Crooks artisanal goods

Crooks artisanal goods Artisanal producer specialising in encaustic tiles, concrete finishings and steel furnishings. Encaustic Tiles: Crafting and Origin

What are Encaustic Tiles?

All CROOKS products are made locally in the KZN Midlands, South Africa 🇿🇦 Crooks Concrete is an artisanal producer of Encaustic Tiles based on The Old Mushroom Farm in the KNZ Midlands. Modern encaustic tiles are cement tiles with coloured patterns integrated directly into the tile's body, rather than relying on glazes. This 3mm layer of design remains, even as the tile wears down over time. Crook

s Concrete specialises in crafting these encaustic cement tiles, adding timeless style to modern home goods. Manufacturing Process: How They're Made

Encaustic tiles are not fired in kilns like typical ceramic tiles, and use powdered pigment, rather than glaze for coloration. Their durability comes from a mixture of finely ground cement and coarser sand and cement. The coloured/patterned layer, about 2-3mm thick, is hydraulically pressed into the tile, forming an inseparable part of it. Handmade Artistry: Crafting Each Tile

Crafting encaustic cement tiles is a labour-intensive process done one tile at a time. The mineral pigments are poured into a stencil-like mould, followed by layers of a cement and sand mixture, and compressed using an electric hydraulic press. Once pressed, the tiles are soaked in water, then left to cure for 3-weeks. Historical Roots: Origins and Development

Encaustic tiles emerged in the mid-19th century, primarily seen in Spain. They later spread across the Mediterranean region, gaining popularity in Italy, France, Portugal, and North Africa. Crooks Concrete employs a traditional method that hasn’t changed much over the centuries, bringing this classic to Southern Africa. Embracing Uniqueness: Variations as Assets

Crafting by hand introduces subtle differences in each tile. Crooks Concrete celebrates these variations, emblematic of the manual production process, as signs of the artisan’s hand rather than as defects.

Made at
16/05/2026

Made at

11/05/2026

The CROOKS kitchen cabinet 🧁

"We'll make it."
07/05/2026

"We'll make it."

Everything has its reference
29/04/2026

Everything has its reference

25/04/2026

What began as custom pieces for ; steel cabinetry, encaustic tiles, fireplaces, tables, and light fittings, naturally evolved into a design studio, now making to order for the public.

CROOKS GOODS remains rooted on-site, with every object designed and made at The Old Mushroom Farm by our small team of artisans.

www.theoldmushroomfarm.co.za/crooks

16/04/2026

Process diary
Behind the scenes at

Playing with 'neutral' mock-ups for a client's kitchen wall. Which one would you choose?
12/04/2026

Playing with 'neutral' mock-ups for a client's kitchen wall.
Which one would you choose?

08/04/2026

CROOKS is an artisanal producer known best for crafting encaustic tiles, concrete goods, and steel furnishings.

​Visit our showroom in Tunnel 6 at The Old Mushroom Farm, 11 Karkloof Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
All CROOKS products are made at The Old Mushroom Farm.

Check out our catalogue here: www.theoldmushroomfarm.co.za/crooks

Address

The Old Mushroom Farm, 11 Karkloof Road
Howick
3290

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Crooks artisanal goods posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category