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How Our Tile Is Made
The materials offered by Cement Tile Shop are produced using a variety of traditional and modern techniques. Some, including our cement tile, zellige and breeze block, reflect longstanding handmade traditions, while other collections combine natural stone, terrazzo and specialty materials with contemporary production methods.
Because each material is made differently, its surface, texture and natural variation will also be different. Handmade and natural materials should not be expected to look identical from piece to piece. To learn more about the characteristics of each collection, visit our Tile & Architectural Materials page.
How Handmade Cement Tile Is Made
Our cement tiles are handcrafted using the traditional hydraulic process that has been used to produce decorative cement tile for generations. Unlike ceramic or porcelain tile, cement tile is not fired in a kiln. Color, pattern and structure are created with cement-based layers that are formed in a mold and hydraulically pressed.
For patterned tiles, a metal divider mold is placed into the tile mold and the individual colors are carefully poured into the appropriate sections to create the design. The divider is then removed before the remaining layers are added.
The Three-Layer Construction
Decorative Layer: The finished face of the tile is created from a mixture that includes white Portland cement, finely ground marble and pigments. This layer creates the tile's pattern, color and finished surface.
Middle Layer: A cement-and-sand mixture is added behind the decorative face to help support and reinforce the surface layer.
Base Layer: The final cement-based layer creates the body and thickness of the tile.
Once the layers are assembled, the tile is compressed under hydraulic pressure. The newly formed tile is then removed from the mold and goes through a curing process that allows the cement to develop strength without kiln firing.
Because much of this process is performed by hand, slight variations in color, pattern placement, dimensions, edges and surface appearance are characteristic of handmade cement tile.
Brass Inlay Cement Tile
Our Pacific Brass Collection combines high-quality Japanese brass with our handmade cement tile patterns to create distinctive decorative surfaces. The brass is incorporated into the design of the tile, adding a metallic architectural detail to the color and pattern of traditional cement tile.
Brass can be incorporated into many of our cement tile patterns, allowing selected designs to be customized with brass inlay. Several brass designs are kept in stock for quicker shipping, while additional patterns can be produced as custom orders.
The video below provides a closer look at the craftsmanship involved in producing our brass inlay cement tiles.
Explore the Pacific Brass Collection.
How Breeze Block Is Made
Breeze block, also known as screen block or ventilation block, combines decorative pattern with architectural function. Our breeze blocks are cement-based products formed into open geometric designs that allow light and air to pass through the finished wall or screen.
Like our cement tile, the production process relies on molds and hydraulic pressure to create the finished form. The video below shows the production of our hydraulic breeze block.
Explore the Breeze Block Collection.
Zellige Tile
Zellige is a traditional handmade Moroccan fired clay tile. Its distinctive appearance comes from the handmade production process and glazing, which create natural variation in color, shade, surface texture, thickness and edges. These variations are an important part of the traditional character of zellige rather than an indication that every piece should be uniform.
Our zellige collection includes glazed tiles, unglazed terracotta, specialty shapes and mosaic panels. Some mosaic designs are assembled onto clay panels to simplify installation.
Explore our Zellige Collection.
Large Format Terrazzo
Our large format terrazzo collection combines a cementitious body with decorative aggregates such as natural stone, glass or mother-of-pearl, depending on the collection. The material is produced using specialized machinery to create dense, durable terrazzo tiles in larger formats.
The size, color and distribution of the aggregate give each terrazzo design its individual appearance. Natural variation, small pits and other surface characteristics are part of the character of terrazzo.
Explore Large Format Terrazzo.
Marble & Natural Stone
Marble is a natural stone rather than a manufactured material, so its color, veining and mineral characteristics are created by nature. Individual pieces are cut and finished to create tiles and mosaics in a wide variety of shapes and patterns.
Because the stone itself varies, no two pieces should be expected to look exactly alike. Differences in veining, shade and surface character are part of the appeal of natural marble.
Explore our Marble Collection.
Scarpa Inlay Tile
Our Scarpa Inlay Collection combines materials including natural stone, cement tile, terrazzo and, in selected designs, other architectural materials to create mosaic-like compositions. Many designs incorporate hand-cut pieces arranged into distinctive patterns inspired by architectural inlay work.
The combination of materials means that variation in color, texture and surface appearance is an intentional part of the finished design.
Explore the Scarpa Inlay Collection.
Craftsmanship Creates Variation
Whether a material is handmade, formed from natural stone, or produced using terrazzo aggregates, variation is part of what gives it character. Differences in color, shade, texture, dimensions, edges, veining, aggregate, glaze and surface finish should be expected where appropriate to the material.
We recommend reviewing physical samples before ordering whenever possible and inspecting and blending material before installation. For additional information, visit our Tile Samples, Frequently Asked Questions and Installation Guidelines.