A cement tile backsplash can add a unique, eye-catching element to any kitchen. With their intricate, geometric patterns and range of vibrant colors, cement tiles create a backsplash that is truly one-of-a-kind. Unlike mass-produced ceramic tiles, each cement tile is handmade, ensuring no two tiles are exactly alike. This handcrafted appearance provides depth, texture, and character that is unmatched by other backsplash materials.
Cement tiles have experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years. While they originated in Europe in the mid-19th century, cement tiles are now beloved for adding bold, artistic flair to modern kitchens and baths. From classic black and white patterns to pops of tropical colors, the options for design are endless with cement tiles. Their durability also makes these tiles ideal for heavily used spaces like kitchens.
If you are considering a new backsplash, a cement tile design can provide the wow-factor you seek while being a smart, low maintenance choice. Keep reading to learn all about the beautiful patterns and vibrant colors of cement tile backsplashes to help you decide if this is the right material for your kitchen design vision.
What are Cement Tiles?
Cement tile, also called encaustic cement tile, is a type of decorative tile that uses cement as its base rather than the traditional clay or ceramic material. Cement tiles consist of four basic ingredients: cement, sand, pigment, and water. The tiles are made by hand-pressing layers of cement into a mold one layer at a time. The mold creates the design on the surface of the tile.
The colors and patterns of cement tiles come from the pigmented cement layer on top. When making a cement tile, each color used in the design gets its own layer. The layers of cement create a pattern or design, which is emphasized by the contrasting grout lines when installed.
Once removed from the mold, the tiles are wet-cured either by submerging them in water or regularly misting them to allow the cement to fully hydrate. After curing, the tiles are dried slowly and evenly to prevent cracking. The final step is applying a sealant to protect the surface design and color.
History of Cement Tile
The technique of making encaustic cement tiles dates back to medieval times. However, cement tiles did not gain widespread popularity until the 1840s in France. Cement tiles offered a cheaper alternative to encaustic clay tiles that were popular among the aristocracy and fabulously wealthy.
The first cement tile maker, Pierre-Joseph Lafarge, brought the technique to France from Italy. He opened the earliest cement tile manufacturing facility in 1848 in the southern port town of Marseille. The company still produces cement tiles today and holds an archive of over 15,000 different tile patterns.
By the late 1800s, encaustic cement tiles were being manufactured throughout western Europe. The tiles were made by hand using techniques that still hold true today. The rise of cement tiles coincided with advances in pattern and design during the Arts & Crafts movement. Their high level of craftsmanship and intricate patterns helped cement tiles become emblematic of this era’s focus on exceptional design and craftsmanship.
Cement tiles would go on to reach the height of popularity in the 1920s and 30s after being featured prominently in architectural and interior design magazines. However, by the 1950s, encaustic cement tiles began to decline in popularity. The artistry and labor required to make them could not compete with mass-production of ceramic tiles.
In recent years, there has been a massive resurgence of popularity for encaustic cement tiles. Homeowners and designers alike are drawn to their artisanal appearance, unmatched durability, and broad range of colors and patterns. Just as in the past, no two handmade tiles today are exactly the same, making each cement tile installation truly unique.
Benefits of Choosing Cement Tile for Your Kitchen Backsplash
Cement tile brings unmatched beauty, durability, and design potential to backsplash installations. There are many reasons to consider cement tile for your upcoming kitchen renovation or remodel.
Unparalleled Visual Impact
The intricate patterns and bold colors of cement tiles create a stunning visual impact unlike any other material. The handmade production means each tile has subtle differences that add depth and interest. The grout lines also become part of the overall design, highlighting the pattern and colors. The overall effect is artistic, high-end, and undeniably eye-catching.
Range of Color and Pattern Options
With their painted cement layers, the design options are nearly limitless with cement tile. Tiles can be square, rectangular, or hexagonal. Colors range from basic black and white to vivid brights inspired by Moroccan or Mexican design. There are graphic geo patterns, scenic motifs, peaceful florals, and old-world motifs. The variety allows for any design aesthetic from modern to farmhouse, traditional to exotic.
Extreme Durability
The cement composition of these tiles makes them incredibly durable and able to stand up to heavy use. They are impervious to water, heat resistant, and harder to stain or scratch than other tiles. Their strength makes them ideal for busy kitchens prone to spills, splatters, and regular wear and tear. Many cement tile installations last 50 years or longer.
Lower Maintenance
Properly sealed, cement tiles are easy to keep clean. Their resistance to moisture, staining, and scratching cuts down on maintenance needs. Grout lines do need periodic sealing, but the tiles themselves simply need basic cleaning as needed to keep their beauty intact.
Adds Value
The one-of-a-kind look and sheer durability of cement tiles add instant value and appeal to any home. The handmade craftsmanship increases their value as artistic, high-end design elements. In a kitchen remodel or renovation, installing a cement tile backsplash is an investment that can significantly increase resale value.
Beautiful Patterns for Cement Tile Backsplashes
One of the biggest appeals of cement tile is the incredible range of colors and patterns available. From geometric shapes to scenic designs, the options are limitless. Here are some of the most popular pattern styles used in kitchen backsplashes.
Geometric Patterns
From simple grids to intricate tessellations, geometric patterns are commonly seen in cement tile backsplashes. The repetition of shapes creates movement and depth. Herringbone and chevron patterns also look bold yet classic. The grout lines often accentuate the geometry even more.
Moroccan Patterns
Intricately tiled walls are characteristic of Moroccan design. Many cement tiles backsplashes are inspired by these exotic Moorish patterns. Bold diamonds, octagons, stars, and lace-like shapes create visual intrigue. Vivid pigments like teal, navy, and yellow often amplify the Moroccan style.
Arts & Crafts Patterns
Cement tile gained popularity during the late 1800s Arts & Crafts period and many vintage patterns remain popular today. Patterns feature floral motifs, fruits, scenes from nature and intricate borders inspired by textile designs of the era. Rich earthy hues like bronze, copper, and pine green help create an opulent look.
Textile Patterns
Look closely, and many cement tile designs mimic fabric textures like suzani, tapestry, and quilting. Traditional tile patterns like Damask prints take on new vibrancy in cement tile versions. Soft floral trails, paisley teardrops, and simulated stitching add textile flair to kitchen backsplashes.
Spanish Style Patterns
Ottoman and Moorish design influences swept through Spain and Portugal and left their mark on colorful regional tilework. Iconic designs like the valencia star and manises patterns convey a Mediterranean vibe popular in cement tile backsplashes.
Traditional Patterns
For a classic appeal, tried-and-true patterns like herringbone, hexagon, subway brick, and penny tile look fantastic in cement versions. Traditional motifs like latticework, fleur de lys, fretwork borders work in both modern and old-world kitchens alike.
Nature Patterns
Leaves, branches, landscapes, fruit and florals easily translate into stunning designs. Cement tile allows these images from nature to become abstracted, impressionistic artwork for walls. Dreamy watercolor-like tiles lend organic beauty to kitchens.
Solid & Marbleized
While intricate patterns prevail, solid colored or marbleized/stone look tiles provide simple elegance too. The visual depth of poured cement tiles adds interest to otherwise plain tiles.
Vibrant Colors to Enliven Your Kitchen Backsplash
Beyond pattern, cement tiles come in every color imaginable from neutral hues to vivid brights. The pigmented cement layered on top allows for any combo of colors within a design. Here are some popular color choices seen in cement tile backsplashes.
Classic Black and White
A black and white backsplash becomes elevated to art with handmade black and white cement tiles. The contrast pops thanks to slightly irregular grout lines that emphasize each shape. Keep the look timeless with matte finish tiles.
Neutral Tones
Stick with a calming, neutral palette by selecting cement tiles in beige, taupe, off-white, light gray, or pale sand colors. Natural grout lines will keep the look muted. Pair with marble counters for an organic feel.
Rich Earth Tones
Warm up a space with cement tiles featuring lush chocolate browns, caramel, copper, burnt orange, brick red, olive green and buttery yellow hues. The handmade tiles help these earthy tones feel grounded, natural and ultra-inviting.
Cool Tones
On the cooler end of the spectrum, cement tiles come in shades of blue, gray, silver, sage green, and violet. Paler shades feel breezy and refreshing, while deep hues like navy make more of a dramatic style statement.
Vibrant Brights
For tropical flair, choose cement tiles with a punch of colors like cherry red, grass green, electric blue, tangerine and fuchsia. The intense color is energizing and feels fun and fearless against neutral cabinetry.
Eclectic Mix
Within a single cement tile pattern, multiple colors can intermingle and contrast creating a lively, eclectic look. Vintage Moroccan-style patterns often mix orange, blue, green and red for kitschy energy.
Design Styles to Inspire Your Cement Tile Backsplash
Cement tiles can translate to fit all sorts of design aesthetics from Old World vintage to sleek and modern. Here are some inspiring ideas to fuel your backsplash plans.
Modern Style
Graphic black and white patterns, mod dots and solid blocks of color keep cement tile looking current and cutting edge. Modern kitchens benefit from the added visual texture and handmade artistry of cement tile.
Minimalist Style
Cement tiles keep minimalist kitchens from feeling stark and cold. Plain tiles in neutral tones create subtle pattern. Vintage patterns in a limited color palette make a statement against sparse cabinets and countertops.
Farmhouse Style
Familiar patterns like herringbone and starbursts feel both vintage and fresh against common farmhouse elements like subways tile, shaker cabinets and butcher block. Neutrals and earth tones keep the look casual yet tailored.
Spanish Colonial Style
For a California or Southwest home, patterned tiles with terracotta red, sun-baked yellow, and desert blues easily create a Spanish colonial style. Moroccan details and ornate shapes capture the exoticism of early frontier style.
Eclectic Style
Commit fully to a playful patchwork look by mixing and matching cement tile patterns, colors and geometric shapes. The quirky combo feels youthful and fun against serious stainless steel appliances.
Cottage Style
Dainty florals, vines and lattices inject vintage charm into cottage kitchens. Softer colors like sky blue, buttery yellow and sage keep the look lighthearted. Distressed cabinet paint and textured runners enhance the vintage vibe.
Contemporary Style
Slim asymmetric lines, floral watercolors, graphic starburst shapes and bold global patterns keep contemporary style kitchens from becoming too minimalistic. Warm wood, matte black and marble balance the eye-catching tiles.
Traditional Style
Classic patterns like herringbone and diamond shape patterns are timeless. Deep jewel tones and metallic sheen add regal flair against raised panel cabinetry. Opt for traditional style backsplashes with gold accents, beadboard and marble.
Installing Your Cement Tile Backsplash
One advantage of cement versus ceramic or porcelain tile is that no special tools are needed for installation. The tiles can be cut using basic tile cutters or wet saws. Follow these tips for proper installation:
- Select the right mortar. It must fully harden and grip the cement tiles over time. Opt for unmodified thinset mortar.
- Make sure the substrate is properly prepared and supported. Any wall flaws could eventually cause cracking or loosening of tiles.
- Allow tiles to acclimate to your environment before installing. This helps prevent changes as they dry.
- Use a notched trowel to apply mortar before pressing tile into place. Spread to the tile’s full backside.
- Pay attention to alignment so the pattern remains straight. Leveling systems can help maintain even grout line spacing.
- Make tile cuts cautiously and gently to avoid damaging the patterned design layer. Cut wet or use a wet saw.
- Grout carefully to not smear colored pigment from the tiles into the grout lines. Grout color should contrast the tiles.
- Seal tiles and grout once fully cured, typically 24-48 hours after installation. Use a penetrating sealant made for cement tiles.
Hiring a knowledgeable tile installation contractor is advised to ensure proper installation and avoid damaging these high-quality tiles. Your designer can also help you layout the pattern effectively. With careful planning and quality