Cement Tile Vs. Clay Tile: Choosing The Right Tile For Your Project

They both look similar right out of the box, but in reality, there are many differences to consider before making your purchase. Let’s get down to the basics. To help you make the decision we’ll compare:

• Cement Tile vs Clay Tile
• Where to Install
• The Look
• Installation
• Cost

Cover Photo | Torchy's Tacos | Design Chioco | Chase Daniel Photography

CEMENT TILE VS. CLAY TILE

CEMENT TILES are made by hand since the 19th century with the use of mineral pigments, cement, metal molds, and a hydraulic press. To create cement tiles, cement is compressed, water-cured and left to dry much like a sidewalk would be. The pigment composition is a mixture of high quality white Portland cement, marble powder, fine sand, and natural mineral color pigments.

Standard cement tiles have a mostly matte, but semi-gloss sheen that can be enhanced through a penetrating sealer. Since cement tile patterns are confined to the intricacy of a metal mold, there are size and pattern limitations.

Cement tiles are about 5/8" thick which can complicate flooring transitions. Adding a sealer before, during and after installation is absolutely necessary to minimize staining.

Cement tiles age like your favorite pair of jeans and develop a patina over time with general wear and tear. Some people love this, and others don’t, it really depends on the look you are trying to achieve.

CLAY TILES are made with natural clay pressed by hand into wood molds and fired in a kiln. Because of this, clay tiles are porous and require a sealer during installation. If proper maintained, clay tiles are much more resistant to moisture over time.

Our Patterned Clay Tiles have a matte finish. Artisans screen print each piece by hand, which happens to allow for more intricate patterns. The most popular sizes are 8”x8” Square and 8” Hexagon, however, we can produce patterns in 6"x6" Squares and 6" Hexagons.

Clay tiles are much thinner at about 3/8" thick, which makes them compatible with many other flooring options, like hardwood flooring.

We glaze and fire clay tiles, which makes them non-porous and low maintenance. They will generally look the same out of the box, but keep in mind that handmade tiles could exhibit natural variations, which are inherent traits of the natural materials they are made of. These variations in color, texture and sheen are not defects but rather a natural part of the product. We highly recommend ordering samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.

CEMENT TILE VS. CLAY TILE: WHERE TO INSTALL 

Cement tile has just the right amount of distressing that provides a distinguishable and often beloved amount of character. Cement tile makes sense in both indoor and outdoor spaces. It adds age and character to any room, even showers, if sealed properly. Typically, though it does not respond as well in wet areas.

CEMENT TILE VS. CLAY TILE: THE LOOK

Cement tile consists of a decorative layer on top of a cement body. These tiles are great for those wanting a unique, "washed" look. If you choose cement tile, make sure you are comfortable with a tile that shows hairline fractures and ages over time. Because each tile absorbs a differing amount of sealer, they darken differently. Cement tile will never look the same as they first did out of the box. If appreciated, it can be very beautiful.

The cement tile floor at historic Hotel Amparo in San Miguel de Allende developed beautiful patina over the years

Clay tile is much more livable. It will maintain that out-of-the-box look for many years. They are much more predictable and don’t exhibit the same extreme quirks and color variations that cement tile does. Any of the cement tile designs you can generally apply to clay tile as well as they’re much more customizable.

The low maintenance alternative to cement tile. Clay tile will stay fresh and clean for years to come. Design by Breathe Design | Photo by Chase Daniel

CEMENT TILE VS. CLAY TILE: INSTALLATION

Before, after, and during a cement tile installation, each and every tile needs to be sealed. The most common problems with cement tile installation are inadequate sealing and grout pigment staining. Read our sealing guidelines here.

Cement tile installation is more time-consuming than a typical clay or ceramic tile install. Please read our encaustic pattern cement installation guidelines carefully and provide them to your contractor/installer.

Installing handmade cement tile involves heavy sealing. Install by The Tile Press

With clay tile, there is no sealing required, just recommended! Clay installation is comparable to conventional tile installation and is not as time-consuming.

Please refer to our Clay tile installation road map for details - ensure you're not using black grout to prevent staining. Reach out to us with any questions!

No sealing required, however recommended, for these handmade clay tiles. Install by The Tile Press

CEMENT TILE VS. CLAY TILE: COST 

When it comes down to the cost for the tile and the cost for the installation, cement and clay tiles are incredibly comparable. On their own, clay tiles do cost approximately 20 percent more due to the firing costs but are less expensive to install because they don’t need to be sealed. In the end, it all comes down to the space you are designing, the look you want and the maintenance level you are willing to put in.

Do you need more information, or have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com.

Disclaimer: This guide is meant to serve as a general resource. Because each project is unique, consult your tile installer before installing your tile. The installation of tile greatly determines the integrity of the project and the tile itself, therefore Clay imports does not warranty this product and is not responsible for dissatisfaction of material following installation. Please inspect all tile upon receipt and notify us immediately if you have any quality concerns.