Elevate Stiles is an online store for tiles that specializes in Residential and Commercial spaces. It has an exquisite collection of designer tiles like handcrafted tiles, mosaic tiles, subway tiles, and highlighter tiles.
The extraordinary Athangudi tile beautifully epitomizes the blend of skill, beauty, and tradition from Tamil Nadu, India. Unlike other types of flooring materials, these tiles are lovingly handmade and sun-dried. They embody the traditions and a way of life that is rich in culture. It is a shame that life’s comforts increasingly come in the form of automation and mass production.
As a homeowner, architect, or design enthusiast, it is handy and pleasing to the eye to know about the history, designs, patterns, manufacturing process, and pricing of anything that you plan to purchase. With this understanding, you will be able to avoid design mistakes and aesthetic decisions that can look visually unbalanced.
Athangudi tiles are a unique form of cement tile fabricated in Athangudi village, which is part of the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu. The tiles have a charming glossy finish without requiring any chemical polish, eco-friendly production, and most importantly, long-lasting durability. What makes Athangudi tiles special, though, are the traditional floral and geometric patterns along with rich, vivid colors that make them stand out.
Modern tiles, such as vitrified tiles, do not compare to Athangudi tiles. Athangudi tiles are far more economical as they consist of local sand, cement, and natural oxides, which are poured into handmade moulds. The designs are hand-poured, giving each tile a distinct touch.
These specific tiles originate from the luxurious Chettinad houses in the state of Tamil Nadu. Over a hundred years ago, local artisans started using techniques from Europe for tile production, but modified them to suit local materials and craftsmanship.
The result were Athangudi tiles, which are more than just utilitarian. They capture the essence of an era when homes were meticulously crafted and every little aspect was a work of art.
Athangudi tiles are produced manually, requiring no power and little equipment. Below is the process explained with simple phrases:
To create a shiny end product, a glass plate is used as the base.
Oiled glass is covered with a stencil. Colored oxides are then poured into specific regions through slurries.
After the design layer finishes, the backing layer of cement and sand is applied.
Each tile is pressed, stripped off the mold, and cured in water for a week.
To strengthen the bonds and set the colors, tiles are dried in sunlight.
New variations of tone and designs reflecting on every tile bring charm and authenticity to wall and floor surfaces.
These unique and intricate designs make Athangudi tiles the most admired amongst a couple of others. Let’s have a look at some of the major styles that are most well-known today.
These are perhaps the most emblematic Athangudi designs. Floral tiles featuring motifs like lotus, jasmine, and creepers bring an ornamental and traditional appeal to a space.
These include checkerboards, diamonds, as well as complex symmetrical arrangements. They go well with vintage as well as modern homes.
These tiles get their name from the Chettinad mansions, daintily decorated with temple-inspired motifs, and borders colored vibrantly with red, yellow, green, and indigo.
Many of Athangudi tiles incorporate accompanying border and corner tiles that enhance the layout and give a regal touch to spacious rooms or verandahs.
Tiles of a single color with a shiny surface are increasingly favored for contemporary homes. Such tiles can be used creatively within minimalist settings or combined with other patterned tiles.
The functionality and application of these tiles include the following:
This tile is particularly useful for hot climates like southern India due to its natural cooling attributes.
Athangudi tiles are affordable when compared to their handcrafted value and aesthetics. Here’s a general pricing guide (as of 2025):
Tile Type | Size (inches) | Price per sq. ft (INR) |
Basic Plain Tiles | 8×8 | ₹55 – ₹70 |
Patterned Tiles (Floral) | 8×8 | ₹75 – ₹90 |
Geometric Designs | 8×8 | ₹80 – ₹100 |
Border & Corner Tiles | Custom | ₹100 – ₹130 |
Custom Colours or Motifs | Custom | ₹120 – ₹150 |
Note: Prices may vary based on quantity, location, and shipping charges.
Athangudi tiles have now expanded into:
Mixing them with other materials like terrazzo tiles, wooden flooring, or concrete slabs for bold designs is becoming popular among designers.
Feature | Athangudi Tiles | Vitrified/Ceramic Tiles |
Manufacturing | Handmade | Machine-made |
Look & Feel | Artistic, unique | Uniform, glossy |
Eco-friendliness | High | Moderate to Low |
Durability | High (if maintained) | High |
Customisation | Possible | Limited |
Heat Resistance | Excellent | Good |
Cost | Affordable | Ranges from Low to Premium |
These tiles are increasingly important in sustainable architecture and home design because they are authentic and painstakingly made by hands of skilled artisans.
These tiles, like other traditional elements, appeal to heritage lovers as they consider revitalizing the flooring of the house.
Athangudi tiles are more than tiling; they are vibrant pieces of art that tell rich stories crafted from cement, hues, and history.
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