Classic Style with New Technology: Patterned Porcelain tiles

​Patterned tiles have seen a huge rise in popularity in the past few years, but did you you know that the first recorded appearance of patterned cement tiles was in Catalonia, Spain during the 1850’s? These unique handmade tiles were exhibited in the Paris International Exposition of 1867 by the Catalan company Garret & Rivet.
When first created, they represented a revolution in flooring because they were lower in cost, and more durable and easier to produce than the handmade glazed ceramic tiles of the era making them universally available for the average consumer of the time.

How are they created? Cement tile metal molds are handmade to designer specifications and then one at a time, using colored mineral pigments, cement and a hydraulic press, the cement tiles are pressed.
Unlike traditional ceramic tiles, cement tiles are not fired or glazed. Instead, the durability comes from the combination of a fine dehydrated ground cement layer and another coarser layer of sand and cement. The pigment layer is hydraulically pressed into the surface and becomes a part of the tile. This handmade method creates an outcome of slight imperfection, which gives the tiles their signature character and depth.

Art Nouveau 

Compass Lava

Fast forward to the twenty-first century, and the demand for this bold and unique look is back in style! The old cement technology is replaced with modern tile manufacturing technology, utilizing digital printing to allow the appearance of cement tiles to be recreated onto the body of a maintenance-free and durable porcelain tile. 

Art Nouveau 

Arte Deco

Art Nouveau 

These tiles remind us of the colorful past and spark creative potentials for the future. Check out the patterned tile series we carry, and be inspired to use them to create a statement in your home today! 

Renaissance

Compass Sand