Handmade Tile in Portland, OR

One of the things I love about  being in the Portland area is how many talented tile makers are right in our backyard. There’s something incredibly special about sourcing tile that was made just across town. Not only do you support local craft, but you also get to collaborate with people who care deeply about their materials, glazes, and process. Each of these makers brings something different to the table. Below are four of my favorites, along with my favorite line from their collections.

Pratt & Larson

Pratt & Larson has been a fixture in Portland’s design scene since the 1980s. Their work combines Old World craftsmanship with a wide range of modern and traditional styles. Everything is made by hand in their Southeast Portland studio by a team of incredibly skilled artisans.

Sustainability: Pratt & Larson uses an in-house water filtration and glaze recycling system to minimize waste, and they reclaim over 95% of their clay scraps during production. They also prioritize sourcing materials as locally as possible and create tile to order, which reduces excess inventory and energy use.

My Pick: Inline Series I’m especially drawn to their Inline series: a sculptural collection with clean-lined, dimensional profiles. These tiles create soft shadows and texture on the wall without being overly decorative. They’re great for a modern bathroom, kitchen backsplash, or any space where you want that balance of simplicity and tactile richness.

Inline tile combination

Image credit: Pratt & Larson (prattandlarson.com)

Clayhaus Modern Tile

Clayhaus is all about clean geometry and bold, architectural forms. Every tile is handcrafted in Oregon City, and their aesthetic leans mid-century modern and graphic.

Sustainability Notes: Clayhaus runs a low-waste operation and handcrafts every tile to order, reducing the energy and materials required to store or ship large inventories. They also use lead-free glazes, recycle their clay scraps, and fire in energy-efficient kilns. Their packaging is almost entirely recyclable and plastic-free.

My Pick: Futura 3" x 3" – Portal Pattern. The Futura 3" x 3" Portal is one of my favorites. It’s a small tile with a circular motif that invites all kinds of creative layouts, from grids to more abstract configurations. It’s fun to play with, and it brings just enough visual interest to make a space feel intentional without being overly stylized. It reminds me of a pattern that you might see on a European metal door.

Clayhaus Futura 3" x 3" Portal tile. Image credit: Clayhaus Modern Tile (clayhaustile.com)

Tempest Tileworks

Tempest Tileworks is a quiet force in the Portland tile world. Everything is made by hand in Northeast Portland, and many of their best pieces are custom projects where glaze layering and surface texture come together in ways that feel soft, earthy, and totally unique.

Sustainability Notes: Tempest takes a slow-design approach to production. Tiles are made to order in small runs to avoid overproduction. They also reuse clay and water where possible, avoid harsh chemicals in their glazes, and prioritize energy-conscious firing practices

My Pick: Bread and Butter Collection. My favorite tile line from Tempest is their Bread and Butter collection. The glazes have a beautiful subtle variation that brings depth to otherwise standard tile shapes.

Hand-glazed subway tile showing the nuance and variation in one color. Image credit: Tempest Tileworks (tempesttileworks.com)

Tile Restoration Center

Tile Restoration Center specializes in tile inspired by the American Arts & Crafts movement. They’re based just across the river in Vancouver, Washington, and their work is especially prized for historic restorations or new homes that want that handcrafted, heritage feeling.

Sustainability Notes: Because their work is often used in historic preservation, it also supports sustainable renovation to extend the life of existing homes rather than tearing them down.

My Pick: Architectural Tile Components (Corbels, Trim, Accents). My favorite pieces are their architectural components: like corbels, trim tiles, and column caps. These elements give you the ability to build up a fireplace surround or stair detail in a way that feels architecturally grounded and visually rich. Their matte glazes in earthy browns, greens, and blues bring real substance to a room.

Custom fireplace surround with corbels and decorative trim. Image credit: Tile Restoration Center (tilerestorationcenter.com)

Why Choose Local Tile?

Working with local tilemakers allows for the opportunity for in-person creative collaboration. All these tile makers make custom tiles to order. Choosing local also cuts down on lead times and supports more sustainable production methods. When your tile is sourced from halfway around the world, it’s hard to know if people making the tile are being paid or treated fairly. With local production, you can have confidence that you are contributing to the livelihood of the local community.