Zellige Tiles vs. Cement Tiles: Which is Right for Your Next Project?
Choosing the right tile can define the soul of your space. Whether you’re designing a cozy bathroom, remodeling a kitchen, or creating a standout feature wall, two standout materials often come into play: Zellige tiles and cement tiles. Both bring a handcrafted touch and stunning aesthetics, but they offer very different characteristics and design experiences.
So which is better for your next project? In this post, we’ll explore how cement tiles compare to Zellige tiles, and when each one shines. From bathrooms and kitchens to patios and accent walls, you’ll get all the design inspiration and practical insight you need.
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement tiles, also called encaustic cement tiles, are artisan-made tiles composed of cement, sand, and mineral pigments. They’re pressed using hydraulic molds and cured naturally—no kiln or glaze required. This results in a durable, matte-finish tile rich in color and texture.
Key Features:
- Handmade using traditional techniques
- Long-lasting and durable
- Naturally slip-resistant and matte
- Available in hundreds of decorative tile designs
- Fully customizable in color, pattern, and shape
- Ideal for floors, walls, patios, and commercial spaces
Cement tiles are prized by architects, designers, and contractors for their artisan quality and aesthetic versatility.
What Are Zellige Tiles?
Zellige tiles are handcrafted glazed terracotta tiles originating from Morocco. Each piece is hand-shaped, sun-dried, and kiln-fired—then glazed in vibrant or translucent colors. The irregularities in shape, surface, and glaze create a shimmering, organic look that adds depth and charm to any interior.
Key Features:
- Handmade from Moroccan clay
- Glossy or semi-glossy glazed finish
- Slight variations in shape and tone
- Ideal for walls, backsplashes, and light-duty flooring
- Adds old-world charm and artisanal flair
Cement Tiles vs. Zellige Tiles: Key Differences
| Feature | Cement Tiles | Zellige Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Finish | Matte | Glossy/Reflective |
| Material | Cement + mineral pigments | Glazed terracotta clay |
| Best Use | Floors, walls, patios | Walls, backsplashes |
| Durability | Very high | Moderate (not for high-traffic floors) |
| Customization | Fully customizable | Limited to available glazes |
| Visual Texture | Flat but pigmented depth | Irregular, rippling surface |
| Maintenance | Sealed surface, easy to clean | More delicate, requires care |
Both tiles are stunning, but your choice depends on where and how you plan to use them.
Why Cement Tiles Are Ideal for Accent Walls
Looking to create an unforgettable backdrop? Cement tiles bring bold pattern tiles, color, and personality to any wall space. Unlike Zellige, which plays with texture and light, cement tiles are ideal for large-scale impact.
Great Wall Tile Uses:
- Kitchen backsplashes with geometric designs
- Bathroom feature walls with encaustic patterns
- Restaurant or café branding walls
- Fireplace surrounds in ranch or farmhouse homes
Cement tiles offer a clean, structured aesthetic that makes them ideal for both contemporary and vintage settings.
Floor vs. Wall Applications: Which Tile Works Where?
When choosing between cement and Zellige tiles, think about the surface type and traffic level.
Floor Tiles:
- ✅ Cement tiles are the winner here. Durable and slip-resistant.
- ❌ Zellige tiles are too delicate for high-traffic floors.
Wall Tiles:
- ✅ Both materials are great choices.
- Cement tiles add bold color and pattern.
- Zellige tiles reflect light and add rich texture.
Outdoor Spaces:
- ✅ Cement tiles can be sealed for patios and walkways.
- ❌ Zellige tiles are not recommended for outdoor use.
Cement Tile Styles: From Modern to Rustic
Cement tiles come in a wide variety of design styles and are perfectly suited for homes of all aesthetics:
Modern House:
- Monochrome color palettes
- Terrazzo tile blends
- Geometric and minimalist pattern tiles
Farm House:
- Checkerboard and floral encaustic patterns
- Vintage tiles with weathered tones
- Earthy cotto tiles and neutrals
Ranch House:
- Warm terracotta tiles and antique designs
- Southwestern or Moroccan influences
Rustic House:
- Deep matte finishes and hand-drawn motifs
- Mixes of brass tiles, wood, and natural stone
Custom Design Possibilities with Original Mission Tile
One of the biggest advantages of working with Original Mission Tile is the ability to create completely custom tiles for any project.
What You Can Customize:
- Tile shape and size
- Color palette (choose from dozens of pigments)
- Pattern layout (new or reproduced)
- Finishes and inlays (brass, logos, initials)
🎨 Start your custom tile design
We work with interior designers, contractors, and homeowners to ensure your custom cement tiles are exactly what your project needs.
How Cement Tiles Are Made: A Look Inside the Handmade Process
Cement tiles are handcrafted in small batches using age-old artisan methods. Here’s how the process works at Original Mission Tile:
- Metal mold creation – Your chosen pattern is formed in a steel mold.
- Pigment pouring – Each color section is hand-poured into the mold.
- Hydraulic pressing – The tile is compressed with 2,000 lbs of pressure.
- Natural curing – Tiles air-cure for up to 3 weeks.
This process produces durable, beautiful handmade tiles that carry the mark of true craftsmanship.
Why Architects and Interior Designers Love Working with Us
From national hospitality brands to small boutique homes, Original Mission Tile is trusted by professionals across the design industry because we offer:
- Hundreds of decorative tiles in stock
- Custom design services to match any vision
- Fast production and shipping timelines
- Samples and mood boards for client presentations
- Friendly support throughout the process
📞 Get in touch with our design team to begin your next project.
Tips for Choosing Cement Tile Colors and Patterns
Need help choosing the right tile? Here’s how to approach it:
Pattern Selection:
- Match complexity to room size: bold for big spaces, simple for small areas
- Consider layout: centered vs. full coverage
- Mix patterns for floors and backsplashes for balance
Color Considerations:
- Use neutrals for timelessness
- Add bright hues for personality
- Pick grout that enhances (or fades) the pattern
Request samples to test how lighting and furnishings affect the look.
Kitchen and Bathroom Use Cases
Both cement tiles and Zellige tiles are popular choices for kitchens and bathrooms.
Kitchens:
- Cement tiles for flooring, backsplashes, or island panels
- Zellige tiles for reflective, glossy backsplash accents
Bathrooms:
- Cement tiles for wet floors and feature walls
- Zellige tiles for above-the-sink sparkle or shower niches
Combining both types can add depth and contrast—use cement on the floor and Zellige on the walls for a layered look.
How to Order from Original Mission Tile
Ordering your tiles is easy with our step-by-step process:
- Browse our in-stock tiles by color or pattern
- Design a custom tile with our online tools
- Request samples to confirm colors and finishes
- Get support from our team for layout and technical help
- Place your order and enjoy reliable shipping in the U.S.
🛒 Visit www.originalmissiontile.com to begin.
Final Thoughts: Zellige or Cement Tiles?
So which is right for you? Here’s the summary:
- Choose Zellige tiles if you want:
- Glossy, reflective finishes
- Organic texture and tonal variation
- A handcrafted look for walls or backsplashes
- Choose Cement tiles if you want:
- Durable floor and wall tiles
- Bold patterns and custom colors
- Artisan tiles that work indoors and outdoors
At Original Mission Tile, we specialize in handmade cement tiles that make every space memorable. Whether you’re a designer sourcing tiles for a client or a homeowner starting a renovation, we’re here to bring your ideas to life.
