Cement tiles are colored tiles, often used as flooring due to their non-slip properties. These matte, patterned tiles are beautiful and practical in both residential and commercial buildings. Due to the unique aging process, each tile has a different character.

They have origins in ancient Greece. Traditionally, they were produced with heat and painted with natural pigments. Due to this special technique, cement tiles can have solid colors that will not fade easily. Since then, cement tiles have been widely used in Europe. Now, cement is becoming more popular in the US. With our cement tile collections, you can create a unique, authentic look for your bathroom, kitchen, or living room.

Cement Tile Usage

Cement tiles are perfect for backsplashes, flooring, and wall tiles. Their biggest advantage is their durability. Cement tiles are very thick in comparison to traditional natural stone tiles, making them harder to break or crack.

Moreover, they are energy-efficient. Unlike ceramic, which requires high heat, cement is moulded by hand, making it more eco-friendly.

Cement tiles may not be ideal for the outdoors, especially in colder climates. If applied to patios, porches or gardens, they can develop cracks due to cold weather. Although these natural cracks are part of the cement’s rustic character, it’s something to consider if you prefer more of a pristine look.

Design

Cement tiles have a wide range of colors and patterns in contrast to natural stones. Due to their rich history, cement tiles come in a variety of traditional and modern designs. You can also customize the designs to the colors and patterns of your choice.

Unlike ceramic tile, which has a painted surface, the colors are diffused deeply into cement tiles. As a result, they are long-lasting and highly resistant.

Installation

One of the main disadvantages of cement tiles is their installation. Unlike other tiles, cement tile installation can be trickier and may cost a bit more than the average installation.

The average cement tile is 5/8 inch thick and quite heavy. If you are planning on applying the tiles to a wall, make sure the wall can carry their weight. We recommend calculating the thickness if you’re installing them on the floor. Levelling is crucial if you are planning on installing the tiles with other materials.

Additionally, it is important to seal cement properly due to its porous nature. A proper sealant will not only protect against stains but also preserve the color of the tile. If left unsealed, it is more vulnerable to stains than other natural stones or ceramic. Sealing is especially important for kitchen backsplashes, as the tiles can be stained easily with grease or oil. The only way to remove a stain from unsealed cement is to sand it.

We recommend sealing the tiles before applying them to a wall or floor. You should seal each tile three times before applying.

Maintenance

After installation, your tiles may require periodic re-sealing, particularly if they are on the floor of a high-traffic area. A good way to test whether your tiles need re-sealing is to pour water on them. If they absorb the water, it’s time to re-seal. For floors, we suggest re-sealing 2-3 times a year. For walls, re-sealing once a year will be enough.

Re-sealing is quite easy. Using a sponge, just slowly wipe the tiles with the sealant and let them dry. The beauty of these tiles makes them worth the effort!