Are Athangudi tiles fired like ceramic tiles?

No. They are water-cured and sun-dried over one to three weeks rather than baked in a kiln. The colour and strength come from oxide pigment and a cement base, not from firing, which is what keeps their making low on energy.

Do Athangudi tiles suit bathrooms and kitchens?

They can, provided they are properly sealed first. The surface is porous by nature, so in wet areas the sealing and waxing matter even more than they do in a dry living room or foyer.

Are Athangudi tiles durable enough for high-traffic areas?

Yes. The cement base stands up to heavy footfall in foyers, living rooms and verandahs. A sealed floor wears slowly and can be re-waxed to refresh the sheen when it dulls.

How are Athangudi tiles different from ordinary cement tiles?

Both share a cement base, but Athangudi tiles are cast by hand on glass, which lends a soft sheen and a slight variation from tile to tile. Machine-made cement tiles are uniform and matte by comparison.

Do Athangudi tiles need a lot of maintenance?

The routine is light: a soft mop and a non-acidic cleaner for everyday care, plus an occasional re-wax. The one rule worth keeping is to avoid strong acidic cleaners, which fade the oxide colour over time.

Athangudi Tiles: What They Are and Where To Use Them

Athangudi tiles are handmade cement tiles from Chettinad, cured on glass in the sun rather than kiln-fired. How they are made, how to keep them, and where they belong in a modern Hyderabad home.