What are Mettlach tiles and why are they called so?
In Georgian vocabulary, we often use the word “Mettlach” when it comes to house renovation. We tend to use this term to refer to floor tiles; hence the common phrases such as “installing Mettlach” or “buying Mettlach”.
In fact, the word derives from the city of Mettlach that is located in Germany; and where, in the 10th century, colorful tiles were produced using stone-clay materials.
In the beginning of the 19th century, ceramic tiles factory was established in Mettlach. Initially, it produced beer steins of dark red and yellow colors. Near the end of the 19th century, the factory advanced its production technology and Mettlach became popular in Europe as the manufacturer of ceramic kitchenware and veneer tiles.
By the end of the 19th century and in the beginning of the 20th century, Mettlach tiles were well-known in Russia as well, especially in Saint Petersburg; the tiles were used to veneer stairs and staircase landings.
Since Mettlach tiles are fired at 1,200℃, they are very durable and are therefore usually used to veneer the floors.
