Cement Tiles: The Artisan Touch Your Walls and Floors Deserve
Looking for a design element that can turn a simple room into a work of art? Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation or a designer exploring fresh materials, cement tiles offer a stunning combination of artistry, durability, and versatility. From accent walls to dramatic floors, cement tiles infuse both residential and commercial spaces with personality and charm.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about cement tiles and how they can transform your interiors. Get inspired by wall and floor ideas, design tips, and real-life applications that bring artisan craftsmanship into modern, rustic, or vintage-inspired spaces.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles, also known as encaustic cement tiles, are handcrafted decorative tiles made from a mixture of natural materials like cement, sand, and mineral pigments. Unlike ceramic tiles, they are not fired in a kiln. Instead, they are pressed and cured, which gives them their characteristic matte finish and incredible durability.
Each tile is handmade using traditional techniques passed down through generations, resulting in unique variations that give every tile a one-of-a-kind character.
Key Features of Cement Tiles:
- Handmade and artisan-crafted
- Matte finish with rich, saturated colors
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Suitable for both walls and floors
- Eco-friendly and made from natural materials
Why Cement Tiles Are Ideal for Accent Walls
Imagine walking into a room where one wall bursts with pattern and color. That’s the power of a cement tile accent wall. Whether it’s behind a kitchen range, above a bathroom vanity, or in a hotel lobby, accent walls create visual focus and elevate any design.
Benefits of Using Cement Tiles on Walls:
- Adds a focal point to the space
- Works in modern, rustic, and eclectic settings
- Reflects natural light with subtle texture
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Endless design possibilities with custom colors and patterns
Common applications include:
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Bathroom vanity walls
- Fireplace surrounds
- Feature walls in living rooms and entryways
Wall vs. Floor Applications: Ideas and Inspiration
Cement tiles are not limited to one surface—they thrive on both walls and floors. Here’s how to make the most of them in different applications.
Cement Tiles on Floors:
- Create a statement entryway with bold, patterned floor tiles.
- Define spaces in open floor plans using tile “rugs.”
- Add visual texture in small spaces like powder rooms or mudrooms.
- Use geometric or floral designs to anchor minimalist decor.
Cement Tiles on Walls:
- Create a high-end feel with a full-wall backsplash.
- Use mosaic-style cement tiles to craft feature walls.
- Highlight architectural elements like niches or archways.
- Layer different tile patterns for a curated, custom look.
From Modern to Rustic: Tiles for Every Style of Home
Whether you’re designing a modern house, farm house, ranch house, or rustic house, there’s a cement tile design to match.
Popular Styles:
- Modern House: Clean lines, neutral tones, terrazzo tile accents.
- Farm House: Classic black and white patterns, vintage tile designs.
- Rustic House: Earth-toned terracotta tiles and cotto tiles.
- Ranch House: Southwestern motifs, Moroccan tiles, antique tiles.
At Original Mission Tile, we carry a vast selection of in-stock styles and also offer fully custom tiles to match your exact vision.
Custom Design Possibilities with Original Mission Tile
One of the standout features of Original Mission Tile is our design studio, where you can create custom cement tiles to match any aesthetic. Whether you’re replicating an antique tile from a historic home or inventing a brand-new pattern, we bring your vision to life.
What You Can Customize:
- Colors (choose from dozens of pigments)
- Patterns (geometric, floral, abstract, traditional)
- Tile shapes (hexagon, square, rectangle, etc.)
- Tile finishes and inlays (like brass tiles)
Check out our custom tile design studio to get started.
Cement Tiles vs. Other Tile Types: Why Choose Cement?
Tile shoppers are often torn between ceramic, porcelain, and cement tiles. Here’s how cement tiles compare:
| Feature | Cement Tiles | Ceramic Tiles | Porcelain Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handmade | Yes | No | No |
| Customizable | Highly | Limited | Limited |
| Durability | Very High | Moderate | Very High |
| Finish | Matte | Glossy | Glossy/Matte |
| Design Depth | Deep pigment layers | Surface glazing | Surface glazing |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes | Varies | Varies |
Cement tiles are the go-to choice for design-forward spaces that require both aesthetics and performance.
Showcasing Our Handmade Tile Process
At Original Mission Tile, every piece is handcrafted in Mexico by skilled artisans. Our process includes:
- Metal Mold Creation: A custom mold is made for each pattern.
- Pigment Pouring: Natural pigments are hand-poured into the mold.
- Hydraulic Pressing: The tile is pressed with 2,000 lbs of force.
- Curing and Drying: Tiles cure naturally for weeks before shipment.
Each tile is made with care—ensuring high quality and true artisan value.
Why Architects & Designers Love Working With Us
Design professionals choose Original Mission Tile for our:
- Hundreds of in-stock decorative tiles ready to ship
- Full-service custom design support
- Reliable shipping and production timelines
- Close collaboration with interior designers and contractors
- Experience with residential and commercial projects
From boutique hotels to large restaurants, we understand the needs of the design trade.
Tips for Choosing Cement Tile Patterns and Colors
Selecting the right tile design can feel overwhelming—so here are a few tips:
Tips:
- Balance patterns with neutrals: Pair bold tile patterns with soft, neutral tones in the rest of the room.
- Mind the grout color: A matching grout keeps things subtle; a contrasting grout can make the pattern pop.
- Think in layers: Mix large patterns with small-scale accents.
- Use mood boards: Lay out materials and samples to visualize your palette.
Need help? Our design team is just a message away—contact us.
Bathroom and Kitchen Design with Cement Tiles
Bathrooms and kitchens are among the best places to showcase the beauty of cement tiles. Why? Because these are high-traffic, high-visibility areas where wall tiles and floor tiles make a big statement.
Kitchen Ideas:
- Backsplashes with bold patterns
- Kitchen islands with tile-wrapped bases
- Tile rugs under dining areas or prep zones
Bathroom Ideas:
- Shower walls with geometric designs
- Floor tiles in encaustic patterns
- Vanity backsplashes with vintage flair
Want more home inspiration? Explore our portfolio for real-life project photos.
How to Order Cement Tiles from Original Mission Tile
Ordering your perfect tile is easy:
- Browse our catalog of in-stock designs.
- Use the custom design studio to personalize your tile.
- Contact our sales team for samples or help.
- Place your order online or through a representative.
Visit our website: www.originalmissiontile.com
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Interior Design with Cement Tiles
Whether you’re designing a minimalist loft or a cozy farmhouse kitchen, cement tiles offer unmatched beauty, durability, and custom design potential. Original Mission Tile is here to help designers, contractors, and homeowners find the perfect solution—whether that’s a ready-to-ship decorative tile or a completely unique creation.
Let your walls and floors tell a story.
Ready to get started? Contact Us Now or explore our collections today.
