What Encaustic Tiles Actually Are
True encaustic tiles are not printed or glazed. The pattern is created from different colours of pigmented cement that are set into the body of the tile, so the design runs right through the thickness rather than sitting on the surface. Because the colour is part of the tile itself, an encaustic pattern never wears away, even after decades of foot traffic. These tiles are pressed rather than fired, which gives them their distinctive matt, chalky look and their handmade charm.
That traditional method is the source of both their beauty and their needs. Encaustic cement tiles are naturally porous, so they must be sealed on installation and cared for gently thereafter. They develop a soft patina over time that many people adore, a gentle mellowing that gives a room instant history. If you love authentic, characterful pattern and are happy to look after it, encaustic cement tiles are a joy. If you want the look with far less upkeep, patterned porcelain offers a clever alternative.
SolidPattern runs through the tile
SealCement tiles need sealing
0.5%Water absorption of porcelain option
PatinaCement mellows with age
Encaustic Cement vs Patterned Porcelain
The most common question is whether to choose genuine encaustic cement or a patterned porcelain that mimics the look. Both give you striking pattern. They behave very differently in a home though. Cement offers authentic depth and character with more maintenance. Porcelain offers a near identical look with almost none. The table below sets them side by side.
| Feature | Encaustic Cement | Patterned Porcelain |
|---|
| Pattern | Pigment set through the body | Printed and glazed on top |
| Water absorption | Porous, needs sealing | Near zero, no sealing |
| Maintenance | Regular sealing and care | Wipe clean, very low |
| Character | Authentic, develops patina | Consistent, less depth |
| Outdoor use | Limited, needs protection | Fully suitable |
| Cost | Premium, handmade | More affordable |
| Best for | Feature floors, character homes | Busy floors, wet areas, outdoors |
How the Two Options Rate
Neither option is better in every way. Encaustic cement wins on authenticity and depth, while patterned porcelain wins on durability and easy living. Seeing the two rated together makes the trade-off clear.
Encaustic cement vs patterned porcelain (score out of 10)
Authentic character (cement)9.6
Authentic character (porcelain)7.0
Low maintenance (cement)4.5
Low maintenance (porcelain)9.5
Stain resistance (cement)5.0
Stain resistance (porcelain)9.2
Where Patterned Tiles Work Best
Pattern is a powerful tool, so it pays to use it where it will have real impact. These six settings are where encaustic and patterned tiles look their best.
Hallway FloorsA patterned hallway makes a striking first impression and draws the eye through a home. Porcelain versions handle the traffic and grit of an entrance with ease.
Kitchen FloorsPattern brings life to a kitchen floor. Patterned porcelain is the practical pick here, standing up to spills and heavy use where cement would need more care.
CloakroomsA small powder room is the perfect place to be bold. The compact area keeps the cost down and lets a dramatic pattern shine without overwhelming a home.
Fireplace HearthsEncaustic tiles suit a period fireplace beautifully, adding authentic Victorian or Moroccan character to a feature that is out of harm’s way.
SplashbacksA run of patterned tiles behind a hob or basin adds personality at eye level, framed by plainer tiles or units for balance.
Zoned AreasA patterned rug of tiles can define a space within an open plan room, marking out a dining area or a boot room without a single wall.
Planning a Patterned Floor in Bedford?
See encaustic and patterned porcelain tiles in real light at the Elstow showroom, browse the full Bedford Tiles range and get a no-obligation quote with advice on which suits your room.
To compare genuine encaustic against patterned porcelain in person, our Bedford Tiles page brings together the full range with pricing guidance and how to book a showroom visit or request samples.
Sealing and Living With Encaustic Cement
If you choose genuine encaustic cement, a little knowledge keeps it looking wonderful. The tiles are sealed on installation and topped up roughly once a year, which guards the porous surface against water and stains. Cleaning is done with a pH-neutral cleaner rather than anything acidic or abrasive. Spills are wiped promptly rather than left to sit. Done consistently, this routine is quick and becomes second nature.
The reward for that care is a floor with genuine soul. Encaustic cement develops a gentle patina, a softening of colour and surface that many people find more beautiful than the day it was laid. It is this living quality, the sense that the floor has a history, that keeps encaustic tiles in demand despite the upkeep. For those who would rather not seal at all, patterned porcelain delivers the same visual drama with none of the maintenance.
Choose encaustic cement for authentic, characterful pattern you are happy to seal and cherish. Choose patterned porcelain for the same bold look on a busy floor with almost no upkeep. Both are excellent, just different.
Choosing Your Pattern With Confidence
Pattern rewards a little restraint. One patterned area usually has far more impact than several competing ones, so it works well framed by plainer tiles that let it breathe. If you love decorative tiles, there is a whole family worth exploring alongside encaustic. Our guide to Mosaic Tiles Explained covers another way to add detail and colour. The two can pair beautifully in one scheme.
For more characterful materials, the Terracotta Tiles Explained guide covers warm, rustic pattern with a period feel, while Terrazzo Tiles for Modern Homes looks at a speckled, contemporary alternative. Reading across these helps you land on a pattern that suits your home and your appetite for upkeep.
Bedford Tile Hub
This article is part of our complete Bedford tile guide, covering tile types, technical ratings, cost and the full buying process for homeowners across Bedford.
Explore the Full Guide
For the full set of guides on decorative and everyday tiles, the Bedford Tile Hub gathers every article in this series so you can plan a scheme that works together.
A Short History of Encaustic Pattern
Encaustic tiles have a long pedigree that adds to their appeal. The technique of setting coloured clays or cements into a tile body dates back to medieval churches, then saw a huge revival in Victorian times, when patterned hallways and paths became a mark of a well built home. Many period properties across Bedford still have their original encaustic floors, which is part of why the style feels so at home in the area.
The bold geometric and floral patterns we see today owe a lot to Moroccan, Spanish and Portuguese traditions, where cement tiles have long been used to bring colour and cool underfoot to warm climates. That heritage is exactly what makes encaustic pattern such a confident design choice. Whether you lean toward a restrained Victorian geometric or a vivid Mediterranean motif, you are drawing on centuries of proven, timeless style rather than a passing trend.
Ready to See Patterned Tiles in Person?
Pattern is hard to judge from a small photograph. The scale of a repeat, the depth of a cement tile or the crispness of a porcelain print only make sense when you see them laid out. Visit our Elstow showroom, tell us where the pattern is going and we will help you choose between authentic cement and low maintenance porcelain.
To check stock, patterns or pricing, call the team on 01234 348 590 or request a quote online. The right patterned floor becomes the feature everyone remembers about a room.
