Porcelain Cement-Style Tile: Why Porcelain Styles are Superior to Real Cement 

Cement tiles (also referred to as encaustic tiles) were first created in the South of France in the 1870s and were later perfected in Spain where vast and wonderful patterns and motifs were developed. They introduced Moroccan, Mediterranean and floral designs, all of which are still hugely popular today. As much as we adore cement tiles they are made entirely by hand with natural materials. They must be ‘air cured’ then treated with a wax coating and take about 4 weeks to reach 90% of their potential strength. They come with a high price tag and need a lot of TLC to maintain their good looks. Luckily, our collections of porcelain cement-style tile offer a much more affordable and easy to maintain alternative. Porcelain tile is extremely durable and difficult to scratch or break. When sealed properly, it’s water and stain-resistant, making it easy to maintain and long-lasting. In most climates cement tile can only be used on walls, porcelain alternatives are resistant to humidity and steam meaning they are perfect for floors and in wet areas such as a shower. [caption id="attachment_4335" align="aligncenter" width="568"] The Vanguard Collection[/caption] These patterns can be used just about anywhere but since cement-style tiles are such a statement piece, incorporating them into small areas can make a big impact, such as in bathrooms, mudrooms and laundry rooms. We’ve also seen it used as backsplashes and walls. Matching a patterned cement-style tile, with neutral tile can offset the pattern ensuring the elements in a room don’t fight against one another. A ‘rug effect’ can breathe life into areas such as hallways and living rooms, or to set off one area such as in the kitchen, combined with a wood-look floor. [caption id="attachment_4334" align="aligncenter" width="568"] The Aster Collection[/caption] Nemo Tile have several porcelain cement-style tile collections available in a huge variety of colors and shapes. Our wide variety of porcelain cement-style tile patterns can be adapted to every space, creating decorative solutions ranging from pure minimalist simplicity to the most retro aesthetic.

Aster

Aster is a collection of Encaustic and Moroccan-inspired porcelain tiles available in three colorways, Classic, Black and White, and Colors. Colors, with blue and yellow tones, offer a soft brightness and are influenced by Moroccan and Spanish design. Its bold geometric patterns can also be interspersed with any of the line’s four solid colors for added variety.

View the full collection HERE.

Gramercy

Gramercy is a collection inspired by the history of the Manhattan neighborhood. Gramercy’s color palette gives the collection the washed, faded look of a cement tile. The collection is applicable on walls and floors in residential, retail and hospitality settings and is available in a variety of solids and graphic patterns.   View the full collection HERE.  

Moving

Moving features three different collections of mixed patterns. A collection of black patterns, blue patterns and a mix, all in a matte finish. The black and white patterns provide a bold contrast that gives any room a striking, modern look. View the full collection HERE.  

Vanguard

The Vanguard collection includes five different designs, each full of personality. The muted, washed-out tones of the blue and brown offer a vintage feel that lends a sense of aged elegance to a space. The cube design offers a unique look that is modern in contrast to traditional cement style tile designs. View the full collection HERE.