Both encaustic cement tiles and terrazzo tiles make excellent floors and can be used both indoors or outside. Due to the different production methods and distinct materials, each one offers different advantages. So, let’s look at some of the differences between these two types of tiles to help you to choose the right one for your flooring needs.
Durability
Both terrazzo floor tiles and cement floor tiles are durable and hard-wearing and will keep their original colours and good looks even after many years of use. The colour layer of our cement tiles is 8-mm deep so you can be confident that they will always retain their original colours. However, due to the extremely hard components of granite, marble, quartz and glass, which are used to produce terrazzo tiles, these floor tiles provide an exceptionally hard and durable surface. For very heavy transport areas which are under constant use Terrazzo tiles maybe your best option due to their unapparelled hardness and durability.
Colours and designs
Encaustic cement tiles come in a huge selection of colours, shapes and designs. Each tile is individually hand-crafted using carefully constructed moulds to create the sometimes intricate and complex patterns. Terrazzo tiles, on the other hand also come in a wide variety of colours but have an overall mottled design with contrasting flecks of colour. If you are looking for a decorated floor tile with a wide choice of designs encaustic cement tiles are your best choice.
Ease of installation
Cement tiles are easier to install in that they are not as hard as terrazzo tiles and so are easier to cut to size. However, care must be taken when laying cement tiles that have a design, to ensure that the design is correctly aligned. As terrazzo tiles have an overall mottled effect they can be laid in any direction. Also, cement tiles must be laid leaving a small space between them which is later filled with grout, which adds an extra step to the installation process. Terrazzo tiles, on the other hand, are usually laid flush to each other and do not require grouting.
Finished effect
As cement tiles have grout in between them you can create different effects depending on the colour of grout you use. The huge choice of designs and colours of cement tiles let you create a great range of spaces from modern to traditional and from high visual impact to soothing on the eyes. Terrazzo tiles have a more homogenous colour and effect which may make them more versatile and easier to combine with fixtures and furnishings.
Contact Otto Tiles & Design
To learn more about cement tiles, contact Otto Tiles & Design today!
