solid square radicchio 2"x2" made to order sample
solid square radicchio 2"x2" made to order sample
product description + credits
* this product makes up pieces per and comes in pieces per box
our cement squares are the ideal tile: a classic shape but with a modern material. install these traditionally for a subtle monochrome grid, pair with other colors to create a unique hopscotch pattern or partner them with any of our patterned cement tiles. checkers, anyone?
want to lend hand-hewn color goodness to your interior or exterior spaces? solid cement tiles from clé grant any surface a variegated color range from tile to tile.
WARNING- if you are expecting perfection- then these tiles ARE NOT for you. in any singular color you must expect each and every tile to be lighter, darker, less or more intensely hued.
but if your space requires a big dose of MAGIC- look no further than the chic, cool, wabi-sabi affect that can only be derived from solid cement tiles. this is due to the natural properties of the cement enlivened by the earthen nuances of the pigments. this combination imparts a hypnotic finish unique to solid cement tiles.
the clé color palette offers more than 50 colors. you can select from a single color or create a blend using any of these colors to produce your own signature look.about this collection
encaustic cement tile
here is our modern take on a historic tile that, over the past 150 years, has been referred to by dozens of names including encaustic cement tiles, cement tiles, concrete tiles, hydraulicos, cuban tiles, and so on. these alluring tiles have stood the test of time and have echoed their beauty across many continents.
clé creates one of the finest cement tiles in the world, and this quality still permeates a surface which is muted, varied, matte and silky. cement tile patterns and shapes are already impossible to refuse, but it's the variegated colors that make them one of today's most sought after tiles for, both, walls and floors, as well as, indoors and out.
faq
what are encaustic cement tiles?
each encaustic cement tile is painstakingly hand crafted, one tile at a time, to create solid or patterned tiles formed from pigmented cement. the tiles are not fired in a kiln, but are cured in water for a lasting cement surface that is as stunning in its finish as it is good for the environment.
are you intrigued by these hand crafted inconsistencies?
clé 100% guarantees that no two encaustic cement tiles will be alike. in fact, it is all these imperfections that designers find so captivating. HOWEVER, should your design tendencies not lean toward imperfection, then encaustic cement tiles are not for you!
and please enjoy our clé exclusive finish...your clé cement tiles will arrive pre-sealed and pre-polished to assist in the shipping and first steps of your tile installation.
what does it mean to have cement tiles pre-polished and pre-sealed?
other cement tiles do not have the benefit of a pre-polish and pre-seal finish. this finish is typically a 30% additional fee.
however, clé provides this finish complementary with all our cement tile orders. this means that all of our cement tiles arrive with the cement surface "tooth" polished away. this allows the tiles to resist surface dirt and helps to begin their inherent patina, right away.
the polishing is completed with a light penetrating sealer that allows the tiles to ship without the abrasion issues that are prevalent when shipping pigmented tiles. this sealant also assists through the first stages of installation (setting and pre-grouting). we keep the sealant light so that it doesn't act as a bond barrier for the setting material. this is why we require additional sealant prior to grouting (to help prevent grout staining).
therefore- please be sure to seal your tiles prior to grouting- and then again, after grouting and cleaning the final installation. *see sealing information below.
how do i know if cement tiles are suitable for my project?
cement tiles have been gracing prestigious architectural projects around the world for a very long while. however, they are new to the U.S. and Canadian markets. due to this, clients in these regions are not accustomed to these tiles that have a natural unglazed finish and will undergo an inherent patina. (*click here for our patina guide)
if you are using tiles in kitchens, bathrooms, showers, restaurants and lobbies (all high-traffic areas) even after sealing cement tiles- you should expect a degree of patina as your tiles slowly acclimate to their location. if you are not familiar with unglazed surfaces that will age with time (such as limestones, terracottas, marbles etc) and are not a fan of patina, then you may want to select another tile.
how much variation should i expect?
if you are expecting perfect tiles- then cement tiles may not be for you. cement tiles are created from cement and natural pigments. this, alone, creates tiles of extreme variation of color, pattern, shade and size. additionally, each tile is made by hand- one tile at a time. if your project requires beautiful hand made variation that is perfectly imperfect, then cement tiles will be good for your project.
what grout joint size, type, and color do you recommend?
clé recommends the use of mapei flexcolor cq tile grout and a 1/16"" grout join with this collection.
Grout color selection is always up to our client and/or their design professional. However, clé is often asked for our opinion on best grout selections for our tiles. And due to the large array of grout colors that are now available, clé would like to offer this general guideline on a foolproof grout color selection for any of your clé tiles.
- First, have your professional tile contractor complete your tile installation, except for the grout portion.
- Next, when ready to grout, ask your contractor to bring ALL grout color charts from his preferred grout manufacturers, for your review.
- Lastly, choose a time of day when you are most pleased with the lighting in your space (either natural lighting, installed lighting or a blend of both). During that lighting and time of day, select the grout color that best matches your tile selection.
Note that the full Mapei Flexcolor CQ color catalogue contains 40 colors to choose from. Visit the Mapei website to view.
how do I clean my cement tiles?
Always avoid harsh chemicals and acidic or alkaline products. Grout lines can be cleaned with warm water and a soft bristled cleaning brush. Most stains can be removed with a pH neutral dish soap, hot water and the scrub side of a sponge.
clé recommends the use of Miracle Porcelain & Ceramic Tile Cleaner to remove
stubborn stains, grease build up, soap scum, hard water deposits and everyday grime.
Miracle Tile & Stone Cleaner is effective as an ongoing maintenance cleaner and
is gentle for everyday use.
For more recommendations related to clean, please see our installation & maintenance guides linked below.
why do you suggest i order at least 15% more than my measurements?
Industry standard suggests adding at least 15% overage due to tile cuts, potential breakage, or future repairs.
For more information related to ordering and shipping, please be sure to visit our shipping and returns and delivery information resource pages
Dimensions
Square - 2"x2"x5/8"
Square - 4"x4"x5/8"
Square - 6"x6"x5/8"
Square - 8"x8"x5/8"
Hex - 8"x9"x5/8"
Rectangle - 2"x8"x5/8"
Rectangle - 3"x12"x5/8"
Rectangle - 4"x8"x5/8"
Scallop - 8"x8"x5/8"
Triangle - 12”x13”x3/4”
Diamond 4 1/2”x7 3/4”x5/8”
Disclaimer: Standard thickness for cement under 12”x12” is 5/8”. Standard thickness for cement over 12”x12” is 3/4”. Please note all dimensions are nominal and can vary plus or minus 1/4”.
usage
interior floor, exterior floor, interior wall, exterior wall, shower floor, shower wall, steam shower, residential low traffic, residential high traffic, commercial low traffic, commercial high traffic, backsplash, kitchen, fireplace surround.
