Cement tile (or enncaustic tile) is a ceramic tile in which the pattern or pattern on the surface is applied not with the help of glaze, but using multi -colored clay or cement. Typically, such tiles are made manually (Moroccan collections are most valued), and therefore there are most often only two colors in it (although their number can reach six).
The pattern is an inlay in the “body” of the tiles, therefore the design will be saved, even if the tiles wear out. Tiles with ennukaustics can be glazed or unglazed and there is also an enncautage imprinted by the manual method, but its quality depends on how deeply the pattern is inlaid.
Cement tile is a hand product. A layer of cement (or clay) is used as the upper layer with a pattern. To make attractive drawings, dyes are poured into the form with cement. Some modern tiles make modern technologies, and if the tile is taken from the country where it was traditional since ancient times, then there most likely it is done according to the old technology. It is difficult to say what is better: old or new technology. It all depends on the masters.
Many variants of cement tiles will remind you of an oriental carpet. They can even be laid out in a certain way to form a rectangle in the center.
Cement tiles are more absorbing, in comparison with the rest, which complicates the process of laying it. It is usually not compacted, so it has to be densified manually. And as a grout, it is not recommended to use the grout of the flowers darker than the lightest color of the tile. The color from the dark grout can be absorbed in the tile, and it will be painted in it. Moisture from a cement mortar that you use for laying tiles can also be quickly absorbed in the tile itself, which will lead to microcracks.
But if you laid this tile correctly, then it will look like new years for many years. For at least 10 years it will look perfect.
Cement tile is very original finishing material. It is often used by designers, because not a single friend tile (and not a single natural stone) can compare in style with handmade tiles. But, nevertheless, note that designers work with professional craftsmen who can very competently lay tiles on the floor or walls. And this type of tile is required to be laid with greater accuracy.