How Spokane Became America's Glass Tile Capital

Glass Tile has been a mainstay in Fireclay Tile’s collection for years, witnessing a series of evolutions along the way. Today, we’re excited to share the story of how we came to make glass tile in our Washington factory and became the only tile company in the world making 100% of our ceramic, brick, and glass tile in the United States.

At Fireclay Tile, our identity is deeply rooted in our commitment as makers. This commitment transcends the mere production of tiles; it embodies our dedication to craftsmanship, sustainability, and the creation of products that tell a story. Our journey with glass tile is a vibrant chapter in our story, marked by innovation, challenges, and a steadfast determination to bring production in-house once and for all.

We manufactured and sold 100% recycled glass, consisting of locally sourced windowpanes and solar panels. In 2013 we began making glass tile using recycled Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) from old televisions.

Our attempt to manufacture glass tile in California using recycled content was ambitious, aiming to set new standards in the industry. However, this ambition met with regulatory challenges, as the use of waste from the solar industry introduced unique manufacturing complexities.

In 2018 we partnered with a Canadian vendor to continue offering glass tile. No longer able to use recycled material, we chose instead to offset our emissions associated with the production of the glass tiles and partner with a vendor who could adhere to our Vendor Code of Conduct. The result was a collection of dazzling glass tiles available in 24 colors and both gloss and matte finishes.

Three years into our successful partnership, we learned that after nearly half a century, our vendor was closing its doors. Mass-market tile had claimed another victim. But the equipment was ours if we wanted it.

Making Moves

At Fireclay, we’re makers, and our vertically integrated business model ensures we get to take responsibility for every step of the production (and now Bay Area installation) process. Our team is comprised of fantastic sellers and marketers and supporters, but the backbone of our brand is our commitment to make what we sell, and to understand the human and environmental implications of what we’re making.

Learn more about Fireclay Tile Installation.

Coupled with that identity is a mission to revive American tile manufacturing and increase the offerings for American homeowners and designers. The US used to have a vibrant and decorated tile industry, glass tile included, but the trend toward globalization in the 1980s swept most manufacturing offshore and across continents where things like recycled content and worker safety were rarely measured if present at all.

We’ve always wanted to bring glass tile back under our roof, even if our glass was imported from just north of our border in British Columbia. Watching another long-standing tile company fall pushed us further to realize that goal.

Midway through the expansion of our California facility though, tilting up a new glass factory was out of the question. But discontinuing such a precious and successful product seemed even less likely. Behind the scenes, however, our acquisition of another legacy tile brand Quarry Tile in Spokane, Washington was pressing forward and the potential for Washington to be our new glass HQ was beginning to crystallize.

With only weeks left to mint the deal, we shook hands with our vendors, put in a massive stocking order to hold us over, and arranged delivery of our glass equipment, just as we took the keys to our new facility in Washington. We now had the factory space and more importantly, a team of skilled artisans and technicians that could bring US glass to market.

Why Making Matters

The transition to in-house manufacturing of glass tile was more than a logistical move; it represented our structure as a vertically integrated company and a fundamental shift towards greater control over quality, innovation, working conditions, and environmental stewardship.

From Washington, With Love

The path to crafting glass tile in our Washington Factory has been anything but linear. From the early days of recognizing the potential in glass tile for both its aesthetic and environmental impact, through the challenges of upcycled manufacturing, to the triumphant relocation of production to our Washington facility, every step has been driven by a commitment to quality, innovation, and responsibility. This tale is not just about tile; it's about the people, the passion, and the principles that guide us.

As we look to the future, Fireclay Tile stands at the forefront of an industry poised for a sustainable revolution. Our commitment to making 100% of our ceramic, brick, and glass tile in the United States not only sets us apart but also sets a standard for others to follow. With a foundation built on craftsmanship and a vision anchored in environmental stewardship, we are more than just makers; we are pioneers, pushing the boundaries of what it means to produce responsibly and creatively.

To our customers, partners, and the dedicated team members who make our journey possible, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support fuels our innovation and sustains our mission. As we continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: our dedication to producing the finest glass tile, with respect for our planet and the people who call it home.