Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Cement Tile

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile

Handmade cement tile has to be one of the most beautiful types of tile available for transforming a space into a personal expression of pattern, style and design. However, since it is a handmade product, figuring out what makes a high quality and durable cement tile isn't immediately obvious.

For that reason, we are proud to announce the launch of our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to help you make sense of the choices available. The Guide features 14 pages of inspirational cement tile installations and patterns, and most importantly, valuable tips for buying handmade cement tile culled through Avente Tile's founder Bill Buyok's vast experiences and travels involving handmade cement tile.

A sample page of Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile

A sample page of Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile illustrates the beautiful and vivid patterns available with handmade cement tile.

This Guide was designed with you and your needs in mind. More than a decade ago, as a first-time cement tile purchaser, Bill was frustrated with the lack of relevant and easily found information. With our help, after reading through this well-developed and cohesive Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile, you'll be able to:

• Find the cement tile that's right for you.
• Learn how to distinguish quality cement tile from inferior ones.
• Understand the types, formats, colors, options and designs available.
• Set realistic budgets, costs for freight, and what to expect for delivery.
• Tips for when to use in-stock tiles, custom tiles, and how to create your own designs.

Active links direct you to comprehensive information about the topic or product you're interested in.

As always, our commitment to you is our continued quest for excellence. How can we help you with your cement tile needs today?

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Cement Tile Inspiration

"Constant use will not wear ragged the fabric of friendship." -- Dorothy Parker

What would summer be without the gathering of friends and family around the backyard or dining room table? And with summer, comes the need for drinks and meals that cool our bodies, while simultaneously warming our hearts. Whether you're sharing stories, adventures or a meal, summer is the perfect season to just hang out and relax!

With that said, summer is also when the bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables from your backyard garden, or from the farmer's market, can be effortlessly paired in a meal-worthy salad. Coupled with a glass of wine, a cool evening breeze, and lively conversations, it's no wonder summer is our favorite season!

Interestingly, just like friendship, handmade cement tile will not wear ragged over time. It only gets better! With a range of design possibilities, whether bold Cuban tile patterns in contrasting colors or classic cement patterns in harmonizing colors, handmade cement tiles will transform any space! See our new Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get started today!

Remember, no matter which project you choose to conquer, Avente Tile is here to help you reach your design goal. Our extensive Cement Tile Design Ideas gallery features a large collection of projects dedicated to inspiring you and your living space. How can we help you today?

For inspiration or answers about cement tile, download Avente Tile's Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile now!

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Cool Down With Our Summer Savings

Does the heat have you down during these dog days of summer? Then cool down with our summer savings special! Receive 5% off all online tile purchases when you spend $200 or more. Just place your order online by August 31, 2014, and use coupon code SUMMER during checkout.

Two-Tone Cement Tile Pattern Creates Serenity

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

This recent cement tile installation features a centered pattern so the eye is naturally drawn to the main field pattern.

Gone are the days of solely mixing bold colors and patterns only to walk away with a headache rather than inspiration! However, integrating patterns to create a soothing space remains high on everyone.s design list. With "staycations" on the rise, people crave to be enveloped in serene, soothing environments without leaving home.

Such was the case with one of our clients who created a very different effect with the Mission Ring Cement Tile pattern on their kitchen's backsplash by using the same color in almost all of the cement tile mold segments.

The green of the Mission Verde Caribe color was the perfect choice for this kitchen located in Hawaii. The white in the tile accentuates the white of the cabinets, while the effect of the wood tones reinforces the tropical, peaceful feel.

Mission Rings Pattern in Two Colors

Mission Rings Pattern in Several Colors

Thanks to our customization services, not only can you substitute colors to create a unique effect; you can also alter a pattern by using the same color in an adjoining pattern (or mold) segments. Designing with cement tile means taking a vision, idea or surrounding complementary area, and making it come to life!

To learn more about tile, patterns, and design, make sure to subscribe to Avente Tile Talk. Our blog is published weekly and this month, we'll continue to examine patterns by focusing on herringbone, diamond, and on-point and more. Join us!

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Pinterest: Spring and Yellow

"Behold my friends, the spring is come; the earth has gladly received the embraces of the sun, and we shall soon see the results of their love!" — Sitting Bull

The sun is shining bright and warm, seeds have begun to sprout in our vegetable gardens and we couldn't be happier! It's amazing how a burst of color can enhance someone's day or living space.

What better color is there than yellow to brighten up an area that lacks something. From an accent wall, to a wall niche, and of course tile, spaces that include yellow are associated with happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow is also closely related to Spring and Easter, where, according to color experts, both the color and the seasonal change produce a warming effect, arouse cheerfulness, and stimulate mental activity. With this month.s Pinboard selections, we know you.ll soon be focusing on the fresh and colorful changes that only come around this time of the year!

To get you started on your Spring cleaning and freshening up of spaces, here are several handmade cement tile and hand-painted ceramic tiles that evoke the feelings of this season year-round.

Featured Tile

Artist Series Life of Riley Hex Handmade Cement Tile	Classic Bordeaux-B Handmade Cement Tile
Heritage Tibetan Gold Handmade Cement Tile	Barcelona Yellow Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile
Portuguese Braganza Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile	Spanish Cadiz Hand-Painted Ceramic Tile

Inspired? Then visit our pages on houzz.com, our boards on Pinterest, and browse through dozens of our Cement Tile Design Ideas andCeramic Tile Design Ideas where you can find a large collection of projects showcasing our handmade and hand-painted ceramic tile, cement tile, decorative tile, mosaic tile, and so much more. Let us know how we at Avente Tile can assist you!

Cement Tile Backsplash Design, Cost & Installation Tips

One of the biggest trends in cement tile is to use them for a backsplash – primarily a kitchen backsplash – like the one shown here and featured on Houzz by our friends, Philadelphia-based general contracting firm Buckminster Green.

A Cement Tile Backsplash using Cuban Design 110 2B

In fact, we had more orders for 50-100 sq. ft. of cement tile in 2013 than ever before. This cement tile backsplash design trend makes a lot of sense.

• Cement tiles provide a powerful design punch that allows homeowners to create a personal statement where it matters most. 
• Cement tiles are available in an array of geometric, traditional and contemporary patterns that can be customized with choices that include palettes with 90 colors.

A Cement Tile Backsplash Using a Custom Pattern

Additionally, these handmade tiles are crafted to endure decades of wear from foot traffic and have a color layer that is about 1/8” thick. They won't face anything that formidable when placed on a wall except for an occasional melee with grease, vinegar, or wine.

So, what’s not to like about cement tile? Nothing, really, as long you understand a few key differences.

Cement tile is different in many respects than its more ubiquitous cousin, ceramic tile. It’s these differences that often surprise folks and can create a "deal breaker" - an obstacle that can't be overcome or resolved. To prevent that kind of a surprise, we thought we'd detail what you need to know before buying cement tile.

Cement Tile Backsplash:
7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy

We came up with 7 things you need to know before you decide to go with a cement tile backsplash. Here are the first three:

1. Use a very narrow grout line when installing cement tiles. Place cement tiles as close together as possible to create a very thin grout line. Minimizing the grout line will make the design look seamless and your space look larger. We recommend a 1/16” grout joint. Non-sanded (or unsanded) grout is required for grout joints less than 1/8” wide.
   
2. Pick the right grout color. You may use colored or white grout. If you decide to use colored grout we recommend that it be a color that is the same, or lighter than the lightest color used in the pattern. You can’t use black grout with white or black and white pattern tiles, the dark grout will stain the white parts of the tile and can’t be removed.
   
3. Expect to spend about $1,000-$1,500 for the tiles and freight, assuming a backsplash area of about 40-50 sq. ft. The cost varies and will ultimately depend on the size, pattern, color and finish of the tile.

Want to find out more? Learn what you need to know before installing a cement tile kitchen backsplash. Download and read, 7 Things You Need to Know about Cement Tile Backsplashes. You'll find answers on polishing, sealing, grout, and much more.

Cement Tile Backsplashes:
7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy.
Click Here to Download!

A Cement Tile Backsplash - Traditional Romana Pattern

Do you have a question about using cement tile that we didn't answer here or in our free guide, Cement Tile Backsplashes: 7 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy? No problem! Leave your cement tile question in the comments on this blog and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to hearing from you!

13 Top Selling Tiles from 2013

As another year begins, I always like to take stock of went well for Avente and where the company can improve. I also like to review the year's top selling tiles. This informal review provides some insight as to what's trending in tile.

Last year, I reported that for the "first time in three years, a white tile was not our top seller!" That trend continues in 2013; but, white is still a strong contender. In 2013, Avente was sourced for a record number of commercial projects which certainly impacted the top of the sales list. Our top selling tile was tied in the #1 and #2 spots by the same cement tile pattern and colorway: Bayahibe in black and white and the Cluny C. Here's the list!

Top Selling Tiles of 2013

1. Classic Cluny C 8" x 8" Patterned Cement Tile in Black & White
   
   
   
   
2. Traditional Bayahibe Cement Tile 8" x 8" (Black & White Colorway)
   
   
3. Mission Trebol B 8" x 8" Patterned Cement Tile in Black & White.
   
   
   
   
4. Classic LaRochelle - A 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile
   
   
   
5. Mission Plain White 8" x 8" Cement Tile
   
   
   
6. Heritage Olive Green 14" x 14" Cement Tile
   
   
   
7. Bruselas B 8" x 8" Cement Tile
   
   
   
8. Arabesque Aragon Spanish Paver Cement Tile
   
   
   
9. Malibu Carrillo B 6" x 6" Hand Painted Ceramic Tile
   
   
   
10. Cuban Heritage Cross Design 110 2B 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile
11. Cuban Heritage Medallion Design 110 2B 8" x 8" Handmade Cement Tile
    
    
    
12. Malibu Latigo A 6" x 6" Hand Painted Ceramic Tile
    
    
    
13. Arabesque Sintra Spanish Paver Handmade Cement Tile
    
    
    

Cement Tiles Remain Popular

As you can see, cement tiles dominate our top-selling tile list, with our new Malibu ceramic tile line making two appearances. I think cement tiles will continue to become increasingly popular - especially with the design community because:

• Cement tiles provide stunning designs with straight-forward installation and minimal maintenance.
• Existing patterns can be easily customized with a myriad of colors.
• New patterns can be created and customized for minimal costs.

However, I don't think we will see the growth in cement tiles next year, like we have over the past five years. The market is becoming more mature and cement tile will command a larger market share.

Top Selling Tiles from Previous Years

Here's a look at top selling cement and ceramic tiles from previous years.

• 2012's Top 12 Cement & Ceramic Tiles
• 11 Top Selling Tiles of 2011
• Top 10 Hand Painted Tiles of 2010

I always enjoy re-discovering what tiles were the top sellers. There are always surprises and fond memories. It's very clear that the American market isn't afraid of pattern; but, it is still timid of strong, bold colors. — Written by Bill Buyok, Avente Tile