At its heart, the original mission of this historic company was simple: craft beautiful, durable tiles by hand and keep an incredible art form alive for the next generation. That commitment to quality and heritage, first established in 1900, is still the driving force behind every tile we make today. It’s what connects modern design to a legacy of true craftsmanship.
The Enduring Artistry of Original Mission Tile
For more than a century, Original Mission Tile has been a testament to the beauty of handmade artistry. Founded right at the turn of the 20th century, our entire identity is built on a traditional, time-honored manufacturing process. While the rest of the world raced toward mass production and automation, we stayed focused on the unique character that only comes from human hands.
That dedication is clearest in our use of the hydraulic-press method—a technique that’s changed very little in 124 years. Unlike modern ceramic tiles fired in kilns, our cement tiles are born from immense pressure. This process fuses layers of cement, sand, marble dust, and natural pigments into a single, incredibly dense piece. What you get is a tile with a tangible soul and a real connection to the person who made it.
A Legacy of Quality and Character
The real magic of an Original Mission Tile is in its feel and finish, which you just can’t find in mass-produced alternatives.
- Silky Matte Finish: The surface isn't slick or glossy. Instead, it has a smooth, almost velvety texture that feels warm and inviting underfoot.
- Deeply Inlaid Color: The patterns aren't just printed on top. The color layer is a thick, integral part of the tile, so the design will never fade or wear away, no matter how much life happens on it.
- Subtle Imperfections: Each tile carries the slight variations and minor imperfections that are the hallmarks of a handmade product. It’s a guarantee that no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
This commitment to traditional methods means every installation tells a story. It’s a narrative of heritage, skill, and the pursuit of lasting beauty over fleeting trends.
Connecting Past with Present
Choosing these tiles isn’t just about covering a surface; it's a deliberate design decision. Designers, architects, and homeowners come to us not just for the look, but for the sense of history and authenticity our tiles bring to a space.
Whether it’s creating a vibrant focal point in a modern kitchen or a timeless entryway in a historic restoration, the original mission of the company—to deliver artistry and quality—shines through. It's this blend of history and utility that transforms a simple building material into a piece of functional art.
How Artisan Cement Tiles Are Crafted
Ever wondered how a simple bag of cement becomes a vibrant, patterned tile without ever seeing the inside of a kiln? The process is a fascinating blend of artistry and sheer force, much closer to making a layered cake than it is to firing traditional ceramics. It all starts with a precise recipe of raw, natural ingredients.
Our artisans begin by meticulously mixing Portland cement, fine sand, marble dust, and natural mineral pigments. This isn't some automated factory line; each color is prepared in small batches to guarantee both its vibrancy and consistency. This careful preparation is the foundation for the tile’s final character and enduring beauty.
Pouring the Pattern
Next up is where the visual magic truly begins. A skilled tile maker places a custom metal mold—think of it as a highly intricate cookie cutter—into a steel frame. With a remarkably steady hand, they pour the liquid color mixture into the different compartments, carefully filling in the design one color at a time. This layer becomes the tile’s face, a wear layer that’s typically 3-5 millimeters thick, ensuring the pattern can never be worn away.
Once the pattern is perfectly filled, the artisan carefully lifts the mold, leaving a sharp, multi-colored design sitting in the frame.
Fusing Layers with Hydraulic Pressure
With the color layer complete, two more structural layers are added on top. The first is a fine, dry mix of cement and sand to absorb excess water, followed by a coarser, more robust base layer that gives the tile its structural integrity. This three-layer "cake" is now ready for the most critical step.
The tile is slid under a hydraulic press, which exerts immense pressure to fuse the layers into a single, incredibly dense unit.
There’s no heat, no glazes, and no firing involved here. The strength and durability come purely from that hydraulic compression, which bonds the materials on a molecular level. This is the heart of the original mission of this craft—using simple materials and powerful physics to create lasting beauty.
The final step is all about patience. The newly pressed tiles are moved to a curing room, where they are submerged in water and then left to air dry for several weeks. This slow curing process allows the cement to harden naturally, giving each tile its exceptional strength and that characteristic silky, matte finish. It’s this timeless appeal that has fueled a market projected to hit USD 5,000 million by 2035. You can find more details on the growth of handmade tiles from IndexBox.io.
Exploring The Tile Collections And Formats
Diving into the world of Original Mission Tile is like opening a treasure chest of shapes, patterns, and textures. While the classic 8×8 square remains a timeless choice for intricate patterns and bold solids, the collection offers a much wider design vocabulary.
Each format has a distinct personality, allowing you to create a space that feels uniquely yours.
Beyond the familiar square, geometric shapes introduce a dynamic energy. Hexagons create captivating honeycomb effects on floors and walls, while the elegant curves of an Arabesque or Fish Scale tile can soften a room with organic movement. For a more modern, graphic statement, the Star & Cross format combines two distinct shapes into one interlocking, visually striking pattern.
Beyond Traditional Formats
Our commitment to artistry doesn't stop with traditional shapes. We have specialty collections that push the boundaries of what cement tile can be, adding dimension and one-of-a-kind character to any project.
- 3D Tiles: These tiles play with light and shadow, featuring raised patterns that add tactile depth to a feature wall or backsplash.
- Breeze Blocks: Perfect for creating decorative partitions or architectural screens, these hollow blocks allow light and air to pass through while casting beautiful patterns.
- Brass-Accented Tiles: For a touch of luxury, certain designs incorporate gleaming brass inlays, blending the earthy feel of cement with a warm, metallic finish.
Each of these formats upholds our original mission: to provide beautiful, handcrafted materials that serve as building blocks for designers and homeowners to express their personal style.
The enduring appeal of these artisan tiles is reflected in their growing demand worldwide. Cement tile’s rich history, which we’ve been a part of for 124 years, supports a global market forecasted to reach $55,623.70 million by 2030. This growth is fueled by both residential and commercial projects seeking durable, customizable solutions that tell a story.
Choosing The Right Tile Format
With so many options, how do you pick the perfect one? Start by thinking about the aesthetic you want and the scale of the space. An intricate pattern in a small tile might feel busy in a large room, while a larger format can make a small space feel more expansive. The key is matching the tile’s personality to the room’s function and your overall vision.
To help you visualize how different patterns and styles come together, you can explore our cement tile designs sorted by style. The table below also breaks down some of our most popular formats to guide your selection process.
Here’s a quick overview to help you compare our most popular tile formats at a glance. Think of it as a cheat sheet for matching the right tile to your project's vibe.
Original Mission Tile Product Family Overview
| Tile Format | Key Characteristics | Best For | Design Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8×8 Square | The classic canvas; versatile for patterns and solids. | Floors, backsplashes, and feature walls where pattern is the star. | Traditional, Modern, Farmhouse, Eclectic |
| Hexagon | Geometric and modern; creates a dynamic honeycomb effect. | Bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes, statement entryways. | Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary, Transitional |
| Arabesque & Fish Scale | Soft, organic curves; adds gentle movement and elegance. | Shower walls, vanity backsplashes, accent walls in living areas. | Coastal, Moroccan, Art Deco, Bohemian |
| Star & Cross | Interlocking shapes create a captivating, graphic pattern. | Floors in powder rooms, entryways, or commercial spaces. | Spanish Colonial, Mediterranean, Rustic |
| Breeze Blocks | Three-dimensional, hollow blocks that filter light and air. | Decorative partitions, exterior feature walls, privacy screens. | Tropical Modern, Mid-Century, Brutalist |
This table is just a starting point. The real magic happens when you mix and match formats or use a familiar shape in an unexpected way to create a space that’s truly your own.
Bringing Your Vision to Life with Custom Designs
What if your walls or floors could tell a story that was uniquely yours? That’s where the real magic of handmade tile comes alive. While our existing patterns are beautiful on their own, creating a bespoke design is what elevates a project from simply well-done to deeply personal.
This is exactly why we created the online Design Studio, a simple tool that puts the designer’s paintbrush right in your hands. It takes the mystery out of customization, letting you play with hundreds of patterns—from classic geometrics to intricate florals—and apply a palette of over 100 colors to any part of the design.
Here’s a quick look at the Design Studio in action. You can see how easy it is to pick a pattern and start swapping colors.
The tool lets you see your combination instantly. It completely removes the guesswork, ensuring the tile that arrives is exactly what you envisioned.
Customization for Every Timeline
The freedom to design your own tile is core to our original mission of empowering creativity. This tool gives you the control to craft a surface that perfectly syncs with your space’s aesthetic, whether you're matching a specific paint swatch or inventing a pattern from scratch.
This level of personalization transforms tile from a building material into a form of self-expression. It ensures your space is not just built but curated.
But what if your project is on a tighter schedule? Custom doesn't always have to mean a long lead time. We have gorgeous, character-rich solutions for projects that need to move fast.
- Patchwork Collections: These are curated mixes of various patterns and colors that create an eclectic, bohemian look right out of the box. You get a custom feel without the design time.
- Ready-to-Ship Selections: For immediate needs, we keep a wide variety of our most popular designs in stock and ready to go. It’s artisan quality, without the wait.
Whether you're creating from the ground up or choosing a ready-made masterpiece, there’s a path to achieving a stunning, handcrafted look. You can start exploring your own patterns by checking out our custom-made cement tile designs.
Installation and Care for Lasting Beauty
Installing cement tile isn't just another job—it’s a craft. Done right, it transforms a beautiful product into a permanent work of art. But unlike standard ceramic, these tiles have a porous nature that requires a specific touch, especially when it comes to sealing. Nailing this process is what ensures your tile investment lasts a lifetime.
The work starts long before the first tile is ever set. Proper subfloor preparation is absolutely non-negotiable. You need a perfectly flat, stable, and clean surface, because any dips or bumps can translate into cracked tiles down the line. This foundational step truly sets the stage for success. You can dive deeper into this with our guide on selecting the correct underlayment for tile floors.
The Sealing and Setting Process
Here’s the single most important thing to know: cement tiles must be sealed before grouting. This is the critical step people often miss. Applying a high-quality penetrating sealer first protects the tile's surface from getting stained by the colored grout. Think of it like priming a canvas before you paint—it keeps the final colors pure and true.
Next, you need the right adhesive to get a secure, lasting bond. Your installer should use a high-quality, white thin-set mortar, applying it evenly to both the subfloor and the back of each tile. This "back-buttering" technique ensures full adhesion and prevents hollow spots. For more on picking the right adhesive, this resource on Mapei tile glue offers some great professional insights.
Once the tiles are set and that pre-grout sealer has fully cured, it’s time to grout. We always recommend using unsanded grout and working in small, manageable sections. This keeps the grout from drying on the tile's face and makes cleanup much easier. After the floor is grouted and clean, a final few coats of sealer lock everything in, protecting both the tile and the grout lines from future moisture and stains.
Properly installed and sealed, your cement tile floor or wall becomes a resilient, low-maintenance surface. This careful process honors the original mission of the tile itself—to provide enduring, handcrafted beauty for generations.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
The good news? Maintaining the beauty of your Original Mission Tile is surprisingly simple. The golden rule is to avoid harsh, acidic cleaners, which can etch the surface and strip away the sealer.
Here are the essentials for day-to-day care:
- Use pH-Neutral Cleaners: Always stick to gentle, pH-neutral cleaning solutions. Look for products made specifically for natural stone or cement tile.
- Avoid Abrasives: Steer clear of scouring pads, steel wool, or harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia. They’re far too aggressive for this material.
- Clean Spills Promptly: Wipe up spills as soon as you see them, especially acidic things like wine, citrus juice, or vinegar. This prevents them from having time to soak in and cause a potential stain.
A simple routine of sweeping or vacuuming to get rid of grit, followed by a quick mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, is all it takes to keep your tiles looking pristine. With this straightforward care, your tiles will gradually develop a beautiful patina over time, adding even more character to their unique, handcrafted story.
See How It Comes to Life: Inspiration for Your Next Project
This is where the magic happens—when you move from mood boards to finished rooms. Seeing how other designers, contractors, and homeowners use Original Mission Tile is the best way to spark ideas and understand the real-world impact of a handcrafted surface. From cozy home entryways to high-energy commercial spaces, these tiles are the foundation for unforgettable stories.
Picture a boutique hotel lobby where a bold, geometric floor immediately sets a stylish, welcoming tone. Or imagine a modern kitchen where a stunning cement tile backsplash becomes the room's focal point, adding a layer of personality that mass-produced materials just can't touch. These aren't just surfaces; they're conversation starters.
The inherent durability of cement tile also makes it a workhorse for high-traffic areas. Think of a busy café where the floor is a core part of the brand's identity, withstanding thousands of footsteps while developing a beautiful, lived-in patina over time. The original mission of this craft was always to create something both beautiful and lasting, and these projects are proof of that vision.
From Homes to Hospitality
The incredible versatility of cement tile allows it to feel right at home in wildly different settings, each with its own story to tell.
- Residential Retreats: In homes, these tiles transform everyday spaces. They create welcoming foyers, charming bathroom floors, and even turn utilitarian laundry rooms into curated moments of joy.
- Commercial Masterpieces: Designers use them to define zones in open-plan restaurants, craft durable and stylish hotel corridors, or build memorable feature walls in retail shops that draw customers in.
The goal is to elevate an ordinary surface into an intentional design element. The right tile doesn't just complete a room—it gives it a soul.
This blend of artistry and resilience has fueled a massive shift away from generic, mass-produced tile. Since our founding in 1900, Original Mission Tile has championed this tradition—a craft that's now at the heart of a global market projected to hit USD 65.85 million by 2035. This growth points to a bigger trend: a real enthusiasm for durable, eco-friendly surfaces. You can dig deeper into the cement tiles market trends at Market Research Future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you're thinking about handmade cement tile, a few questions always seem to pop up. Getting straight answers is key to feeling confident in your choice and making sure the final result is as beautiful and lasting as you imagine.
Are Cement Tiles Durable Enough For High-Traffic Areas?
Absolutely. The secret to cement tile’s incredible durability is its through-body color. That beautiful pattern isn't just a thin layer of glaze on the surface—it’s a thick, inlaid layer of pigmented cement that makes up a real part of the tile.
This means the design can't wear off, even with heavy, constant foot traffic. It makes them a fantastic, long-lasting choice for tough spots like commercial entryways, busy restaurant floors, and the hardest-working home kitchens.
How Is Cement Tile Different From Ceramic Tile?
It really comes down to how they’re made and what they’re made of. Cement tiles are a mix of cement, sand, and mineral pigments, all fused together with immense hydraulic pressure—no kiln or fire involved.
Ceramic tiles, on the other hand, start as clay. They usually get a printed or painted glaze on the surface before being fired at very high temperatures. This is why cement tiles have that signature velvety matte finish and color that goes deep into the tile, while a ceramic tile's pattern is only skin deep. Because of this, cement tiles are porous by nature and need to be sealed.
The core of the original mission behind these tiles is their unique, unglazed nature. This method produces a surface with a depth and character that fired ceramics cannot replicate, celebrating the raw material itself.
Can I Use Original Mission Tiles Outdoors?
Yes, many of our tiles work beautifully for outdoor spaces, especially in covered areas like verandas or patios in milder climates. That said, their performance really depends on the environment.
If your project is in a region with freeze-thaw cycles, a top-notch installation and very careful sealing are non-negotiable. This is to prevent moisture from getting into the tile, freezing, and causing damage. We always recommend having a detailed conversation with your installer to make sure the tile is the right fit for your specific climate and how you plan to use it.
Ready to bring timeless, handcrafted beauty to your next project? Explore the full collection at Original Mission Tile and start designing a space that tells your story.