Let’s Celebrate Together!
Did you know that tiles have existed for thousands of years?
Yes, mostly ceramic, mosaic, and stone tiles, and they have evolved into the many varieties so many of us crave today.
National Tile Day was founded in 2017 by Coverings, the largest international tile & stone show in North America. The purpose of National Tile Day is to shine a spotlight on the benefit of tile in residential and commercial design and recognize how timeless a role it has played in architecture and design.
Alena Capra, industry ambassador for Coverings, says,
“National Tile Day is rooted in a desire to celebrate the many great benefits tile has to offer as a material. We’re encouraging the architecture and design community to get inspired by tile.”
History of Tile
- 3500 B.C. – Tiles in Egypt
In Egyptian culture, they decorate their houses with blue brick tiles. - 1500’s – Portuguese Heritage
Portugal incorporates the ceramic tile arts as an integral part of its cultural expression, influenced greatly by the Moorish influence of North Africa. - 1936 – Traditions in Tile & Stone
Traditions in Tile & Stone was started! Our original company, called Tile Contractor Supply Co. at the time, now has 7 locations across the South East! Read more about our story → - 2017 – National Tile Day Started
The biggest international tile and stone show in North America, Covering, initiates National Tile Day to draw attention to the importance of tiles in architecture and designs.
EARLIEST USES
The use of tiles in history began in ancient Egypt several millennia back, and they were used for decorative purposes. They were mostly found in murals, mosaics, and various other designs. The Egyptians had already begun using blue brick tiles to decorate their homes around the fourth millennium B.C., and glazed brick tiles were common in Mesopotamia also, as found on the famous Ishtar Gate in Babylon, which was tiled and decorated with lions, bulls, and dragons. The Islamic empires are given credit for the spread of ceramic tiles as wall coverings, and then the Chinese via their access to the silk trade routes.
At this point, ceramic clay was left to bake and harden in the hot sun to create the durable tiles we see still standing in many of these ancient structures. However, quickly after the creation of tile was the invention of kiln-firing pottery, which made for even more durable and high-quality tiles.
1700’S EUROPE
It wasn’t until the 18th century that tile flooring truly gained popularity in Europe. This is when the practice of machine pressing dry clay made it so tiles could be mass-produced, making tiles more accessible.
1800’S AMERICA
Even with this mass production, the tile industry in America did not truly begin until the late 1800s. In fact, up until 1870 the United States was almost exclusively importing tiles from Europe. But with the Victorian era push for cleanliness, tile became a high-demand surface in the United States for its ability to easily be cleaned and sanitized.
MODERN ERA
The modern tile industry is a thriving empire that still reflects and honors the practices of the ancient civilizations from which it originated. Much like the practice of drying clay in the hot sun, ceramic tiles are made from malleable clay, dried, and then fired in a kiln for extra durability. The temperature at which the clay is fired will change the color and hardness of the tile. Tiles typically receive a glaze or sealant to ensure they stay resistant to fading, scratching, and cracks.
Today, tiles exist all over the world, gracing the walls and floors of millions of structures. They have evolved to different designs, patterns, and arrangements that are beautiful and pleasing to the sight, and National Tile Day exists as a moment to celebrate this wonderful, awe-inspiring craftsmanship.
How to Celebrate!