Cement Tiles 101
One of the latest buzzworthy trends among homeowners is cement tiles.
As experienced tile installers, we are noticing an uptick in clients’ curiosity about the benefits of cement tile and when to consider using it. It may seem inconceivable to some that grey cement would be a popular flooring choice, but it is. For instance, cement tiles are no longer “just grey,” they come in a variety of colours and patterns. But that’s not the only reason why cement tiles are popular.
If you’re curious to learn more about the benefits, drawbacks, and when to use cement tiles, read on to discover if they’re the right material for your next project!
What Are Cement Tiles?
Cement or encaustic tiles are made from natural materials (such as marble, cement, or minerals). Once moulded, they’re fired in a kiln, air-dried, and pressed.
Lastly, these tiles are not only thicker than their ceramic counterparts, but they’re also environmentally friendly. And, like their cousin, ceramic, these tiles are durable and long-lasting.
The Benefits Of Cement Tiles
Before we answer why you should consider cement tiles, we first want to explore the reasons homeowners are choosing them.
- Durability: The construction of cement tiles makes them durable and long-lasting, and ideal for high-traffic areas. In fact, they are even more durable than ceramic tiles!
- Eco-Friendly: A question every tile installer gets these days is which flooring materials are the most eco-friendly. If this sounds like something you might wonder about, the good news is that cement tiles are recyclable. This means they are a sustainable, eco-friendly flooring choice.
- Versatile: So here’s the thing about cement, it comes in endless patterns, colours, and designs. From traditional designs such as mosaic to geometrics, or more modern florals. It also comes in a wide variety of colours. This means that cement tiles are suitable for any design scheme.
- Easy To Clean: Another benefit of cement is that once it’s sealed to become water resistant, ideally by a professional tile installer, it is easy to maintain.
- Slip-Resistant: The final benefit homeowners like about these tiles is that they’re slip-resistant, which helps prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Cons To Cement Tiles
As with every flooring material, there are drawbacks. Cement tiles may not be right for every space, so it’s key that homeowners know when not to use them. These are some of the drawbacks of cement tiles:
- Cold: Akin to ceramic, cement tiles are cold underfoot. However, you can add radiant heating to warm them up.
- Porous: Cement is highly absorbent, meaning it requires routine sealing to prevent moisture from compromising its integrity. This also means that spills should be mopped up quickly.
- Too Thick: Perhaps the biggest criticism of cement tiles is that they are thicker than ceramic ones.
- Costly: A con of cement tiles is that they cost more than ceramic tiles and are best laid by a professional installer, which adds to the cost.
When Should You Use Cement Tiles?
So when should you use cement tiles?
- High-traffic Rooms: They are a wonderful addition to high-traffic rooms, such as hallways or kitchens, because they are so durable.
- Moisture-rich Rooms: Cement is also ideal for moisture-rich rooms, such as bathrooms, provided they are properly sealed.
- Backsplashes: Whether in the bathroom or the kitchen, cement tiles are excellent for backsplashes because they are durable, beautiful, and water-resistant.
- Compliments Any Design Style: Because cement comes in a wide variety of colours and designs, they’re a creative way to add visual interest to your space.
For instance, these are some of the most popular cement styles:
- Geometrics remain a trendy choice among homeowners.
- Neutrals for a minimalist finish.
- Black-and-white is wonderful for a dramatic space.
- Florals bring an old-world vibe to your space.
- Mosaics for a one-of-a-kind, playful addition to your room.
However, as experienced tile installers, these are the instances we suggest you reconsider using cement tiles:
- Installation: As mentioned, cement is more expensive than ceramic. So if you have a tight renovation budget, then these tiles may not be right for you. This means when you’re calculating your budget, you should include material and labour costs.
- Maintenance: Due to cement’s porous nature, it requires sealing every 2-3 years to remain water-resistant. So if you’re not interested in keeping to this maintenance schedule, then cement isn’t for you.
- Climate: Lastly, if cement is exposed to rooms with temperature fluctuations they will crack. Thus, if your hallways or space is drafty, cement may not be the right material for the space.
Final Thoughts On Cement Tiles
If you’re just discovering the beauty of cement tiles or considering them for your next project, these tiles can add visual interest to your space. But they’re also practical as they can manage high-traffic spaces.
But are they suitable for every space? No, just like any other flooring material, cement has its uses and drawbacks. For instance, cement is a good choice for your room when you want something durable and captivating, or anywhere you would use ceramic tiles, such as hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, or backsplashes. Whereas, you shouldn’t use cement if you’re not interested in ongoing maintenance.
If you’re unsure whether cement tile is right for your next project, don’t hesitate to give us at the Brothers Flooring a call today for a free consultation. With over 20 years of industry experience, we are confident we can help you determine if cement is the right material for your room!
