What is azulejo?
An azulejo is a decorative, tin-glazed ceramic tile originally from Portugal and Spain. These tiles are characterized by their colorful, often blue-and-white patterns and have been used on facades, walls, and floors since the 15th century.
Application
Azulejos are used in construction in several ways. Traditionally, they serve as facade cladding on the exterior of buildings, where they provide both a decorative function and protection against moisture and temperature fluctuations. The tin glaze makes the tiles water-repellent and durable.
In modern construction, azulejos are primarily used as decorative elements in kitchens, bathrooms, and entrance areas. They are attached to a flat, stable substrate using tile adhesive. During installation, it is important that the substrate is dry and dust-free. Joints are typically kept narrow to avoid disrupting the pattern.
During the renovation of heritage buildings, azulejos sometimes appear as part of historical interiors, particularly in structures with colonial or Iberian influence. Restoring original azulejos requires craftsmanship, as the tiles are often hand-painted and not easily reproduced.
The standard size of traditional azulejos is approximately 14 x 14 cm (5.5 x 5.5 inches), although modern variants are available in various dimensions. They are usually laid in a fixed pattern, where multiple tiles together form a larger decorative composition.
Related terms
- Tin glaze
- Ceramic tile
- Facade cladding
- Mosaic
- Majolica
- Wall tile
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