When you think of the word "artisan," what comes to mind?
Perhaps you are picturing something that is high-quality and handcrafted — or something that is made using traditional methods. You might even think of something delicious — like artisan pizza or artisan cheese.
But if you're seeking a way to infuse that same nod to tradition and craftsmanship into your home, artisan tile is your answer. Handmade by skilled craftspeople using time-honored techniques, artisan tiles offer a level of design, detail, and durability that mass-produced tiles simply can't match.
At Riad Tile, we're passionate about preserving the art of handcrafted tile. From statement-making, hand-painted ceramic tiles to dimensional relief designs, our artisan ceramic tile collections have the character and timeless beauty that elevates any space — indoors and out.
Your Complete Guide to Artisan Tile
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what makes artisan tile so unique along with inspiring ideas for how to use it in your home. We'll also cover installation options (both DIY and professional), care and maintenance tips, and where to buy artisan tiles in Texas and online.
What Is Artisan Tile?
Artisan tiles are generally made by hand or crafted using traditional techniques — and that often happens in small batches. As a result, natural variation is a significant hallmark of this type of handmade tile. You can expect slight differences in patterns, colors, and textures that give the tiles so much character — and this is something that is simply not found in mass-produced tiles.
For example, at Riad Tile, our hand-painted artisan ceramic tiles are skillfully made by expert tile artisans and come in a variety of colors and styles.
So, whether you're drawn to the sophisticated effect of matte ceramic tile, the subtle imperfections of rustic tile, or the bolder flourish of a dimensional or hand-painted option, these artisan tiles make every surface a statement piece.
Where to Use Artisan Tile in Your Home
Using artisan tile in your home is a bit like adding an attention-grabbing piece of functional art. No matter where the tiles are placed, they bring a striking design edge and a splash of curated, cool sophistication.
Artisan ceramic tile is also incredibly versatile, which means it works in nearly every space — from kitchens and bathrooms to patios, entryways, and beyond. Here are just a few ideas for how handmade tile can transform even the simplest space into something extraordinary.
1. Bathroom Walls
The walls of a bathroom are an incredible place to feature artisan ceramic tiles. Try a textured ceramic tile or hand-painted ceramic tile on the walls for depth and interest, or choose matte tile on the floors for a soft, slip-resistant finish.
You can even create a wallpaper effect with hand-painted Green Ceramic tile. Try Black Ceramic tile with white grout for a dramatic contrast, or step into your pretty-in-pink era with dimensional Pink Ceramic tile for a modern retro vibe.
Remember: Any varied pigmentation or slight imperfections among artisan tile are what create a one-of-a-kind look that you simply cannot get with standard, mass-produced tile.
2. Kitchen Backsplashes
Nothing can elevate a kitchen faster than a gorgeous artisan tile backsplash. Whether you choose a bold Blue Ceramic tile with Moroccan flair or a sleek and dimensional White Ceramic tile with modern lines, handmade tile adds warmth and personality.
3. Fireplace Surrounds
A tiled fireplace surround can become the centerpiece of your living room. Whether you opt for glossy ceramic tile that reflects the firelight, a beautiful matte variety with subtle dimension, or engage in some pattern play with a hand-painted option, the traditionally crafted nature of artisan tile ensures a warm, eclectic, and lived-in elegance.
4. Entryways and Mudrooms
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home — so why not make it special? Artisan tiles in energetic patterns or earthy textures bring character to these easily overlooked "fringe" spaces of a house.
5. Outdoor Spaces
Don't forget about your patio, deck, or front entryway! Artisan tile is perfect for covered outdoor use, giving your exterior just as much personality as your interiors. Use Green Ceramic tile or Yellow Ceramic tile to bring color and life to the risers between steps or your garden walls and planters.
Artisan Tile Installation Options
Installing artisan tile can be a rewarding DIY activity or a precision job for a professional tile setter — depending on the complexity of the project and your experience level.
DIY Installation Tips
Putting in the work and installing artisan tile yourself is absolutely doable — but it can also be challenging!
Whether you want to tackle a kitchen backsplash or a bathroom floor, it's crucial to approach the process with the right materials and the correct method — especially when working with handmade tile that requires a bit more TLC than other types of commercial tiles.
Here's a general, easy-to-follow DIY overview, along with the tools and materials you'll need. But just know that each type, size, and pattern of artisan stone will require slightly different materials (like grout color and mortar type!).
Recommended Tools and Materials
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Artisan tiles of your choosing
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1/16-inch tile spacers
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Level and measuring tape
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Thin-set mortar
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Notched trowel
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Rubber float
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Grout release
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Grout (unsanded)
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Wet saw (for cutting tiles)
DIY Installation Basics
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Prep Your Surface: Ensure the entire surface — whether it's a subfloor, wall, backsplash, or outdoor area — is dry, level, and free of debris, so it's ready to receive your artisan stone tile. For floors, you'll want to use a backer board if the subfloor isn't completely flat or moisture-resistant, such as Hardie Backer Board, Durock, or Ditra.
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Plan Your Layout: It can be helpful to dry-lay your tiles to determine the arrangement you prefer — and to minimize any potential mistakes. This is easiest to do with floors, but you can also sketch out how you want your tile to appear on a backsplash or wall. Also, don't ignore the age-old advice: Measure twice and cut once! That way, you can minimize waste.
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Apply Thin-Set Mortar: Once you are happy with the design and layout of the artisan tile, you're ready to actually install it. Use a notched trowel to spread a layer of thin-set mortar that's suitable for your tile onto the clean surface, such as Laticrete 253.
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Lay the Tile: Press each tile firmly by hand into the mortar, as using a rubber mallet or hammer can cause hairline cracks. Use 1/16-inch spacers to maintain the evenly proportioned grout lines that are essential for a professional-looking finish.
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Cut Your Tile to Fit: With a wet saw, cut the artisan tile into the sizes you need to fit corners and other spaces where the regular-size tiles cannot accommodate. Note: A standard tile cutter won't cut it (literally). So, it's critical to use a wet saw, as it prevents chipping — and don't forget your protective eyewear and gear!
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Apply Grout Release: Once the mortar sets, remove the spacers, clean and dry your tile, and apply one to two coats of grout release to the surface of the tiles, using a rubber float. This will ensure that your grout doesn't stain the surface of the tile.
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Apply Grout: Within one hour of applying the grout release, apply grout. At Riad Tile, we recommend using Mapei Flexcolor CQ grout. It's available at Lowe's and Floor and Decor, along with other home improvement stores. Whichever grout you choose, make sure it is non-sanded. You should also avoid dark-colored grout, as it can stain the tile.
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Allow for Curing: Grout should cure for about 48 hours or according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the grout has cured, clean your new tile surface thoroughly.
When to Hire a Pro
Artisan tile is not the best beginner project for DIY novices. So, for those who prefer to leave the installation to the experts to ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting durability, consider hiring a professional installer.
This can be especially important when you're dealing with large areas or when you want to create intricate patterns with your tile. Professional tile setters will provide the correct spacing, proper sealing, and an overall polished look.
At Riad Tile, we can connect you with recommended contractors in your area — or help guide your installer through our specifications — to get the job done both efficiently and beautifully.
How to Clean Artisan Tile
Caring for your handmade tile is actually easier than you might think. Here are some general cleaning tips to maintain your tile for years to come:
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Maintain Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris.
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Keep Surfaces Dry: If your artisan tile is in a moisture-rich environment — like the tile floor of a bathroom or a shower wall — it's helpful to dry off the tile to avoid water spots and the buildup of mildew.
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Use the Appropriate Cleaner: Use a pH-neutral cleaner with a damp, soft mop to avoid damaging or scratching the surface of your tile.
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Avoid Abrasive Products: Rough scrubbers can dull the finish of both matte tile and glossy tile, so make sure to use softer cloths and sponges.
Where to Buy Artisan Tile
If you're wondering where to buy artisan tiles in Texas and looking for the highest quality product available, Riad Tile is the top tile company for purchasing artisan tile. We are dedicated to crafting gorgeous handmade artisan tiles that are excellent choices for many different homes and decorative styles.
Our skilled tile artisans only craft tile of the highest possible quality, so our tiles are as beautiful as they are consistent and durable. They can be installed in many settings to create a vivid and compelling aesthetic — both outside and inside your home.
Our artisan ceramic tile collections include:
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50/50 Hand-Painted 6"x6" Artisan Ceramic Tiles in black, blue, green, and pink
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Crest Hand Painted 6"x6" Artisan Ceramic Tiles in black, blue, green, and pink
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Tepoz Dimensional Relief 6"x6" Artisan Ceramic Tiles in black, blue, bone, green, pink, and white
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Tulum Dimensional Relief 6"x6" Artisan Ceramic Tiles in black, blue, bone, green, pink, and white
Shop In-Store in Texas
Visit our Dallas tile showroom to see our artisan ceramic tiles, artisan stone tiles, and so much more in person, including the highest quality cement tile, Zellige tile, marble time, and Terrazzo tile. We boast some of the lowest prices in the country, too.
We welcome designers, homeowners, and contractors alike — and we're happy to provide samples on-site.
You can find our showroom at 5200 E. Grand Avenue #520, Dallas, TX 75223.
Shop Online from Anywhere
Not in Dallas? No problem! Our full collections of tiles are available for nationwide shipping straight to your door. You can browse and order samples directly from our product pages.
Need help choosing? Contact us anytime, or feel free to request a sample today! We're here to assist with design ideas, product details, and ordering support.
Let's make something beautiful together with handmade tile that's anything but ordinary.
