FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are cement tiles for me?
As opposed to industrial tiles, cement tiles are not uniform and standardized. There can be slight variations in shades and patterns, as they are entirely handmade. By choosing CAROCIM cement tiles, you will get unique, high-quality pieces with minor imperfections that result in timeless charm.
MANUFACTURING
What is cement tile?
It is an unfired, cement-bonded tile, composed of various layers mechanically pressed together.
Each tile is handmade upside down in a steel mould, one piece at a time.
The first layer is composed of a liquid mixture of high-quality white cement, marble powder, and natural mineral colour pigments.
The second layer is a mix of dry cement and very fine sand that will fix the first layer by absorption.
The third layer, or base, is made of grey cement and a mixture of larger-grade sand.
Once the mould is filled with these three layers, it goes under the electric-powered hydraulic press at a minimum pressure of 130 bar.
After demoulding and a period of cement pre-setting, the cement tile is soaked in water and then left to dry for three weeks.
Short history of cement tiles
The first hydraulic presses were designed around 1850 in Viviers-sur-Rhône, France, next to the Lafarge cement works. The technical and aesthetic qualities of this new flooring encouraged its development. One million square metres were produced in Avignon, France, in 1900. CAROCIM was born in Apt, France, in 1986.
How thick are cement tiles?
For floor use, cement tiles are 16mm thick for size 20x20cm (and 18mm thick for the 25x25cm tiles). For wall use ONLY, tiles are 10mm thick.
What is the weight per square metre of cement tiles?
Floor tiles, 16mm thick: 33kg / sq. m., about 1.3 kg per tile.
Wall tiles, 10mm thick: 23kg / sq. m., about 0.9 kg per tile.
Can I order custom tiles?
Yes, CAROCIM can reproduce an existing model or create a custom-made one.
Send us a photo/ design/ drawing or a sample tile to ventes@carocim.com to assess your project’s feasibility and scope.
The minimum order is 100 pieces. Manufacturing setup fee (drawing, mould…) is 375 euros (plus applicable VAT).
The custom tile unit price is the retail price + 10%.
The manufacturing lead time is 8 to 10 weeks.
Can existing cement tile colours be changed?
Yes, CAROCIM can customize an existing model’s colours with other ones from our colour palette.
The minimum order is 100 pieces. The custom tile unit price is the retail price + 10%.
An extra fee will be added for a custom colour (not from our existing palette), based on the number of colours and their complexity.
INSTALLATION AND CARE
Should a professional tiler install cement tiles?
It is not necessary to use a professional tiler. You must, however, strictly follow our installation and care guidelines.
Where can I find installation materials?
You can find all the necessary installation materials at our online shop.
Should cement tiles be laid on a liquid screed or a dry slab?
The slab must be perfectly dry before installing the cement tiles to avoid liquid stains on the tiles.
How can cement tiles be cut?
Tiles can easily be cut with a water saw (diamond blade).
Can cement tiles be used in a bathroom/ shower?
Yes, as long as the proper protection is applied to the cement tiles.
For a shower, we recommended using a resin sealer on the tiles to increase resistance to water. This ready-to-use long-term protection is transparent with a satin finish, and it should be applied with a roller.
Bathroom floors and walls can be treated with a solvent-based penetrating sealer, which is excellent for reviving tile colour and protecting cement tiles from water and oil stains. This product is well suited for cement tiles, it penetrates the coloured layer without altering colours. It should be applied with a white cotton cloth.
Can cement tiles be used as a kitchen backsplash?
Yes, the tile treatment will be the same as for a shower. Apply a waterproof resin sealer with a roller, which will increase the resistance to water/oil projections.
Are cement tiles heat-resistant behind a stove?
Yes, cement tiles can be used behind a heat source, such as a stove or fireplace. Their treatment will be the same as for floors or walls, with an impregnator, solvent-based resin-reviving protector suitable for cement tiles. The product penetrates the coloured layer, slightly heightens colours, and protects against water/oil stains. It must be applied with a white cotton cloth.
Can cement tiles be used outdoors?
Yes, as long as a slope of 1cm per square meter is applied, allowing water to run off efficiently and avoid stagnation.
The treatment will depend on tile colours and sun exposure. An impregnator or resin will protect your tile floor from the elements and aqueous/oily stains.
Are cement tiles compatible with underfloor heating?
Yes, cement tiles are compatible with underfloor heating according to manufacturer’s instructions. You must perform heating tests before tile installation, and make sure the flex glue you use is compatible with your heating system.
Can cement tiles be installed over wood floors?
In order to install tiles on wood floors, the wood must be perfectly fixed and well-attached to the base floor. You must plan an uncoupling layer as well as grading.
Can cement tiles be installed over existing tiles?
If the existing tile flooring is solid, clean, and perfectly flat, installation over it is possible. The flooring needs to be degreased. If the existing tiles are smooth, you will need to sand them mechanically (whether on floor or wall) or use a primer to improve adherence.
Do cement tiles need specific care?
Yes. Once installed, the cement tile must be cleaned thoroughly using a scrubbing sponge and neutral liquid detergent (PH 7). Rinse well as you go along. Once clean and dry, you must treat the tile a with an impregnator, solvent-based resin-reviving protector, suitable for cement tiles. The product penetrates the coloured layer, slightly heightens colours, and protects against water/oil stains. It must be applied with a white cotton cloth. Routine care can then be done using a neutral detergent.
How often must sealant be applied?
Sealant does not need to be reapplied, unless an abrasive cleaning has been done and water or liquid no longer bead-up on the tile’s surface.
Pro-tip: frequent cleaning with a neutral detergent speeds up the patina process, which naturally protects the tiles.
What grout should be used for cement tile?
We recommend grey grout (or white if you only have white tiles) with1.5mm tile spacers. Coloured grout must not be used as it might permanently stain the cement tiles.
What is the routine care for cement tiles?
We recommend using a neutral liquid detergent for routine cement tile care.
Pro-tip: frequent cleaning with a neutral detergent speeds up the patina process, which naturally protects the tiles.
Never use acid, bleach, anti-lime scale spray or white vinegar.
What products should never be used on cement tiles?
Never use acid, bleach, anti-lime scale spray or white vinegar.
What should I do if I stain cement tile?
You should spot clean your cement tiles with neutral, oil-free, liquid detergent. Do not hesitate to use the scrubbing side of a scrubbing sponge. For tough stains, you may use auto-body fine-grit sandpaper with water.
How can I rejuvenate cement tiles?
Whether new or vintage, you can rejuvenate cement tiles that have become dirty over time. Wet-scrub the tile with a medium/hard mono-brush machine and a neutral liquid detergent. In addition, we recommend using a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove dirty water as you go. A few rounds of cleaning and rinsing will be necessary until you reach desired results. Once clean and dry, cement tiles will need to be sealed again according to our recommendations.
ORDER
Are all tile models in stock?
We stock over 20,000 square metres of cement tiles. If the model you would like is not readily available, you can expect the lead time to be 4-6 weeks.
How much tile overage should I plan for?
It is recommended you purchase a minimum of 10% overage to account for design cuts and patterns.
What is the minimum order?
As all our tiles are sold by the unit, there is therefore no minimum.
Do you anywhere in France and worldwide?
Yes, CAROCIM ships anywhere in France and worldwide.
How are the shipping costs calculated?
Delivery costs are based on shipping destination and order weight.
When shopping online, you can estimate shipping costs by filling your cart and indicating your postal code, for France and most European countries.
For other destinations, please get in touch with our sales team at ventes@carocim.com for a customized estimate.
What is the delivery time?
If the items are in stock, and depending on the quantity ordered, delivery can be made by Chronopost (24 to 48-hour lead time) or by a carrier (about a week lead time) who will contact you to set a specific delivery date.
Can I set a specific delivery date?
Yes. When placing your online order, please specify your desired delivery date in the “Comments” section.
Can I reserve tiles and have them delivered later?
Yes. When placing your online order, please specify your desired delivery date in the “Comments” section.
Can I pick up my tiles at CAROCIM’s warehouse in Aix-en-Provence?
Absolutely! When placing your order online, please select “Pick up at the warehouse” during checkout and indicate your desired pickup date.