Our tile making process
EVERY TILE HANDMADE ONE-OF-A-KIND
What's not to like?
01
Pattern Making
Tile patterns are made by placing, by hand, each cement color into the designated section of the template - color by color-section by section.
If an aggregate is added, our artisans move the small particles of aggregate into the crevices of the template, by hand using a thin stick to achieve the precise lines evident in the tile design. The “tile face” layer will be approximately 3-4 mm thick.
Traditions Honored
02
Cement and terrazzo tiles are not fired in a kiln and there is no glaze layer on the surface. As a result, cement and terrazzo tiles have a much lower carbon footprint than ceramic tiles. Not only are the tiles eco-friendly, they are extremely durable. Because the “tile face” penetrates 3-4 mm into the tile, they often will last well over a century. In fact, as cement and terrazzo tiles age, they become more beautiful and develop a rich patina on their surface.
Unlike our competitors, we never buy tiles that someone else has made. We directly oversee every aspect of our manufacturing process from start to finish. When you work with Desire, you can be confident you will receive the best quality tiles available on the market.a little bit of body text
03
Final Steps
After the “tile face” is built, the template is removed. The “tile face” is set with the sprinkling of alternating wet and dry grey cement mixture forming the “tile body”. The “tile body” is a mixture of fine sand, aggregate and grey cement. The layered tile is then hydraulically pressed with 1500-1700 pounds per square inch of pressure. Once the pressed tile is complete, it’s carefully removed from the mold and left to air dry for 14 days.
The tiles are laid on glass to be inspected to ensure proper height tolerance. After the tile is dry, the surface of the terrazzo tile is cut to reveal the aggregate. Any aggregate that has fallen out of the tile, is refilled by hand. A layer of penetrating sealer is applied at the factory to all tiles. Tiles are ready for shipment approximately 30 days after they’ve been manufactured. At this stage, the tile will have obtained 98% of the tiles green strength.
Our Handmade Tile
 FPO#1600145 - PO#4321152 Happy Worker Damask (2) |  1C0D3928-A7B8-4EE4-B78C-70BF4BFCEFA3 (1)-2 |  Happy Worker with Cozy caviar blanc (1) |
|---|---|---|
 TREASURE 8 Bach holding newly handmade tile with lace pattern and obsidian background-6042 |  memoir A and B |  Strong Happy Worker (1) |
 SPLENDOR 8 Bao holding newly handmade tile in luxury, chamois, and perfect-1234 (3) |  PO#4338819 Shasta DAISY - happy worker (1) |  PO#4337796-FPO#1600202 Happy Worker (1) with checkerboard tile Promenade Collection |
 magnificent press working holding tile |  splendor_jade_8.tile4.03 (1) |  Pearl Project - Tile Pressed (1) |
 Le Hangs Husband with GUTSY in alligator and blanc - IMG_5498 |  FPO#1600141 - PO#4332805 Happy Worker - Sunflower (2) (1) |  good picture of the girls |
 FO#120197-2 (2) |  LIVELY ash with SHADOW |  Exciting-1.14,8.03,5.88,5.07 (3) |
 Dashing-8.32,WM35.34,WM21.14 (2) |  Copy of pizzazz_lacegood_8.tilepressor.03 (2) |  16 May 26 Promenade detla |