How to choose handmade look tiles
What are handmade look tiles?
Handmade look tiles are glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles styled to resemble hand-formed tiles, with a glossy or softly worn glaze and a slightly irregular feel. Many listings are described as pressed, and some have a tumbled finish. Our handmade tiles guide and Zellige tiles guide explain the style in more detail.
How is this different from subway tiles?
Every tile here is also listed under subway tiles, because the same tiles are both subway-shaped and hand-formed in look. Use this page when you want the hand-formed character of the glaze and edges. Use subway tiles when you are choosing by size, layout and wall space.
Which shape and size?
Rectangles are the largest shape group, then squares and a few feather shapes. The most common sizes are 100 x 100 mm squares, 60 x 240 mm and 50 x 150 mm rectangles, with long 75 x 300 mm and 60 x 250 mm formats for a calmer wall. There are also Zellige series tiles, in 100 x 100 mm and gloss.
Which finish and colour?
Gloss is the largest finish group, with matt and satin as well. White is the largest colour, followed by grey, green and blue. Glaze shade varies, so check a sample under your own light. Browse white tiles or green tiles for more options.
Where do they work best?
Use them on walls: kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls and feature areas. Most tiles here list no P rating, so do not lay a tile on a floor unless its listing says it is suitable. See kitchen splashback tiles and bathroom wall tiles, and order up to 5 tile samples online for $15 delivery (see tile samples).
Handmade look tile specifications at a glance
| Specification | What to expect | What to check |
|---|
| Material | Glazed ceramic and porcelain | How a tile is made depends on the range |
| Finish | Gloss, matt and satin, with some tumbled | Glaze shade varies, so check a sample |
| Shape | Mostly rectangles, with squares and a few feather shapes | The same tiles are listed under subway tiles |
| Size | 100 x 100 mm, 60 x 240 mm, 50 x 150 mm, 75 x 300 mm and 60 x 250 mm | Longer formats give a calmer wall |
| Slip rating | Listed on some tiles only | Use on walls unless the listing says a tile suits a floor |
Handmade look tile FAQs
Are handmade tiles actually made by hand?
True handmade tiles are formed one at a time, so their size, edges and glaze vary more than machine-pressed tiles. Handmade look tiles are styled to give a similar character. How an individual tile is made depends on the range, so check the listing or ask our team through Contact Us.
What are hand pressed tiles?
Hand pressed tiles are traditionally shaped by pressing clay into a mould by hand, which leaves slightly uneven edges and surfaces. Many listings here describe a tile as pressed, but how a tile is made depends on the range, so check the listing or ask our team through Contact Us before you assume a tile is made by hand.
How can I check the glaze colour before I buy?
Order up to 5 tile samples online for $15 delivery (see tile samples). Glaze colour and surface vary between tiles, so lay the sample on the wall and view it in your own light before you decide.
