Cement floor tiles and terrazzo floor tiles are becoming increasingly popular. Many new buildings, as well as those being restored or improved, are choosing to use encaustic cement floor tiles or terrazzo floor tiles. These tiles often have striking designs which can add life and character to both floors and walls. However, these traditional encaustic tiles and terrazzo tiles can add more than just beauty to your home or business.
Tiles and Health
An organic production process
Each of these cement tiles is hand-made using a traditional process which does not involve any toxic or harmful substances. Every tile is carefully handcrafted by experienced artists to create a unique and special product. A metal mould is first created of the design that the tile will bear and is placed within a metal box.
Next, a mixture made of cement, sand, with a little ground quartz is bound together with water to make a paste. The addition of quartz makes the surface very hard so our cement tiles can withstand rapid changes in temperature without damage. Each colour is prepared individually using completely natural metal oxides, and colour preparation for patterned tiles is a skilled operation. The natural pigments used to obtain the colours is what makes encaustic tiles so beautiful. Each colour is carefully poured into its corresponding place within the mould. The first layer becomes the top of the finished tile. As the colours are an integral part of the tile and the colours layer is 88-mm thick they will not wear off or fade.
Finally, the mould is removed and the tile is pressed and then cured before drying. The end product is a breathing material which can help to keep your floors cool in summer and warm in the winter. Encaustic tiles do not release any harmful vapours and do not allow the multiplication of bacteria. That makes them an excellent choice for the safety and wellbeing of your family.
A smooth finish
Once the tile is finished and completely dry it is sanded to produce a totally smooth finish that will not absorb stains or dirt. That means, that cement floor tiles are really easy to clean so keeping your home or business a safe and wholesome environment. No matter what you throw at them, or drop on them, your cement tiles will not become stained or look dirty.
A rough finish
Tiles from our Vintage Collection are ground to leave a slightly rough surface and so give an excellent grip to produce a non-slip surface. That makes them ideal for use outdoors or anywhere where they may get wet. Non-slip encaustic floor tiles in the bathroom, around the swimming pool, or for patios or paths ensure increased safety for users with their non-slip surface.
Contact Otto Tiles & Design
To learn more about Tiles and Health, contact Otto Tiles & Design today!
