Custom Commercial Cement Tile Inspiration

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Customizable cement tiles, from clockwise (top right), include: Traditional Melilla;
Classic Serengeti; Traditional Gran Cordoba; and Geometric 02 Cement Tile.

Handmade cement tiles are a great choice for commercial, hospitality, and retail spaces. Not only do these tiles deliver an unforgettable decorative impact, but because they are handmade, they can be customized to fit the client's needs, thanks to an extensive palette of colors. If it's inspiration you're craving for your next commercial design project, then make sure to view the dozens of images we've assembled within our Cement Tile Design Ideas section.

Whether a bold Cuban tile pattern in contrasting colors is specified, or a classic cement pattern in harmonizing colors is chosen, you and your client can be assured of a lifetime of usage and viewing enjoyment.

A cement tile mold acts as a blank canvas for applying your creativity with customization.

Remember, our handmade cement tiles, which are also called encaustic cement tiles, are made one tile at a time using a method that has been in use for more than a century. It's because of this handmade process that varying amounts of customization is even possible. Of course, whether used as floor tile or wall tile, the long-lasting benefits of cement tile will positively impact and transform any space.

In the meantime, for more information about cement tile selection, installation tips, customization services, or available sizes, shapes and more, please see our new Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile.

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Designing with Tile

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home." - Edith Sitwell

Cement tiles work well for a fireplace or hearth. The warmth they exude is further enhanced by their ability to be customized to fit any décor, or to complement surrounding materials (such as wood, carpet, concrete, etc.). Our fireplace tile design ideas include both cement and ceramic tile installations using Avente's hand-crafted tiles. There is no better choice than tile when creating a decorative and visually appealing fireplace design.

Further enhancing their allure is the fact that cement tiles can be customized with any color from our Heritage Color Palette. After choosing colors, we recommend a "strike-off" or sample be made to verify the design on the tile before final production. Strike-offs can be shipped directly to you from the factory.

Remember, installing cement tile is a fairly simple process, but it must be done with care in order to achieve the best results. To fully enjoy the versatility of handmade cement tile, we recommend reading our Cement Tile Installation Guide. We are also proud to offer a complete line of Cement Tile Customization Services that will help you meet or exceed your design expectations. Our newly published Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile is an especially valuable resource to keep handy. Download a free copy here, and let the inspiration begin!

Let us know how we can assist you with your next project. Please feel free to call our offices at 888.739.4972 or email us at: info@AventeTile.com.

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There is no better time than the Holidays to express our appreciation for your business and friendship. May all the joys of the season be yours.

Deer in Moonlight Ceramic Tile Mural

Take 10% off any online order placed through January 2015. Use coupon code CHEERS.

Cement Tile Patchwork Makes Kitchen Backsplash Sing

By Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

Patchwork tile floors and walls using encaustic cement tile are incredibly popular. Patchwork is a great way to add color and pattern to any room. The cheerful designs make you smile.

A cement tile patchwork design was used for this kitchen backsplash.
Photo credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Suarez.

Last week, I received a call from our customer Laurie Suarez of in San Clemente, CA. She was interested in using our Bayahibe C for a powder room wall and wanted to know how much inventory we had. In February of this year, I worked with Laurie on a patchwork design for her kitchen backsplash. I couldn't help but ask her how the project came out. She told me she loved her kitchen. She explained, "The cement tile patchwork really provided the pop of color she wanted for her white kitchen." A few days later, she was kind enough to share these photos with me.

Cement tile patchwork designs provide a colorful focal point for this kitchen
Image credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Saurez.

I have to agree, Laurie did a great job blending the different colors and patterns from our Traditional Cement Tile collection. While it may appear that a patchwork design is a random hodgepodge of tiles, it takes planning and smart choices to get the colors and patterns to make a design. Laurie admitted that she worked with several different layouts to achieve her design and that it took some time.

DESIGN TIP - Patchwork designs take planning to achieve a balanced layout with color and pattern. Try different layouts on paper. Print the layout you like best for your tile installer to use.

The use of quarter design patterns makes this cement tile patchwork unique.

You often seen patchworks in contemporary design. The large open space and clean lines of this architectural style allow a wall or floor to be the focal point for the spartan details. However, the use of complete quarter design patterns is rare for patchworks. Most often, only one of the four tiles in the quarter design is used so the pattern is not completed.

Laurie's kitchen has some contemporary design elements with its open layout. However, I think it offers a very traditional feel because of the details: the Quaker-style cabinetry with vintage steel pulls and pendant lights with reeded glass. What I love about Laurie's design and what makes it unique is that she almost exclusively uses quarter-design patterns. Additionally, she tastefully blends the colorful, eclectic look of patchwork with traditional details.

Patchwork designs take planning to achieve a balanced blending of color and pattern
Photo credit: Avente Customer, Laurie Suarez.

When cement tile patchwork designs adorn a wainscot or backsplash, they provide a focal point that brightens the room. Laurie was also careful with her color palette. For the patterns, she used a blend of different blue and yellow shades on white backgrounds. To avoid a garish look, follow Laurie's cue and stick to a color palette. Kudos to Laurie for flawlessly executing her patchwork design. I love this kitchen!

You also should know that Laurie took the last of our Bayahibe C stock and will have it installed in her powder room wall. I can't wait to see the photos of that installation. Thank you Laurie for your business and sharing what you did. Nice job! Interested in using cement tile for next home improvement project? With a range of design possibilities, handmade cement tiles will transform any space. See our Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get started today!

Finally, during this week of Thanksgiving, all of us at Avente Tile are thankful for our wonderful customers who support us, work with us, and allow us to do what we love! Happy Thanksgiving.

Handmade Cement Tile: Defining Quality

By Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

Handmade Alcala Cement Tile on a bathroom wall.

In my last post, I introduced Avente Tile’s newly published Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile. This 14-page downloadable Guide features information, examples of cement tile installations, FAQs, and more. To understand the nuances of cement tile, let’s look at what cement tile is, and how it differs from ceramic or porcelain tile.

Handmade cement tile in geometric shapes elegantly define a clubhouse restaurant's floor.

What is Handmade Cement Tile?
Created using a hydraulic press, cement tiles, also known as encaustic tiles, were first created in the mid-19th century in Europe. They were originally used only in prestigious buildings and high-end homes, but by the turn of the century, cement tiles could be found in homes all over the country.

Unfortunately, around the 1960s and 70s, cement tiles fell out of favor. Thankfully, the need for using “green” sustainable building products has created a renewed interest in cement tile. The wide array of available colors, custom patterns, and the matte finish of the tiles makes them a fresh, yet practical choice for those desiring something unique, sustainable and timeless.

Cement Tiles are:
• Durable
• Long-Lasting
• Sustainable
• Recyclable
• Handmade
• Extensive Color, Design Options

Manufacturing Process
Cement tiles are handmade using a traditional, centuries-old, manufacturing process requiring several steps, unlike ceramic tiles that are kiln-fired. You can see the extensive process of creating individual handmade cement tiles on the blog post, Aguayo Cement Tile Factory Tour.

Color mixtures are hand-poured into molds and grids in which the designs of the cement tile are formed.

First, the color layer is prepared using a mixture of marble powder, white cement and other minerals. The color mixture is hand-poured into molds and grids in which the designs of the tile are formed. Next, a layer of cement is sprinkled on top, thus providing a bond between the color layer and the body of the tile. A layer of cement and sand then creates the tile body. Each cement tile is then hydraulically pressed into shape to increase density and then cured underwater for up to 28 days to create extra hardness. They are then dried and set to age, which allows the tile to harden even more before shipping.

Handmade cement tiles are dried and set to age on racks, allowing them to harden prior to shipping.

Because of the steps needed to create a high-quality cement tile, the cost per tile can range from $12 to $25 per square foot. It can take eight to 10 weeks for your tile to be made. If you choose a customized color, the length of time for delivery, as well as cost, will increase.

Remember, cement tiles are handmade, one tile at a time, making each tile unique and different.- you’ll see the hand of the artisan tile-maker in each cement tile.

Next time, I’ll be talking about the various sizes, shapes and formats available with cement tiles. In the meantime, you can download Avente Tile’s Guide to Buying Handmade Cement Tile to get a head-start on an upcoming project, or just to be inspired!

Of course, everyone at Avente Tile is well-versed and experienced in answering any possible question you may have. Therefore, please don’t hesitate to call them at 888.739.4972; or email: info@aventetile.com.