Cement Tile

Favorite Products | May 18, 2016

We are seeing cement tile popping up everywhere and, I don’t know about you, but we cannot get enough. We love the bold patterns they boast, allowing each space to make a statement. Since cement tiles (also referred to as encaustic tiles) are such a statement piece we totally get that it may be scary to take the plunge. We’re a fan of cement tile because it is durable and resilient, which means it is a family-friendly option!

The question we get with cement tile is how should I use it and where? The nice thing about cement is that it is versatile. We’ve used in flooring and have incorporated it in a fireplace design. We’ve also seen it used as backsplashes and walls.

If you are nervous about incorporating it into your home, we usually suggest using cement tiles in small areas where a big impact can be made (think bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms)! If you use a patterned cement tile, we suggest that the other finishes in the space be neutral, to offset the pattern. You don’t want the elements in the room fighting against one another.

We used a bold patterned cement tile in this mudroom/laundry room area. The white walls and simple gray lockers allow the flooring to stand out. The barn door adds just enough contrast and a natural element, but does not fight with the bold pattern.

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The tile used in this fireplace design draws your eyes in and compliments the black elements of the sconces and fireplace.

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Another question we get is regarding maintenance of cement tiles. Is it really worth it?
Since it is a natural tile and is porous it must be sealed when installed, but after that upkeep is minimal. They can be cleaned with a simple mop and water or with a pH neutral cleaner. It really is a family-friendly option.
Need some direction on what cement tile to choose? We’ve rounded up our favorites.

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Photography by Becky Kimball

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