#PITFIRE DESIGNS CEMENT TILES UPDATE#

In Cuba, cement tiles were so popular that they were sometimes referred to as “Cuban tiles.” They’re still widely used in the country today. The trend traveled to Mexico, Latin America, and the Caribbean. While decorative ceramic Majolica tile is a cornerstone of Spanish architecture and design, the cement production process made these tiles a more affordable and accessible alternative.

#PITFIRE DESIGNS CEMENT TILES UPDATE#

In Spain, the tiles were an update of the tradition which developed centuries earlier during the Moroccan presences in the country. That style traveled throughout the French colonial world, making an appearance in public buildings and private homes throughout Southeast Asia. In those days, a predomintent tile pattern was often matched with a contrasting border pattern to imitate the contrasting designs on a rug. Developed in Spain in the 1850s, then popularized in Paris at the International Exposition of 1867, cement tiles quickly gained popularity as an appealing option for the growing European middle class.įor the remainder of the nineteenth century, cement tiles were a staple of a genteel country home in France. While many in North America have only recently discovered cement tiles, they’ve been a mainstay of European design for over a century. But there are some things you may not know about this remarkable design material.ġ. Given the enduring quality of cement tiles, they’re an affordable choice for your home, meant to last and supply years of enjoyment. Whether they’re used as floor tiles or in other design applications, they make an impression. Sometimes referred to as encaustic or encaustic cement (although not associated with the encaustic wax painting technique), these tiles are thicker than ceramic, glass or porcelain tiles. Because the designs are embedded rather than painted on, they never wear away. The uniqueness of this process results in a distinctive tile. The cement is heated and hydraulically pressed, then allowed to cure for several days. Cement tile produced through a time-honored artisanal process: natural pigment is added to dry cement before it’s poured into a metal mould. An alternative to ceramic tile, with its smooth glossy surfaces, cement tile is more substantial, with a matte finish and famous for its bold designs. From the Los Angeles’s Union Station to the Central Lobby in London’s Houses of Parliament, cement tiles have universal appeal and a wide range of uses. There’s a reason you notice cement tiles on the floors of iconic buildings in locations around the world.

Pitfire designs cement tiles