The Revival of Encaustic Tiles
Encaustic Tiles
The phrase attributed to everyone from Mark Twain to Winston Churchill is “Everything old is new again.” This has never been more true for home decor than with the revival of encaustic tiles. Though the patterned look has been around for centuries, it’s recently been popping up in decorating blogs and magazine spreads. It’s also been spotted in homes and restaurants all across the country. But before you run out and hire a tile guy to put in your own encaustic masterpiece, consider the following.
Unlike standard ceramic or porcelain hand painted tiles, which can be vulnerable to wear and tear distorting the patterns, encaustic is built into the structure of the tile itself. This means that it can withstand even the harshest of environments and will remain visually appealing for years to come.
While the beauty of encaustic tile is undeniable, it can be slightly more costly than traditional tile options. This is due to the fact that they are generally made from cement and not fully vitrified porcelain or glazed ceramic. Nevertheless, the durability of this tile type makes up for the initial cost and many designers suggest that it will actually add value to your home or business if it’s installed in high-traffic areas as it will last longer than other types of tile.
Another aspect of this tile is the variety of color and pattern options available. From cool tones like blue, green, and purple to warm shades of red, pink, and orange, there are limitless possibilities when it comes to encaustic. In addition, if you aren’t a fan of the typical solid-color tile choices, many suppliers will allow you to customize your own design, creating truly one-of-a-kind patterns that will set your space apart from the rest.
When choosing a color or pattern for your encaustic tile, remember that the bolder it is, the more attention it will attract. It’s important to keep other surfaces neutral or simple in order to let the patterned tile take center stage in your room. Think of it as the Shirley Bassey of the patterned tile world; you can’t have her without another singer supporting her, or your room will lose its voice.
If you’re considering encaustic for your home or business, it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable and experienced supplier. Maitland & Poate is the leading provider of this classic Mediterranean style, and they can guide you through every step of the process, from selection to installation. With the help of their expert team, you can be sure your encaustic tiles will provide you with years of enjoyment and serve as a lasting investment that will be worth its weight in gold when it comes time to sell your property. Contact them today to learn more about their incredibly wide selection of encaustic tiles and the different design and installation options they offer. They can also help you determine whether this is a good fit for your project and help with any other tile related questions you may have.