FAQ – Cement tiles
Where are the cement tiles made ?
In Morocco. They are entirely handmade.
What is inside the coloured surface ?
Fine cement, pigments and marble powder, the tiles are not fired and they slowly dry outdoors.
Why can I see differences in colours between two tiles of the same reference ?
It is the hazards of artisanal manufacturing which at the same time give it its charm.
How thick are the tiles ?
About 18mm is all our formats, for floors and walls.
Are cement tiles fragile ?
Once well laid and carefully treated, they are resistant and get a nice patina with time.
Is it difficult to lay cement tiles ?
Yes, the tiler needs experience and knowledge of this specific product, he must lay the tiles edge to edge and pay attention to all detailed instructions provided.
Above all, do not let the jointing cement dry, which would otherwise remain permanently embedded in the porous surface.
How can I cut the cement tiles ?
With a saw with diamond cutting blade.
What colour for the grout ?
Medium grey in most cases. The grout can be light grey if the background of the surface is white, or dark grey if the background is black … no other colour.
How to protect and maintain the surface ?
When the surface is dry, you have to hydrofuge it by hand with several thin layers of a special wax, and polish. Then repeat the process twice or more a year. Regular maintenance is made with mild or greasy soap containing linseed oil. Never use bleach, acids, chlorine or vinegar.
What can I do if a stain is embedded ?
Thoroughly etch stained tile with Scotch Brite-type abrasive sponge and neutral scouring cream without bleach or chlorine. Wax again after rinsing and drying.
Can they be laid in a kitchen or in a bathroom ?
They can be placed in any room, on the floor and on the wall. It will be necessary to renew more often the waxing applications in areas of heavy traffic or high demand, such as kitchen splashbacks on which a more impermeable chemical water repellant can also be recommended.
Can they be laid in a shower cabin ?
Technically, yes, on the walls and receiver, with the same precautions as for any other tiles regarding sealing. However, depending on the hardness of the water, calcareous efflorescence may appear where the water stagnates. A more specific water repellent will be needed then … or prefer a more suitable glazed tile like “zellige”.
Can they be laid outside ?
The alternation of sun and more or less acid rains eventually alter the colours. But it can be a desired effect. Similarly, frost can crack the tiles. It will be advised to place them in a sheltered part and treat them consequently. Vertical walls are less likely to freeze (water does not stagnate there), especially if they are sheltered. Whatever the climate, it is preferable to create a slight slope on the ground so that more or less acidic rain (which would otherwise stagnate) does not ultimately alter the surface of the cement tiles.
Can they be laid in front of a fireplace or stove ?
Yes, provided you ensure that they do not risk being subjected to excessively high direct heat or contact with hot splashes.
A metal wood stove must be placed at least 37.5 cm from a wall, tiled or not, and the smoke exhaust pipe at a distance 3 times greater than its diameter.
Are they compatible with underfloor heating ?
No contraindications.
In what cases is an “expansion joint” necessary ?
An expansion joint can prevent cracks from appearing over time. It must be laid around the edge of the tiling according to the rules in force and is only necessary if the surface area is large (from 40m²) and if the support is considered unstable, as in an old construction, for example, or when installation on pre-existing parquet flooring, even patched.
Can they be laid in public places ?
Our cement tiles do not qualify as any official certification, such as the UPEC classification required in France for public worksites. This is the case of a number of handmade tiles. Their installation in places with high traffic (shops, restaurants …) proved however quite satisfactory in the long term.
Can they be laid on an existing tiled floor or parquet ?
Yes. In both cases it is necessary to ensure the good flatness and stability of the base, by carrying out surface repairs and patching.
Do you have cement tiles in stock ?
Yes, we have chosen to store only certain quantities of plain tiles in the 20x20cm format, as well as patchwork boxes of random patterns. Consult us for the inventory status. Any other project will request a personalized order.
Do you give samples of cement tiles ?
The samples are sold in order to avoid waste and not have to increase the selling price per m² which would necessarily be the case if the samples were offered.
The cement tile samples are in 10x10cm format and in all the colours of our range, only in plain version. We do not have a sample to offer in a particular pattern – whatever it may be – since they are made to measure and to order in all combinations of our 48 available colours. It is however possible to order two tiles (or more) with patterns in the chosen colours to judge the result, but this will take as much time to manufacture (i.e. around two months) as for a larger order… which itself will take two months more to be manufactured according to the rules of the art.
What is the minimum quantity for an order ?
A minimum of two identical tiles is required.
Should we order a quantity of tiles corresponding to the exact surface to be tiled ?
It is essential to provide an additional quantity of 6 to 10% to compensate for possible breakages and necessary cuts during installation. This is a conservative margin because any new replacement manufacturing will necessarily be different from the first in terms of colour tones.
What are the lead times for non-stock orders ?
Eight to ten weeks (delivery times included). These are the requirements linked to the artisanal manufacture of cement tiles, which must undergo several manipulations before drying in the open air (longer in winter). Then comes transport from Morocco.
Do you deliver ?
Yes, everywhere. An estimate is calculated according to the address of delivery and the total weight of the pallet.
How much do cement tiles weigh ?
About 40kg per sqm.
Can you create a special pattern for a specific project ?
Yes, for an exceptional project, we can consider a special creation. An estimate will be calculated according to the specificities of the project.
All the instructions concerning the installation and the maintainance of the cement tiles are detailed in our technical note which we strongly recommend to consult ici.