Cement tiles are a great way to add an artful touch to your home. They can be glazed for a glossy finish or left matte and are often sealed to resist moisture and staining. They are an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor use, although they can be more prone to damage from harsh chemicals than some other tile materials.
There are many options for cement tile design, and there is a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures to choose from. If you’re looking for something that is stylish but not overly bold, try a cement tile that features subdued patterns and subtle contrasts. These can work well in a variety of homes, but they are especially striking in more modern styles.
The popularity of cement tiles began to wane in the 1920s, but they’re making a comeback thanks to their authentic old-world style and durability. They are more expensive than ceramic tile, but they last much longer and can withstand a range of temperatures and climate conditions.
They are made by hand, one at a time, using mineral pigments, a cement matrix and metal molds created following specific design drawings. The molds are then pressed to make the shape of the tile. The base layer of the tile is made from a mortar of fine sand and high portland cement, while the color layer is a mixture of white cement, crushed marble or fine sand and iron oxide based pigments. The artisan’s skill and the composition of the color layer affect the sharpness of the pattern and the level of saturation. Tiles with a thicker color layer tend to have less hair cracking on the surface, whereas thinner tiles are more prone to this problem.
Some people like to make their own cement tiles at home, mixing their own pigments and constructing their own molds. This is a fairly labor-intensive process, but it can be rewarding and allows you to create unique designs that cannot be found in mass produced products. You can also buy cement tiles from specialty companies that import them from traditional centers of production in Morocco, Portugal, Italy, and Latin American nations.
A cement tile’s beauty is enhanced by its durability and longevity. It requires regular sweeping and mopping with water and a non-acidic cleaner. It can also be buffed and waxed to help maintain its shine and texture.
Though kitchens and bathrooms are the most common places where cement tile is used, it is becoming more popular to use it in other rooms of the house, such as dining rooms, bedrooms, and even laundry and mudrooms. By adding a little bit of glamor to these often-ignored spaces, you can make them into beautiful and welcoming areas of the home. This is a great way to breathe new life into an older space without spending a fortune. So go ahead, give your mudroom or laundry room the attention it deserves with a stunning cement tile floor.