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.
Glass From the Past
Our foray into glass tile began with an appreciation for its aesthetic and environmental potential. The acquisition of Sandhill Glass in 2011 was a pivotal moment, symbolizing our commitment to not only embrace the beauty of glass tile but to reimagine its production through the lens of sustainability and waste diversion.
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.
Crushed CRT glass
Reclaimed solar glass tubing
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.
Controlling Quality and Standards
By bringing glass tile production in-house, we gained unparalleled control over every aspect of our product's lifecycle—from the sourcing of raw materials to the final touches that make each tile unique. This control allows us to ensure that every piece of tile meets our rigorous standards for durability, beauty, and environmental sustainability.
It also empowers us to maintain consistency across batches, ensuring that our customers receive products that not only look stunning but last a lifetime.
At Your Service: Innovation and Custom Requests
In-house manufacturing will always win when it comes to innovation and refinement. Bringing glass to Spokane has opened new avenues for exploration and experimentation, allowing us to push the boundaries of glass tile design. We can accommodate custom requests with a level of precision and personalization that sets Fireclay Tile apart. Whether it's a specific color match for a restoration project or a unique mosaic pattern for a bespoke installation, our in-house production ensures our customers' visions can be realized.
At Fireclay, your sales rep is a seamless connection to our innovation lab, our engineers, and the teammates who craft every tile we sell.
Made for Good
Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Fireclay Tile; it is a principle that guides our operations. In-house production enhances our ability to oversee and optimize every step of the manufacturing process for minimal environmental impact. From reducing energy consumption to minimizing waste, we continuously seek ways to improve our sustainability footprint.
By choosing Fireclay Tile, customers are not just beautifying their spaces; they are contributing to a more sustainable future.
How It’s Made
Making glass tile is a fusion of traditional techniques with modern manufacturing processes. Our method is particularly tailored for producing tiles that are not only visually stunning but also designed for scale and customers’ most ambitious projects.
Scoring & Cutting
Color Mixing
Silk-Screening
Matte Finishing
Final Sizing
Firing
Quality Inspection
Packaging and Distribution
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.
