Encaustic Cement Tiles vs. Moroccan Tiles: What’s the Difference?

Encaustic Cement Tiles vs. Moroccan Tiles: What’s the Difference?

What if one design decision could add centuries of culture, color, and craftsmanship to your home? Whether you’re remodeling a kitchen, upgrading a bathroom, or designing a statement patio, decorative tiles are the cornerstone of personalized style—and few choices are as timeless or as captivating as encaustic cement tiles and Moroccan tiles.

But what’s the difference between them? Are they interchangeable? And how do you choose the right one for your space?

In this guide, we’ll break it all down—materials, techniques, applications, and aesthetics—so you can confidently choose between these two stunning tile types. Whether you’re a homeowner seeking home inspiration or a designer selecting finishes for a modern house or rustic ranch, this post will help you decide which style best suits your project.

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What Are Cement Tiles?

Cement tiles, sometimes called concrete tiles, are handmade using a blend of natural pigments, cement, marble dust, and sand. Unlike ceramic or porcelain tiles, they’re not fired in a kiln. Instead, they’re cured and pressed using hydraulic force, resulting in a matte finish and a dense, durable structure.

They’re often called encaustic cement tiles, a name that refers to their patterned surface made from pigmented cement rather than glazed or painted designs.

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What Are Encaustic Cement Tiles?

Encaustic cement tiles refer to cement tiles with patterns formed by layering colored cement into molds, creating a thick design layer (around 1/8 inch). This pattern is not printed or glazed—it’s an integral part of the tile.

Key Characteristics:

• Bold, geometric or floral patterns

• Matte, velvety texture

• Perfect for indoor/outdoor use

• Works well for floors, walls, and backsplashes

• Long-lasting pattern (not painted or glazed)

✅ Best for: Modern House, Farm House, Contemporary spaces

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What Are Moroccan Tiles?

Moroccan tiles are a category of decorative tile that includes Zellige tiles and traditional Moroccan cement tile designs. Moroccan-style tiles are known for:

• Hand-cut shapes

• Intricate, symmetrical patterns

• Vibrant color palettes

• Glossy, often uneven surface (especially Zellige)

Some Moroccan tiles are ceramic or glazed clay, while others are handmade cement tiles with Moroccan-inspired designs.

✅ Best for: Mediterranean, Boho, Eclectic, Rustic House

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Comparing the Two: Encaustic Cement Tiles vs. Moroccan Tiles

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Where to Use Each Tile Style

Encaustic Cement Tiles – Best Applications

• Bathroom Tiles: floors, walls, niches, shower surrounds

• Kitchen Tiles: backsplashes, island fronts, floor inlays

• Living Room: fireplace surrounds, statement walls

• Patios: outdoor kitchens, dining spaces, tile rugs

Moroccan Tiles – Best Applications

• Accent Walls: living room, bedroom, behind the bed

• Kitchen Backsplashes: especially with open shelving

• Bathroom Niches or Walls: shower or vanity backdrop

• Commercial Spaces: cafes, boutique hotels, restaurants

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Trends by Home Style

🏠 Modern House

• Encaustic tiles in black-and-white geometrics

• Minimalist layouts with clean lines and neutral tones

🐄 Ranch House

• Moroccan tiles with earthy reds and deep blues

• Decorative tiles used in fireplaces or entryways

🧱 Farm House

• Subtle encaustic floral patterns

• Light neutrals and classic star patterns

🛖 Rustic House

• Terracotta Moroccan cement tiles

• Zellige backsplashes in green or ochre tones

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Style and Application Ideas

Walls vs. Floors

• Cement Tiles: best for high-traffic floors and statement walls

• Moroccan Tiles: best for decorative walls and accents

Indoor vs. Outdoor

• Cement Tiles (encaustic): durable and slip-resistant outdoors

• Moroccan Tiles (glazed): best kept indoors to avoid cracking or wear

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The Handmade Process

Encaustic Cement Tiles

1. Pattern mold is filled with colored cement pigment

2. Backing layers added with sand and cement

3. Tile is hydraulically pressed

4. Cured in water and air-dried for days

5. Result = layered, colorful tile with durability

Moroccan Zellige Tiles

1. Clay is hand-kneaded and sun-dried

2. Tiles are hand-cut into irregular shapes

3. Glaze applied by hand

4. Kiln-fired in uneven heat for a unique finish

Both styles are handmade—but Moroccan tiles celebrate imperfections, while encaustic cement tiles aim for consistency in design and shape.

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Expert Tips for Choosing Between the Two

If You Want…

• Custom design? → Choose Encaustic Cement Tiles

• Shiny, artisanal texture? → Choose Moroccan Zellige

• Modern or geometric look? → Go with Cement Tiles

• Old-world charm or North African flair? → Go with Moroccan

• Outdoor use? → Cement Tiles win for durability

• Low maintenance for kitchen splash zone? → Glazed Moroccan Tiles

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FAQs

Are encaustic cement tiles the same as Moroccan tiles?
Not exactly. Some Moroccan tiles are made from cement, but not all encaustic cement tiles are Moroccan in style. The term refers more to the design origin than the material.

Do Moroccan tiles need sealing?
Glazed Moroccan tiles like Zellige don’t need sealing, but Moroccan-style cement tiles do.

Which is more durable?
Encaustic cement tiles are generally more durable, especially for floors and outdoor spaces.

Can I mix both styles in one space?
Yes! Many designers pair Zellige backsplashes with encaustic floor tiles for contrast.

Do both tile types come in custom designs?
Custom encaustic tiles are more common. Zellige is typically handmade in fixed colors and sizes.

Which is more eco-friendly?
Cement tiles are made with natural materials and cured without firing—making them highly sustainable.

Are Moroccan tiles more expensive?
Handmade Zellige tiles tend to be more expensive per square foot due to the artisanal glazing process.

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Ordering from Studio Cement Tile

At Studio Cement Tile, we make it easy to source both encaustic cement tiles and Moroccan-inspired patterns—with hundreds of in-stock styles and fully customizable options.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Browse our in-stock tile collections: Cement Tiles in Stock

2. Order samples to test in your space

3. Explore custom tile options for one-of-a-kind designs

4. Reach out with questions to our design support team

5. Get fast shipping across the U.S.

👉 Contact us today for help choosing the perfect tile for your project.

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Call to Action

Still deciding between encaustic cement tiles and Moroccan tiles?
Our experts can help you find the perfect pattern, color, and finish for your space.

👉 Contact Studio Cement Tile to speak with our design team or request custom tile samples today.