Cement

Cement tiles trace their roots to 19th-century Europe and North Africa, where they were known for their beautiful matte finishes and intricate patterned designs. Zia’s cement tiles are handmade in Vietnam using traditional techniques that blend cement, marble powder, and natural mineral pigments to create timeless, distinct designs within the encaustic tile tradition.

Each tile is made by hand using a steel mold, natural pigments, and a hydraulic press. Unlike ceramic tile, cement tile is formed rather than fired. Patterns are created by applying individual pigments in a handmade metal frame. The tiles are then hydraulically pressed at approximately 3,000 PSI, soaked in water to initiate curing, and left to dry on racks for seven days. This delicate process requires experienced artisans due to the precision of pigment placement and pressing.

Yes, cement tile is porous and must be sealed before and after grouting to protect the material and maintain the surface in areas such as a kitchen or other high-use environments.

Maintenance requirements include:

• Resealing every one to two years, or more frequently in wet or high-traffic areas
• Using a matte wax sealer indoors for added surface protection
• Cleaning only with pH-neutral products

These steps help preserve the surface as the tile ages and patinas as expected.

Cleaning cement tile correctly starts with regular dry cleaning using a soft broom, dust mop, or vacuum to prevent buildup without affecting the surface. For wet cleaning, use a pH-neutral tile cleaner only. Avoid acidic or abrasive products, as these can stain or dull the surface. For deeper cleaning, a heavy-duty pH-neutral solution intended for natural stone — such as Miracle Heavy Duty Cleaner (Acid Substitute) — can be used safely on sealed surfaces.

Installing cement tile requires a professional installer experienced with cement tile, specifically.

Before installation:

• Begin by blending tiles from every box to evenly distribute natural variation

During installation:

• Use a high-quality medium-bed thinset
• Wet the back of each tile before setting
• Press tiles into place by hand – do not use a mallet
• Keep the surface level throughout installation

Sealing and grouting:

• Seal the tiles before grouting using 511 Porous Plus Sealer
• Grout in small, 2’x2’ sections using Mapei Flexcolor CQ and wipe clean as you go
• If applying a dark or contrasting grout color, use a grout bag to avoid staining
• For indoor installations, apply a topcoat wax sealer, such as Fila Matte Wax, as a final protective coat
• For exterior installations, apply an additional coat of 511 Porous Plus instead of wax

For thorough instructions, refer to the Cement Tile Installation Guide.

Calculating how much cement tile you need starts with the total square footage of the area(s) to be tiled. Measure the length and width of each surface in feet, multiply them together, and add all sections for walls or multiple floors. From that total, add a minimum of 15% overage to account for cuts, pattern alignment, and any tiles set aside during installation. For patterned cement tile, where layout and design matching require additional material, consider increasing your overage before placing your order. If you are unsure about quantities for your specific project, contact our team at info@ziatile.com.

Encaustic cement tile is a hydraulic-pressed tile handmade by applying natural mineral pigments into a steel mold, one layer at a time, pressing the tile at high pressure, and air-curing it without firing it in a kiln. The pigmented surface layer becomes part of the tile body itself during pressing, which is what gives encaustic tile its color depth and matte finish.

Zia cement tile is offered in solid colors and geometric patterns across square, rectangular, and special shapes. Cement tile patterns range from classic stripes to intricate multicolored geometric compositions. For a full overview of available patterns, colors, and sizes, browse the collection or contact our team at info@ziatile.com with any questions.

Yes, cement tiles perform well on interior floors or outdoor areas in non-freeze/thaw climates, when properly installed, sealed, and maintained. Their density and thickness make them suitable for residential and commercial traffic. Cement tile is frequently used in entryways, living areas, retail environments, and on tiled kitchen floors where pattern and durability are both priorities. The matte finish provides natural slip resistance. 

Over time, the surface develops a patina, which is a defining characteristic of the material. This aging should be embraced, as it is a normal and lovely aspect of cement tile. Sealing before and after installation is essential to protect the surface and ensure long-term performance.

Cement tile and ceramic tile suit different design intentions and should be chosen based on the priorities of the project. Cement tile is thicker and matte, formed from cement, marble powder, and natural mineral pigments, then air-cured rather than being fired in a kiln. Each encaustic cement tile is hand-poured and pigment-placed before pressing, resulting in subtle tonal shifts and surface variation that are inherent to the process. The surface develops a patina over time. 

Ceramic tile is kiln-fired and engineered for uniformity and consistent color, suiting applications where a precise, repeatable surface is the goal. The right choice depends on the desired surface finish, variation, pattern, and material character of the installation.