Encaustic Cement Tiles vs. Porcelain: A Complete Guide
Tile does more than cover a surface. It sets the tone of a space and shapes the mood of a room.
It can deliver a quiet, refined spirit or bold, expressive vibes. It can be classic and timeless or incredibly modern or even eclectically bohemian.
And when it comes to choosing the right tile, the decision is less about right and wrong and more about how you want your home to feel.
In this guide, we are going to explore two types of tiles — encaustic cement tiles and porcelain tiles — through both a design-forward lens and a practical one, too. Both tiles are unquestionably beautiful and versatile options for a home — but they’re made differently and have distinct looks, so they shine in their own ways.
The Difference Between Porcelain and Encaustic Tile
Before you can decide which tile is right for you and your project, it’s important to answer the question: What is the difference between porcelain and encaustic tile?
Encaustic Cement Tiles: Pattern With Soul
So, what is encaustic tile? Encaustic cement tiles are a modern homage to age-old craftsmanship. Soulful, rich in character, and durably versatile, each tile boasts a silky matte finish, vibrant colour depth, and slight variations that reflect a rich level of authenticity and human touch.
Otto Tiles & Design’s stunning Encaustic Cement Tile collection is a classic example of this type of tile, combining innovative technological advances by adding fiber to make them thinner, durable, and less heavy, with the integrity of handmade, artisan craftsmanship. The result is tile that boasts a richness of form across multiple variations, from solid, saturated hues to subtle tones and dramatic patterns.
So, if you’re drawn to spaces that feel layered, collected, and eclectic, encaustic cement tiles may just be speaking your design language.
Made from cement and natural pigments, these tiles are pressed — not fired — and their colourful patterns are embedded into the tile rather than painted or glazed on the surface.
They bring warmth and depth to a room. No two installations feel exactly alike, which is part of their charm.
Here are some places where encaustic cement tiles are completely at home:
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Kitchens that feel European, comfortable, and lived-in
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Entryways that make a strong, welcoming statement
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Powder rooms with bold personality
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Accent walls that anchor a space and define a room
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Toilets that feel luxurious and fun
Porcelain Tiles: Quietly Refined
Porcelain tiles are the quiet achievers of the tile world. Created for real life, they have a subtle, matte textured finish that offers incredible anti-slip performance. That means they’re ideal for spaces like toilets, kitchens, patios, and pool surrounds.
What you may not realize is that porcelain is actually a type of ceramic, but it’s made a little differently. Crafted from refined clay and fired at extremely high temperatures, porcelain tiles are dense, durable, and less porous than standard ceramic tiles. That means these tiles hold up effortlessly indoors and outdoors and can withstand heat, moisture, and heavy use.
As you can see in Otto Tiles & Design’s collection, many porcelain floor tiles are designed to echo the organic beauty of natural stone, but they don’t require the same level of maintenance.
Here are some places where porcelain tiles are completely at home:
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Toilets and showers that feel like a day at the spa
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High-traffic kitchens that demand easy maintenance
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Laundry rooms and mudrooms, where practicality reigns supreme
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Open-plan living spaces
Some Pluses and Minuses of Encaustic Cement Tiles
There is no question that there’s a romance to encaustic cement tiles — but, in that love story, they do ask for intention and attention. Because they are a bit porous by nature, proper installation and routine sealing are essential.
When cement tiles are cared for thoughtfully, they reward you with a surface that feels warm, authentic, and deeply personal.
Advantages of Encaustic Cement Tile
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Encaustic cement tile is known for its authentic, handmade beauty. It’s a handcrafted look that elevates any space.
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Cement tile often features statement-making patterns with rich, inlaid colour that doesn’t fade.
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The tile also comes in solid colours, with slight tonal variations, that can be mixed and matched.
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The subtle imperfections of this tile add character and allure.
Disadvantages of Encaustic Cement Tile
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Encaustic cement tile generally requires sealing and a bit more TLC than other tile types.
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It is more sensitive to stains, acids, and water spots and requires a bit more care when cleaning.
Some Pluses and Minuses of Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are all about ease. They’re the very definition of beautiful practicality because they’re non-porous, water-resistant, and not fazed by daily life, making them a favorite for busy households.
Advantages of Porcelain Tile
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Porcelain tile is incredibly versatile and can be used in most indoor and outdoor spaces, including high-traffic areas.
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It is water-resistant and stain-resistant, so a porcelain tile toilet is quite common.
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It is also easy to clean with minimal maintenance required
Disadvantages of Porcelain Tile
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Porcelain tile tends to have less variation and depth than other tiles, like natural stone and cement tile.
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It can feel more “plain” for some people; yet others love that level of neutrality as a blank canvas for their space.
Installation: DIY vs. Professional
If you’ve ever wondered how to install porcelain tile or encaustic cement tiles, professional installation ensures flawless alignment and long-term performance.
At Otto’s Tile & Design, we can help you find an expert installer specializing in artisan ceramic tile.
That said, for experienced DIYers, you can make it happen. We have detailed installation guides for both ceramic (porcelain) tile and encaustic cement tiles.
We always tell customers to consider ordering at least 15% more tile than your measured area to account for cuts, onsite selection based on colour and tone variation, and potential breakage (or mistakes!).
It’s also important to remember that encaustic cement tiles and porcelain tiles are handmade products, and they are produced by using natural materials. So, inherent to the tiles are slight, natural variations.
Those differences are a bit more pronounced for encaustic cement tiles. But for both types of tiles, you can avoid stacking similar tiles too frequently in a row by choosing tiles from different boxes and dry-laying them before installation to make sure you like the effect.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Porcelain tiles clean easily with gentle soap and water, and, in most cases, no sealing is required. They’re ideal if you want a surface that looks the same on the first day as it does years later.
Encaustic cement tiles require a little more love: pH-neutral cleaners, routine sealing every year or so, and mindful maintenance. In return, they develop a softness and patina that many people find irresistible.
Design Inspiration for Encaustic Cement Tiles
From solid hues to stunning patterns, designers and homeowners alike use encaustic cement tiles to transform their spaces into one-of-a-kind statements in countless ways. Here are just a few of the ways that this tile can show up in a space:
Sunny Days
Want a burst of sunshine to brighten your day? These Sunny encaustic cement tiles bring happiness year-round with a range of punchy colours and a bold pattern that could work anywhere you want a dash of joy — from toilet to kitchen to patio and back again.
Indoor and Outdoor Bliss
The hip elegance of this Bel Air encaustic cement tile toilet makes this breezy space a dream. The fresh pattern is a perfect complement to the classic navy tub and warm wood tones.
Bel Air is also beautiful in another light, adding a sprinkle of charming pattern and a pop of colour to this outdoor seating area and garden.
Geometric Sass
The graphic, monochromatic nature of the Odi design is striking; it adds a pop of sophisticated personality to toilet cement tiles, creating a true statement underfoot. Also noteworthy? The tiles’ signature velvet-matte texture makes them not only stylish but also a naturally comfortable surface for bare feet.
Here’s another rendition of the same pattern in the gorgeous green hue of the Odi Bosco tile.
Sophisticated Stripes
If you thought you couldn’t work with horizontal stripes, think again. Your kitchen will look beautiful wearing them.
Installed on the floor or the backsplash — or both — the Dirty Pink Stripes are pretty-in-pink and absolutely perfect.
No Wallflowers Here
Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s well-recognized painting “The Starry Night,” these Starry Night Navy Blue tiles transform a toilet into a work of art, from floor to ceiling. It’s a magical and whimsical scene.
Shifting Into Neutral
Encaustic cement tiles are often patterned — but not always. Check out how these soft beige tones create the sense of rustic charm in this kitchen and living area. The Beige encaustic cement tiles tile these spaces together with a mod-minimalist mood.
Solid Statements
More solid hues from cement come with this fresh twist on the classic black-and-white checkerboard. The Aubergine and Dirty White encaustic cement tiles are a perfect match, especially in this toilet, where they play beautifully with the blue stripes on the walls. It’s an unexpectedly lovely combination.
The same richly hued tile pattern adds a whole new attitude to this delightful kitchen, giving anyone permission to match their floors with their cabinetry, walls, and woodwork.
Design Inspiration for Porcelain Tiles
Because porcelain tiles are so beautifully neutral and versatile, they are the Swiss army knife of design. You can slot porcelain floor tiles into almost any space. They are classic and will never go out of style. Or mix and match them with other tiles, like terrazzo, to up the ante.
Check out these ideas for creative inspiration:
Earth Tones
If you’ve never thought about mixing and matching your stripes, this vanity wall will have you reconsidering that very thing. These porcelain tiles, including Urban Earth Navy Blue and Urban Earth Moss Green, provide the rich, cool shades that pop, while Urban Earth Cream is a calm, foundational contrast.
It’s the perfect stripe. These rectangular tiles were also installed in a vertical format for a fresh take on the classic subway style, but would be equally beautiful in horizontal orientation.
Checking In
The classic checkerboard style takes on new meaning with porcelain floor tiles, combining the Stoneform Ash Veil tile with the Stoneform Mineral White tile to create a more delicate pattern.
Home Spa
For the ultimate spa-inspired toilet retreat, a softly hued porcelain floor tile like Stoneform Desert Beige works wonders in creating a lesson in serenity.
Where to Find the Right Tile
Choosing between porcelain and encaustic cement tiles isn’t just a technical decision. It’s an emotional one. The right tile doesn’t just fit your space; it reflects how you live in it and what you love.
Otto Tiles & Design is an international brand known for its wide selection of artisan tiles. Both the encaustic cement tile and porcelain tile collections are beautifully handcrafted and exceptionally designed for modern living — no matter the mood you want to set in your space.
Whether you’re browsing the stunning Otto collections online or visiting the Otto showroom in London, you can always rely on a distinct level of craftsmanship, quality, and design innovation.
