Help FAQ

The cement tiles appeared at the end of the XIX ^th century in the South of France and in the North-East of Spain. These tiles, commonly called “mosaic tiles”, are the result of the hydraulic compression of different raw materials such as white cement of the white marble powder of the sand as well as the different pigments in order to color the cement tile.

More resistant than the other types of tiles dating from the XIX ^th and XX ^th century, cement tiles quickly became an essential part of the decoration that can still be found today in old buildings such as castles, palaces, and many others.

The granito or terrazzo is a tile whose first traces date back to antiquity. The tiles granito tiles that we are working on today are based on the same manufacturing process as the cement tiles, unchanged since the beginning of the XX ^th century.

Marble chips larger than in a traditional cement tile are added, giving the recognizable look of granito tiles.

All like the cement tile, the terrazzo is a tile to be installed in interior spaces in order to avoid any alteration of colors due to too much exposure to the sun and outdoor weather.

The zellige which means “small polished stone” in Arabic, began its history in ancient times in North African countries.

It is a mosaic on a base of clay undergoing various cookings giving him a very great resistance. The colors which result from the cookings undergone by the zellige are bright colors and each tile will be unique in a craft manufacturing.

These ceramics are most often used in the pause of credence of kitchens or in bathrooms.

In view of the above explanations, it goes without saying that the price of a tile made by hand by skilled workers is fully justified. It will be between 1 € and 5 € each according to the format, the thickness, the number of colors.

Contact us by phone or send us a request a quote .

Our workshop is able to produce all the old, traditional designs. We will ask you for a minimum of 12/15 m².

The traditional tile owes its durability only to its residual thickness after passing through the press, in no case it goes through an oven or other such imitation cement tiles. The most common thickness is 17 mm thick, except for the 30×30 and 25×25 formats, which are 22 mm thick, or for tiles that are only to be laid on the wall, in which case the thickness could be less.

All sizes could be manufactured but the limit imposed is the weight and the proper holding of the tile, ie a cement tile of 40 cm / 40 cm would be almost impossible to remove from the press without being broken, and its weight would be close to 4.5 kg.

We offer square formats from 5/5, 10/10, 13/13, 14/14, 15/15, 16/16, 17/17, 20/20, 25/25, 30/30.

Also hexagonal, octagonal, plinths and cabochons in the above dimensions.

We also do custom sizes.

All our tiles are manufactured in our workshop in Morocco since 1932. It is a manufacturing from father to son, which was transmitted during these 90 years of manufacturing, today relayed by a workshop managed by 2 workshop managers and a production manager, supervising 60 qualified workers.

The best way to understand how a cement tile is made is to watch the video to see the exceptional work that is done by hand, tile by tile, pattern by pattern, by each of our skilled workers.

All the tiles are made only by hand, with a hydraulic press and are then put under ventilated shelters for a deep drying during 10 days minimum before being put in boxes.

The skilled worker can make 80 to 85 patterned tiles per day, that is to say only 3 to 4 m² per day. For a plain colored tile the skilled worker can make 130 to 140 days or 5 m² day.

The material used will be white cement added to a very fine marble powder that will give its hardness, in which we add one or more colored pigments to make the color. The whole is mixed and sifted in order to have the best possible fineness.

This powder will become a “paste” which will be deposited at the bottom of a steel mold, and on which we will deposit a “cake” of gray cement and crushed sand that will serve as a supporting structure for the tile.

The whole is then submitted to the hydraulic press of 40 tons and then demolded to be put to drying on glass at first and then under ventilated shelter.

It is advisable to use flex adhesives, depending on your support. Your tiler will tell you which glue is best suited to the job.

The installation of tiles on an underfloor heating system is quite possible, the tiler will use the adhesive adapted to the support. In fact the installation is done on a liquid screed.

Cement tiles can be installed on all types of walls, whether they are plain or patterned tiles. It will be necessary to treat them, thus to waterproof them and then for the maintenance it will be done simply using a sponge and a neutral product, such liquid soap of Marseille, but especially without any acid.

Because of the fact that in a colored joint there are pigments, it is totally forbidden to use colored joints with the cement tile.

The joints are mandatory on all types of tiles, whether they are material tiles, such as cement tiles, or imitation tiles. Only the thickness of the joint will be different, about 2 mm for the cement tile.

Yes, you can install a tile outside, but we do not recommend it because the color of cement tiles fades under the effects of sunlight. On the other hand, they can be placed on a protected and shaded terrace, or in an enclosed extension such as a veranda.

You can download the installation tips

The installation must be done by a tile and/or natural stone professional to ensure that the work is done properly. All cement tiles are handmade, it is a traditional craft, that’s why the installation or implementation must be of quality.

Also, on the surface of all authentic, handmade cement tiles, efflorescence appears due to the rise of laitance due to the drying phase under ventilated shelter. This will fade after the installation and treatment.

Some necessary tips to implement:

Cement tiles should be stored in a dry room, free of moisture and protected from water.

First, lay out the cement tiles on the floor to evenly distribute the shades of the tile and to position your patterns and/or borders. You can also mix the boxes.

Then, for an installation with the glue adapted to your support, apply a double gluing to the ground and behind the cement tile with a wide-tooth comb.

To do this, spread the glue on the floor or wall, using the comb on an area of several tiles, and then tile by tile, you spread the glue on the back of the cement tile and you apply it directly to the floor. You had to press the tile by hand, never with a mallet or other blunt object, to equalize and position it, while providing a joint of the thickness of a trowel of about 2 mm between each tile.

Before moving on to another surface, check that your tiles are level with each other, and by hand, adjust them by tapping them (always without a mallet).

We invite you to clean up all traces of glue and other materials as you go along so that your cement tiles are and remain clean.

We do not recommend it, as our products are tested on our tiles.

It is recommended because the wax will protect the waterproofing while giving a patina to your floor.

Maintaining a floor or wall of authentic cement tile is relatively simple, the principle is a damp mop never soaked.

Daily or weekly maintenance should be done only with neutral, non-acidic cleaning products (e.g. liquid Marseille soap). We advise you to clean from time to time with the Shampoo waxing (Cimenterie de la tour) your floors will patina over time.

IMPORTANT: Do not use soap containing linseed oil.

You can download the treatment tips – Download the treatment tips

Traditional, authentic, handmade cement tile must be treated after installation, never before.

The treatment is very simple to do and it is especially effective for a routine maintenance and where daily which will be done only with a wet mop and never soaked, with a product PH neutral, without acid.

First, you must respect the drying of your slab, your screed and then the installation. It is not recommended to install on a non-dry screed or slab. For this the installer and where the tiler must imperatively control the humidity of the support using a moisture tester before being able to make the installation.

Below we will only talk about drying due to the installation, i.e. 1 week after a glued installation and 1 month after an installation with screed.

The first step is to ensure that the cement tile floor is clean and dry and dust free. The principle is that the waterproofing treatment is not applied on a non-dusted floor, on a wet floor and on a dirty floor.

The treatment will be done in 3 distinct steps:

• The first step is to cleaning with a very diluted acid-based product .

The application will be done with a broom, and after having let act, we rinse only with clear water with a mop.

• The second step is to waterproofing the floor with a waterproofing and oil-repellent microporous waterproofing agent .

It is imperative that the floor be clean, dust free and dry before performing this step. We also check that the soil moisture is not higher than 1.5%.

The accessories used must be clean, the cloth needed to apply the product must be lint-free, preferably a white cotton.

The application will be done with a rag small surface by small surface (m² / m²) in 2 coats spaced of 4 h.

Remove excess product as you go, and let dry for 24 to 48 hours depending on the weather and humidity.

• For the third step, always make sure the floor is dry and clean.

Always use a clean, lint-free cloth, you will apply small surface by small surface the wax directly on the ground and/or the wall .

Of course, you’ll want to be sure to remove any excess wax as you go.

If you wish to obtain a glossy effect, this will be done after the wax has dried, i.e. when the surface is dry to the touch.

It is recommended to let dry 24 to 48 hours depending on the weather and humidity of the treated room before walking.

Yes, it is mandatory after installation – TREATMENT CONSILS

To clean a cement tile floor, we advise you to use clear water with a neutral ph soap such as liquid Marseille soap. Be careful not to use aggressive products on cement tiles such as bleach, lime scale remover, white vinegar etc… as this will damage your tiles.

No, this is not necessary as long as the maintenance has been done properly. It is possible to add a capful of wax once or twice a year to your cleaning detergent.

No, it is not recommended at all.

Acidic, irritating and corrosive products should be avoided.

It would be better if you send us a picture of the floor so that we can advise you. Otherwise, it is possible to remove a stain by very lightly sanding your tile with sandpaper and water. Then, you will have to apply some treatment on the concerned area.

Very simply, with a WET and not soaked mop, with water and neutral PH soap like Marseille soap.

We deliver to all our customers from 2.80 m², on France, EEC and international.

It is possible to order tiles by the unit. On the other hand we do not make delivery below 4 m², the removal will be done by yourself directly to our warehouses.

info@cimenterie-de-la-tour.com

Tel. 04 67 07 50 55

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

If the tiles are in stock, it takes about 4 to 6 days. If not, please contact us for the current production schedule.

It is possible to buy cement tiles either directly in our stores in Lavérune and Saint-Aunès located near Montpellier, or by going through our request a quote .

In order to know the price of cement tiles, we ask you to go directly to our quote request form .

It depends on the accessibility of your site.
Consult us: Tel. 04 67 07 50 55

Yes, we deliver throughout France, Europe and internationally. Your order will be delivered on a filmed, strapped and protected Europe 80/120 pallet.

Carriers are not allowed to de-palletize if access is impossible, or if the pallet truck cannot run normally. In this case the pallet will be left on site.

They are calculated according to the surface (weight) and the destination.
CALCULATION OF DELIVERY COSTS

Our carriers are obliged to make an appointment before coming to your delivery address.

We strongly advise you to check the general condition of the pallet (around and above) in the presence of the deliveryman when you receive your goods.
In case of anomaly, make precise reservations (number of boxes and broken tiles) on the delivery note. The mention “subject to unpacking” cannot be taken into account in case of complaint.
Then, we invite you to contact us at 04 67 07 50 55 so that we can examine your file.

We strongly advise you to check the general condition of the pallet (around and above) in the presence of the deliveryman when you receive your goods.
In case of anomaly, make precise reservations (number of boxes and broken tiles) on the delivery note. The mention “subject to unpacking” cannot be taken into account in case of complaint.
Then, we invite you to contact us at 04 67 07 50 55 so that we can examine your file.

Call us
Tel. 04 67 07 50 55

Send us an e-mail
info@cimenterie-de-la-tour.com

Directly to the carrier upon delivery, in cash on delivery by check, or by bank transfer before delivery.

Cash on delivery by check only with the carrier, or by bank transfer before delivery.

Just follow our tips and treatments and apply them regularly to protect your cement tiles.

It is important to note that recovering old cement tiles can be a difficult and tedious job. If you don’t have the experience or the tools, it is recommended that you hire a professional to help you. Cimenterie de la Tour offers you the creation of a divider for your cement tile and the colorization according to our color palette.

It’s hard to say what the “best” tiles are because it depends on your needs and preferences. Indeed, there are many types of tiles available on the market, such as cement tiles, porcelain tiles, granite tiles, etc. Each type of tile has its own features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research to find the ones that best suit your needs.

There are several ways to install cement tiles on the floor: traditional installation and installation with cement glue. Access all our installation tips here.

There are several ways to use cement tiles. Indeed, they can be used as floor covering like tiles or wall covering like credenzas. Cement tiles are also popular because of their unique aesthetic.

The thickness of cement tiles varies depending on the format you choose. Thick cement tiles have an average thickness of about 15 mm. Cimenterie de la Tour manufactures and offers a thickness of cement tile ranging from 12 mm to 20 mm.

To recognize a real cement tile, you must first check its surface. Authentic cement tiles have a smooth, even surface. They should not have any dents or dings. Then, you have to look at its texture. Cement tiles are a porous building material. And finally, it is important to know that a cement tile has a different thickness than imitation cement tiles.

Cement tiles are chosen for their unique appearance and slightly rough texture. They can be installed on the floor or on the wall. They are also easy to clean and maintain.