What are Athangudi tiles, and where can you buy them in Bangalore?
Athangudi tiles are handmade cement tiles from Athangudi village in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Each tile is cast by hand on a glass plate, coloured with natural oxides and cured in water instead of fired in a kiln. In Bangalore, you can see them at Srinath Collective in Rajajinagar.
How Athangudi tiles are made
- A craftsman places a metal frame with the pattern on a glass plate.
- Coloured cement-oxide mixes are poured into each section of the pattern by hand.
- A backing layer of cement and sand is added and pressed.
- The tile is lifted off the glass (which gives the face its natural gloss), air-dried and then cured in water for several days.
Because no kiln is used, small variations in colour and pattern are part of the character of every batch.
Where they work best
- Floors in living rooms, verandas and courtyards
- Heritage and Chettinad-style homes, cafés and boutique hotels
- As a floor pairing with a craft feature wall, such as Homemade by Srinath Palette
Care
Mop with plain water or a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acid and bleach-based cleaners. The surface develops more sheen with regular use and cleaning.
Athangudi vs ceramic tiles
| Athangudi | Ceramic / vitrified | |
|---|---|---|
| Made | By hand, water-cured | Machine-pressed, kiln-fired |
| Look | Soft natural gloss, slight variation | Uniform |
| Feel underfoot | Cool, smooth | Depends on finish |
| Best for | Floors with character | Any room, low maintenance |
Where to buy Athangudi tiles in Bangalore
Srinath Collective, #1010, Srinath Mansion, Dr Rajkumar Road, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010. Open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Ask our team for current patterns, sizes and lead times.
FAQ
Are Athangudi tiles good for bathrooms?
They are best on floors in living areas. For wet bathroom walls, glazed ceramic or vitrified tiles are easier to maintain.
Do Athangudi tiles need polishing?
No machine polishing is needed. Regular mopping brings up the natural sheen over time.
Can I see Athangudi tiles before buying?
Yes, at our Rajajinagar showroom, alongside the Homemade craft tile range.