Fireclay Handpainted Ceramic: Built to Outlast Cement

Both handpainted ceramic and cement tiles offer captivating aesthetics. However, their similarities end where durability, maintenance, and long-term value begin. This isn't merely a decorative choice; it's a decision impacting your space's longevity and upkeep. We'll explore the critical factors setting Fireclay Tile's handpainted ceramic apart from traditional cement tile, empowering you to select the material that brings lasting beauty and performance.

Why Fireclay Tile?

Made-to-order tile crafted in California & Washington
B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified
Customization without compromise
Trusted by Google, Starbucks, Whole Foods—and thousands of designers
A true partner for design professionals

What Sets Us Apart

Deciding between handpainted ceramic and cement tile can be challenging. To help you make the best choice for your project, we've broken down the key differences that impact performance, longevity, and maintenance. See how Fireclay Tile's Handpainted Ceramic stacks up against traditional cement tile at a glance:

Color That Lasts: Glaze vs. Pigment

The secret to enduring color lies in our glaze. Unlike cement tile, where pigments are mixed into the concrete and can fade or shift over time, Fireclay's vibrant colors are meticulously handpainted onto each tile and then fused permanently during firing. This process locks in brilliance, ensuring your design remains as vivid years from now as it is today.

Tile looked fantastic in pictures, and even more so when unboxed. When installed as a fireplace surround, it was absolutely stunning. Understanding that this was a hand-painted tile, I made sure the tile installer followed the installation instructions. He did a great job and everyone who has seen the fireplace love the tile. Super happy with it and would definitely order from Fireclay tile again in the future.

–Kevin, Groton, MA

Your Trusted Partner in Design

From concept to completion, we’re here to support your creative vision. We offer expert guidance, curated materials, and seamless service through planning, purchasing, installation, and beyond. Think of us as an extension of your team, committed to helping you bring exceptional spaces to life.

A Dedicated Expert Team

Design consultants, rendering artists, and project managers work in tandem with you to bring your vision to life.

Photorealistic 3D Renderings

Easily integrate our tile into your projects with tailored design packages that support visualization, specification, and presentation.

High-Performance Installation

Handmade tiles paired with expert installation—delivering quality and excellence from start to finish. Available in select markets.

Installation Protection

As the only tile manufacturer in the industry to offer Installation Protection, we ensure your investment is safeguarded with confidence.

Let's Bring Your Vision to Life

Get Inspired

Visualize Your Project

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Find A Showroom

See our tile in-person, get free samples, and speak with our knowledgable design consultants.

Still Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Where can I use handpainted tiles?

Handpainted tiles can be used in a wide range of applications, including wall and floor applications, showers, stair risers, fireplaces, hospitality and retail projects. For flooring applications, we recommend using our slip-resistant matte glazes.

Where and how are handpainted tiles made?

We make our handpainted tile in our Aromas, California factory using our clay bodies as the base. When an order is placed, bisqued tile (clay tile that has been fired once to create a hard, durable body) is screen-printed with the chosen handpainted patterns, using a black wax resist to prevent glazes from running. After the pattern is screened onto the clay body, the glaze colors are then applied. Upon completion of the painting, the tiles are fired, packed and shipped.

Please note, due to the nature of hand applied glazes we cannot guarantee that glaze colors will perfectly match across our field and Handpainted tiles although we will always aim to match as closely as possible.

Watch our how we make our Handpainted Tile.

Can I use my own design?

Yes, you absolutely can. There are additional development charges and set-up fees applied to custom orders.

Our Custom Handpainted Pattern Fee starts at $250. This includes a custom screen development plus up to 2 sample pieces of your handpainted tiles. If you desire a custom color as part of your handpainted pattern, custom color development fees apply for each color you choose. Please note that we cannot guarantee an exact color match, but we will do our very best to interpret your custom color. We cannot offer refunds post purchase and screen making or color development.

How are they priced?

We offer a tiered pricing structure for our handpainted tiles based on the detail of the pattern. Each pattern is labeled 1 (least expensive) to 3 (most expensive) to identify its respective pricing tier.

What are the average lead times?

Please call to inquire at the time of ordering about current lead times, as they are very project specific.

How do I order a sample?

To order a Handpainted sample, simply go to the pattern’s product page. As you scroll down, you’ll find a“Get a Sample” button that will add a sample to your cart in the color motif of your choice. The cost of each sample piece is determined by its pattern.

Can I choose custom colorways for Handpainted Tile?

Absolutely! You can customize any of our Handpainted Tile designs with the colors of your choice for an additional fee. Please talk to one of our design consultants to help you customize your Handpainted tile.