Get the Hot Patterned Tile Look for Your Home with Cement Tiles

For the last several years, trends have been moving in one, consistent direction. Homeowners want sustainable design that incorporates more color and pattern than have been popular for many years. And one thing that has really stood out recently is the popularity of patterned tile. Whether it’s for a backsplash or a bathroom floor, a repeating pattern – often with a pop of bright color – is an easy way to elevate your home design. And when you want to get that hot patterned style for your home in a sustainable manner, look no further than cement tiles.

What Is Cement Tile?

A stunning patterned floor using cement tiles in a kitchen

While cement tile sounds like it’s a modern invention, it’s actually been around since the 1850s, although it really took off in France in 1867 before it quickly spread throughout Europe. Eventually, the French transitioned their production to Vietnam, as they had a better quality of cement to work with, and from there, other countries began to pick up the manufacturing process. Today, much of the cement tile is produced in Morocco, Spain, and Mexico, as well as in France and Vietnam.

The tiles are made in a mold. Metal forms are used to separate the different sections before tinted cement is poured in. Because these tiles don’t require firing in a kiln to cure, they have a much lower carbon footprint to create. Once formed, they’re cured under pressure before a top coat is given using more Portland cement and often pigments and marble dust. The result is a durable, colorful tile that can be installed and used anywhere.

Why Use Cement Tiles?

Cement tiles are very durable as well as incredibly beautiful. They’re sustainable and eco-friendly as cement can be recycled, as well as not requiring any kiln firing. In addition, when cared for properly, they can be used anywhere in or around your home to create incredible, long-lasting designs.

This means that cement tiles hit many of today’s hottest trends, including their incredible patterns, colors, and the fact that they are often artisan-made and designed.

Where and How to Use Cement Tiles

Cement tiles can be used in most areas you would use a ceramic, marble, or porcelain tile. This includes floors, walls, and – when properly sealed – even the shower.

In the kitchen, use them on the backsplash to create a beautiful focal point for the room. Or, if you have a small kitchen, consider using them as the floor to make a fun pop of color.

They also make a great choice for bathroom floors. Patterned floors in the bathroom make a great choice because the space is small enough to really feature a pattern without it overwhelming the area. You can also use them on the bathroom walls as well.

Elsewhere in the home, consider using them on the living room floor to make a statement or use them on the fireplace surround.

You can use them to create a stunning accent wall or to line built-in cabinetry. They also work beautifully in foyers and on stair risers as well.

Care and Maintenance for Cement Tiles

Like many materials, cement tiles do need a little bit of care to look their best. Because cement is porous, the tiles should be sealed prior to grouting. If you plan on using them in a wet area, you may also want to consider sealing them yearly using an alcohol-based sealer which can help protect them from stains.

Quartz-based grout is also recommended for use with these tiles to help them look and perform at their best.

Capture This Look for Yourself

Whether you’re after a feature wall for your kitchen, a fresh look for your fireplace surround, or you want a fun and eye-catching bathroom floor, cement tiles make a great choice. Make sure you stop into one of our showrooms to see these tiles for yourself and to let our design consultants show you how they can fit into your home.

Get the Hot Patterned Tile Look for Your Home with Cement Tile

What Is Cement Tile?

Why Use Cement Tiles?

Where and How to Use Cement Tiles

Care and Maintenance for Cement Tiles

Capture This Look for Yourself

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