6 Tips for Using Plain Cement Tiles

Timid about using cement tile patterns with bold, colors or intense patterns? Consider using plain or solid color cement tiles. The variation found in plain tiles of the same colors provides stunning beauty with lots of soul. The extensive color palette and numerous formats or shapes makes finding the right color and look for your design easy.

Cement Tiles In Solid Colors Add Subtle, Sophisticated Appeal

Plain cement tiles, or solid color cement tiles as they are often called, make great flooring designs with subtle, sophisticated appeal that occurs from the natural variation in shade that occurs from the handmade product. You will also find a broad palette of colors and shapes to choose from, depending on the line. For instance, the Heritage Color Pallette has about 90 colors. Custom colors can be created too! Here are some of our favorite plain cement tile installations and tips.

 

Tip #1. Use the same color of cement tile throughout the room. The slight variation in shade from handcrafted encaustic cement tile adds subtle sophistication with lots of soul.

The variation in shade from handcrafted cement tile in the same color adds sophistication and soul to any room

Typical variation in color when the same gray cement tile color is used in this installation

The beauty of solid color cement tile (shown all in the same color) is due to the natural variation in a hand crafted tile

Tip #2. Create a rug of plain tile framed with a border pattern. Use plain tiles inside and outside the border. The border adds interest and focus without being too busy or overpowering.

Patterned border tile can be used to frame plain cement tile that creates a rug

Tip #3. Create a grid using plain cement tile with decorative patterned tile accents. Quarter design patterns with four tiles are great for large spaces like this patio. Single pattern tiles can be used for smaller spaces or use random pattern tile for a patchwork effect. The grid keeps the pattern from becoming too busy and provides negative space that can help make the area feel larger.

Use plain tile to create a grid around pattern tile that adds negative space and can make a space seem larger

Tip #4. Place plain tile on point. Use plain tile "on point" in the room and frame the edge of the room with plain tile or a patterned border tile. Placing the tiles on point adds interest and breaks up rectilinear and square rooms that are part of an open floor plan but adjacent. Make sure to account for additional waste using this layout due to the number of cut tiles that are required.

Place plain tile on point to add interest and break up open floor plans with adjacent rooms

Tip #5. Use plain tile on walks and patios. Plain tile look especially nice on outdoor patios and walks especially with patterned tile on the riser. When using cement tile in outdoor installations exposed to radiant energy from the sun, fading can occur over time. This is more dramatic with dark blue and green cement tiles. Some of the color can be restored by adding a color enhancing penetrating sealer periodically.

Plain tile look especially nice on outdoor patios and walks especially with patterned tile on the riser

Tip #6. Create a checkerboard using high contrast colors for a bold effect. Run the pattern wall-to-wall or frame it with a border in the center of the room.

Create a checkerboard using high contrast colors for a bold effect

Cement Tiles Provide a Punch with Panache in Bathroom Design

Regardless of your tastes or your home's architectural style, plain cement tile are a great flooring choice that will provide a rich look that you'll love for years to come! Explore more design ideas or check our inventory of instock plain tiles, just select your choice below. One thing is certain, solid color cement tile always deliver beauty with a lot of style.