Small, c.1m2 / 11 sq ft. Leon de Smet, Canteleu ceramic tile

A small French ceramic tile with a classical geometric tessellation, the floor could be used in a toilet, chimney breast, in a inglenook, a shower, as a splashback or kitchen counter run. The floor is sold with its reclaimed grey tolerance tiles, of which there are 43 available. Owing to the size of the floor it is likely it could only be shipped economically if part of a larger order. 

Total surface area -  c.1m2+ / 98 sq ft+

Country of Origin - France

Manufacturer - Carrelages Leon de Smet, Canteleu, France

Dating - Early 20th century

Tile size - 14cm / 5.5 inches

Tile thickness - +/- 17mm

Weight per tile - 900g / 32 ounces

Border lay - Reclaimed half size tolerance tiles available

Underfloor heating systems - Yes

Indoor / Outdoor application - Both

Fixed to walls or inside showers - Yes, with the correct cements and grouts
 

Tile quantities:-

Field tiles - 42 - 0.8m2 / 8.9 sq ft.

Half size tolerance tiles - 43 - 0.42m2 / 4.5 sq ft. or 6 linear metres / 19.8 linear ft.

Tile size, thickness and tones
Antique tiles were most commonly made in single or two tile moulds. Before current computer automation methods their moulds were made my hand and the colour slips mixed by eye. Kiln temperatures could also be variable, as could the firing time. The result is that often tiles display subtle size and thickness variations and there can be tonal variations in colours, owing to the slip mixing and/or firing time. All of this makes these handmade tiles unique and adds to their charm. Some floors display their subtle variations in size and tones, some not, but when photographing we always take a random section of the floor so that it is representative of the whole. A tiler should always dry lay a section of the tiles to familiarise himself with them before starting to fix lay.

Condition 
All of our floors go through rigorous quality control during the restoration process. We include tiles which have groutable small chips and edge nibbles, expected of tiles more than 100 years old , but include for free any rejects, which the tiler can then use for offcuts. The photographs in the gallery are representative of the whole floors condition and patina.

Can we help?
If you can provide a technical drawing, or a simple sketch with key dimensions, we are happy to assist in evaluating and recommending the best layout of the floor in your area of choice..