Villa Lagoon Tile | Encaustic Cement Tile

Frequently Asked Questions | Villa Lagoon Cement Tiles

Are cement tiles perfect for everyone ?

No. Some people are better off with a machine made tile. Cement tile have surface imperfections, color variations, and slight color runs. Colors are dependent on the natural pigments and as everything in nature, the color deposits change depending on the source. Cement tiles are flat and soft. They must be sealed. Cement tiles are not perfect and may have chipped edges, nicks and variations in texture or composition.

What is your minimum order ?

We will accept a minimum order of 70 ft² per tile design of in-stock tile, 100 ft² of custom order tiles.

Are cement tiles expensive ?

Our tiles are individual works of art and as such, they are a true bargain. When you see an ad for a home for sale in Florida, if they have cement tile, the first attribute listed will be "Cuban tile floors". That says a lot.

Generally in-stock tile is more expensive than custom order tile. The in-stock tile has the "7/11 factor", convienence which unfortunately adds extra overhead.

Our tile floors or walls are an investment with a very high "W-O-W" factor. You will live with something you love and everyone who walks into your space will say "wow" ...we guarantee it !

What size are Villa Lagoon Tiles ?

The traditional size is 8 in. (20 cm) Some patterns are 4, 10, or 12 in.   We can get bull nose trim and step treads too. Our tile is easily cut on a standard wet-saw with a diamond blade.

How thick are your cement tiles ?

Our 8" tiles are aproximately 5/8th inch thich. A 10" or 12" tile may be up to 3/4" thick. We can order thinner tiles for walls and ceilings. Yes, some people have actually used them on the ceiling !

How long will it take for me to get my tiles if I order ?

If it is in stock tile, we ship right away. Stock tile usually ships from Alabama depending on the pattern. Average size custom orders are aprox 8-9 weeks. Custom tile is made to order for you, shipped to Texas or Miami and then trucked to you from there.

May I order a sample tile to see how it really looks in person?

Yes. We have many of our tiles on hand and can ship you a sample, see here for ordering samples.

How much do they weigh ?

About twice what an ordinary porcelain tile weighs. An 8" tile is about 3 lbs, 10" tiles are about 7 lbs.

How are Villa Lagoon Tiles shipped ?

The tiles will be boxed and secured to wood pallets and delivered to you by "common carrier" ...freight trucks. We will assist you with setting up the freight delivery. We get several quotes at the time of shipment and go with the best one. Residential delivery is always higher than a commercial address. Lift-gate service adds a premium that is not required for loading dock deliveries. Freight delivery is CURB-SIDE. You will have tracking information and the truck company will call to schedule the delivery, so you make arrangements to get your tile from street-side to where you want it. The freight drivers do not perform this service.

If you have a really big job we can ship directly to a nearby port in a container. Figure about 6500 sq ft of tile per 40" container. They should always be stored in a dry and covered environment. If the tiles come in contact with any liquid when the tiles are still in the box, the surface finish may be damaged. This can be caused by the liquid itself or by the cardboard boxes staining the tiles. A cement-based product may have some efflorescence.

Do you ship to my country (beyond the USA) ?

We can help you by setting up freight to your "freight forwarder" who will handle the delivery of your tiles from the US to you. Call us or email for some freight forwarder suggestions.

Can these tiles be used around pools and on patios ?

Yes , we can recommend proper sealants to allow the use around pools and outdoor areas. We can recommend anti-slip finishes.

Are Villa Lagoon Tiles frost proof ?

Yes, as far as we can determine. Read about our testing here. Just make sure that they are set into a bed of solid mortar mix (Thinset) and no pockets of air are underneath into which water could run and freeze and expand. We make offer no warrenty on tile installations. Read more.

Can I use your tiles for a kitchen backsplash ?

Certainly. Just seal them well. And remember a 70 sf min. on stock tile, 100 sf min. on custom tile.

What rooms are cement tile used in ?

Because of the elegant design options, cement tiles are one of the few tiled surfaces that looks good in formal settings like living rooms and dining rooms. The ease of care makes them a great choice for dining rooms as well. In tropical countries, cement tiles are often used in every room in the house. Cement tiles are a great choice for radiant heating systems in colder regions. They are also perfectly suited for foyers in period homes.

Are cement tiles a good choice for radiant heating flooring systems ?

Many people have used cemet tiles with radiant heat systems. Just be sure everything is bone dry before you turn on the heat. We have no control over tile and radiant heat system installatons so no warrenty is offered.

Are the colors accurate on my monitor's screen ?

Maybe. Every monitor is different and it is impossible to have everyone seeing the same colors at the same time. Even our 3 different computer screens look a tad different here in the office. Order color chips or a sample tile so you can see the rich colors up close and personal.

May I order a custom design or custom colors ?

Yes. Use our online tile design tool which has many of our patterns or email us and we can send you a black and white line drawing for you to color. You will need to furnish us with a line drawing for a custom pattern.

How do I install Villa Lagoon Tiles?

See our page on this subject.

Can I install cement tile on a wood floor ?

Assuming that your floor joists are sufficient and not flexing, you can install tile on a wood floor if you first put down a cement backer board like you would do in a shower behind the tile. Your installer can use Wonderboard, HardiBoard, or other dimensionally stable fiber/cement wall boards. Magnesium Oxide sheets are also recommended.

Can you show me how Villa Lagoon cement tiles are made ?

Yes, see the short videos on our How Cement Tiles are Made page.

Will you help me design a tile rug design for my floor ?

We can make suggestions only. We recommed you obtain the services of an interior designer.

Are Villa Lagoon Tiles the same as Cuban Tiles ?

Yes they are. Cement tile was imported from Cuba, mainly for use in Florida, many years ago and this type of tile came to be known as "Cuban Tile" in that region.

Are Villa Lagoon Tiles hydraulic cement tiles ?

Yes they are. They are pressed with hydraulic presses while in the mold and before they are water cured and aged.

Are Cement Tiles fired in a kiln ?

No.  Because our tiles are cement, and not ceramic, there is no need for energy-intensive kiln firing.

Why don't more people use this kind of flooring in the USA ?

Encaustic tiles were made in the USA in the early part of the 20th century. You will find them in stately homes and government buildings, especially in California and Florida. When new-fangled linoleum was introduced, people got all excited and wanted to go modern. The cement tile factories in the USA closed. In the Florida area, this kind of tile continued to be imported from Cuba. People still call it "Cuban Tile" in Florida. The trade embargo with Cuba put an end to Cuban imports. Now certain artisans are working hard to re-introduce this marvelous 'green flooring' to the USA.

Can old cement tile floors be polished or restored?

Your best bet is to contact a good marble floor restoration expert.

If I end up needing extra tiles can I get them ?

Order carefully and allow for extras as any additional small order is going to be expensive and may not match well.

Are your tiles like the ones we have seen in Europe and Latin American countries ?

Yes, they are the same, made the same way, since the 1800's. Cement tiles are often used in elegant public buildings as well as homes and restaurants. See our photos of antique cement tile floors.

Can I design my own tile pattern ?

Yes. It may even be less expensive than you think, just ask!

Where are you located ?

We are in the Football Capitol of the Universe: Alabama. Gulf Shores is on the coast between Pensacola, FL and Mobile, AL.

Roll Tide !!

Villa Lagoon Tile is not responsible for any erroneous installation, misuse, or damage caused by the direct or indirect use of the content of this website. Please consult professional installers.

What does tessellation mean ?

See our special page about tessellation.