Trend alert: cement or cement-look tiles are everywhere these days. And they’re not just for modern farmhouses anymore. From geometric to floral to old-world inspired, there’s a cement tile to fit your style.
WHAT IS CEMENT TILE?
Cement tiles are, of course, made of cement. Cement is similar to stone in that it has to be sealed, and it is very long-lasting. Cement tiles are thicker than average and made by hand.
Cement-look tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain. These are a great lower-cost option to achieve an authentic look that is still very durable.
Now that we cleared that up, let’s talk about how cement tiles are made.
HOW ARE CEMENT TILES MADE?
Cement tiles are made from a combination of marble dust, pigment and cement. Similar to natural stone, each tile is made by hand and takes between three and five minutes to make. What sets cement apart from other types of tile is that the pigment is pressed into the surface in a patterned mold instead of just being a thin layer on top. This means the coloration penetrates the surface of the tile, so if it wears down over time, the color will still remain and the pattern will not be impacted. The video below is a great overview of this process.
CARE AND INSTALLATION TIPS
Inspired to design a work of art with cement tile? There are a few quirks specific to cement tile installation that are important to know before you begin.
Thickness: Cement tiles are thicker than average, so plan ahead! A threshold piece can be used to smoothly transition between cement tile and another flooring surface.
Soaking: Cement tiles are absorbent and should be soaked in water before they are installed. This keeps the tiles from pulling moisture out of the mortar which would prevent it from curing properly.
Sealing: It’s important to seal your clean and dry cement tiles after they’re installed to ensure they last.
HISTORICALLY INSPIRED DESIGNS
Today, cement tiles take many forms and come in various materials. Due to their long and rich history, many designs seen today are based on those from the past. Explore some of our favorites historically inspired designs below.
The fresh, crisp colors below liven up this white kitchen.
