How Cement Tile is Made

At Zellaro Tile, every cement tile is crafted by hand — one at a time — by skilled artisans who carry on a tradition that dates back to the mid-19th century. Using natural mineral pigments, white cement, marble powder, and fine sand, each tile is pressed, cured, and finished with care to ensure unmatched beauty and durability.

Cement tile is incredibly versatile — perfect for walls, floors, kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Its soft matte finish is naturally slip-resistant, making it a sophisticated and practical choice even for wet areas such as showers and bathroom floors.

HISTORY

The art of encaustic cement tile began in southern Europe in the 1850s, with roots in French and Catalan craftsmanship. Inspired by Moorish geometric designs and the architecture of the Mediterranean, these tiles quickly became a symbol of timeless elegance — spreading through North Africa, Latin America,Vietnam and beyond.

Today, Zellaro preserves this heritage by combining traditional hand-poured techniques with modern design sensibilities, creating tiles that blend history, artistry, and contemporary style.

THE PROCESS

Each Zellaro cement tile is handmade using a custom brass mold that defines its pattern and design.

A precise blend of natural mineral pigments, white cement, marble powder, and fine sand forms the surface layer.
The pigments are carefully poured by hand into the mold, color by color, to create intricate patterns.
A backing layer of cement and sand is then added, and the tile is pressed hydraulically — fusing both layers into a solid, durable piece.
The tiles are soaked in water for 24 hours, then air-cured for seven days, allowing the cement to harden naturally without firing.

Because no kiln or glaze is used, our cement tiles have a lower carbon footprint and a beautifully natural matte finishthat ages gracefully over time. Each tile carries subtle variations in tone and texture — a mark of true craftsmanship.

TIMELESS. HANDMADE. SUSTAINABLE.

Every Zellaro cement tile tells a story — of artisanship, heritage, and Mediterranean warmth — crafted to bring depth, texture, and character to any space.