Let's Talk Glazed Thin Brick - 300cbt Test 1(Global)

Let's Talk Glazed Thin Brick

Glazed Thin Brick, is the perfectly imperfect, durable, and timeless subway tile trend. It is certainly an incredibly beautiful addition to a residential or commercial project. But, what separates it from other types of subway tile?

Where is it made?

Did you know that artisans handcraft this tile exclusively for Clay Imports in Saltillo, the terra-cotta tile hub of Mexico? Fun fact: Clay Imports was the first company in the world to glaze Saltillo tile!

Glazed Thin Brick White Gloss
When glaze hits terra-cotta beautiful things happen

How is it produced?

We use 100% natural clay, native to Northern Mexico for this product. For more than 300 years, people have been firing Saltillo in Mexico, but three years ago we asked how one could go about glazing. Thus, we took glazing technology from Morocco and brought it to Saltillo. This new subway tile is now one of our most popular products.

Glazed Thin Brick in a kiln
Firing glazed thin brick

Pros and cons?

The major characteristic of our Glazed Thin Brick is high variation in size, color and texture. If you embrace a rustic handmade tile look, this is the tile for you. However, if you prefer a more refined product, we recommend browsing our clay collection. Also, you can install this tile almost anywhere. However, it is not rated frost proof. 

To fully understand size and color variations, we suggest ordering a minimum order of four (4) sample pieces. 

Glazed Thin Brick Forest showing color variation.
High variation in color, size, and thickness make the this tile one of a kind

Size and color options?

Our Glazed Thin Brick is approximately 2.5" wide x 8" long or 3” wide x 12” long. And, as the name indicates: it is thinner than regular brick pavers, just about 1/2” thick.

Color options are plentiful and range from soothing neutrals to rich jewel tones: just choose from any of these colors. You might have seen on our instagram: white gloss, noir, light green, and forest are our most popular glaze options.

Glazed Thin Brick Noir Black Fireplace
"Noir" by Glynis Wood Interiors
Glazed Thin Brick Light green in Chelsea Meissner's Kitchen
Chelsea Meissner's Kitchen in "Light Green"
Glazed Thin Brick White Gloss in a shower wall
Sarah Viebrock selected our "White Gloss"

What are popular layouts?

Glad you asked. Here is an overview of some great options!

Unconventionally fresh layout at Pitchfork Pretty - Photography by Shelby Sorrel
Unconventionally fresh layout at Pitchfork Pretty - Photography by Shelby Sorrel

Where can you install Glazed Thin Brick?

Glazed Thin Brick is suitable for wall and flooring applications, both commercial and residential. You can install this product on a kitchen backsplash, shower walls and floors, fireplace surrounds, coffee bars, and many other areas, including certain outdoor installations!

Glazed Thin Brick Fireplace
"Noir" Fireplace by Chase and Lauren Daniel

Pairing with other tile

Glazed Thin brick, pairs very well with terra-cotta tiles of the same texture. This is probably our favorite! Also, the “modern farmhouse” look makes for a nice match with hardwood or shiplap. Another popular option is pairing the rustic brick with a bold pattern floor tile.

Glazed Thin Brick White Gloss for a kitchen backsplash
"White Gloss" by Tina Hambly
"Forest" + Bold Palace Flooring by Daiku Build Company
"Forest" + Bold Palace Flooring by Daiku Build Company

Installation

Remove all tiles from the box, lay them out and blend them for a natural look. Expect to find a few pieces of tile with glaze chips. But, you can sort these tiles out and use them for cuts. Actually, tiles with chips, flakes and irregularities will emphasize the handcrafted look of your installation. Clay Imports recommends installing Glazed Thin Brick with a joint spacing of, Min 1/16” and Max: 1/2.” Installation is comparable to conventional tile installation. There is no additional sealing required. Please refer to our Glazed Thin Brick installation road map for details and reach out to us with any questions. 

Glazed thin brick noir black installation
"Noir" fireplace installation - Photography by Chase Daniel

What trim pieces are used with Glazed Thin Brick?

If you are in need of it, we recommend three different trim options for our Glazed Thin Brick.

1 : You can special order glazed edge, either on the 8” side (long side) or the 2.5” side (short side).

2: If you do prefer a more traditional edging, you can select a special order glazed single bullnose either on the 8” side (long side) or the 2.5” side (short side).

3 : We recommend finishing the edges with a Schluter trim, more specifically a Schluter Schiene ⅝” in Satin Anodized Aluminium. You can paint this edging for a neat and clean look to finish your installation.

Urbane Design selected a Single Bullnose Edging 
Glazed Thin Brick White with a Schluter Schiene ⅝” in Satin Anodized Aluminium.
Schluter trim option for a neat finish

How to order?

First things first, we recommend reviewing samples prior to full order purchase. You can check out up to five samples at no shipping cost online.

Ready to order the full amount? Double-check your measurements. Clay Imports Glazed Thin Brick converts to 7 pieces per square foot. Also, please add at least 10% extra for cuts and waste. You can purchase online, call our office at 512-653-8500 or email your sales and design consultant or reach out on our general inquiries line at contact@clayimports.com. Do you need trim pieces? We can take care of this as well. Please be in touch. 

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