How to Make Clay Floor Tiles
If you enjoy the look of clay floor tiles, but don't want to (or can't afford to) spend the money on the high-priced tiles at your local home improvement store, you'll be glad to know there is an alternative that is significantly cheaper-and a lot more fun. Making your own clay floor tiles is pretty easy, and depending on how many you need, can be done in a few hours (not including kiln time).
Be sure to choose a real clay-not a polymer-and consider how much and what kind of foot traffic your floor will be getting, as well as whether you will be glazing the tiles. Some clays are simply better suited to being walked upon, especially if you are not going to use a protective glaze. Terra cotta clay is particularly nice for floor tiles and for patios.
Also, you will need access to a kiln. If you don't have your own, check with your local community center, community college, or pottery guild. Usually you can borrow theirs for a small fee, and sometimes for free.
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Things You'll Need
- Clay
- Ruler
- Cutting instrument (i.e., nonserrated knife, pottery knife)
- Thick paper, pen and scissors
- Rolling pin
- Kiln
- Glaze (optional)
Instructions
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1
Determine what size you want your tiles to be, and how many of them you will need. Add 1/4 inch all around, to account for shrinkage when the clay is baked. For example, if I want the finished tiles to be 5-inches square, I will cut them at 5 1/4 inches.
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2
Use the ruler and draw the shape and size of your tiles on a piece of thick paper. Cut this out, and it will be your pattern.
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3
Take a large lump of clay, and knead it several times to get air bubbles out and make it more pliable.
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4
Form the lump of clay into a ball, and flatten slightly. Roll the clay out to about 1/2-inch thick.
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Place the paper pattern on the clay, and cut around the edges. Remove the cut tile from the rest of the clay, and set aside.
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Repeat this process with the rest of the clay, or until you have as many tiles as you need. Remember to make a few extras in case some break.
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Place the tiles in the kiln, and bake until hardened. If desired, add a glaze. Once the tiles are complete, you can tile your floor with them.
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Tips & Warnings
Larger tiles are better for floors (bigger than 3 inches), as small tiles tend to be time intensive both to make and to lay.
