Floor Material: Handmade Cement Tile
Stylish, durable and customizable, this material can bring a bold pattern to your home
Barbara Milner
March 26, 2018
Houzz Contributor. Designer, journalist and vintage hound. I enjoy telling personal stories through my design projects and creating happy, practical spaces that are both inspirational and memorable. I adore edgy elegance and have a passion for vintage objects and curiosities. You can often find me with hair in bun and child in tow at thrift shops and antique markets. www.southhillinteriors.com.
Houzz Contributor. Designer, journalist and vintage hound. I enjoy telling personal... More
Beautiful cement floor tiles have been trending on Houzz for some time, with patterns ranging from Spanish to Moroccan to modern geometric. If you like the look of this flooring option, it’s also useful to know how it actually performs day to day, as well as what’s involved in terms of installation and maintenance. Here is some key information to help you determine whether this material could work in your home.
The basics. Cement encaustic tiles (or cement tiles) are handmade using a mixture of Portland cement, powdered marble, sand and natural mineral pigments. They are incredibly durable and can be used both indoors and out.
The standard size for cement tile is 8 inches square, with a standard thickness of five-eighths of an inch. Hexagonal cement tiles are typically 8 inches by 9 inches, also with a five-eighths-inch thickness. By contrast, regular tile is typically three-eighths of an inch thick.
The standard size for cement tile is 8 inches square, with a standard thickness of five-eighths of an inch. Hexagonal cement tiles are typically 8 inches by 9 inches, also with a five-eighths-inch thickness. By contrast, regular tile is typically three-eighths of an inch thick.
The bold look of cement tile is usually achieved by using four 8-by-8-inch tiles to create a 16-by-16-inch interlocking pattern, as shown in this photo. A variety of styles are available, including geometric, floral, Spanish, Moroccan, contemporary and single color. Custom colors and sizes are also possible, making this material a versatile, workable option that has the potential to create a one-of-a-kind feeling in a room.
Cost. $6 to $22 per square foot for an 8-by-8-inch tile; $5 to $22 per square foot for an 8-by-9-inch hexagonal tile.
Find a tile professional near you
Cost. $6 to $22 per square foot for an 8-by-8-inch tile; $5 to $22 per square foot for an 8-by-9-inch hexagonal tile.
Find a tile professional near you
Pros. These handmade tiles can be manufactured to suit your preferred pattern and color combination. The tiles are cool on the foot in hot weather and not slippery when wet. Cement tile is strong and should not break easily. If a chip does occur, it may not show much, because the color layer of these tiles is one-eighth of an inch thick.
Browse more modern cement tile patterns
Browse more modern cement tile patterns
Cons. Cement tiles are relatively pricey. Also, the prep required to install them means the cost of installation will often run higher than for typical tile. Since they are not as common as ceramic or porcelain tile, installers might not be used to working with them, and may need to take more time to plan the installation.
You should consider cement tile a specialty item that requires more attention to detail during installation than the average tile. As with natural stone tiles like slate, marble and limestone, cement tiles are porous and need to be sealed prior to grouting so the tile does not absorb the grout. After the tile has been set in place, but before it is grouted, your installer should apply two coats of sealer to each cement tile. Once the tile has been sealed, the grout can’t damage the tile’s surface. For the best results, each tile should be sealed individually.
Another disadvantage of this material is the fact that cement tiles are thicker than your typical tile, potentially making transitions between different flooring types trickier. To get an even transition, your installer may need to either raise or lower the subfloor beneath your cement tile. If that’s not possible, a transition piece could be used to mask the difference.
Lastly, standing on hard floor surfaces for long periods of time can take a toll on your feet, and cement tile certainly is such a surface. These floors do not flex or bend with the foot and can make your feet tired faster than a softer option like hardwood, cork or bamboo.
You should consider cement tile a specialty item that requires more attention to detail during installation than the average tile. As with natural stone tiles like slate, marble and limestone, cement tiles are porous and need to be sealed prior to grouting so the tile does not absorb the grout. After the tile has been set in place, but before it is grouted, your installer should apply two coats of sealer to each cement tile. Once the tile has been sealed, the grout can’t damage the tile’s surface. For the best results, each tile should be sealed individually.
Another disadvantage of this material is the fact that cement tiles are thicker than your typical tile, potentially making transitions between different flooring types trickier. To get an even transition, your installer may need to either raise or lower the subfloor beneath your cement tile. If that’s not possible, a transition piece could be used to mask the difference.
Lastly, standing on hard floor surfaces for long periods of time can take a toll on your feet, and cement tile certainly is such a surface. These floors do not flex or bend with the foot and can make your feet tired faster than a softer option like hardwood, cork or bamboo.
Special considerations. Cement tiles will show a natural patina over time, which can be part of their charm. This antique finish has a softer appearance in color and character and gives the tile an heirloom quality, but if it’s not the sort of look you like, these tiles may not be the best choice for you.
Also, if you decide to choose a custom color or pattern, keep in mind that custom orders require a longer lead time and additional shipping costs. The number of colors you choose to work with may also impact cost.
Finally, your installer will need to use unsanded grout, which allows for narrow grout joints and won’t scratch the tile’s surface.
Also, if you decide to choose a custom color or pattern, keep in mind that custom orders require a longer lead time and additional shipping costs. The number of colors you choose to work with may also impact cost.
Finally, your installer will need to use unsanded grout, which allows for narrow grout joints and won’t scratch the tile’s surface.
Maintenance. Cement tiles are prone to etching from acids or harsh abrasive detergents. For regular maintenance, clean with clear water or a neutral, non-abrasive detergent. Resealing is also recommended every two years. Many homeowners are able to tackle resealing as a DIY project, carefully following the instructions on the sealer’s packaging.
See more patterned cement tiles in blue
See more patterned cement tiles in blue
Sustainability. Unlike ceramic tiles, encaustic cement tiles are not fired in a kiln and are manufactured with 100 percent natural materials. They contain no lead, are not flammable and are recyclable, making them as eco-friendly as they are design- and user-friendly.
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The other aspect of the tiles that should be considered is that along the edges they can have very small chips. It isn't really noticeable after grouting and I consider it to be part of the "look". However, it could be off putting to some that want a very precise look. I worked on a project that had them installed about 3 years ago, and under heavy wear they still look great. Myself and the client love the way they can add a lot of personal style.
Hi Barbara, Thank you for this wonderful and inspirational article. Tesselle stocks over 80 exclusive, authentic cement tile patterns in Anaheim, CA, and can ship anywhere in North America. We also provide samples and any technical guidance needed.
Another big plus with cement tiles is that, because they can be customized in small production runs, we also work with architects, designers and homeowners to develop unique designs and colorways for specific projects. The bathroom in the photo was designed by Anthology Interiors using our Modda Cinder Cement Tiles.
We also deals in handmade moroccan cement tiles and you have the option to customise design, size, colours of the tile.
thanks
Aakaar Floorings
+91 9024200842