Formed by hand.
Made to last.
A practical guide to choosing, ordering, installing and caring for handcrafted cement tile — a porous mineral material that develops a natural patina over time.
Cement tile must be sealed before and after grouting.
What is cement tile?
Cement tile is a handcrafted mineral surface formed in a metal mould and compacted under pressure.
Unlike ceramic tile, it is not kiln-fired: its strength develops through hydration and the gradual curing of cement.
The face remains matt, visually soft and slightly porous. Colour is created not by a surface print but by a pigmented mineral layer, giving the pattern depth and allowing the surface to develop a rich patina over time.
Hand-dosing pigments, filling the mould and pressing the tile create subtle differences in shade, line, edge, thickness and texture. A single sample communicates the general colour family and character, but cannot represent the complete range of a future batch.
Matt depth
Mineral colour appears soft and changes with the light and selected protective treatment.
Visible craft
Subtle differences in line and mould filling reveal the handmade process.
Patina
The surface gradually records use and develops greater visual depth.
How it is made
Exact recipes and layer thicknesses vary by workshop and collection, but traditional cement tile follows a recognisable sequence.
The composition, colour-layer thickness, pressing method and curing period of a specific product must be confirmed in the current SERA technical data sheet.
Types and compositions
Cement tile can create a calm solid-colour surface, a repeating pattern or a complete architectural system.
| Type | Character | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Solid colour | A single colour field with natural tonal movement. | Blending boxes and distributing shades evenly are especially important. |
| Patterned | The design is created with coloured mineral mixtures within the mould. | A full dry layout is required to check direction and pattern repeat. |
| Geometric | Separate shapes or colour fields combine into a larger module. | Allow for cuts, room axes and accurate pattern alignment. |
| Borders and corners | Frame the field and create a rug composition or transition. | Calculate quantities by linear metre and from the approved layout. |
| Moulded elements | Skirtings, profiles and decorative details. | Confirm depth, corners, junctions and compatibility with the wall plane. |
Natural characteristics
An authentic cement surface is created by composing differences harmoniously, not by attempting to make every tile identical.
Colour and shade
Tonal movement within one batch and differences between batches, particularly visible across large solid-colour fields.
Pattern and lines
Softness of line, evidence of hand-filling and subtle differences in the thickness of colour fields.
Edges and dimensions
Minor geometric variation, occasional edge chips and differences in thickness associated with hand forming.
Surface
Mineral dust, small pores, fine lines, local clouding or contact marks from transport.
Moisture
Damp tiles appear darker and less even. Most temporary marks settle once the material is completely dry.
Patina
Over time, the surface may develop gentle changes in sheen, local darkening and signs of use.
Formats and construction
Cement tile is heavier than most ceramic materials. Thickness, transitions and substrate loading must be considered from the beginning.
Typical construction
| Layer | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Colour layer | The pigmented mineral mixture creates the design and working surface. |
| Intermediate layer | Bonds the face layer to the body and distributes load. |
| Body | The cement-and-sand body provides the overall thickness and mechanical strength. |
Core SERA format
| Format | Nominal size | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Square | 20 × 20 cm | Approximately 25 pieces per m² before joints and reserve. Confirm exact thickness, weight and packaging on the product page. |
| Hexagon | 25 × 29 cm | A geometric six-sided format designed for radial and repeating compositions. Packaging: 10 tiles / 0.34 m² per box. |
| Other shapes and details | By collection | Geometry, pieces per m² and alignment rules must be confirmed for the specific model. |
Where can it be used?
Suitability depends on format, thickness, traffic, substrate, waterproofing, climate, final sealer, slip requirements and the complete installation system.
| Application | Status | Key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Interior walls and backsplashes | Suitable | Seal correctly and remove oil, grease and coloured liquids promptly. |
| Dry residential floors | Suitable | Full adhesive support, protection from abrasive dirt and regular care. |
| High-use residential floors | Conditional | Review load, footwear and cleaning regime; retain spare tiles. |
| Commercial floors | Project review | Confirm abrasion, slip performance, wheeled loads and the maintenance plan. |
| Shower walls | Conditional | Complete waterproofing, correct sealing and care after each use. |
| Shower floors / wet rooms | Project review | Assess falls, drainage, slip performance after sealing and resealing frequency. |
| Steam rooms / saunas | Not standard | Use only after written technical approval of the complete system. |
| Pools / fountains / immersion | Not standard | Do not use without written confirmation for the specific product. |
| Pool surrounds | Project review | Confirm slip resistance of the finished sealed surface and chemical exposure. |
| Exterior walls | Project review | Weather protection, correct detailing, no freeze-thaw cycling and product approval. |
| Exterior floors | Project review | Drainage, falls, UV-related change and no freezing exposure. |
| Underfloor heating | Conditional | Flexible system, movement joints, full cure and gradual commissioning. |
| Fireplace surround / hearth | Conditional | Outside direct flame and extreme heat; comply with local requirements. |
| Worktops / counters | Project review | Consider acids, staining, impact, hot cookware and food-contact requirements. |
| Garages / vehicle traffic | Not suitable | Cement tile is not intended for vehicle loads. |
This matrix is a specification starting point, not project approval. Product-specific technical data, local regulations and professional advice take precedence.
Before you order
Plan each continuous surface as one production batch. An add-on order may differ in shade, pattern, thickness and absorption.
- Order several samples to understand tonal range and how the surface reacts to sealer.
- Approve the pattern layout, direction, axes, borders and corner elements.
- Confirm nominal format, thickness, weight, pieces per box and coverage per box.
- Include cuts, pattern repeat, possible breakage, selection and retained spares.
- Whenever possible, order all material for one continuous area at the same time.
- Confirm the installer’s experience before the material arrives.
- Select the adhesive, grout and sealer in advance and test them on a mock-up.
Receiving, storage and inspection
Until sealing is complete, cement tile is sensitive to moisture, contamination and physical marking.
Photograph the pallet and packaging, count the boxes and record visible damage before signing where possible.
Check the design, colour, format, thickness and general condition. Dust and light shipping residue may be normal.
When tiles appear darker, patchy or cool and damp, allow them to dry completely before assessing colour or installing.
When required, remove tiles from damp packaging and dry them in a protected, ventilated area. Do not stack damp tiles.
Dry lay the complete area and distribute shades, pattern and natural characteristics.
Stop and contact SERA before cutting or installing if the material, quantity or colour is in question.
Protect boxes from rain, frost, direct sun, dirt, impact and prolonged contact with a damp substrate.
Construction tape and marker pens may leave difficult-to-remove marks on the porous surface.
Installation principles
The finished result depends on the substrate, moisture, layout, selected products, sealing sequence and protection throughout construction.
It must be sound, stable, fully cured, dry, level and free from dust, oil, paint and other contamination.
Excess substrate moisture can cause staining, clouding and efflorescence. Carry out moisture testing and project-specific protection where required.
In wet areas, the waterproofing system is behind the tile. Tile, grout and sealer do not make a substrate waterproof.
Do not bridge structural, perimeter or movement joints with tile. Their position must be defined by the project designer.
Blend all boxes and check pattern repeat, axes, borders, cuts and shade distribution.
Approve adhesive, joint width and colour, sealer, cleaning method and final appearance in the project lighting.
Remove dust from the face and back. Do not soak automatically; some systems permit only light dampening of the back.
Use a suitable white or specified flexible adhesive. Apply evenly and achieve full, void-free support.
Back-buttering is particularly important on floors, in wet areas and with thicker formats.
Press tiles into place by hand and level immediately. Do not use a hammer or rubber mallet, as impact can cause hidden hairline cracking.
For standard installation, 1–2 mm is a common starting point. Underfloor heating and special systems may require a wider joint.
Remove adhesive from the face at once with clean water and a soft sponge. Once dry, it is difficult to remove without damage.
Use a water-cooled machine with a diamond blade. Protect eyes, hands and lungs, and control respirable silica dust.
Before cleaning, sealing or grouting, observe the manufacturer’s cure time and allow the tile to dry completely.
Install as late as possible in the construction programme. Protection must be clean, breathable and not taped to the tile.
Sealing and grouting
Why sealing is essential
Cement tile is porous. Sealer reduces water and oil penetration, makes grout easier to clean and helps protect the colour layer from staining. It does not make the tile fully waterproof and does not replace waterproofing.
Before grouting
- The tile, substrate and joints must be completely dry and clean.
- Apply the selected product to spare tiles or a mock-up and allow it to cure fully.
- Check colour change, sheen, absorption, stain resistance and subsequent cleanability.
- Apply thin, even coats and remove all excess before it dries.
- Follow the sealer manufacturer’s coverage, dwell-time and application conditions.
Grouting
Use a compatible flexible grout suitable for cement tile and the project conditions. A light tone or a colour close to the pattern usually reduces the risk of visible staining.
- Do not use pigmented or contrasting grout without an approved test and suitable pre-treatment.
- Work in small areas and begin cleaning before a dry film forms.
- Do not leave grout on the surface or attempt to remove it with an acidic cleaner.
- Change the water frequently and use a clean, soft sponge or lint-free cloth.
- Once fully dry, apply the final protective treatment to tile and joints where required by the approved system.
What sealing does not do
It does not make the tile fully waterproof and does not replace the waterproofing system behind the tile.
Project-specific conditions
Floors
Full adhesive support is critical. Use entrance matting, remove grit regularly and allow for natural wear.
Showers and wet rooms
Design the membrane, falls, drainage, movement joints, sealing and slip performance as one system. Squeegee after use.
Pools and fountains
Do not assume cement tile is suitable for continuous immersion or pool chemicals. Written product-specific approval is required.
Exterior surfaces
The material is generally not freeze-thaw resistant and may fade under UV exposure. Change is often most visible in deep blues, greens and dark pigments.
Underfloor heating
Switch the system off before installation as specified, use flexible products, provide movement accommodation and commission gradually after full cure.
Fireplaces and stoves
Use as a decorative surface outside direct flame and extreme heat. Confirm clearances and local fire requirements.
Kitchens and worktops
Even a good sealer can eventually be affected by acids. Remove citrus, wine, vinegar, coffee, oil and strongly coloured foods immediately.
Commercial spaces
Approve the daily cleaning regime, resealing programme, slip performance, allowable loads and retained stock for local repairs.
Care and maintenance
Gentle, regular care protects the colour layer, joints and applied sealer.
- Vacuum or sweep regularly to remove sand and abrasive particles.
- Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral product formulated for stone, cement or tile.
- Wipe wine, coffee, citrus, vinegar, carbonated drinks, oil, paint and cosmetic dyes immediately.
- Use soft cloths, mops and non-abrasive pads.
- Do not use acids, vinegar, lemon, bleach, aggressive degreasers, cement removers or wire brushes.
- In showers, remove water after use to reduce limescale, soap residue and the risk of mould.
- Check protection with drops of water: rapid darkening or absorption may indicate that resealing is required.
- The resealing interval depends on product, traffic, water exposure, cleaning and use—not only on a calendar period.
Patina, local repair and renewal
Cement tile ages differently from glazed ceramic. The matt surface gradually polishes in traffic areas, colour gains depth and small signs of use form a natural patina.
Where sufficient colour-layer thickness has been confirmed, a professional may remove a very thin surface layer locally by wet grinding or a fine abrasive. The tile must then be cleaned, allowed to dry fully and resealed.
What to retain after installation
- Spare tiles from the original batch.
- The tile name and batch reference.
- The approved layout and photographs taken before grouting.
- The names of the adhesive, grout and sealer, together with application dates.
- Manufacturer instructions and installer contact details.
Frequently asked questions
Why is cement tile called encaustic?
In commercial use, the term “encaustic cement tile” is often applied to hydraulic cement tile with a coloured face layer. Unlike historic ceramic encaustic tile, this material is not kiln-fired.
Are shade variation and small chips normal?
Yes. Handmade production allows variation in tone, lines, edges and surface. A tile should be set aside when its condition prevents sound installation or is unsuitable for the intended load.
Why did my tiles arrive dark or patchy?
They may have absorbed moisture during production, storage or transport. Lay the tiles face-up in a protected, ventilated area and allow them to dry fully before assessing colour, sealing or installing.
How much reserve should I order?
SERA recommends a general reserve from 15%. Increase this to 20–30% for complex layouts, contrasting grout, selective blending, borders or extensive cutting.
Do cement tiles need sealing?
Yes. Cement tile is porous and normally requires protection before and after grouting. Any factory-applied transport treatment does not replace the installation system.
What grout joint should I use?
For a standard floor, 1–2 mm is a common starting point. Underfloor heating, larger formats or special systems may require a wider joint. Approve the final choice on a mock-up.
Can I use dark grout?
Only after testing. Dark pigment can enter pores and fine lines. Suitable pre-treatment, compatible grout, careful work in small areas and additional reserve are required.
Can cement tile be used in a shower?
Yes, provided the substrate is fully waterproofed, falls are correct, all products are compatible, sealing is adequate and the finished slip performance has been assessed.
Can it be used outdoors?
Only after reviewing the specific product and climate. Cement tile must not be assumed to be freeze-thaw resistant or UV-stable.
Can the surface be restored?
In some cases, yes—through professional wet grinding and resealing. Suitability depends on the thickness of the colour layer and must be confirmed for the specific collection.
Documents and important information
Where the technical data sheet for a specific product differs from the general recommendations in this guide, the product technical data sheet takes precedence.
General guidance
This guide describes the general character and handling of handcrafted cement tile. It is not a project specification and does not replace professional advice.
The architect, designer, contractor and installer are responsible for confirming the suitability of the tile, substrate, waterproofing, adhesive, grout, sealer, movement joints, slip performance and compliance with local requirements.
Inspect all material before installation. Cutting or installing tile confirms acceptance of its visible characteristics. Contact SERA with application questions before the first tile is installed.