We're heading into the finish work phase on the construction of our new home, which I am loving. One thing I've been so excited about is the tile. And it's made right here, in Spokane.
But even better than that, it's designed by our good friend, Dirk Elliot, of Dirk Elliot Tile. For months now, I've been looking at samples:
And I have to tell you, Dirk and his wife, Christina, have impeccable taste. Being able to work with friends and to have them share their design expertise with me has been amazing. Night after night, we've met to go over options, designs, and measurements. They've really put in a lot of their personal time.
And since I love having a connection to what's going into our home, they allowed me into the factory to see the tile being produced. Would you like to join me for the tour? But... ahem.... please forgive my description of the process, and Dirk and Christina, if you're reading this, please don't have a heart attack when I slaughter the description you so eloquently walked me through. Okay, deep breath... here we go:
The raw materials arrive at the factory in Spokane via rail from places such as Omak, Washington. It is offloaded and brought into the warehouse where it's stored, according to its content, until needed:
A mixure of the materials enter into the factory, via a conveyer belt overhead, and into a multi-step, multi-machine process, with the end result of almost all of the water content being removed from the mixture:
And then the Oompa Loompas come along.... okay okay, just testing to see if you're still with me here. Okay, this is where it gets even cooler..
That mixture, now almost completely free of moisture, is then put into one of several presses where it will be pressed into a pre-determined shape (designed by Dirk), with such incredible force and a gabillion (made that up) pounds of pressure that it gives each tile its strength:
Tiles like these classic subway tiles:
And beveled subways:
And these: So sweet, no?
And hold your breath for this....
Beadboard tile. I repeat. Beadboard. Tile: Can you even stand it?!
The tiles are set on wooden racks until ready to bake and glaze:
Into the kiln where the tiles are baked:
These tiles can be made into any color imaginable. Really. I have a crush on their lab. Dear family, If for some reason, this whole new house thing doesn't work out, you can find me living here. In the color lab:
Need an exact color? Bleep bleep blip blop bloop! This little machine (and a super whiz color tech) can make it happen:
But alas, today, we're going with white glaze:
And oh my! What is that coming down the line?
And getting all boxed up just for me?
It's that super wonderful and amazing beadboard tile. For my laundry room. *sigh*
I can't wait to see it installed. That's coming soon!
* Update * Why hello! Turns out many of you love Dirk Elliot tile as much as me. Thank you for your emails. I can't wait to tell Dirk and Christina! For those of you wanting to find out where Dirk Elliot tile is sold, you can call 888.245.7248 for more information. And yes, Dirk Elliot tile is available nationwide. Hooray!
The tiles look great, and what a terrific opportunity to support local business. Look forward to seeing your result.
Posted by: Jenny Romans | January 07, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Wow, that's gorgeous beadboard tile. We have old wood beadboard, and it would be great to continue the style into the bath or kitchen.
Posted by: Mike Emmans | January 07, 2011 at 03:47 PM
I have a crackled beadboard tile in my kitchen and absolutely love it! Many people touch it just to make sure it is tile! Super easy to clean b/c there are so few grout lines. I am sure you will love it in your laundry room...can't wait to see ALL your photos!
Posted by: karen | January 07, 2011 at 02:18 PM
Beadboard tile.... Beadboard tile! I can't wait to see how this turns out. The thought of beadboard TILE almost makes me want to weep (in a good way). I have a feeling your house is going to be featured in a magazine when it's finished....
Posted by: Arriving | January 06, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Wow! I had no idea how tile was made and it's a whole lot more complicated than I would have thought! Love the bead board tile!!! Super cool! Can't wait to see your home when it's finished, it's already my dream home, too! xo, Nan
Posted by: Nan | January 06, 2011 at 07:35 AM
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing! YIPPIE for Supporting local artists!
just a little note from a BFA ceramics major,it is not baked,your yummy cakes are baked,tile is fired
Posted by: Vick Cotnoir | January 06, 2011 at 03:05 AM
Very cool. I wish we had something like that around here - hmm, maybe we do, I should go check!
Posted by: Andrea | January 05, 2011 at 11:15 PM
Lolo,
Actually, Dirk designed the beadboard tile. :) But he's amazing, so it's no surprise to me!
xo,
Serena
Posted by: Serena | January 05, 2011 at 05:13 PM
How fun to see the process. But beadboard tiles...now that has my heart going thumpety thump! They'll look stunning in your laundry room. If you are AWOL from your blog we'll know exactly where to find you. I think my kitchen needs a makeover.
Posted by: Alice | January 05, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Oh em gee....
beadboard tile.
You KNOW a woman was behind that idea! I cannot wait to see it in your laundry room. So amazing! Thank you for the cool tour and the "Bleep bleep blip blop bloop!" Lol..straight from the Wonka Factory ;)
Posted by: Lolo | January 05, 2011 at 09:47 AM
I wish I had an excuse to buy more tile -- I love the bead board tile :)
Posted by: Monica | January 05, 2011 at 08:23 AM
beadboard tile!!! That has got to be the greatest thing I have ever seen!
Posted by: Crystal Burns | January 05, 2011 at 06:41 AM
Beadboard tile!!! I can't wait to see it when you get it installed!!! I just love Beadboard, & have it in my kitchen, but have to be honest that it is not very practical as a back-splash because it is a little hard to keep clean, this is an awesome solution!
xoxxo, amy
Posted by: amy~ the gypsy chick | January 05, 2011 at 06:34 AM
Thanks for the tour! Just like one of the comments above this reminded me of a Mr. Rogers episode too! I loved it when they would show factory tours on that show...my favorite one was when they showed how crayons were made! That beadboard title is awesome. Can't wait to see how you use it in your laundry room!
Posted by: Amy Miller Designs | January 05, 2011 at 06:11 AM
so very cool! thanks for the tour. I loved it. Can't wait to see the tiles in their final resting space.
:)
Shannon
www.cascobaysoap.blogspot.com
Posted by: shannon | January 05, 2011 at 06:06 AM
That is so cool!! And fantastic that you are keeping workers in America and Spokane working!!
I loved seeing the process.
Posted by: LoriD | January 05, 2011 at 05:46 AM
what an amazingly cool post - kind of like a mr. rogers episode!! love the beadboard and can't wait to see the final results.
Posted by: cathie | January 05, 2011 at 05:29 AM
SO neat! I love the Beadwork tile!
Posted by: Scattering Lupines | January 05, 2011 at 05:20 AM
You can tell how marvelously they're crafted through the pictures. I'm just thrilled for ya Hon, and I too can't wait to see them installed.
Thanks for the tour...who knew what it took to produce them??? Your words and your pictures are wonderful.
God bless ya and have a fantastic time makin' our new house a home!!!
Posted by: Nezzy | January 05, 2011 at 05:19 AM
oh how interesting Serena...i love the beadboard tiles..cant wait to see what they look like in your laundry room...
Posted by: june deese | January 05, 2011 at 04:49 AM
Living through you vicariously. Again. Love the factory tour! I find that stuff fascinating. And subway tile ~sigh~ love.
Posted by: Andie | January 05, 2011 at 04:46 AM
Beadboard tile! How close to the east coast to they have outlets?
Posted by: Donna Lohr | January 05, 2011 at 03:41 AM
Wow...beadboard tiles...who knew??? Good to know for if/when we move. Thanks Serena!
Posted by: Nikki Lawrence | January 05, 2011 at 12:28 AM