As a designer, I feel like I am constantly claiming my obsession. The truth is, there are several trends I will admit I am obsessed with- wallpaper, brass, a great fig tree- although among the top is, cement tile. Picking out flooring for a new construction job or remodel can be a daunting task. There's a lot of factors that go into selecting the perfect material for each space. Not only does aesthetic and budget need to be considered, but also comfort and maintenance. I could write several posts on selecting the right flooring for each space (and I definitely plan to do so!), but this post is dedicated solely to my love of cement tile.
Without getting too technical, the maintenance and installation of cement tile is extremely important. If clients are nervous about the upkeep, I recommend using the material in a lesser traffic area, such as the laundry room vs the mudroom. With that being said, I strongly encourage you to go for it if you're dreaming of installing that perfect pattern in your kitchen- just make sure it's properly grouted, installed, and sealed. How do you know it's properly sealed? Water should bead on the surface. You'll also have to reseal every couple of years, as needed.
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Since cement tile is a manufactured product made of natural materials, it's important to understand that a natural patina will occur over time. Patina, is a fancy word for describing that it will fade in some areas. Wear will show. I love this about certain products, including cement tile, because it can create that cozy lived in charm.
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Along with proper installation, it's also important to specify how you would like the tiles laid out. Since the pattern is technically created when four tiles meet, there are typically several different lay outs that can be created.
Budget. Although not all beautiful things are costly (even though in the design world this sometimes seems false) I would not recommend cement tiles as a cost saving option. The price of the actual material can differ between manufacturers, but it's also important to remember that the cost usually goes towards the installation. It can be a timely process, but oh so worth it! If you're worried about budget, consider smaller spaces, as a little bit of a good thing can make a huge impact.
