Enjoy free samples when you book a consultation. Click to schedule. Find a Showroom

Get free samples with a consultation. Tap to begin.

Fireclay Tile Mark
Hi, ! Search Site View cart
Application
Original Ceramic
Natural Press Ceramic
Glass
Mosaic
Handpainted
Brick
Filter By Application
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
 
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
Original Ceramic
  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes
    New
  • Ceramic Stains
    New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Natural Press Ceramic
  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glass Collection
  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics Original Ceramic Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Natural Press Mosaics Glass Mosaics Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian Agrarian Moroccan Moroccan Classic Cuerda Seca Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Brick Collection
  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Quick Ship Tile
  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
Tile Installation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Find a Showroom
Support
FAQ Track Order

Questions? We're here to help
Available 6am-5pm PST Monday-Friday

FCT Icons Chat cropped
Live Chat Online Now
FCT Icons Call cropped
Call Us (800) 773-2226 (toll-free)
FCT Icons Email cropped
Email support@fireclaytile.com
Modern subway tile striped pool 8
  • Kitchen + Backsplash
  • Bathroom + Shower
  • Floor Tile
  • Wall Tile
  • Commercial Use
  • Outdoor Tile
  • Pool Tile
2023 img hi res full usage design Atypical design Studio photo jordan Layton wainscott offset cardamom 3x9 floor tile iron ore 2 hexagon FC596427 1

Original Ceramic tiles showcase handmade qualities with unique variations in color, crazing, and finish.

  • All Original Ceramic Colors
  • Studio Glazes New
  • Ceramic Stains New
  • Shop Shapes
  • Shop Patterns
  • Trim + Architectural Moldings
Resources
  • All Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Guide to Tile Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2024 residential full usage 4x4 terre verte satin red jasper satin indigo satin 2x2 red jasper satin bathroom checkerboard straight set 6x12 cove base indigo satin Pluck Architecture Leonid Furmansky FC796720 2

Our budget-friendly ceramics line, Natural Press is made with your largest indoor and outdoor projects in mind.

  • All Natural Press Colors
  • Shop Shapes
Resources
  • All Natural Press Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Trim Guide

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Modern blue subway wall glass tile 2

Our radiant Glass Tile provides a freshness that pairs perfectly with today’s modern designs indoors or out.

  • All Glass Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Glass Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Mosaic Collection
Learn More
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Original Ceramic Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Natural Press Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Glass Mosaics
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Handpainted Collection
Shop All Nine Collections
Agrarian
Agrarian
Moroccan
Moroccan
Classic Cuerda Seca
Classic Cuerda Seca
Custom
  • Learn More
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Get a Quote
Resources
  • All Handpainted Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
Glazed Thin Brick Destination Eichler Blue Brick Fireplace

Brick’s hand-mixed glazes enrich its surface, delicately exposing its unique textures and variations with the colors of the environment around us.

  • All Brick Colors
  • Shop Sizes
Resources
  • All Brick Resources
  • Spec Sheet
  • Installation Guide
  • Design Files
  • Brick Trim

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT BROWSE ALL SAMPLES
2022 img hi res full rights residential photo design plural design studio bathroom floor tile mini star and cross antique white grout FC 407104 2

Our bestselling tile products all ready to ship in five days or less.

  • All Quick Ship Tile
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Glass Tile
  • Brick Tile
  • Handpainted Tile
Budget-Friendly Tile
  • $12 Essentials
  • $18 Foundations
  • Factory Sale
Trade callout

As a member you’ll receive exclusive access to new products, a professional discount, plus personalized service from our trade team who can help bring your vision to life.

Learn More →
Residential Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Design Packages
Commercial Specifiers
  • Find Your Rep
  • Custom Projects
  • Commercial Pricing
  • 2025 Resource Book
Meet Your Partners
  • Virtual CEU
Enscape 2025 04 08 12 57 54

Visualize our tile in your space with our comprehensive design packages.

Design Packages
  • All Design Packages
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Fireplace
  • Pool + Fountain
Custom Tile
  • Our Custom Capabilities
  • Book A Free Consultation
  • Overview
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
By Product
  • Original Ceramic
  • Natural Press
  • Glass
  • Brick
  • Handpainted
By Type
  • Product Specification
  • Installation Guides
  • Design Files
  • Price Guides
  • Product Guides
  • Brochures + Catalogs
Popular Topics
  • Trim + Moldings
  • Pools
  • Customization
  • Sustainability
Get Help
  • FAQ
  • Book a Free Consultation
  • Contact Us
  • Track Order
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Blog
  • All Blog Posts
  • Design + Inspiration
  • Project Spotlight
  • Tile School
Gallery
  • All Gallery Entries
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Commercial
Where Color Meets Craft Original Ceramic Tile

Where Color Meets Craft: Reintroducing Original Ceramic Tile

See Featured Blog →
New traditional bathroom floor subway green tile 3

Nicholas Potts: Historic Primary Bathroom

See Featured Gallery →
Explore All Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Quick Ship Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Original Ceramic Samples
Natural Press Samples
Natural Press Samples
Glass Samples
Glass Samples
Brick Samples
Brick Samples
Handpainted Samples
Handpainted Samples

Your first 5 color samples are FREE through a rep

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Certified B-Corp Climate Neutral Employee Owned American Made Search Shopping Cart User Lightning Bars Houzz Instagram Pinterest Tiktok LinkedIn YouTube Facebook Twitter Times Check Check Circle close arrow-right Next Arrow Previous Arrow question question print envelope PDF File Minus Plus Pencil
  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Tile School: Which Tile Finish is Right For You?

Know Before You Buy

Tile School: Which Tile Finish is Right For You?

By Kali Gibson

2020 img hi res rights residential influencer Amanda Walker Dwellaware sunroom living floor tile hexagon 8 blend dawn mesa red rock detail sheen FC396274

When you are choosing which tile to install, people generally think of color first, but it is important to consider the finish too. Do you want your tiles to reflect light? Have a softer look? Do you want some texture? You should also consider where you are installing as well, as some finishes are better suited for certain applications. Also, not all of our finishes are available in all of our materials. Below, we'll break down the five finishes that we offer.
 

Matte Finish
 

black and white bathroom

Tile Shown: Black Hills Brick // Design: Paula Oblen, Bobby Berk // Image: Sara Tramp

You can find matte glazes in our glass, brick and ceramic tiles. Matte tiles have a non-reflective surface and we offer them in several neutrals, whites and colors too. The subtle texture of a matte glaze has a softer effect that adds something special to any installation.
 

midcentury kitchen with yellow tile

Tile Shown: Mustard Seed 2x8 // Design & Image: High and Tight Design
 

Mattes work wonderfully for floor tiles as they offer more grip and slip resistance.

All of our matte glazes have a DCOF value above .42 and are rated for wet areas where slip resistance is helpful.

white herringbone kitchen floor

Tile Shown: Frost Matte 3x12 // Design: Hatchworks // Image: Robert Gomez Photography

For even more peace of mind in wet areas, consider a mosaic tile under 3” to maximize grout lines to add grip.

Satin Finish

Satin Finish White Tile Kitchen Backsplash

Tile Shown: 3x9 Pearl Satin // Design: Haven Building & Design Company // Image: Sage Aesthetic // Installer: Serghei Frosiniuc

 

Satin finishes are available in our Natural Press Ceramic Tile product line, including our budget-friendly Essentials that ship in 5 days or less from our Quick Ship Shop. A satin finish offers a flat, sophisticated sheen that features a touch more luster and reflectiveness than matte glazes.

Satin finishes are suitable for all vertical surfaces (walls, backsplashes, showers, fireplaces, pools, etc) as well as residential floors.

 

Satin Finish Colorful Checkerboard Bathroom Tile

Tile Shown: 4x4 Terre Verte, Red Jasper + Indigo Satin, 2x2 Red Jasper Satin // Design: Pluck Architecture // Image: Leonid Furmansky

You can see the smooth finish Satin offers in the installation below.

Satin Finish Green Mosaic Bath Tile

Tile Shown: 3x3 Manzanita Satin // Design: Michaela Hoo
 

Gloss Finish

pool with white tile and fireplace

Tile Shown: Calcite Gloss Mini Star and Cross // Design: Jessie Lane Interiors // Image: Jess Isaac

Gloss finishes have a shiny, semi-reflective sheen. Gloss finishes are seen most frequently, as this sheen offers a classic feel on floors and walls.

shower with glossy blue tile

Tile Shown: Lake Tahoe Wave // Design: Elemental Green // Image: Jill Tiongco Photography

You can see the shine, variation and crackle that can exist within finishes like Frost, shown here.

 

white tile variation

Tile Shown: Frost

You will also find Gloss finishes like Turquoise (shown below) where there is very little variation. Just be sure to check the variation level on each color page! 
 

Tile Shown: Turquoise

Gloss with Engobe Finish

tudor bathroom with ceramic tile

Tile Shown: Sand Dune 4x4 & 2x6, Olympic Brick // Design: Lauren Bradshaw Design // Image: Joseph Bradshaw

Engobe is where we place a white primer on our Recycled Clay Body and then the colored glazed on the top. This finish accentuates the color and makes for a watercolor-like appearance. Engobe finishes will typically have a higher variation level, along with a bit of crazing.

You can see how this finish has a lot of color variation.
 

Tile Shown: Nautical

You can use gloss with engobe glazes for both wall tile and flooring applications.

green bathroom with copper tub

Tile Shown: Evergreen 2x6 // Design & Image: Claire Thomas

You can see how an Engobe glaze can really showcase color variation in the bathroom below:

shower with green ceramic tile

Tile Shown: Salton Sea 2x8 // Design: Michelle Lisac Interior Design // Image: Ellen Vanessa

Matte with Engobe

Tile Shown: Calcite Mini Star and Cross // Design: The True House // Image: Mino Pro Media Group, LLC

Engobe also comes in several matte finishes, blending the accentuation of engobe primer with the subtlety of matte glaze.

pool with ceramic tile

Tile Shown: Neptune 2x2 Sheeted // Design & Image: American Growers Company

Mix and Match

checkerboard kitchen backsplash

Tile Shown: Feldspar Gloss 3x3 & Dolomite 3x3 // Design: Autumn Hachey, TWENTY-TWO TWELVE, Stay Here // Image: Michelle Johnson

If you can't decide on which finish to choose, consider using more than one. Mixing gloss and matte glaze, for instance, creates intriguing variation even across similar colorways. Feature a border, checkerboard, stripe or scattering of opposing finish to set your design apart.

colorful patchwork tile floor

Tile Shown: Desert Bloom, Mandarin, Ember, Mustard Seed, Aegean Sea, Magnolia w/ Black Patine, Lake Tahoe, Spruce Gloss, and Lichen 2x8 // Design & Image: Banyan Bridges

Do you love our finishes? Order color samples online now. Still not sure which sheen is right for you? Simply call, chat, or fill out our Design Assistance Form and one of our talented Design Consultants will get back to you shortly.

Shop the Story

3x6 Tile in Nautical Gloss
Star & Cross Tile in Frost Matte
  • 1/ Nautical Gloss, 3x6
  • 2/ Frost Matte, Star & Cross

Footer

About Us

  • Our Story
  • Our Team
  • The Factory
  • Installation Services
  • Showrooms
  • Press
  • Careers

Get Help

  • 1-800-773-2226 6am-5pm PST M-F
  • Email Us
  • Track Order
  • FAQ
  • Shipping
  • Returns

Resources

  • Trade
  • Commercial
  • Design Assistance
  • Specs
  • Design Files
  • Installation FAQs
  • Shop our Catalog

Become an Insider

We'll keep you updated with new products, design trends, promotions and any exciting happenings around the studio.

Instagram Tiktok Houzz Pinterest Facebook YouTube LinkedIn
Privacy Policy Terms of Service Accessibility

© Fireclay Tile 2025

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.  Learn More