Cement tile flooring has been the craze in recent years, and the trend doesn’t seem to be slowing anytime soon.
The varieties of these decorative concrete tiles are unlimited. From traditional designs to geometric shapes and customizable tiles, everyone wants to get their hands on encaustic-style cement tile. While installing cement tile is easy, it’s also easy to mess up if the correct products and processes are not followed.
So, let’s dive into the 5 Things NOT to Do with Cement Tile Flooring.
Don’t Use Painted Look-Alike Cement Tiles
If you want something durable to outlast your lifetime or at least get you to your next home décor renovation, buy the real deal. How do you know if it’s authentic? Real cement tile flooring gets its color from pigmented cement. With painted cement tile, the paint soaks into the concrete surface. It is subject to wearing down very quickly with age. Painted tiles do not last and are less durable than real, handmade Cement tile. They may be less expensive initially, but who wants to incur the added expense of replacing tile too quickly? In fact, handmade tiles like these are one of the most popular types of Spanish tiles.
Don’t Skip the Sample
Sellers like us offer samples. I’m always hesitant when one of our customers orders their flooring without a sample. Colors on a computer or iPad screen vary from what’s displayed in real life. If you’re color-specific, bite the bullet and spend a few bucks on the cement tile flooring sample. Consider it as an insurance policy for your flooring satisfaction. You’re welcome.
Don’t Reinvent the ‘How to Install Cement Tile’ Process
Whomever you buy cement tile from, heed their advice and installation guidelines. Not only do they probably know what they’re talking about, but they can then help you troubleshoot any cement tile flooring issues if things go awry.
I always hear it – “My installer has been installing tile for 30+ years.” Yes, and while he or she is an excellent tile setter, this person is most likely not a ‘cement tile flooring’ installation expert. The sellers from whom you purchased your tile are. So, allow cement tile companies to give good advice to your experienced installer. Use the installation materials and sealers that we recommend. It will make your tile setter’s job easier and make you happy.
Do Not Skip the Process of Protecting Your Tile from Grout Stains
Please read this carefully. This is the #1 mistake that tile setters or DIYers make when it comes to installing cement tile flooring. Depending on where you sourced the cement tile, you may be advised to seal the tile with a specific cement tile sealer before grouting your floor. Alternatively, as we advise our customers, seal your tile with our HydraGuard sealer AND follow up with the application of a separate grout release product. Why use separate grout release? It’s added protection, especially for dark grout colors. It’s easy to do, quick, and inexpensive.
Do Not Slap On Any ‘Ol Sealer
Just heed the company’s advice from whom you purchased your cement tile flooring. They’ve tested their recommended cement tile sealer and can help you troubleshoot any issues with the installation process. Not all sealers are equal when it comes to protecting cement tile. At Rustico, we recommend a 2-step system of sealer for cement tile. It’s inexpensive and easy to apply, and our TerraNano topcoat sealer boasts an average lifespan of 10-15 years. You’re spending good money on beautiful tile, so protect it!
I hope these tips on what not to do with Cement Tile Flooring are helpful. If you buy quality cement tile, find a reputable tile installer, and follow the advice from your tile provider, you’ll be the talk of your neighborhood with beautiful new cement tile flooring!
Check out our low-cost stock cement tile designs for quick shipping. Want to customize a tile for your space? Browse through our designs. Contact us today for a price estimate. We ship worldwide.
Check out these Recommended Readings
and other great ideas about cement tile
- Cement Tile Bathroom Trends
- Common Mistakes with Cement Tile Floors
- Beautiful Cement Tile Bathroom Floors
- Concrete Tile Bathroom Floor Pictures & Ideas
- Timeless Home Decor Trends with Decorative Tile
- Custom Cement Tile Patterns
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