Cement tiles are 100% hand crafted, and really incorporate the concept of Wabi-Sabi in them.Cement tiles are not fired; there is no glaze layer on the surface of the tile. They derive their durability from the combination of finely dehydrated ground Portland cement layer and a more coarse layer of sand and cement.

Cement tiles are made by hand, one at a time, using mineral pigments, The pigment layer is hydraulically pressed into the surface and becomes a part of the tile. The metal mold is handmade following specific design drawings.

After the tile is cast by the artisan, it must be cured in water for a period of time, and then air dried before being shipped. It is for this reason that cement tiles have a longer delivery period than ceramic tiles, but they have an extremely long life.

Our tiles are neither printed nor painted, colored cement materials are hand-poured into divider molds to create these patterns.

Because of the traditional processes involved with the production of these tiles, slight variations such as small edge splinters, colour bleeding/smudging between elements of the pattern and surface scratches are inevitable.

In addition, some tiles may have small crack or cobweb like structures on them. This is perfectly normal, and is due to the chemical process followed by cement. It is precisely these imperfections which give these tiles their distinct charm and natural appeal.

Cement is incredibly durable. Floors can last up to 60 to 70 years if used and maintained properly. In addition to this, the tiles can be re-polished a number of times during their life and will look as good as new each time this is done. Cement floors can take a lot of wear and tear, and are perfect for high traffic areas.

Our tiles are available in a vast variety of shades which can be combined and paired to createbeautiful results.

The only exception however, whenever darker colours (especially black or dark blue) are used in conjunction with lighter colours (especially white), there will be smudging during the polishing process. This is due to the dark pigment being polished off and settling onto the lighter tile. To avoid this, the combination of colours can be changed. Our designer can advice you on this.

Tiles are laid very close to each other. Since the joint lines are very fine, it is difficult for the grouting material to stay inside. Some of this material may come out, causing the joint lines to be visible.

Sometimes, free lime left over from the curing process will float to the top of the tile forming a whitish layer on top. This feature is called efflorescence and is inherent in all cement products. The efflorescence will gradually go away with regular mopping and use of the floor. To remove it more quickly, one can purchase our soap and scrub the floor.

If the tiles are used outdoors, they will get a weathered appearance and the polish not remain. The recommended use of these tiles is indoors.

Cement tiles have porosity similar to natural stones. They are not recommended for areaswhere there will be spillage of oil or masalas. In bathrooms, they should preferably be used in dry areas and walls.

As a characteristic of cement tiles, there will be dimensional variations both in thickness and right angles. These have to be adjusted during the laying of tiles by using cement mortar mix instead of adhesive, and also by the skill of the mason in adjusting the pattern to fit properly.

Always have your floor installed by our certified contractor, Gaaia Contractors as they would know all the steps to be taken to produce an outstanding floor. Getting the tiles laid by a non certified contractor will ruin the tiles. We will take no responsibility for tiles fixed by a non-certified contractor.

Avoid using harsh chemicals, phenyl etc. Just use plain water, and most importantly, change the water often during the mopping process. This will keep the tiles clean and indeed, will ensure your tiles gleam more and more over the years. If you like, you may buy our soap solution and use a small capful in each bucket of water. A small bottle should last you a long time.