What if your floors could be both a design statement and a long-lasting, handcrafted surface you’ll love for decades? That’s the magic of cement tiles flooring—also known as handmade encaustic cement tiles. In this complete guide, we’ll show you how to use these artisan tiles to elevate kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, patios, and commercial spaces; how to pair colors and patterns; and how to plan a project with confidence—whether you choose an in-stock favorite or a fully custom design from Original Mission Tile.
Browse real projects in our Cement Tiles Gallery, explore In-Stock Cement Tiles, or design your own pattern in our Custom Cement Tiles studio.
What Are Handmade Encaustic Cement Tiles?
Handmade encaustic cement tiles are artisan-made, not fired like ceramic or porcelain. Instead, a colored mineral-pigment layer is hand-poured into a metal mold, backed with a cement base, and hydraulically pressed. After curing, each tile reveals a velvety matte surface, rich color depth, and a pattern that runs through the top layer.
Why designers choose cement tiles flooring again and again:
- Handmade character: Subtle variations add soul and authenticity.
- Comfortable matte finish: Soft underfoot and camera-friendly (great for photos).
- Color longevity: Pigments live in the tile’s wear layer, not just printed on top.
- Custom potential: Recolor almost any pattern to perfectly match your palette.
Why Cement Tiles Flooring Is a Top Design Move Right Now
- Instant focal point: Patterned floors create a visual “area rug” without fabric.
- Versatility across styles: From Moroccan-inspired motifs to crisp modern geometrics.
- Scalability: Use a little (border or inlay) or a lot (full room) and still elevate the space.
- Commercial-grade appeal: Ideal for boutique retail, cafés, hotels, and statement commercial entries when properly installed and sealed.
Want fast timelines? Check In-Stock Cement Tiles—popular colors and patterns ready to ship.
Design Benefits at a Glance
1) Depth & Dimension
The pigment layer gives cement tiles flooring a natural depth that printed look-alikes can’t match.
2) Elevated Neutrals
Even when you choose bone, clay, charcoal, or fog, the handmade surface adds warmth and sophistication.
3) Pattern That Behaves Like Architecture
A patterned floor functions as space planning: it defines dining zones, softens long hallways, and frames kitchen islands.
4) Cohesive Color Stories
Cement tiles play beautifully with zellige walls, brass hardware, rustic woods, terrazzo textures, terracotta tones, and sleek contemporary finishes.
Style & Application Ideas
Kitchens
- Island rug: Frame the island with a border + patterned infill.
- Full floor: Quiet tone-on-tone pattern for daily livability.
- Breakfast nook: A framed “picture” of pattern under the table.
Bathrooms
- Primary bath: Cement tiles flooring for the main area; pair with zellige-style wall tiles at the vanity.
- Powder room: Go bold—small rooms can handle strong motif and high contrast.
Living & Dining
- Open-plan zoning: Use a border to “anchor” the dining area.
- Fireplace surround: A few square feet transform the entire room.
Entries & Mudrooms
- Welcome statement: Vintage star or geometric repeats hide daily dust and look polished.
- Mudroom utility: Durability + forgiving pattern = stress-free floors.
Patios & Covered Porches*
Cement tile is often used in covered outdoor areas. Always review exposure, drainage, and climate with a professional installer.
See more room ideas in our Cement Tiles Gallery.
Trend Mapping by Home Style
Modern House
- Palette: bone, fog, charcoal, warm white
- Look: minimal checkerboard, crisp geometrics, thin borders
- Pair with: pale oak, matte black fixtures, brushed brass accents
Farm House
- Palette: cream, soot black, tobacco, clay
- Look: classic 8×8 floral or star patterns; checkerboard in warm neutrals
- Pair with: shiplap, unlacquered brass, hand-thrown pottery pendants
Ranch House
- Palette: saddle, sage, terracotta, sand
- Look: mid-century geometrics, tone-on-tone repeat patterns
- Pair with: walnut cabinetry, terrazzo countertops, linen textures
Rustic House
- Palette: charcoal, clay, moss, chalk
- Look: time-worn motifs with soft contrast
- Pair with: reclaimed beams, handmade zellige, natural stone
Cement Tiles vs. Other Tile Types (Value-Based Comparison)
| Feature | Cement Tiles Flooring | Porcelain | Ceramic | Natural Stone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Look/Depth | Rich pigment layer; handmade variation | Printed/glazed; consistent | Printed/glazed; cost-friendly | Natural veining; varies |
| Finish | Velvety matte | Many finishes | Many finishes | Honed/polished |
| Custom Color/Pattern | Excellent | Limited | Limited | Limited |
| Feel Underfoot | Warm matte, comfortable | Varies | Varies | Can be cool/firm |
| Maintenance | Seal + pH-neutral clean | Low | Low | Seal + stone care |
| Best Use | Feature floors, accent walls, boutique commercial | High traffic, wet zones | Walls, light traffic | Luxury statements |
Bottom line: If you want artisanal character and custom color with a comfortable matte finish, cement tiles flooring delivers a look you can’t fake.
The Handmade Process (Inside the Artisan Workshop)
- Design & Mold
A metal mold is created for the pattern. - Pigment Pour
Mineral pigments mixed with cement are carefully poured into the mold’s compartments. - Backing Layer
A cement and sand base is added behind the pattern layer. - Hydraulic Press
Pressure compresses the layers into a single tile. - Curing
Tiles cure to gain strength. - Inspection & Pack
Every tile is hand-checked for quality before shipping.
This process gives cement tiles flooring its signature depth, soft sheen, and color richness.
Custom Design Options with Original Mission Tile
Love a pattern but want different colors? Need branding harmonized across a hotel lobby, café, or multi-unit development? Our Custom Cement Tiles program lets you:
- Recolor any pattern to your palette.
- Scale motifs or borders for room proportions.
- Match brand colors for commercial spaces.
- Create signature borders or logos.
Tell us your vision and we’ll translate it into samples and production specs.
Layouts That Feel Designer (and Are Simple to Install)
- Border + Field: Classic layout; border frames a patterned or plain infill.
- Checkerboard: Two solids for timeless style—great in kitchens and entries.
- Picture-Frame Inlay: A framed patch under a dining table or reading nook.
- Stair Risers: Use leftover tiles for a high-impact, low-square-footage feature.
Expert Tips for Pattern, Color & Scale
- Start with the floor. Let the pattern set the tone; keep counters and walls calmer.
- Use light + dark. A little contrast keeps patterns readable from across the room.
- Match grout to background. For busy motifs, matched grout keeps the look clean.
- Mind scale. Smaller rooms typically benefit from smaller motifs or tone-on-tone contrasts.
- Think photography. Matte floors avoid glare in retail, hospitality, and portfolio shoots.
Planning & Budgeting for Cement Tiles Flooring
1) Measure precisely
Draw the space, note clear dimensions, and calculate square footage.
2) Add overage
- Straight set: +10%
- Borders/diagonals/inlays: +12–15%
- Complex cuts/stairs: +15–20%
3) Order trims & thresholds
If you’re framing a pattern, plan transitions to adjacent surfaces early.
4) Shipping
Consolidate orders whenever possible—tile is heavy; combined freight often saves.
5) Timeline
In-stock tiles ship quickly; custom tiles include design, sampling, and production time. We’ll advise realistic schedules for your project.
Installation Essentials
- Substrate: Flat, clean, and structurally sound.
- Layout dry-fit: Blend tiles from all boxes for natural variation.
- Sealer: Use a sealer formulated for cement tile. Seal before grouting, then again after cure.
- Grout: Non-staining grout; test a small area first.
- Cleaning: pH-neutral cleaners; avoid acids, bleach, or abrasive pads.
- Protection: Use felt pads under furniture; door mats in high-traffic entries.
Have questions for your installer? Share your plans through Contact Us and we’ll help with best practices.
Room-by-Room Inspiration (With Simple Recipes)
Kitchen (Open-Plan, Light & Airy)
- Floor: Bone/charcoal checkerboard in 8×8
- Cabinetry: Warm white perimeter, walnut island
- Walls: Glossy handmade-look ceramic to bounce light
- Hardware: Brushed brass, linen pendants
Primary Bathroom (Spa-Calm)
- Floor: Tone-on-tone geometric (sand + fog)
- Shower Walls: Zellige-style tiles with varied sheen
- Vanity: Oak + unlacquered brass
- Mirror: Arched to soften the grid
Entry (High-Impact Welcome)
- Floor: Vintage star in black/ivory with solid border
- Walls: Limewash or matte paint
- Accents: Console, round mirror, natural basket
Café or Boutique Retail
- Floor: Patterned inlay to mark the order zone
- Fronts: Bar/host stand wrapped in coordinating solids
- Photo Corner: A mini feature wall for social-ready content
Pairing Cement Tiles with Other Materials
- Zellige Tiles (Walls): Gloss + matte = lively but balanced.
- Terrazzo Tile: Speckled texture around a bold cement-tile “rug.”
- Terracotta Tiles: Earthy warmth + patterned cool for a Mediterranean feel.
- Brass Tiles/Accents: Add glow to moody palettes or black-and-white floors.
- Concrete Tiles/Surfaces: Reinforce the material story while letting pattern lead.
Maintenance: Keep Floors Beautiful for Years
- Daily: Sweep or vacuum (hard-floor setting).
- Weekly: Damp mop with pH-neutral cleaner.
- Spot Care: Wipe spills promptly; use coasters under plant pots.
- Reseal: Follow your sealer manufacturer’s schedule (varies by use and traffic).
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Are cement tiles suitable for kitchens and bathrooms?
Yes. Cement tiles flooring is popular in both when installed correctly, sealed before grouting, and maintained with pH-neutral cleaners.
2) Can cement tiles be used in showers?
They’re loved on shower walls. For shower floors, consult your installer about slip resistance and maintenance preferences.
3) Do cement tiles need to be sealed?
Yes. Seal before grouting, then reseal after cure. Reseal periodically depending on traffic.
4) How much extra tile should I order?
Plan +10% for simple layouts, +12–15% for borders/diagonals, and +15–20% for complex spaces or stairs.
5) Are cement tiles slippery?
The matte surface provides good traction compared to many glossy tiles. Always confirm COF needs with your installer for commercial specs.
6) Can I recolor a pattern I like?
Absolutely. Use our Custom Cement Tiles to choose colors that match your palette or brand.
7) What’s the best grout color for patterned floors?
Match the background or choose a mid-tone to keep cleaning simple and let the pattern read clearly.
8) How do cement tiles compare to porcelain or ceramic on maintenance?
Porcelain/ceramic typically require less maintenance, but they can’t replicate the handmade depth and custom color flexibility of cement tiles flooring.
9) Are cement tiles right for commercial use?
Yes—especially for entries, dining zones, corridors, and feature areas. Proper install and maintenance are essential for longevity.
10) How do I clean tough stains?
Stick with pH-neutral cleaners and non-abrasive pads. Avoid acids and bleach; consult your installer or reach us via Contact Us.
How to Order (In-Stock or Custom)
- Get inspired: Visit the Cement Tiles Gallery.
- Choose a path:
- Fast ship: In-Stock Cement Tiles
- Tailored: Custom Cement Tiles
- Request samples: Verify color in your lighting.
- Confirm quantities: Include overage and trims.
- Book install + seal: Share our care guidelines with your installer.
- Enjoy the transformation: Style, shoot, and tag us—we love to feature client projects.
Need help right now? Reach our team: Talk to a Tile Specialist.
Quick Idea Library (Swipe These Layouts)
- Calm Checkerboard: Bone + fog, 8×8, straight set—timeless in kitchens.
- Graphic Border: Solid field with charcoal border around a dining table.
- Monochrome Mosaic: Same hue, two values (light/dark) for subtle pattern.
- Entry Rug: Vintage star infill with solid threshold and perimeter.
- Vanity Zone: Small framed inlay beneath a floating vanity.
Why Original Mission Tile
- Heritage craft + modern service: We’re artisans who understand timelines, budgets, and specifications.
- Depth of selection: Hundreds of designs in stock plus robust custom options.
- Trade friendly: Designers, architects, contractors, and showrooms rely on us for samples, estimates, and reliable shipping.
- Real project support: From color studies to layout suggestions, we help your design become reality.
Ready to move from mood board to materials list? See Trend-Forward Patterns or Talk to a Tile Specialist.
Bring home the warmth and artistry of cement tiles flooring. Explore in-stock favorites for quick installs, or customize a pattern for a one-of-a-kind look—all with guidance from our team.
- Explore In-Stock: https://originalmissiontile.com/in-stock-cement-tiles/
- Custom Studio: https://originalmissiontile.com/custom-tiles/
- Get Help: https://originalmissiontile.com/cement-tiles-contact/
See Trend-Forward Patterns • Talk to a Tile Specialist