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Frequently Asked Questions About Cement Tiles

 
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cement Tiles
Since cement tiles are entirely handmade, the size and thickness are never exactly the same. However, we do our utmost to keep the differences as minimal as possible.
Yes, that is completely normal. Color variation between tiles is a typical feature of cement tiles and adds to their charm. To create a balanced mix of colors, we recommend mixing tiles from different boxes. Claims regarding color differences or already installed tiles will not be accepted.
The best subfloor is a completely flat, dry, dust- and grease-free cement screed, primed with a bonding agent. We recommend using Kiesel Octamus U/G30 for better adhesion. Never lay cement tiles in a wet cement bed (chape), as this will cause permanent rings.
Store the tiles in a dry, dark place in their original unopened boxes.
Yes, this can happen. These stains will disappear after installation and sealing. If you're unsure, send us a photo before laying the tiles so we can provide appropriate advice. You can email us at groothandel@tegelbv.com.
Yes, sealing is always required after installation. Although we are the only manufacturer to pre-seal our tiles twice before they leave the factory, additional sealing is still necessary:
  • First after laying the floor but before grouting.
  • Second and third after grouting. Allow at least 24 hours of drying time between each sealing layer. We also recommend re-sealing once a year. Always ensure the floor is thoroughly cleaned before sealing, otherwise dirt may be permanently sealed in.
We do not recommend placing cement tiles in direct sunlight as this may cause color fading. If you choose to do so, it is at your own risk. Claims due to fading will not be accepted.
Cement tiles are not frost-resistant. If you choose to use them outdoors, it is at your own risk.
We recommend using white, silver-grey, or mid-grey grout. Never use dark grout, as this may cause irreversible staining.
Use an adhesive suitable for non-white natural stone. We recommend Kiesel Servolight lightweight flexible thin-bed adhesive.
Mop the floor about once a week with a dash of Lithofin Wash & Clean in the mop water. Re-seal the floor annually with Lithofin Stainstop W, depending on usage.
You're free to choose your own products. However, we recommend purchasing adhesive, grout, sealer, stain protection, and maintenance products from us. All of our products are specially selected for our cement tiles. Two reasons to do this:
  1. You’re guaranteed the right product in the correct amount.
  2. We ship the products along with your tile order.
If you use other products than those we recommend, the warranty becomes void because we cannot guarantee the same results.

See the product pages on our website for specifications on all installation and maintenance products.
Installation and Maintenance Products for Cement Tiles
We offer various packages tailored to your needs.
Products include:
  • Kiesel Octamus UG30 primer
  • Kiesel Servolight tile adhesive
  • Servoperl grout from Kiesel (white, silver-grey, or mid-grey)
  • Lithofin MN Power-Clean
  • Lithofin Stainstop W impregnator
  • Lithofin Wash & Clean for daily maintenance
Before starting:
Apply the primer and let it dry. Always lay out the tiles first to avoid pattern mistakes. Soak the tile in clean water and apply adhesive to both the back of the tile and the subfloor.
  • Sponge and grout float
  • Notched trowel and microfiber cloth
  • Paint roller with tray
  • Tile spacers
Work square meter by square meter when installing the tiles. After grouting each meter, immediately remove excess grout with a clean, damp cloth before it dries. If haze still appears, use Lithofin MN Power-Clean. We highly recommend ordering a can with your tile order.
If oil, wine, coffee, or soda spills, wipe it up immediately with a clean, damp cloth. If a stain remains, use Lithofin MN Power-Clean. The sooner the stain is treated, the easier it is to remove. We recommend always having a bottle of stain remover on hand. Never use harsh cleaners like bleach, vinegar, or anti-limescale products, as these can permanently damage the floor.

If you cannot remove the stain, lightly sand the surface with fine sandpaper and re-seal the spot
Cement tiles are excellent for bathrooms, including wet areas, provided the back wall is fully waterproofed. Use elastic and waterproof grout in wet areas. Be careful when cleaning glass shower doors—do not spill alkaline cleaners on the floor, as they can cause permanent stains.
Cement tiles are ideal for underfloor heating. They retain heat well, which reduces heating costs.
Yes, we recommend ordering 10% more tiles than needed. Walls are never perfectly straight, and extra tiles are needed for fitting around sockets, pipes, and other elements.
The warranty is valid for one year from the purchase date. As this is a handmade product, size and color variations and small imperfections are to be expected and cannot be claimed. Inspect your tiles upon delivery and report any issues within 48 hours. We will do our best to resolve any irregularities immediately. No claims will be accepted for already installed floors. If non-recommended products are used, the warranty is void.
Yes, you may return tiles within 30 days at your own expense, in the original unopened boxes. We only accept full boxes.
Absolutely! Visit our website and click the "create your own tile" button. Choose a pattern and fill it with up to 6 colors from our standard palette of 75 colors. Once you're satisfied, import your tile into "create your own floor" to design a wall or floor entirely to your taste.
The minimum order is one box. The price for a custom color combination is 15% higher than our standard tiles. Orders under 6 m² incur a 30% surcharge on the retail price. As we make these tiles especially for you, a 50% deposit is required, and the lead time is a minimum of 16 weeks.
The most common size is 20 x 20 x 1.6 cm.
We also offer 20 x 20 x 1.2 cm (just as strong), as well as:
  • 14 x 14 x 1.6 cm and 14 x 14 x 1.2 cm
  • 15 x 15 x 1.6 cm and 15 x 15 x 1.2 cm
  • 30 x 30 x 2.0 cm • 40 x 40 x 2.0 cm
  • 60 x 60 x 2.5 cm
Additionally, we offer a wide range of hexagonal, octagonal, skirting, lantern, fish scale, diamond, and interlock tiles. See the website for a full overview, or contact us for options.
Yes, and this is one of our specialties. We are often contacted by architects, developers, and heritage restoration projects. We can almost always reproduce old cement tiles for floor repair or replacement. Custom sizes and small batches are also possible by arrangement. Normally, we make a sample first, and if approved, we proceed with production.
Decorated ceramic tiles are often copies of cement tiles. Our cement tiles are 100% handmade by highly skilled artisans using traditional methods passed down through generations. This process is labor-intensive and produces a far superior floor that machines cannot replicate, justifying the higher price. We also pay our artisans fair wages.
Yes, all our products are made using green and eco-friendly practices. We work daily to reduce waste. Currently, we recycle 98% of our waste. We pay men and women equally, provide pensions, free medical care, and safe working conditions. Child labor is strictly prohibited. All our factories are ISO 2009, SA 8000, and TUF certified, which is unique in the handmade tile industry.
Yes, we can send you a technical data sheet upon request.