With handmade tiles, no two tiles are exactly the same. Irregularity is the hallmark of tiles that have been crafted entirely by hand. Uneven edges and surfaces are the characteristics that make handmade tiles charming and irresistible, adding interest and dimension to spaces. It’s the “perfectly imperfect” in handcrafted tiles that ensures each project is one of a kind.
However, there are downsides to handmade tiles in spite of their innate beauty and charm, especially for commercial applications where easy maintenance and durability are top priorities in the specification of surface solutions. Flooring in commercial spaces is subject to hundreds, if not thousands, of footsteps daily. And walls can suffer nearly as much abuse, if not more, in corridors and elevator banks. Commercial floor and wall tiles must be able to stand up to day-to-day abuses — and look great while doing it. Handmade tiles are typically more “delicate,” and cleaning can be tricky due to their unevenness.
In addition to the potential maintenance and durability issues found with handmade tiles, there is also the expense. They don’t come cheap and can be difficult to source in the very large amounts typically needed for commercial installations.
So how do you get the handcrafted tile look without the hassles? Fortunately, the current trends that embrace all that handmade tile have to offer have compelled tile manufacturers to mass-produce ceramic tile that looks handcrafted while featuring the benefits of manufactured precision that commercial tile specifiers seek out: durability, easy maintenance, availability, and good value.
If you’re looking for manufactured tiles with a handcrafted vibe, GIO’s got you covered with six beautiful tile collections that are hardy enough for the toughest commercial environments.
Zellige
Our Zellige wall tile collection offers Moroccan tile inspiration in a range of brilliant glazes. Click here to learn more about the Zellige tradition.
Barista
Retro style meets subway tile with our Barista collection. With an antique chic look, this line pays homage to handcrafted tile with a palette of gleaming neutrals.
Handmade
Chic meets antique in this modern collection crafted to converge Old World style with fashion-forward finishes. Handmade wall tile comes in a range of beautiful colors plus metallic finishes, crackle finishes, and a 7″ hex.
Argille
Argille wall tile offers the look of hand-hewn clay glazed to peak sophistication. The glossy subway tiles are generously sized and offered in a stunning 8-color neutral palette.
Pigment
Pigment floor and wall tile blends “handmade” and “modern age” with six on-trend hues and a long, lean 2′ x 14″ format.
Naxos
Naxos wall tile offers the look of subtly beveled handcrafted tiles in six glossy hues and a modern, linear 3′ x 16 size.
GIO Tile is committed to being at the forefront of commercial design, bringing you only the finest commercial-grade products, hand-picked from global sources based on our focused knowledge of what you need to transform commercial spaces. Contact us anytime – we’re here to work with you!
