorted and prepared. This gives you a sustainable floor that lasts for years while bringing a piece of history into your home. We arrange careful transport throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. View the smoked tile range and discover how these special tiles can create a stylish, authentic floor that connects past and present.