Skip to content

Not many online retailers can make the claim that they’ve been in business for 25+ years. But Ceramic Concepts, a word-of-mouth business offering exclusive custom-designed tiles and tile murals to an exclusive clientele, has created and found success with its collection of decorative tiles, handmade, including some California tiles, Moroccan tiles, Modern and other tile art designs; With an extensive collection of field tiles and trims to match or create a story.

The Ceramic Studio

The Ceramic Concepts studio was established in 1992 and was located at the heart of Venice Beach, California. The rich golden light of Southern California and the relaxed beach lifestyle made it the perfect creative environment for many years. The Studio played an important role within the Venice community, serving as a venue for children’s education programs such as ‘Dreamteam’, ‘The Arts Mecca’ and ‘Social Point’.

Now the Studio is located in the artsy “burbs” of Los Angeles, in Echo Park where the old and the new meet creating a culture potpourri that is at once enlivening and creatively energetic.

 

In the Beginning

“When I started Ceramic Concepts, I felt that there was and is a need for beautiful tiles that can make any home special, but adding a dimension that is at once both personal and long lasting! The key to our longevity remains in our ability to provide products that truly benefit buyers, ensure timely delivery of quality products, and give our customers the personal service they deserve. You don’t find that with just any and every online/ brick and mortar retailer.”

Ceramic Concepts has established itself as a reliable resource for architects, contractors and designers particularly those relating to Spanish style or Craftsman homes but in the most recent years with more modern designs as well. For example, a well-known local designer has found in Ceramic Concepts the perfect resource for the special touches in tile design that she likes to add to all her creations. The company has given her exclusivity, savings in price and timely delivery that helps to make her the successful designer that she is!

 

Personal History

German born Felix Schmeing trained as a potter in Germany and moved to California in 1990. There he opened his own studio as a production potter.

While participated in various shows and workshops around Los Angeles and California, he soon developed an interest in tile making and further trained with the  Malibu Tile Factory in California, in the art of making hand painted decorative (deco) tiles; reproduction of vintage Californian tiles. Felix’s deepest interest is in the exacting art of glaze and formula mixing.

He became known to many architects, designers and contractors through word of mouth.

‘Most of my design work was based on the Moorish and Spanish tile tradition. When I moved to California I started to experiment with classic Malibu tile designs. The color palette I developed is a perfect match for the Malibu style as it reflects the Californian landscape. The distinguished look of my tiles is achieved using the Spanish “Cuerda Seca” or Dry line method. Although, now I also use other methods to create interesting and modern looks’

“How can people make their homes beautiful and personal?” Schmeing asks. “With our help, it’s possible to create an environment that reflects your personal taste and flair. According to the budget of the homeowner, one can enliven, highlight or just add small details to create a space that is special! We hope this will encourage those that have wanted to add such a personal touch”

Then in 2002 Felix met Evie Seifu and they started a life together. After the birth of their twins Evie closed her clothing design business and joined Felix in Ceramic Concepts.

Together they run Ceramic Concepts LLC, now out of Palm Desert, California shipping beautiful tile around the nation to discerning customers.

 

Contact us for help with your project today or just drop us a line and say “HI!”

· Latest News ·

The pool structure and waterproofing system are what contain the water; the tile is a finish surface.

Pool Tile Grout

Pool Tile Grout: Does It Prevent Water From Getting Behind the Tile? One of the most common questions we receive […]

default img

Are Waterline Tiles Necessary?

Pool Owners’ Guide Are Waterline Tiles Necessary? Short answer: for most pools, yes—if you care about long‑term appearance, easier cleaning, […]

Banner with two boys showing two bisques, a man glazing tile, and a woman workin on a computer

A Little History

Pool Owners’ Guide

Are Waterline Tiles Necessary?

Short answer: for most pools, yes—if you care about long‑term appearance, easier cleaning, and protecting your finish. Here’s the practical breakdown plus real‑world experiences from pool owners and pros.

Easier to Clean
Protects Plaster
Freeze/Thaw Ready
Custom Colors & Patterns

Why Tile at the Waterline?

  • ✓ Cleaning: Oils, pollen & calcium collect at the surface. Tile’s non‑porous face scrubs clean; plaster absorbs stains.
  • ✓ Finish Protection: Plaster/pebble is meant to stay submerged. Exposed edges dry, discolor, and age differently.
  • ✓ Durability: Quality tile + epoxy/high‑performance grout can last decades with minimal upkeep.
  • ✓ Style: Create a seamless band that matches coping/stone—or make a design statement.

What If I Skip Tile?

  • ✗ Visible scum/calcium ring that’s hard to remove on plaster.
  • ✗ Finish above water may craze or discolor faster.
  • ✗ Possible warranty issues—many plaster installers expect full submersion.

Best‑Practice Specs

  • Height: ~1–2″ below skimmer up to the underside of coping.
  • Material: Porcelain (freeze/frost rated) or glass; ceramic ok in warm climates.
  • Grout: Epoxy or premium cementitious with sealer.
  • Finish: Gloss is easiest to clean in pools.

From the Community

What Pool Owners Say

  • “When we drained the pool, the dry plaster looked ugly—tile would’ve spared the eyesore.”
  • “We get a calcium line every season. On tile it wipes off; on plaster it won’t.”
  • “Our waterline tile is 25+ years old. Repointed with epoxy grout and it still looks great.”
  • “We matched the tile to our travertine coping for a clean, seamless look—no bright blue ring.”
  • “If budget allowed, we’d tile the entire pool like commercial facilities—no replastering.”

Summarized from homeowner discussions (Reddit). Individual experiences vary by climate, chemistry, and upkeep.

Design Tips

Make It Look Seamless

  • Color‑match to coping/stone for a natural band.
  • Choose porcelain in freeze/thaw zones; glass for a high‑gloss accent.
  • Prefer smooth faces (easiest to clean) at the waterline; textured tiles can hold residue.
  • Consider darker tones if you want to hide minor waterline shifts and scuffs.

Ceramic Concepts

Shop Waterline Tiles

Hand‑glazed in Palm Desert, CA with custom color matching (Felix is our glaze master). Quarry bisque or porcelain options; gloss recommended for pools.

Custom Colors
Porcelain for Frost
Gloss / Satin
Made to Order

Popular Looks

  • Seamless travertine‑match porcelain band
  • Classic Malibu blue gloss liner
  • Modern black/white geometric accent
  • Glass mosaic shimmer strip

Get a Sample

Order a 6″×6″ sample tile or a swatch deck to test against your coping and water color.

Browse Pool Tiles

Maintenance

Keep the Line Clean

  • Use a soft pad and pool‑safe descaler for calcium. Avoid harsh abrasives.
  • Keep water chemistry balanced—especially calcium hardness and pH.
  • Consider a robot skimmer to reduce surface grime.
  • Seal cementitious grout; epoxy grout needs less maintenance.

FAQ

Frequently Asked

Are waterline tiles required by code?
Not usually. They’re a long‑term maintenance and appearance upgrade rather than a code requirement.
Will pebble finish hold up above water?
It may, but owners report faster cosmetic aging and harder‑to‑clean rings versus tile.
What about vinyl‑liner pools?
You can still add a tile band above the liner for easier cleaning and a premium look.
How long do waterline tiles last?
With proper install and chemistry, decades. We see bands going strong after 20–25+ years.

For Contractors

Spec & Install Notes

  • Substrate prep: clean, true bond surface; follow ANSI A108/118/136 standards.
  • Use thin‑set and grout rated for permanent immersion.
  • Movement joints per EJ171; address sun‑exposed banding and thermal swing.
  • Confirm freeze‑thaw rating and absorption spec for porcelain in cold climates.

Free Design Help

Color‑Match My Coping

Email a photo of your coping/stone (in shade and sun) and we’ll suggest matching glaze swatches.

Start Color Match

Ready to choose your waterline tile?

Custom color matching • Porcelain for frost zones • Hand‑glazed in Palm Desert, CA

Shop Pool Tiles

About Ceramic Concepts

Artisanal tile studio since 1992. Spanish Revival, Malibu, Moorish, and modern geometric designs—hand‑glazed in California. Felix, our glaze master, is known for precise color matching.

Keywords for SEO

waterline tile, pool waterline tiles, porcelain waterline tile, glass waterline tile, pool tile band, protect plaster, calcium line cleaning

© Ceramic Concepts. All rights reserved.

No testimonial found