Product Information | Ordering & Samples | Pricing & Payments | Installation & Maintenance | Delivery & Shipping | Miscellanneous

No, Athangudi tiles may not be for everyone. Some individuals may prefer machine-made tiles. Athangudi tiles are handcrafted, with each tile made individually. As a result, they may have surface imperfections, colour variations, and slight colour runs. The colours depend on the natural pigments used, and like everything in nature, the colour deposits can vary depending on their source. Athangudi tiles are not uniform and may have chipped edges, nicks, or variations in texture and composition. Additionally, fine cracks, also known as crazing, may appear on the surface over time. This is part of the tile’s unique charm and character.

Unlike traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles, Athangudi tiles are entirely handmade using natural pigments and materials, without the need for kiln firing. A mould, or stencil, is created—usually handcrafted from metal, much like an intricate cookie cutter. This mould forms the pattern framework into which the desired colours are carefully poured. After pouring, the mould is delicately removed. The process requires great skill, with the production technique leaning more towards hand-finishing than the methods used for ceramic or porcelain tiles. In fact, steady hands are essential when pouring pigment into the finer sections of the mould. Once the design is in place, the tiles are hand-pressed and then placed in a water bath for 72 hours to cure. After this, they are air-cured until completely dry.

The standard size of Athangudi tiles is 10 inches x 10 inches x 19 mm, with borders or skirtings available in a size of 10 inches x 5 inches x 19 mm.

No, Athangudi tiles are not slippery. They have a naturally porous surface that prevents water from beading up, making them less likely to cause slips compared to glazed tiles. Additionally, their matte finish ensures they do not become slippery when wet. Athangudi tiles are a practical, slip-resistant option that meets basic standards for slip resistance.

Athangudi tiles are durable and can withstand regular foot traffic without scratching easily. However, they are not entirely scratch-proof against sharp objects or heavy impact. Such conditions may cause minor swirl marks or light scratches over time, though these are usually not prominent and do not significantly affect the tiles’ overall appearance. Regular maintenance and careful handling can help minimise these imperfections, ensuring the tiles retain their aesthetic appeal.

The lifespan of Athangudi tiles can vary depending on factors such as installation quality, maintenance, and usage conditions. With proper care, they can last between 70 to 100 years or even longer, maintaining their aesthetic appeal and durability over time. Regular cleaning and occasional resealing can further extend their lifespan.

Athangudi tiles may undergo slight colour changes over time when exposed to sunlight, as they are not UV-resistant. In areas with direct and prolonged sunlight, such as open terraces, brighter colours are more likely to fade noticeably. For such spaces, we recommend avoiding these tiles or choosing neutral colours to minimise fading. However, in outdoor spaces with partial sunlight, such as balconies, verandahs, and patios, fading is less noticeable and can actually add a natural charm to the tiles. Despite the potential for fading, Athangudi tiles remain durable and continue to be a stylish and functional option for outdoor use.

Athangudi tiles can be laid on walls. For wall applications, we recommend using tile adhesives instead of cement to ensure a secure and durable installation. This method helps the tiles adhere better to vertical surfaces, enhancing their aesthetic appeal and longevity.

It is feasible to lay Athangudi tiles on existing flooring. However, please note that over time, there might be slight inter-tile movement leading to hairline cracks. Also, consider the thickness of the tiles (1.8 cm) to ensure it doesn't affect doorways or other areas. These are considerations to ensure a successful installation.

Yes, we have a variety of tiles in stock and can ship you a sample. Please refer to this link for ordering samples. Additionally, we can have custom sample tiles made if your schedule permits (this may take several weeks).

Standard tile pricing is based on bulk sales of hundreds of tiles at a time. Due to the individual manufacturing, handling, and packaging required for safe delivery, we operate our sample services at a loss. For this reason, we limit the number of pieces per sample order and do not accept returns. The sample pricing helps cover these costs and also helps to reduce inquiries from those who may not be seriously considering Athangudi tiles for their project.

Orders can be placed through online platforms, email, phone, or WhatsApp, and a deposit is required to confirm the order.

During installation, you may notice a chalky residue on the finished tiles, which is a natural result of the production process. Some light shadowing might also remain after cleaning, as this is inherent to the tile. Tiles retain moisture from the manufacturing process and will gradually dry to their correct colour within a few days.

A newly laid and polished cement-tile floor may initially develop a dull, greyish appearance due to ‘efflorescence’—a greyish film caused by soluble alkalis in the cement or chunam bedding. This will not affect the quality or beauty of the floor. Over the course of 3 to 6 months, efflorescence will disappear as the salts rise to the surface and are washed off during regular cleaning. After this, a ‘Chettinad Tiles’ floor will develop a beautiful sheen that improves with time and proper maintenance.

As we are a custom tile manufacturer and produce client-specific products, most of our tiles are made to order (this applies to ready stock items as well). We may not accept order cancellations or modifications after a certain time frame.

If a modification request is made within 24 hours, it will be processed free of charge. If a cancellation request is made within this time frame, 100% of the amount will be refunded. If a modification request is made between 24 - 48 hours, a 5% additional charge will apply on the ‘tiles’ part of the order. For cancellation requests within this time frame, a 10% deduction will be applied, and 90% of the amount will be refunded. If a modification request is made between 48 - 96 hours, a 10% additional charge will apply on the ‘tiles’ part of the order. For cancellations within this time frame, a 25% deduction will be applied, and 75% of the amount will be refunded.

Please note that all deposits are non-refundable after this time frame, and no modifications will be entertained.

We have a minimum order requirement for our tiles. For non-stock and custom orders, the minimum order is 200 tiles, with orders between 100 and 200 tiles incurring an additional 50% charge. For ready stock orders, the minimum is 50 tiles, with orders between 8 and 50 tiles also incurring an extra 50% charge. These quantities apply to full-size 10” x 10” tiles. For smaller tiles, such as 10” x 5”, double the quantity would apply.

The lead time for manufacturing tiles can vary depending on the order size and current production schedule. Typically, it ranges from 6 to 8 weeks, but this may be longer during peak seasons or for large quantities. Please provide us with your tile requirements. I will check with our production team for the most accurate timeline and get back to you.

Athangudi tiles are unique pieces of art, and in that sense, they are a true value for money. When you see an advertisement for a property in Mumbai, the presence of Athangudi tiles is often ranked just below “waterfront” in a list of features. That speaks volumes about their appeal. Our tiles, whether used on floors or walls, are an investment that offers a remarkable “WOW!” factor. You’ll be living with something you love, and we can assure you that everyone who enters your space will say “Wow…”—we guarantee it!

We do not offer direct financing, but we do accept payments via major credit cards through POS terminals. Indian customers can also avail of EMI options at our factory.

At Chettinad Tiles, our focus is on delivering unmatched quality and authenticity, which naturally comes at a premium. Our tiles are crafted using only the finest raw materials, including high-grade cement, natural pigments, and local Athangudi river silt. This ensures durability and a vibrant finish that lasts for decades. Unlike cheaper alternatives, we adhere to traditional tile-making methods passed down through generations, requiring skilled artisans to handcraft each tile with precision and care. This process is labour-intensive and time-consuming but ensures the timeless beauty and authenticity that define Athangudi tiles.

Our tiles are also manufactured with a thickness of 19mm, are well-cured, and shade-dried, offering superior strength and longevity compared to faster, sun-dried, and mass-produced versions. We provide a wide range of customisation options, allowing you to choose from various designs, colours, and patterns to match your aesthetic vision. Each tile undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure consistency in design and finish, despite the natural variations that come with handmade products.

Additionally, our commitment to customer and after-sales support sets us apart. From providing expert guidance on installation and maintenance to offering specialised polishing services and AMC packages, we ensure your tiles retain their charm and functionality for years. While there may be less expensive options in the market, they often compromise on material quality, craftsmanship, and durability. Choosing Chettinad Tiles means investing in the enduring elegance and value of authentic Athangudi tiles.

GST (Goods and Services Tax) is compulsory for all goods and services in India, including purchasing our tiles or availing any and all of our services. GST is a tax applied to goods and services, as the name suggests, and it is not a part of our profit. We act solely as a mediator between the customer and the government, collecting the GST amount and remitting it to the government in full.

The GST rate for our goods and services is fixed at 18% as per government norms under the HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) and SAC (Service Accounting Code) classifications. This rate is determined by the government, and we do not have any authority to alter it.

At Chettinad Tiles, we comply fully with government regulations and include GST in all invoices. This ensures you are dealing with a registered and trustworthy business while providing you with a valid tax receipt that may be useful for legal and accounting purposes.

For businesses, GST also offers the benefit of input tax credits, allowing you to offset the tax paid against your tax liabilities, which can reduce your overall financial burden. If you have a GSTIN number, please inform us and provide it before we issue your invoices to ensure proper compliance. We kindly request all our customers to adhere to GST norms as outlined by the government.

Yes, old cement tile floors can be polished or restored. Even if you have purchased tiles from a competitor and installed them using their or your own methods, we offer standalone polishing services. However, please note that we will first assess the condition of your existing floor. The tiles may have faded, or the installation may not have been executed correctly. While we strive to provide the best service, the results may differ from what you see on our social media, where we have manufactured and installed the tiles using our own methods.

When Athangudi tiles are produced in our factory, they are initially left with an “unpolished” or “raw” finish. As a result, they may appear somewhat “chalky” when unloaded or unpacked. Polishing is a mechanical process that uses a high-speed rotary buffer, mild abrasives, and water to enhance each cement tile. This process simulates the natural “patina” that develops on Athangudi tiles over the years with regular cleaning using water.

Polishing and sealing your Athangudi tile floor are essential installation steps because these tiles are porous and can absorb stains and dirt if left unprotected. Once polished, the tiles achieve a smooth, satin sheen that mirrors the finish naturally formed over time on well-maintained Athangudi floors. This sheen is the result of the gradual abrasion that the tiles endure during everyday use.

No, polished tiles have a moderate, flat satin finish and are less coarse to the touch, making them less slippery than one might expect.

Polished tiles instantly create a comfortable, “lived-in” ambience with a soft satin sheen. This effect develops naturally over time with proper care and maintenance.

  1. Sweep or vacuum the tiles regularly to remove dust and debris. Clean them with a damp mop using a mild detergent or soap solution, adding 15-20 ml of coconut oil to help maintain their finish.
  2. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the tiles. It is best to stick to pH-neutral cleaners for optimal results.
  3. Wipe Up Spills: Promptly wipe up spills to prevent stains from setting in.
  4. Polishing (Not Mandatory but Recommended): Consider waxing the tiles with Chettinad Tiles’ recommended polishing service to enhance and maintain their shine.

To ensure the best possible outcome for the installation of our tiles, specific site conditions must be maintained. This includes prohibiting other construction activities, avoiding unnecessary foot traffic over freshly laid tiles, and keeping the environment clean, free of dust and debris. It is especially important to avoid paint drops, scratches, or any other stains on the tiles.

We strongly urge you to stop all other works, such as civil, carpentry, plumbing, masonry, etc., while we lay Athangudi tiles. Carpentry or masonry work on the floor can result in stains from wet wood shavings or polish, which are very difficult or impossible to remove. If such work is unavoidable, the floor should be protected with wooden planks or clean, heavy gunnysacks. Additionally, no heavy articles should be dropped or dragged across the floor as it could damage the tiles. Even if the floor is re-polished or repaired, the damage may not be fully removable.

We strongly urge the client or a representative to be on-site while the tiles are being laid to ensure all areas are completed to your satisfaction. This is essential. While we take the utmost care in levelling the tiles and replacing any damaged ones during installation, human error can sometimes lead to overlooked issues. Having a second set of eyes helps ensure everything is done correctly.

If you notice any issues with levelling or spot a tile that needs replacement (due to cracks, design imperfections, or chipped edges), please inform our team immediately or, at the latest, before they leave the site on their last day. If this is addressed later, it may cause delays as our team will be engaged in other projects, and it could take months to resolve. Additionally, the cost for rework will be significantly higher, as the client would need to cover round-trip travel charges, food, accommodation, material costs, and daily labour wages of up to Rs. 7,000 per day per team.

It is also crucial that the client, engineer, builder, contractor, or a representative is present on-site on the final day to verify the measurements of the areas laid. The final amount may differ from the initial quote based on actual measurements. This ensures there are no misunderstandings or discrepancies later, as we cannot be held responsible for measurements once our team has left the site.

The tiles are carefully loaded with wedges to prevent inter-tile movement and delivered to you by third-party dedicated or “common carrier” freight trucks. Selecting and scheduling the freight is a standard part of our service; however, our clients are free to arrange their own freight if preferred. There is no default packing for the tiles, but customers can opt for it at an additional cost before order confirmation/payment, in which case the tiles will be boxed. A wooden pallet can also be chosen for extra peace of mind.

We obtain several quotes at the time of shipment and choose the best option. Freight delivery is curb-side. You will receive the truck company’s contact details, and they will call to schedule the delivery. This will allow you to ensure that someone is available to accept the delivery, unload the tiles, and check them for damage. Please note that freight drivers do not assist with unloading or inspection.

Note: If your order is very small and freight delivery doesn’t seem financially viable, you can opt for Gati or VRL. However, we strongly discourage this option as their handling is poor. Despite our secure packing, there is a high risk that your order may arrive with 80-100% damage.

Yes and No. Chettinad Tiles is not responsible for the quantities ordered. Customers are solely responsible for providing accurate measurements and the quantities required for each order. However, we can offer suggestions on the number of tiles needed with the help of a floor plan or room measurements. Additionally, we strongly recommend ordering extra tiles to ensure you have enough to complete the installation. Please consult with your tile installer, engineer, architect, designer, or builder to ensure that your quantity and overage calculations are accurate.

Keep in mind that the cost of extra tiles is minimal compared to the expense of rush orders and one-off shipping if additional tiles are needed after the original order, due to site conditions, mistakes in order quantities, or installation errors. Trying to save a few hundred rupees by reducing or eliminating the standard 10-15% overage is the most common mistake customers make when placing orders. This mistake can end up costing 5-10 times more for small incremental orders and may significantly delay the project by months. Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of items in stock. Leftover tiles can be stored in an attic or other storage space, so you have matching tiles for future repairs.

Chettinad Tiles will store your order in our warehouse free of charge for up to 7 days from the agreed delivery date. After this period, a storage fee of Rs. 1 per tile + GST, per calendar day, will apply for any orders held due to customer delays. If the storage fee exceeds the tile rate, the order will be nullified and invalid. In such cases, the buyer agrees to forfeit any advances paid, and we reserve the right to retain, resell, or dispose of the tiles in a manner we deem necessary.

We ship our products across India. If you're interested in placing an order, we can arrange delivery to your location. Please let us know if you have any specific requirements or questions regarding shipping.

By purchasing tiles or services from Chettinad Tiles, you consent to the use of photos and videos of the work, including before-and-after visuals and images of parts of the house (even those not directly worked on), for promotional purposes on our website and social media platforms. However, if you prefer not to have your visuals used, you can opt-out by paying a privacy fee of Rs. 15,000 or 10% of the total package cost, whichever is lower. Once the fee is paid, we will refrain from using your content for promotional purposes.

Yes, Athangudi tiles are both pet-friendly and child-friendly. Their non-slip surface provides excellent traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls for both pets and children. Additionally, the natural materials used in these tiles are safe and non-toxic, ensuring a healthy environment in your home.

Yes, we can create custom designs for Athangudi tiles. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colours, and motifs, or provide your own design ideas to create unique tiles that suit your specific aesthetic preferences and requirements. Please note that a fee will be charged for stencil making to accommodate your custom design needs.

logo-light