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Cement tiles from Designtegels.nl

Designtegels.nl designs, produces, imports and sells cement tiles and mosaic tiles of a type that originated in the sunny mediterranean. Our tile collection contains over 350 different patterns and is available in countless colours.

Designtegels.nl has its own factories and is therefore able to deliver fast at a competitive price.

Our tiles are sold in more than 20 countries. To view the full collection, go to www.designtegels.nl.

History

Cement tiles originated with the Moors of North Africa. They brought this technique to Europe. Authentic cement tiles can still often be seen in the historic buildings and palaces in southern Spain and Portugal. The technique was refined there and spread across the world by trading ships in the 17th Century.

The technique was also known as making ‘hydraulic’ tiles.

Today, we come across these tiles all over the world. However, there are few countries that use this specialised form of production for export. Making cement tiles is more like an art form than anything else.

Process

Cement tiles are made using a copper mould and a hydraulic press.

The copper mould, which is soldered in the desired pattern, is placed in the hydraulic press. Ground marble paste, coloured with organic pigments is poured into it.

When all the impressions have been filled, the mould is removed and cement is poured onto the marble powder, after which the hydraulic press compresses all of it to form a tile. After some additional processing, the tile is ready for use.

An employee can make up to 3 or 4 m2 per day. This is a good indication of how labour-intensive the production process is.

Treatment

Cement tiles are pressed instead of baked, which makes them porous. Without the right treatment, they are likely to get stained.

Designtegels.nl constantly tests new methods of treatment and produces its own impregnating agents. These impregnating agents are very important when it comes to conserving the tiles. Once the tiles have been correctly treated during and after the laying process, they will last for years and perhaps even for centuries.

Characteristics

Cement tiles from Azule have a lively / vintage appearance with beautifully coordinated colour nuances. This is the specific character of our tiles. They can be used either as wall tiles or as floor tiles.