Cement Tile: Patterns, Sealing and Where It Works Best

Cement tile is one of the few materials that can anchor an entire room. The bold patterns, the soft matte color and the handmade character make it a favorite for designers and homeowners who want a floor or wall that people actually notice. It also asks for a little more care than porcelain. This guide covers how it works, how to choose a pattern, how to seal it and where it belongs.

What cement tile is

Cement tile is made by pouring pigmented cement into a mold, pressing it and letting it cure. It is not fired in a kiln the way ceramic and porcelain are. The color sits in a layer on the surface of each tile, and the result is a matte, slightly velvety finish with a depth of color that glazed tile does not quite match.

Because each tile is made by hand, no two are identical. Small differences in color and pattern are part of the appeal, so expect some natural variation from tile to tile.

Choosing a pattern

Cement tile patterns range from quiet to dramatic. A few ways to think about it:

• Bold geometrics work best where the tile is the star, such as a powder room floor or an entry.
• Soft, two-tone patterns suit larger spaces like kitchen floors, where you want character without overwhelming the room.
• Solid colors and borders let you add the look of cement tile in a calm, controlled way.
• Scale matters. A large pattern in a small room can feel crowded, while a tiny pattern across a big floor can disappear.

Before you commit, lay out several tiles on the floor and look at them from standing height. Patterns that look balanced in a photo can read very differently in person.

Where cement tile works best

Cement tile is a strong fit for entryways and mudrooms, powder rooms, kitchen floors and backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, laundry rooms and bathroom floors outside the wet zone of a shower. It looks equally at home in a traditional house and a modern one.

It is a weaker fit for places that stay constantly wet or that freeze. Cement tile is porous, which is why we generally keep it indoors in our climate. If you love the look for a patio, ask us about porcelain tiles that mimic cement patterns and handle weather better.

How to seal cement tile

Sealing is the step that protects your investment. Because cement tile is porous, it can absorb spills and stains if it is left unprotected. The general approach looks like this:

1. Seal before grouting. A penetrating sealer on the tile surface helps keep grout from staining the face of the tile.
2. Grout carefully. Wipe excess grout promptly and avoid leaving it on the surface.
3. Seal again after grouting. Once the grout has cured, apply sealer to protect the finished surface.
4. Reseal over time. Busy floors need it more often. Follow the sealer manufacturer's guidance and your installer's advice.

Ask your installer whether they have experience with cement tile. It is a different process than setting porcelain, and experience shows.

Cleaning and care

Use a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic products like vinegar and harsh or abrasive cleaners, which can dull the surface or break down the sealer. Wipe up spills promptly, especially acidic ones like wine, citrus and tomato.

Over time, cement tile develops a patina. Many people love that lived-in look. If you prefer a surface that stays exactly as installed, a porcelain tile with a cement pattern may suit you better.

Plan for variation

Open several boxes at once and mix tiles as you install so color differences blend naturally. Order extra tile for cuts and future repairs, since a matching replacement can be hard to get later.

Come see samples in person. Book a free design consultation at our Lake Geneva showroom, 201 Geneva National Avenue South, or call (262) 348-1600. Schedule your free consultation. You can also browse our Cement Tile collection.

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