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benita_carvalho

Hand painted tile or machine made?

8 years ago

I have to decide if I will go with handpainted tiles for my backsplash main wall or machine made.


The difference: The handpainted is thicker and it is not completely "flat". When you look at certain angles, it seems it has some texture to it.


The machine made is much thiner and the top is completely flat.


It is hard to see much difference when comparing them side by side, but I am not sure if when looking at a whole wall covered with it, there would be a significant difference.


The normal one would cost me $3,600 and the rustic would cost me $4,000.00


There is also a difference in shipping of about $150.00 extra for the rustic one, since they are heavier.



Do you see any difference?

Comments (17)

  • 8 years ago

    yes, i do

    if you can -go with the hand painted one

    the more you'll have of them, the more different feel you'll get. and the feel will be better if you go for hand painted. it will make you happier..more dimension to the color, to the backsplash itself..will beg more to touch..you'll see the difference

    even if it's just plain tile-with the whole wall you see the difference between hand made and machine made

    if it's not in the budget that's another story

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I had typed an entire response but deleted it because I want to be sure I am looking at the right tiles. Can you please tell us which tile is hand-painted? I think I know, but would like you to confirm.

  • 8 years ago

    I guess it's about a 13% difference if you include the extra shipping? Is that worth it? It might be, but it might not since you would not be directly comparing the machine made to the hand made once it's installed.

  • 8 years ago

    Interesting. They match up pretty well. Split the difference and do half and half? Or do the machine made look bad next to the others?

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Honus - the one on the right is Handpainted.


    Fori, that would be possible because the Handpainted is so much thicker than the machine one...

  • 8 years ago

    ^^^^ I meant *impossible

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks, Jade. Well, I like both tiles but prefer the hand painted. I think you would get subtle light play off the texture and nice visual interest. Would that work with the other elements in your kitchen? Will the tile be the star of your kitchen? If not and if you don't absolutely love the hand painted, then I would say go with the machine made and spend that $550 on something that will make your heart sing.

  • 8 years ago

    For a 13 percent difference just on tile- I would absolutely not scrimp. Save the money elsewhere- a faucet that can be changed when it fails, or pulls you can upgrade when the spirit moves you- but tiles are set for good, more or less. It's not worth the risk that the machine made tiles will cheapen the overall look of the kitchen- or conversely that the handmade ones will give a warm glow to the space. The tiles are a beautiful pattern, btw.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Your tile installer may charge you more to install the handmade tile due to its irregularities.

    You really shouldn't compare these one tile at a time. The biggest difference shows when you have a full wall of tile. If you want a completely flush, flat finish go with the machine manufactured tile (like my top image). If you like the variable surface that handmade tile gives, choose the handmade tile (bottom).

  • 8 years ago

    Installation may be more expensive for the hand-made because it is irregular.

  • 8 years ago

    They're both beautiful! Where are they from?

  • 8 years ago

    I have hand-made tiles, and I love the irregularities. My installer said they are more difficult to install, and it took quite a lot more time and care than the ease of machine-made. Also, the grout lines are wider than they'd be with machine-made, at least with mine, if that makes a difference.

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks everyone! I will go with the Handpainted then since it is a whole wall (no wall cabinets). I gave up a pit filler faucet in order to splurge on the tiles, so extra $600 will be fine.


    Sammy, I'm on my phone right now. When I get home I will post again to give you the info.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I adore that tile!

    Putting that aside and getting to your question:

    I'd go with the handpainted that isn't quite "perfect" and hints at some texture. I think light will play against it in a more interesting way, and it'll have a more homey feel.

    However, I also understand you're looking at a $550 difference, and that is significant. If you're keeping to budget in other areas, I'd spend the money.

  • 8 years ago

    Gooooorgeous ...

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    what a great site!

    I fell in love with Alicia and Cordoba designs..can't find their pricing though?..