What is field tile, why do I want it handmade and how do I go about choosing the perfect handmade tile for my home. Hang tight. I am here to help!
Field tile is the canvas to your accent tile. They are the “filler” tile, the tiles without accent or decoration and they set the stage for the decorative tile that you’ve chosen to jazz up above your stove in the kitchen or fireplace.
Fire Creek field tile are individually hand cut from a slab of stoneware clay. Cut to approximately 1/4 inch in thickness, the tile pair easily with any of Fire Creek’s accent tiles. Choose from the wide variety of glazes available in our shop. It is important to order 10% more than you think you need. This will help you account for any cuts that need to be made, any breakage or mistakes during the cutting process. (Hey…it happens to all of us!)
Depending on the size of the order, field tile are ready to ship in 6-8 weeks. Since each tile is individually handled by the artist, a slight variance in size, shape and glaze finish is to be expected. Some warping is normal with handmade tile.
Fire Creek is in the process of adding field tile to the shop. Currently, Fire Creek can cut field tiles in 2 inch, 3 inch, 4 inch, 2 x4 inch, 2 x 6 inch, and 3 x 6 inch. If you can’t find what you are looking for, send me an email and I am happy to help you.
Why do I want handmade field tile in my home?
The variances in Fire Creek field tile lend a rich organic feel to any room. Every tile is molded with a character all its own and adds texture to any wall. Light reflects and dances across the surfaces of the tile; brightening the room. Purchasing tile from a commercial store is easy and everyone has that look. Using handcrafted ceramic tile is a way to set yourself and your home apart from the crowd.
Each tile is cut, the corners smoothed by one person…an artist. Once dry, they are set into a kiln where the heat burns away impurities in the clay, pushing and pulling at the clay until it becomes vitreous; ceramic. Through the firing process, the hand of the artist is revealed through a slight fingerprint, a notch, or an indention. No two tiles are ever alike. Each tile is unique creating a unique space for your home.
How do I find the right handmade tile for me?
Choosing the right tile is the hardest part. There are so many different colors, shapes and the possibilities are endless! When choosing tile for your home, there are a few things to consider. The size of your room, a color that you can live easily with for years and where you plan on putting these lovely tiles. The way you install tile can add height to a room, make a room look bigger or smaller and color can go a long way to add drama or calmness to a room. If you want to learn more, read this: “Tips for Choosing Custom, Handcrafted Tile”.
Once you have received your order of Fire Creek field tile be sure to open the box immediately and begin laying out your tile. Begin to stack similar sizes together to account for any variances in the tile. When installing handcrafted field tile, be sure to lay the tiles that are most similar in size in the same row to help give you the straightest horizontal line. Using a slightly larger grout line will help variances in the tile as well.
Got any questions? Ask them in the comments section below!
~Thanks for reading! D.H.
“Natural beauty of pure materials that depend on the skill and acuity of the Craftsman.” ~ The Arts and Crafts Movement