cement tile flooring

Cement tile often refers to hand-made multi-color pattern tiles used primarily as floor coverings. These tiles are often named cement encaustic tiles.

But though this is the most common meaning of the expression, there is another different meaning: cement tile also refers to much less artistic cement bodied tile, made of… cement (instead of clay) and dried naturally (or fired, in some cases).

Cement encaustic tiles

Floors or walls covered with encaustic cement tile are characterized by their multi-color patterns and sophistication. Prices tend to be high…

Uses of cement tiles

Cement encaustic tiles are extensively used around the world, namely in Europe, in residential and commercial buildings. They are a versatile product, and its vibrant colors and designs provide an attractive Renaissance appearance to the floors. The high durability of these tiles are also a reason for their growing popularity.

Manufacturers

Most manufacturers of cement (encaustic) tiles are European, and follow traditional schools. There are however large and modern manufacturers using electric-powered hydraulic presses and more industrialized processes allowing cheaper products with consistent quality. Higher pressures yield a thicker pigment layer embedded in the cement layer, and a a longer lifespan.

Cement encaustic tile quality

The content of the pigments used in the tiles (high quality products demand mineral-based pigments only) and its thickness is crucial. A 3-4 mm (0,12 -0,15 inches) thick pigment layer is recommendable. Another feature that should be considered is curing: cement tile should be cured for 2-4 weeks (before installation).

Cement bodied tile

Cement bodied tile is often cured, not fired. Cement tile can be made to resemble brick, stone, glazed ceramic tile, etc.

Cement bodied tiles are manufactured using white cement, and coloring and hardening substances. This mixture is poured into moulds till the cement is sufficiently set and then subject to a drying process. That manufacturing gives to cement tile a rustic appeal.

There are many solutions involving this kind of tile, which can be colored and sealed after installation in residential uses. Sealing is essential to get stain and moisture resistance.

Cement bodied tile colors, shapes and sizes

Cement tiles are available in earthy colors, and may involve different shapes and sizes. These tiles are full bodied (surfaces are smoother, and the body of the tile contains stone chips, but the tile is a whole in its content). There are concrete-cement tiles with very sophisticated surfaces, but most of cement bodied tiles are rather simple and inexpensive products.

Residential uses of cement bodied tile

When applied in residential buildings, sealing the tile surface during installation is mandatory, namely to protect its color and to prevent the tile from exposing the stone aggregate lying below its surface. A penetrating sealer bonds and strengthens the tile.