Encaustic & patterned tiles.

A long decorative tradition. True encaustic tiles are unglazed cement, with the pattern formed by pouring pigmented cement into a brass mould. The tradition is European and North African, and Moroccan zellige workshops, Spanish and Catalan factories, and Victorian and Federation-era Australian hallways all share the same root.

Real cement encaustic. Authentic cement encaustic is beautiful and unmistakable in person. It is also porous and demands sealing before grouting, after grouting, and regularly thereafter. Cement encaustic will stain from oil, wine and acidic spills, and outdoor or sun-exposed installations fade over time.

Porcelain encaustic-look. Modern porcelain reproduces the visual result on dense, non-porous, UV stable porcelain. No sealing required. From standing height the visual difference is negligible.

Who should choose which. Heritage restorations and clients who want authentic material should specify cement. Most new builds and renovations are better served by porcelain.

Scale to the room. A bold encaustic pattern in a 3m² powder room is a defining design moment. The same pattern across a 30m² living room becomes visually exhausting. Match pattern intensity to the size and use of the space.

Mixing patterns. If two patterns appear in one space, contrast their scale: a large geometric paired with a fine-scale floral works. Two patterns at the same scale fight each other. Stop at two.

Where patterned tiles work. Hallways and entry runners are the classic Australian application. Powder rooms, laundries, mudrooms and kitchen splashbacks all suit pattern. Open-plan living areas generally don't.

Ordering. Order 15 to 20% extra rather than the usual 10%, since pattern matching at the perimeter demands more cuts. Get a quote →