What encaustic cement tile is
Encaustic cement tile, also called hydraulic tile, is made one piece at a time. Mineral-pigmented cement is poured into a metal divider mold that forms the pattern, backed with plain cement, and compressed in a hydraulic press. The tile then cures; it is not fired in a kiln. Because the color is a layer of the tile rather than a printed glaze, the pattern wears gradually with the surface instead of wearing off.
Expect small differences in color, slight shifts in pattern registration, and occasional pinholes. Makers describe these as normal for a handmade product.
Cuban tile
In Miami, patterned cement tile is often called Cuban tile, and in Spanish mosaico hidráulico. The name comes from the cement floors common in Cuba and in many South Florida homes from the early and middle twentieth century. (The same phrase is also used for clay barrel roof tile, a different product.) If you are matching or extending an older floor, bring photos and a loose piece if one exists; older tiles can differ in size and thickness from new production.
Handling and setting
A flat substrate matters because cement tile is thick and rigid and will not hide a hump or dip. Movement joints follow the same principles as for other tile; see movement joints.
- Store boxes flat and dry, and keep faces clean; unsealed cement tile stains easily
- Inspect and blend tiles from several boxes before setting
- Set in a mortar the tile maker approves, with full coverage, often by back-buttering
- Clean mortar off the face right away with water, never with acidic products
- Avoid hard mallet strikes that can crack the tile or chip its edges
- Cut on a wet saw and rinse the slurry off the face before it dries
Pattern layout
Patterned cement tile usually forms a larger design where four or more tiles meet. We lay it out dry first to center the pattern, plan borders, and see how the design meets walls and thresholds. Our guide on dry layout before adhesive explains why. Some collections are meant to be rotated at random, while others have a fixed orientation, and the maker's layout sheet decides which.
Cement tile sealing
Sealing is the step that sets cement tile apart from most other tile. Most makers call for a penetrating sealer on the clean, dry tile before grouting, so grout pigment cannot soak into the face. Many also call for a coat after grouting and periodic resealing as the surface wears. The sealer, the number of coats, and the drying times come from the tile maker and the sealer maker, not from a general rule.
- Before grout: protects the face from pigment and haze
- After grout: protects tile and joints in daily use, especially in kitchens and bathrooms
- Over time: reseal when the maker's water test shows the surface absorbing again
Ongoing care
Our tile and paver sealing page covers resealing and maintenance on finished floors.
Grout selection
Grout can stain a cement tile face permanently, especially when a dark grout meets a light tile. A grout close to the lightest color in the pattern is a common choice, and we test the chosen grout on a sealed sample tile before grouting the floor. We clean as we go with clean water and a soft sponge, and keep the washing consistent to avoid blotchy joints. Our guides on grout color variation and epoxy and cement grout cover the grout side of the decision.
Maintenance and patina
Clean cement tile with a pH-neutral cleaner. Vinegar and many lime or rust removers are acidic and can etch the surface and strip the sealer. A cleaner chosen for the grout must also be safe for the tile face; our guide on cleaning cement grout covers the grout side.
Over the years cement tile develops a soft patina from foot traffic, and many owners value it. Sweep grit often, since it wears the surface, and use mats at exterior doors.
Where cement tile works
Cement tile suits floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, plus backsplashes and accent walls. On shower walls it needs the maker's approval and careful sealing, and a shower also needs a continuous waterproofing assembly behind the tile, with the quote stating which trade provides each layer. Outdoors, check the maker's rating for sun and water exposure, and expect sealers to change the color or sheen slightly.