What if one material could ground your floors, elevate your walls, protect your showers, and make your backsplashes the star—while still feeling warm, handmade, and uniquely yours? That’s the promise of Original Mission Tile. In this guide, you’ll learn how to use tile for floors, walls, showers & backsplashes to create durable, inspiring spaces—plus pro tips, style ideas, and links to shop in-stock designs or create your own custom colorway.
Explore real installs in our Cement Tiles Gallery, design your own in the Custom Cement Tiles studio, or move fast with In-Stock Cement Tiles.
Why Original Mission Tile?
Original Mission Tile is a handmade cement tile manufacturer and tile shop trusted by tile and stone showrooms, interior designers, architects, contractors, and homeowners across the U.S. We combine artisan craft with modern reliability: hundreds of in-stock decorative tiles ready to ship, and true custom tile capabilities for brand, home, or hospitality projects.
Choosing Original Mission Tile means you get:
- Handmade character: a soft matte finish, rich mineral pigments, and subtle variation.
- Design freedom: recolor patterns, scale motifs, or create borders and frames.
- Project support: sampling, quantity guidance, and shipping know-how for stress-free installs.
- Versatility: one source for tile for floors, walls, showers & backsplashes across residential and commercial spaces.
Cement Tiles 101 (Clear & Simple)
Cement tiles—sometimes called encaustic cement tiles—are not fired in a kiln. Instead, artisans pour a colored mineral slurry into a metal mold (the pattern), back it with cement and sand, then hydraulically press each tile. This creates a thick wear layer of real pigment (not a printed graphic). The result: color with depth, a velvety matte surface, and patterns that feel alive.
Where they shine:
- Floors that need style + strength (kitchens, entries, dining rooms).
- Accent walls that deserve a focal point (fireplaces, bed walls, niches).
- Backsplashes that photograph beautifully and resist daily mess.
Showers? Cement tiles are excellent for shower walls; many pros prefer small mosaics or textured porcelain for shower floors to optimize drainage and traction. (Talk with your installer—we’ll advise too.)
The Big Idea: Tile for Floors, Walls, Showers & Backsplashes
Using one cohesive material library across surfaces creates visual flow. Mix Original Mission Tile cement patterns with companion materials (zellige-style ceramics, terrazzo, terracotta, or brass liners) to add depth and dimension—without visual clutter. Your home feels curated, not crowded.
Benefits at a glance
- Durability for kitchens, baths, entries, and boutique commercial spaces.
- Easy cleaning with pH-neutral products; reseal cement tiles on a normal schedule.
- Healthy surfaces (tile doesn’t trap dust/allergens like carpet).
- Budget control by concentrating pattern where it counts (floor “rugs,” fireplace frames, backsplash bands).
Where to Use Cement Tiles (and How to Style Them)
1) Floors
Kitchen floors
- Calm checkerboards (bone + fog) make open kitchens feel tailored.
- Geometric repeats define the cooking/dining zones without building walls.
- Pair with zellige backsplash and warm woods for balance.
Bathroom floors
- Tone-on-tone motifs read spa-like and hide day-to-day dust.
- Border-and-field layouts (a frame around a patterned center) feel historic and custom.
Entries & mudrooms
- Cement tile laughs at wet boots and pet paws. Choose mid-tone palettes (charcoal, clay, sage) for easy upkeep.
Hallways
- A subtle repeat turns a pass-through into a gallery moment. Add a slim border for a “runner” effect in tile.
See these ideas in action: Cement Tiles Gallery
2) Walls (Statement Surfaces)
Accent walls
- Behind a bed, along a dining banquette, or framing a media wall—pattern adds personality.
- Keep furniture simple so the wall sings.
Fireplace surrounds
- A few square feet of cement tile transforms the entire living room.
- Try a star motif or a vintage floral; finish with a slim brass trim for a luxe edge.
Stair risers
- Mix patterns up the risers for charm that greets you every time you climb.
3) Showers
Shower walls
- Cement tile walls + zellige niche = handcrafted heaven.
- Choose a pattern for the main wall and a complementary solid for the return walls.
Shower floors
- Many designers select porcelain mosaics for extra grip, then pull the cement palette into the bath floor or vanity splash for cohesion.
4) Backsplashes
Kitchen
- Band of pattern behind the range, checkerboard above the sink, or full-height to the ceiling for drama.
- Use grout matched to the background color for crisp motifs and easier visual maintenance.
Wet bars & pantries
- Small square footage, big return: the ideal place for a bolder pattern or custom colorway.
Style Playbook by Home Type
Modern House
- Palette: bone, ink, fog, graphite
- Patterns: clean geometrics, thin borders, tone-on-tone checkers
- Pairings: white oak, plaster finishes, unlacquered brass
Farm House
- Palette: cream, soot black, wheat, tobacco
- Patterns: classic stars, vintage florals, framed “rugs”
- Pairings: apron sinks, shiplap, antique brass hardware
Ranch House
- Palette: clay, saddle, sage, terracotta
- Patterns: mid-century geometrics, diamonds, mod repeats
- Pairings: walnut cabinets, terrazzo counters, spun-glass lights
Coastal & Mediterranean
- Palette: chalky whites, driftwood gray, sea-glass blues
- Patterns: Moroccan stars, rope borders, nautical stripes
- Pairings: zellige tile, limewash walls, woven textures
Smart Pairings That Elevate Cement Tile
- Zellige-style ceramic on the walls for wabi-sabi shine against cement’s matte finish.
- Terrazzo tile to add speckled depth without competing.
- Terracotta for earthy warmth in mudrooms and sunrooms.
- Brass liners or metallic details to frame patterns and catch the light.
Custom Cement Tiles: Your Brand, Your Home, Your Color
With Original Mission Tile, customizing is simple:
- Choose a pattern you love.
- Select colors from our palette—or provide a reference for a near-perfect match.
- Review a sample in your lighting with cabinets, countertops, textiles.
- Approve & produce—we’ll communicate timeline and freight.
Start here: Custom Cement Tiles
Comparing Tile Types (Value Snapshot)
| Feature | Cement Tiles (Original Mission Tile) | Porcelain | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look/Depth | Real pigment layer, handmade variation | Highly durable, printed/glazed | Excellent value, printed/glazed |
| Finish | Velvety matte, artisan feel | Matte to glossy; many textures | Matte to glossy |
| Custom Color/Pattern | Outstanding (recolor, resize, borders) | Limited | Limited |
| Best Uses | Feature floors/walls, boutique commercial | Heavy/wet traffic, exteriors | Walls, light/medium traffic |
| Care | Seal + pH-neutral cleaner | Low maintenance | Low maintenance |
Bottom line: Choose cement tiles wherever you want character, custom color, and a camera-ready matte surface. Layer in porcelain/ceramic for ultra-wet zones or strict maintenance specs.
Layouts Designers Rely On
- Checkerboard (subtle contrast): elevated, calm, and timeless.
- Border + Field: heritage look for dining rooms and entries.
- Patterned “Rug” in open floor plans to “zone” the space.
- Niche & Banding on backsplashes or shower walls to highlight function.
- Stair Risers as a vertical gallery.
Planning Quantities, Overage & Trim
- Measure every area and sketch the layout (including borders).
- Overage:
- Straight set/checker: +10%
- Borders/diagonals/inlays: +12–15%
- Complex cuts/stairs: +15–20%
- Trims & transitions: Plan where tile meets wood, carpet, or stone.
- Freight: Combine shipments when possible. We’ll help optimize packing.
- Samples: Always sample before you buy; view tiles in morning, afternoon, and evening light.
Ready to move quickly? Browse In-Stock Cement Tiles.
Installation & Care (Made Simple)
- Substrate: flat, clean, and fully cured.
- Dry layout: blend tiles from all boxes to distribute natural variation.
- Sealing: With cement tiles, seal before grouting and again after cure.
- Grout: Choose non-staining grout; test a small area first.
- Cleaning: pH-neutral cleaners only (avoid acids/bleach).
- Protection: Felt pads under furniture; rugs at entries; reseal on a traffic-based schedule.
Room-Specific Inspiration
Kitchen
- Floor in tone-on-tone checks + zellige backsplash + brass hardware = instant editorial.
- Create a patterned “rug” under the island stools to define seating.
Primary Bath
- Calm geometric floor; glossy zellige walls for light bounce; patterned vanity splash to echo the floor colors.
Powder Room
- Small room, big personality. Go bold with a vintage floral or Moroccan star.
Entry & Mudroom
- Mid-tone patterns hide day-to-day mess; a narrow border frames the zone.
Living & Dining
- Fireplace surround in a punchy pattern; a dining “carpet” in tile beneath the table.
Commercial
- Boutique hotels and cafés love cement tile for lobby floors, bar fronts, and brand-colored borders that photograph beautifully.
FAQ: Original Mission Tile & Cement Tile Basics
1) Do cement tiles need to be sealed?
Yes. Seal before grouting and again after cure. Maintain with pH-neutral cleaners.
2) Can I use cement tile in a shower?
Great for shower walls. For shower floors, many pros prefer small mosaics for traction; consult your installer.
3) How much overage should I order?
Generally +10%, more (12–20%) for borders, diagonals, stairs, or complex layouts.
4) How do I keep patterns crisp?
Match grout to the background color and keep contrast balanced for readability at a distance.
5) Will cement tile stain?
Proper sealing + prompt wipe-ups keep surfaces beautiful. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners.
6) Can I recolor a pattern to match cabinets or brand colors?
Absolutely—Custom Cement Tiles can mirror your palette.
7) Are cement tiles slippery?
Cement’s matte surface offers good traction versus many glossy tiles. Always validate COF requirements for commercial specs.
8) How do cement tiles compare to porcelain on maintenance?
Porcelain is typically lower-maintenance; cement offers unmatched handmade depth and custom color control.
9) Can tile increase resale appeal?
Yes—well-placed patterns in kitchens, entries, and primary baths are major buyer magnets.
10) Do you ship nationwide?
Yes. We pack professionally and ship across the U.S.; we’ll help plan the most efficient freight.
How to Start With Original Mission Tile (Step-by-Step)
- Get inspired in the Gallery.
- Choose your path:
- Fast delivery: In-Stock Cement Tiles
- Made-for-you: Custom Cement Tiles
- Request samples to verify color under your lighting.
- Confirm quantities, trims, transitions, and overage.
- Coordinate install, sealing, and care with your contractor.
- Celebrate your space—and share photos (we love featuring client projects!).
Want personal guidance? Talk to a Tile Specialist and we’ll recommend the right tile for floors, walls, showers & backsplashes for your style, budget, and timeline.
Why Trade Pros Choose Original Mission Tile
- Artisan quality, reliable timelines
- Trade-friendly support: sampling, takeoffs, spec guidance
- Depth of assortment: classic to contemporary, neutrals to bold colorways
- Custom expertise: borders, brand colors, scaled motifs, repeat adjustments
- Logistics know-how: careful packing, efficient freight, clear communication
Start sourcing today with In-Stock Cement Tiles or brief our team on a custom concept via Contact.
Ready to make every surface count? Explore In-Stock Cement Tiles, create your palette in Custom Cement Tiles, or Talk to a Tile Specialist for a project-specific recommendation. Your spaces deserve the soul of Original Mission Tile.