Portuguese Cement TilesRich in colour and pattern
Cement tiles, also known as Portuguese tiles or pattern tiles, are handmade from cement and pigments. Discover the craftsmanship behind our most iconic collection.
A timeless classic in a modern guise
Cement tiles are handmade works of art based on cement and pigments. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, for floors and walls.
Known from the stately 1920s homes, they are today indispensable in rustic, bohemian or Scandinavian interiors. Whether it's your hallway, bathroom or kitchen: the Portuguese tile brings character and colour.
Production of the Cement Tile
A good cement tile is compact, watertight and highly durable, and is made from natural materials such as marble powder, silica powder and organic pigments. The unique patterns of cement tiles are created by applying the different colours one by one, by hand, in a copper mould. This is an artisanal process that requires skilled craftsmanship.
The Copper Mould — Every new pattern starts with a handmade copper mould. The different colours are then poured one by one into the mould according to the desired design. The pigment, composed of marble powder, white cement and natural pigments, forms the top layer of the cement tile.
Absorption — After the mould has been removed in a special way, the colour layer (first visible layer) is sprinkled with a mix of very fine sand and cement. This ensures that the excess moisture is well absorbed.
Hydraulic Press — The third step is carefully filling the frame with a thicker mix of sand and cement, smoothed flat. The frame is then closed and the tile is pressed under high pressure in a hydraulic press.
Origin and quality
Our cement tiles, also known as pattern tiles, originally come from Morocco, where we started in 2006. We later discovered Vietnamese cement tiles, which offer a much smoother, more even and stronger result. That is why we have deliberately chosen to import our cement tiles exclusively from Vietnam. The same appearance, but with exceptionally high quality. The only downside? Vietnam is a little further away, which can sometimes make the delivery time slightly longer.
Ethical Production
We visit our factories regularly. We guarantee excellent working conditions in an ISO-certified environment. Child labour is absolutely excluded.
A journey through time
10 Centuries Ago — The origin of cement tiles lies with the Moors, who made colourful tiles from cement, pigment and marble powder and poured them into moulds. They brought this artisanal technique to Spain, where the influence is still visible today in cities such as Córdoba, Seville and Granada.
Late 19th Century: Art Nouveau — At the end of the nineteenth century, cement tiles are especially popular with the high society of Barcelona, with Antonio Gaudí as an important designer within the Art Nouveau movement. Gaudí designed an apple-green hexagonal tile for Casa Milà, and cement tiles became increasingly popular in Spain and Southern Europe during this period.
Early 20th Century — In the early twentieth century, cement tiles are the most popular floor covering in the Mediterranean region, including North Africa, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy. They spread to the former European colonies and worldwide. This golden age ends in the 1950s, when cheaper industrial materials such as granite, ceramics and plastic become preferred.
Factories
By working with one large factory in Vietnam we have greatly improved the quality and colour consistency of our tiles. Thanks to clear agreements, regular checks and an ISO certification, production and deliveries almost always run smoothly. The tiles are made under good working conditions by craftspeople who work with great passion on our Azule pattern tiles. Child labour is absolutely out of the question; in Vietnam much is done to give children a good future.
Raw materials
Cement tiles are made from cement, pigment and water and produced without heating, making the process energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Water and materials are reused as much as possible, while tiles with small imperfections get a second life at schools and local projects. Thanks to the artisanal craftsmanship and sustainable production, every tile is unique. The entire production process, as well as the raw materials used and working conditions, is sustainable and socially responsible — something we at Designtegels.nl fully support and promote wherever possible.
Ready to start your project?
View our full cement tile collection online or visit one of our showrooms for personal advice.