Cement Tiles

Cement tile (also known as encaustic cement tile) is a version of handmade tiles used for interior and exterior flooring and walls. Cement tiles first appeared in Spain in the mid-1850s. Due to its exquisite appearance, it grew in popularity throughout parts of Europe and North America. Some art historians believe France is one of the origins of cement tile.

Cement tile is not fired like clay tiles (ceramics and porcelain tiles). Cement tile is created via a process where a finely dehydrated layer of ground cement is combined with a coarse layer of cement and sand particles. The surface layer of the cement tile is then painted through a process known as hydraulics where the pigment is pressed on.

Cement tiles can easily be applied as flooring and walls in interior residential and commercial spaces. Most homeowners don’t consider cement tile walls in interior design, but cement tile can add a major touch of elegance when applied correctly. Cement tile is extremely versatile– there are thousands of unique colors and patterns of cement tile.

Whether you own a home or run a business, cement tile can work for your interior space. Cement tiles make beautiful additions to entryways, kitchens, hallways, living rooms, dining rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, laundry rooms, and stairways. You can also use cement tiles outdoors for porches, patios, and exterior stairways.

One of the most appealing advantages of cement tile is its eco-friendly composition. The materials used to create cement tiles are natural, and the process by which they are created is also eco-friendly.

Some additional advantages of cement tiles include durability, versatility, easy application, and the vast array of designs and available patterns. Cement tiles are also easy to clean and they act as a great insulator inside homes.

The major disadvantages of cement tiles pertain to their use outdoors. Cement tiles are not recommended for outdoor use in climates where temperatures fall below freezing. Cement tile is also not recommended in areas with high traffic from vehicles and other heavy machinery. So it would not be practical to install cement tile flooring along driveways. Cement tile may also not be the best choice for swimming pools. Chemicals used to maintain pool water can corrode the cement tile.

When it comes to patterns for cement tiles, the options are plentiful and unique. Cement wall and floor tiles range in style from simple to lavished in bright colors and intricately detailed patterns. The choice is yours – cement tile truly offers something for everyone.

If your tastes call for the sophistication of handmade tile, then cement tile is the way to go. If you fancy the old-world appeal of handmade tile, we have dozens of high-quality cement tile designs available. Our Handmade Flecha Honed Cement Tile, Handmade Alpha Honed Cement Tile, Handmade Bianca Honed Hexagon Cement Tile, and Handmade Ornament Cement Tile all make excellent choices for interior spaces.

No, cement tiles are quite easy to maintain. Once the tiles are correctly sealed, they will only require regular cleaning with products suitable for use on natural stone surfaces. We suggest re-sealing the tiles every few years.

Not necessarily. Cement tiles and ceramic tiles are actually similar in terms of cost. Explore the gorgeous and affordable cement tile styles we have to offer for your next home project.

Due to their one-of-a-kind makeup, cement tile has to be carefully applied by a professional. The most common installation method for cement tile flooring involves the use of a thin-set (a stone bonding mixture) to secure the tiles to flooring and walls. The installation must be done carefully because these handmade tiles vary slightly in thickness, and both their color and design tend to vary between batches.

Cement tile floors boast an exceptionally long life span. In parts of Europe, there are cement tile floors that are still in place after 100 years! Cement tile walls also can easily last a lifetime if properly cared for.

Cement and grout are different in their composition and their application. Grout is not as durable as cement. This is why foundations and long-lasting structures are made of cement. Grout on the other hand is incredibly useful for binding tiles and sealing cracks between them due to its lighter composition.

Prices can vary for the cost and installation of cement flooring. Overall, if you can find an affordable place to purchase your cement tile, it can be more cost-effective than installing other types of clay and stone material floors.

This will depend on where your cement tile is purchased. At Stone Tile Depot, you can buy high-quality cement tile for as low as $3 per square foot.